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Dell’s new 14S laptop exists to challenge MacBook Neo and, somehow, might be even cheaper

Apple’s MacBook Neo has made waves in the laptop world because it’s a remarkably well-built and reliable laptop at a very affordable price – though one that’s a bit higher now thanks to RAMageddon. Dell is ready to challenge that with its new Dell 14S laptop announced at IFA, and it somehow might be even cheaper.

The Dell 14S is directly positioned as an “affordable” laptop for “students, college, and everyday life.” It features an aluminum build, 21 hours of battery life, and either an Intel Core Ultra 3 or Core Ultra 5 processor. The 16:10 display has 60Hz and 120Hz options while the hardware has two USB-C ports and an HDMI port, as well as a headphone jack.

Dell says the 14S weighs in at around 2.5lbs and is just 13.5mm thick.

In a Q&A on its blog, Dell directly positions the 14S as a “compelling” alternative to the MacBook Neo, though pricing hasn’t actually been announced at this point. The company hints, though, that it will be cheaper than the XPS 13 that already starts at $699 – in other words, Dell 14S might just be cheaper than the MacBook Neo.

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The Dell 14S is available in the United States this fall. Pricing will be announced closer to availability in each market. What we can say is that the Dell 14S is designed to be complementary to XPS 13 and accessible for students and young adults globally. We’re committed to making sure regional pricing reflects that too.

Amusingly, Dell acknowledges that it already launched a laptop called the “14S” earlier this year, saying that the “old” one is designed for creators, while this “new” model “prioritizes everyday performance, long battery life, portability, colorful design and accessible pricing.” Perfectly not confusing.


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Avatar for Ben Schoon Ben Schoon

Ben is a Senior Editor for 9to5Google.

Find him on Twitter @NexusBen. Send tips to schoon@9to5g.com or encrypted to benschoon@protonmail.com.