When comparing Dell XPS 12 vs Dell Latitude 7285, the Slant community recommends Dell Latitude 7285 for most people. In the question“What are the best 2 in 1 convertible laptops?” Dell Latitude 7285 is ranked 1st while Dell XPS 12 is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Dell Latitude 7285 is:
The Latitude 7285 has three compatible keyboards to choose from. There's the obvious wireless charging keyboard, an ultra-slim keyboard built to be portable and a productivity keyboard equipped with a power pack that adds an additional four hours of battery life to the laptop.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Amazing display
The XPS 12 has a 4K display that's one of the best in its class. The sRGB color space is covered by 100% and the screen brightness is great as well.
Pro Unique design
Like other laptops in the XPS series, the XPS 12 is not any different in the design department. It's a beautiful piece of hardware albeit a little strange for convertible laptops since it doesn't have anything that holds the screen and keyboard together. There's no latching mechanisms or prongs like in other similar devices. The screen slots in place and a combination of magnets, friction, and gravity holds it in place.
It may seem a bit unnerving at first but it works and it's very secure while still allowing the user to easily lift the screen off.
Pro Doesn't rely on a flimsy hinge
This 2-in-1 laptop has a rigid keyboard base on which you place the tablet part. This avoids using a flimsy hinge like other 2-in-1 laptops and offers a great tactile typing experience found in business-grade laptops.
Pro Great build quality
Both main parts (the keyboard and the screen) are made of high-quality magnesium alloy and the device is coated with a pleasant layer of soft touch paint.
Pro Great keyboard
The keyboard is on the same level as some business-grade laptops. Keys feel great to the touch and they have a slight curvature which makes hitting keys easier. They also offer a travel distance of 1.9mm, more than any other convertible laptop on the market.
Pro Has three different keyboard to choose from
The Latitude 7285 has three compatible keyboards to choose from. There's the obvious wireless charging keyboard, an ultra-slim keyboard built to be portable and a productivity keyboard equipped with a power pack that adds an additional four hours of battery life to the laptop.
Cons
Con When using in laptop mode you can't tilt the screen to your liking
Since there's no hinge, you can't tilt the screen to your liking. It stays fixed at a 110 degrees angle.
Con Middling battery life
The XPS 12 has an average battery life of 3 hours.
Con Works comfortably only on a desk or lap
When keeping the laptop on a flat surface such as a desk or one's lap, the viewing angles are good. But working with it in any other position (such as when lying down) you will have a hard time with the viewing angles. There's also the issue of the screen tumbling forward since it's not held in place by anything other than some magnets.
Con The wireless charging pad and keyboard are sold separately
In order to be able to actually wirelessly charge this laptop, you will need to buy the wireless charging keyboard and wireless charging pad which are both sold separately from the laptop.
Con The charging pad can't be used to charge smartphones as well
Since the charging pad for this laptop uses the WiTricity standard instead of the more widely-used Qi standard for wireless chargers, you can't use it for much else besides this laptop.