Dell trumps MacBook Air with tiny XPS 13

Just when you thought ultrabooks couldn't get any smaller, Dell has unveiled its XPS 13, trimming precious millimetres from the measurements of the MacBook Air through what it calls 'edge to edge glass' and a 'near frameless display'.

The device boasts a 13.3-inch screen, yet the similarly-screened MacBook Air is 9mm wider (325mm compared with 316) and 22mm deeper (227mm compared with 205). The XPS 13 is fractionally thicker, at 6-18mm compared with 3-17mm, and even more fractionally heavier, at 1.36kg compared with 1.35kg.

The rest of the specs are mostly similar, and only a hands-on test will say which performs better. Dell also hasn't indicated what the devices will cost here, although US models are starting at US$999.

So, will users notice the size differences? It's hard to say. Also, Apple's last refresh of the MacBook Air was in July, just nine months after its previous update, so there's every chance yet another version could be close to release by the time the XPS 13 arrives on our shores in March. The numbers look good, but we'll have to wait and see how the device really stacks up.