Dell XPS 13 (2026) vs. MacBook Neo: I compared both budget laptops, here’s which one I’d buy


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The MacBook Neo was a total disruption to the consumer PC landscape, bringing premium-tier features to a competitive $599 price point. But its reign as king of the hill is being challenged. PC makers are responding with laptops that overtly compete with the Neo by one-upping its weak points.  

Case in point: the new Dell XPS 13 — starting at $599 for students and $699 for general consumers — is the thinnest and lightest XPS yet, lighter than the Neo, with a bigger display, and better connectivity (and a backlit keyboard, to boot). 

Also: Watch out, Neo: Dell’s new XPS 13 costs $599 and retains premium features

How does it achieve this? A combination of lightweight hardware (8GB up to 32GB of RAM) and Intel’s new “Wildcat Lake” Core Series 3 chips, battery-efficient processors designed for budget PCs that trade in raw power for a more accessible price point. 

Let’s break down the differences between the MacBook Neo and Dell’s new XPS 13, keeping in mind that I have not yet gone hands-on with the XPS 13 and these points are based on specs only — not general use over an extended period. 

Specifications

Apple MacBook Neo 

Dell XPS 13 (2026) 

Display

13-inch non-touch, 60Hz refresh, 2408 x 1506 resolution, 500 nits 

13.4-inch touch, 30-120Hz variable refresh, 2560 x 1600 (2.5K) resolution, 500 nits 

Weight

2.2 pounds 

2.7 pounds

Processor

Apple A18 Pro 

Intel Core 5 or 7 

RAM/Storage 8GB / 256GB-512GB 8GB-32GB / 256GB-1TB
Battery 52Whr 36.5Whr 
Camera 2MP/1080p HD +IR webcam 1080p FaceTime HD camera
Connectivity Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6
Price Starting at $599 for students, $699 general Starting at $599 for students, $699 general

Ports and I/O

Winner: XPS 13

The MacBook Neo has two USB-C ports, and they both support charging, but they’re both on the same side, and they’re a USB 3 and USB 2. This means they’re capped out at 10Gb/s and 480Mb/s respectively. That’s typically enough for the everyday user, but anything beyond that is going to feel slow. 

Also: Apple’s $599 MacBook Neo hands-on: This budget laptop makes me worried for Windows

The XPS 13 has two USB-C (3.2 Gen 2) ports as well, but it one-ups the Neo by placing one on each side, and both are equally fast. Additionally, they both support charging and Display Port 2.1. Having that right-side charging port can be a huge quality of life improvement when you’re traveling — something both of these laptops will be doing. 

Note, however, that the Neo has a 3.5mm headphone jack and the XPS does not. But forthcoming configurations of the XPS 13 will also support Kensington lock slots, which personally, I’d rather take over the audio jack. 

Integrations

Winner: MacBook Neo 

MacBooks have a leg up on Windows laptops when it comes to pairing with your iPhone, and the Neo doesn’t sacrifice any of those features. It runs the same operating system as the newest, high-end MacBook Pro (MacOS 26 Tahoe) and offers users all the same capabilities: Phone Mirroring, FaceTime, Messaging, and seamless file transfers with AirDrop or iCloud. If you’re already part of Apple’s ecosystem, the Neo is a budget device with little trade-offs. 

Cool factor 

Winner: MacBook Neo

MacBook Neo

Kerry Wan/ZDNET

Let’s face it, the Neo mogged the budget PC market so hard because it brought some color and personality to a space dominated by gray, uninspired design. The Neo comes in four colors (when was the last time you saw a yellow laptop?) where the XPS 13 comes in gray and… a darker gray. Seriously, both the “Sky” and “Storm” colorways are so similar it’s hard to tell them apart. 

Customizability 

Winner: XPS 13

The XPS lineup was already known for being highly customizable, and that’s still the case here. The XPS 13 comes 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB of RAM, and storage anywhere from 256GB up to 1TB. The Neo, on the other hand is much more locked down: 8GB of unified memory and either 25GB or 512GB storage. Note, however, that neither are upgradeable. 

Dell XPS 13

Dell

The XPS 13 is also not limited to the lower-end “Wildcat Lake” processors; additional configurations will launch later this year with the more powerful Intel Core Ultra “Panther Lake” chips, potentially bringing even more memory, storage, or other hardware (OLED display? Haptic touchpad?) options. 

Portability 

Winner: XPS 13

Dell must have seen the dimensions of the MacBook Neo as a personal challenge, because it one-upped each metric individually. The XPS 13 manages to be smaller in length and width yet still have a slightly larger display (13 inches vs. 13.4 inches). The XPS is also half a pound lighter, a testament to the XPS line’s fantastic build quality. Note, however, that both are the exact same thickness, at 0.50 inches. 

Also: Dell XPS 14 (2026) review: A Windows laptop I wouldn’t mind returning to from Mac

All of these metrics ultimately come down to millimeters. In practice, both of these laptops are exceptionally portable and lightweight, and will feel very similar in everyday use. 

ZDNET’s buying advice 

The 2026 Dell XPS 13 was only just announced, so I have not yet gone hands-on with it. However, based on the released specs and experience with dozens of other XPS laptops, it’s safe to say it will be a polished device with a premium build, despite the low price. However, the XPS 13 that competes with the Neo is really just one configuration out of several different options. 

It wouldn’t be inaccurate to say “the cheapest” XPS 13 is a Neo competitor, where options with high-end processors could potentially cost as much. The MacBook Neo may have less configuration options, but that’s also the point: it has a clear vision that’s easy to communicate. In that sense, the Neo is the more “true” budget laptop, and the one I’d recommend to consumers seeking just that. 





