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Dell unveils Windows 8 lineup, including XPS 12 Convertible Touch Ultrabook laptop/tablet

In addition to the new hybrid portable, the computer giant is adding touch features to a pair of existing all-in-one desktop PCs to take advantage of the latest OS.
Written by Sean Portnoy, Contributor
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Even though Microsoft isn't officially launching Windows 8 until October 26, its hardware partners are racing to announce their new systems that will run the operating system. Yesterday, Sony revealed its Windows 8 roster, and earlier in the week, Lenovo unveiled its lineup.

Now it's Dell's turn. The computer giant may be reeling in the age of smartphones and iPads, but it hopes to turn things around with three new systems, one of which seems to be the form factor du jour. The XPS 12 Convertible Touch Ultrabook (pictured above) combines laptop and tablet features, with a hinged design that lets you flip it from laptop to slate. It comes with a 12.5-inch full HD display, and for its $1,199.99 base configuration, you get an Intel Core i5-3317U Ivy Bridge processor, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB solid state drive. Other configs include a $1,399.99 version with Core i7-3517U CPU and 8GB of RAM, a $1,499.99 model that doubles the RAM and SSD capacity (while keeping the base i5 processor), and the $1,699 full enchillada with Core i7, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD.

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Dell is also rolling out a pair of its all-in-one desktop PCs that have been augmented with touch capabilities for Windows 8. The XPS One 27 (pictured) comes with a large 27-inch screen with 2,560x1,440 resolution (what Dells dubbs "quad HD"), Intel Core i5-3330s Ivy Bridge processor, 6GB of RAM, 1TB hard drive, DVD burner, and built-in Wi-Fi. With specs that are otherwise pedestrian, the XPS One 27's high cost -- $1,599.99 -- is all about its spacious display. 

For shoppers on a budget, the Inspiron One 23 offers a 23-inch display with 1,920x1,080 resolution, though only an Intel Pentium G645 processor. It also includes 4GB of RAM and 500GB hard drive, and like the XPS One 27, comes with a DVD burner and built-in Wi-Fi. But unlike its bigger brother, the Inspiron One 23 only costs $779.99.   

Of course, the existing Dell lineup will also start shipping with Windows 8 in the coming weeks. Are the new models enough to turn Dell's fortunes around? While they keep pace with competitors' offerings, they certainly don't go out on a limb like Sony's new Tap 20 "tabletop" PC. Let us know what you think in the Talkback section below.

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