Dell XPS Googlebook vs Surface Laptop 8: Save $400 or Stick With Windows?

Dell's $999 XPS Googlebook sets the price lower than Microsoft's Surface Laptop 8, priced at $1,399.99. However, the decision to choose one over the other may come down to Windows compatibility. Dell's XPS Googlebook, featuring a Snapdragon X Elite processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, and a 13.4-inch touchscreen with a refresh rate up to 120Hz, weighs 2.2 pounds and includes two USB-C ports.

It offers up to 18 hours of battery life in web-browsing tests. Meanwhile, the Surface Laptop 8, with its newer Snapdragon X2 Plus or X2 Elite processors, can offer up to 64GB RAM and 1TB storage, and has a claimed battery life of up to 20 hours for local video playback and 16 hours for active web use. These battery figures are not directly comparable as the companies use different testing methods.

Microsoft also announced a separate 13-inch Surface Laptop with Snapdragon X2 Plus. Both laptops offer Googlebook OS, which combines Android with ChromeOS foundations, supporting desktop Chrome, Android apps, integration with Android phones, and an isolated Linux environment. Organizations should verify the compatibility of Windows-dependent applications, security tools, and hardware before committing to Googlebook OS.

The $400 price difference may be more justifiable for organizations that primarily use browser-based, Android, or Linux applications.