Dell announce new XPS 13 laptop models, will support moving from Windows to Ubuntu

Dell is a company we don't often cover here, however we're now on their press lists and they sent over something quite interesting today with their new XPS 13 laptop models which come with the latest 11th Gen Intel Core processors.

This is the model that since 2012, Canonical the maker of Ubuntu has teamed up with Dell for their "Developer Edition" that was originally known as "Project Sputnik". With this latest generation, Dell take the crown for being the first to officially do Linux + Intel Tiger Lake.

Not only does this mean some will come with Intel's surprisingly powerful Xe graphics, you're also getting access to Thunderbolt 4, a RAM boost from 3733MHz (older models) to 4267MHz LPDDR4x and something else a little special. Dell have said, that based on "input from our developer community" they will offer "added functionality" to allow Windows users to switch over to Ubuntu 20.04 even if their original XPS 13 model was not one ordered with Ubuntu (or dual-boot).

So even if you go for a Windows-model initially for some reason (different specs perhaps across the models), Dell won't mind at all if you end up with Ubuntu on it. We're waiting to hear back on some specifics of how this operating system moving will work. Either through a Dell-provided app that sets it all up for you, or just not getting in your way support / warranty wise if you do it manually. Once they clear that up we will update the article.

Update 29/09/20: the press team got back to me about the above, sharing a message from Canonical:

Users who buy a Dell XPS 13, are now able to install a certified Dell/Ubuntu image even if they didn't buy the pre-installed version. During the installation phase, the hardware will be recognised as an XPS 13 and optimized bits will be installed where applicable. This allows end users to get the best possible experience on the XPS 13 without having to track down a platform specific factory image. (or without using the matching factory image, or while using a generic image).  

It's good to see more vendors be supportive of Ubuntu on more models. We need more like this and hopefully in future Dell will go even further.

Interested? Here's some specs for you of what will be on offer with the different choices:

This is going to be an Intel "Evo" certified laptop too, which is Intel's way of showing a verified top-tier model that offers up fast response times, like waking when you open the lid to a long battery life of no less than 9 hours.

Here's where it gets real interesting though, as Dell said in their facts sheet that with the integrated 52WHr battery they're targeting "up to 18 hours and 49 minutes of battery life on FHD+" which is an insane amount of work and play time. That will obviously vary greatly depending on what you're doing though. If you get one with Xe graphics, that's going to be a great little unit for some gaming while waiting on those emails coming through.

There's going to be a few different models including 2-in-1 and some colour variations including platinum silver with black carbon fiber and a frost machined aluminium with arctic white woven glass palm rest.

When will they be available? They're rolling out in the USA and Canada starting October 1 for both the platinum silver model and the  frost aluminium with arctic white woven glass palm rest. Certain European countries will be getting it across the next few weeks.

No price confirmed yet. Once more details come in about pricing and a wider launch, we will aim to let you know. Keep an eye on their XPS 13 Developer Edition page for when the new one lands.

Update 01/10/20: it's live now at an initial price of $1,049.00. As expected, some of the specifications they announced are only for the non-Ubuntu models. However, that's less of an issue since (as highlighted above) both Dell and Canonical are supporting moving the other models to Ubuntu as well which will not affect warranty or support conditions - something Canonical has also confirmed on their blog.