Move over Surface Pro 4: Dell challenges with new XPS 12

Like the base model $899 Surface Pro 4, Dell's XPS 12 uses an Intel Skylake Core M processor; the Core m5-6Y54 Dell chose is clocked at 1.1 GHz and ramps up to 2.7 GHz as needed. Microsoft is also offering Core i5 / i7 options in the Surface Pro 4. A pair of USB Type-C ports are used for charging, data transfer and external monitors. The tablet portion measures 8 millimeters thick and weights 1.75 pounds, according to Dell's official XPS 12 product page.

The base model starts at $999 and includes the keyboard base along with 8 GB of memory and 128 GB of storage. Also like Microsoft's product, the XPS 12 has an 8 megapixel rear camera and 5 megapixel front image sensor. Dell will offer an optional pen.

The XPS 12 display is 12.5-inches diagonally, just a tick larger than the Surface Pro's 12.3-inch screen.

Dell's base model, however, offers 1920 x 1080 resolution, which is below that of Microsoft's 2736×1824 choice. You can bump up to a 4K resolution with the XPS 12, however, bringing the price up to $1,299. That configuration also doubles your storage space but retains the Core m5 chip.

About that keyboard: It looks exactly like what I said when Microsoft introduced the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book earlier this week.

I tweeted that I wished for an actually keyboard base -- similar to the Surface Book -- for the Surface Pro 4. An "in between" typing solution as it were. Microsoft's Type Covers are nice but not fantastic when used on a lap, plus the trackpad is marginal.

Dell may have delivered what I hoped for. Instead of a thin keyboard cover, the new XPS 12 has a keyboard base -- with backlit keys -- that magnetically clips to the tablet screen. It's more substantial than a Surface Pro Type Cover although there is a design sacrifice: The display angle isn't adjustable since there isn't a kickstand.

Dell says the XPS 12 becomes available on November 5 in the U.S