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2026 has shaped up to be a big year for Milwaukee, and the company shows no signs of slowing down as it expands its product line. For example, it has announced that some solid new Milwaukee hand tools and organizers will be arriving throughout the summer, but that’s not all. At the end of the day, you need somewhere to put all of this stuff, and while the Milwaukee Packout storage system is deep and varied as is, the company will expand the line in the summer months.

More methods for organizing your tools are on the way, too, with the Milwaukee Packout line set to introduce some new entries this summer. They vary in size, purpose, and price point, but they’re all compatible with the wider Packout line. That means they can connect to each other, making transportation easier. In some cases, they’ll be able to help keep tools and other items secure and organized while on the move. Additionally, all of these new Packout products are covered by Milwaukee’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

So, what new products does Milwaukee have to offer from its Packout line this summer? Here are the drops you can look forward to throughout June and July 2026.

Milwaukee compact crate

Sometimes, a massive Packout crate isn’t a necessity, which is why the line has its share of smaller options. Yet another will be coming to the Milwaukee catalog in the form of the Milwaukee Packout compact crate, which is set for a June 2026 release and will cost $39.97. It has a 30-pound weight capacity, comes in at 8.75 inches tall, 9.5 inches wide, 15.5 inches long, and 3.75 pounds, and includes two removable dividers to create up to three sections within the crate. The dividers can also be customized by cutting them to size along the pre-made score lines.

This compact crate features a wide front opening for easy access to its contents while on the job, as well as a metal top handle to carry it around on its own. Should you want to add it to your current Packout stack, you can use the connection points at the top and bottom of the crate. Speaking of durability, Milwaukee notes that it has an impact-resistant body along with weep holes to prevent water collection. At the same time, there is some nuance regarding the waterproof nature of Milwaukee Packout products, so keep that in mind before letting this crate get soaked.

Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate

A shorter but equally mighty Milwaukee Packout container is also on its way to customers this summer. The Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate is the shortest of the new releases at just 6.625 inches tall, though it makes up for what it lacks in height with a 15-inch length and an 18.625-inch width. Even though it’s slightly heavier than the compact crate at 4.85 pounds, it wins out in weight capacity with a 50-pound limit. It will be released in June 2026 and will cost $44.97.

For added modularity, the low-profile crate includes three different divider types: eight short, two long, and one for the middle of the container. When combined, they form up to 12 individual sections for tool and accessory organization. In terms of connecting to other Packout containers, it can do so from the top and bottom. Alternatively, built-in side handles are integrated into the design to make it easier to carry the crate on its own. The crate has weep holes for water drainage and an impact-resistant body.

Milwaukee Packout XL crate

Moving on to one of the larger upcoming Milwaukee Packout releases — even if it ultimately lands somewhere in the middle of the smallest and largest Packout containers for sale — there’s the aptly-named Milwaukee Packout XL crate. This release will hit shelves in June 2026 and comes with a $69.97 price tag. The 8.03-pound crate can take on some serious tools with its 75-pound weight capacity. It measures 15 inches tall, 15.75 inches long, and 18.625 inches wide. Despite its size, it can be hung up on a wall like most other Packout containers.

While some may hang this crate in their workshop, many will use it as part of their mobile Packout stack. You can connect it to your existing setup via the top and bottom connection points. It can also be used with Milwaukee toolbox attachments to hold smaller tools and batteries with connection points on the sides. Alternatively, you can move the crate around using its built-in side handles. It’s advertised as having an impact-resistant body along with anti-water collection weep holes. Suffice to say, there’s more to this seemingly simple crate than initially meets the eye.

Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL Crate

For the most part, the Milwaukee Packout line is so popular because of its versatility. While most entries can be used for just about anything, there are those that come with a specialized function. Case in point, the forthcoming Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL crate, which is designed for dispensing wire. This involves inserting and locking in spools of the user’s needed material, threading the wire through the wire retention slots, and using the fold-down panel to keep the end of the wire from rolling back into the box.

Overall, this crate has the same dimensions and weight capacity as the previously covered Packout XL crate, though it is the heavier of the two at 9.85 pounds. It can accommodate up to six spools, can be stacked onto other Packout containers or hung up, and has an impact-resistant body. This is the most expensive of the new Packout releases at a hefty $119.97, and it’s set to release during July 2026. Alongside the best Milwaukee power tools for electrical work, this crate seems like a vital piece for any Milwaukee-enthusiast electrician’s kit.

New Milwaukee Packout inserts are coming, too

That’s it for the new Milwaukee Packout containers set to debut this summer, but there are more new releases yet to cover. To pair with some of these containers and improve their levels of organization and function, come two new insert sets. First is the divider for the Milwaukee Packout XL crate, which splits the container into two sections. It simply slides down the middle of the crate and fits snugly into place, while retaining its ability to connect with smaller Packout attachments. It will be released in July 2026 for $29.97.

Alongside the Packout XL crate divider is the set of Packout wire pulling inserts for the XL crate. You’ll need these if you end up buying an XL crate and later want to use it as a wire-pulling crate. These inserts allow you to convert it instead of having to buy a new designated wire pulling crate. They attach to two of the inner sides of the crate via T-25 screws and include wire puller guards as well. The Milwaukee product listing says these inserts are meant for 1/2-inch EMT conduit. This insert set also comes out in July and will cost $49.97. 





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