With the Dell 14S, Dell introduces an entry-level laptop for a broad audience. The device combines a lightweight aluminum chassis with a battery life of up to 21 hours.
Dell positions the 14S as a supplement to the XPS 13. While the latter serves as the gateway to Dell’s business portfolio, the 14S is intended to appeal to a wider target group. For companies, the device may be attractive as a laptop for mobile employees who limit themselves to using light office software.
In times when PC prices are skyrocketing, this laptop can offer a budget-friendly alternative. Just like Samsung, Dell has chosen to add an entry-level device to its portfolio on the sidelines of the IFA trade fair.
Lightweight design for on the go
The Dell 14S features an aluminum chassis 13.5 mm thick and weighs 1.15 kg. Dell offers the model in gray, light blue, teal, and pink. The manufacturer is venturing into bolder colors than in the business segment, where gray is the norm.
The screen utilizes a 16:10 aspect ratio. Customers can choose between a 2.8K panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate or a 2K panel at 60 Hz. The first option focuses on sharpness and fluid visuals, while the second prioritizes battery life and price. For business use, both screens are sufficient for documents, web applications, and multitasking.
Intel Core 5 and Core 7 processors from Series 3 provide the processing power. These are not the Panther Lake chips, but Intel’s ‘Wildcat’ chips. The laptop should be able to handle multiple tabs, documents, and applications simultaneously, but it is not equipped for running heavy applications. An FHD camera, two microphones with long-range pickup, and stereo speakers support video conferencing.
Battery and connectivity
Dell promises up to 21 hours of Netflix streaming on a single charge. According to the company, this autonomy comes from a 750ED PNCM battery with denser cells. These are said to run cooler under load and maintain their capacity longer without adding extra weight or cost.
For connectivity, Dell provides Wi-Fi 6E. Every configuration includes Windows Hello, two USB-C ports with power delivery, HDMI, and a headphone jack. This makes the 14S suitable for the office, home, and on the road.
Business deployment and availability
The Dell 14S will be released this fall, although no launch price or date has been announced for the European market yet. The device will likely be positioned at the lower end of the laptop portfolio in terms of price. For companies seeking a laptop with a more professional focus and management options, the XPS 13 launched in June is a noteworthy alternative. The device is sometimes jokingly referred to as ‘the MacBook Neo for Windows’.