Dell Takes on Apple's MacBook Neo with $699 XPS 13 Launch

Dell is entering the affordable laptop war with the new XPS 13, priced at $699-and just $599 for students. The move directly challenges Apple's MacBook Neo, which debuted at $599 in March.

Dell says this is its thinnest and lightest model yet, half a pound lighter than the Neo, with a larger display. The company is targeting students and young professionals ahead of the back-to-school season.

“Students and consumers deserve better options at accessible price points,” said COO Jeff Clarke.

The launch comes after Dell signaled its intent at CES in Las Vegas and follows rising memory chip costs expected to slow PC shipments in the second half of the year.

The base model with Intel Core Series 3 processors will ship soon. A version with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 and Storm color is due later this summer.