Dell rethinks its lineup… and it’s a real headache 🤯

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CES 2025 was Dell’s opportunity to announce a major overhaul of its PC lineup. Say goodbye to Inspiron, Latitude, and Optiplex! From now on, we have Dell, Dell Pro, and Dell Pro Max. The goal? To simplify the offering, much like Apple does with its MacBook Air and Pro. But while the intention is commendable, the reality is quite different…

A clearer segmentation… but misleading 🔄

• Dell : for basic use (students, office work, light multimedia)
• Dell Pro : for professionals and those needing more power
• Dell Pro Max : for uncompromising performance.

Where things get tricky is with the subcategories. Each lineup has three performance levels: Base, Plus, and Premium. This results in product names as crystal clear as Dell Pro Max Premium. Yes, that’s just one model.

Source : Dell

Apple’s approach is straightforward (screen size, storage, processor). Dell, on the other hand, has created a nearly unreadable grid. Example:

• Dell Pro 13/14 Premium (the most powerful Pro models)
• Dell Pro 13/14/16 Plus (a step below)
• Dell Pro Max 14/16 (the most powerful, but without a Premium variant)

Still following? Not so easy.

A sleek but identity-less design 🎭

In terms of hardware, the first models showcased at CES look clean and efficient, but not particularly bold. Dell stays true to its B2B DNA: functional but uninspired. One Pro Max model spotted at the event stood out with an XPS-inspired keyboard… but that’s about it.

However, there is one great idea: modular USB ports on the Pro and Pro Max models. A welcome step toward repairability that we’d love to see across the entire lineup.

Specs and uncertainty 🏎️

Performance-wise, Dell is betting on AI, equipping its new generation with CPU, GPU, and NPU configurations compatible with Copilot+. Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm are all in the mix, but again, it all depends on the specific model and variant.

Another interesting feature: the Tandem OLED display on the Dell Pro 14 Premium, which promises higher brightness and better energy efficiency.

Lastly, Pro Max models will support NVIDIA RTX 50 series GPUs as an option—great news for creators and gamers alike.

Pricing and availability: more uncertainty💸

The first models launch in January, but the timeline is just as complex as the lineup :

• Dell 14 Plus : February 18, starting at $1,099.
• Dell Pro 13, 14 Premium : January 6, price unknown.
• Dell Pro Max 14 et 16 : Late March/early April.

AMD versions are expected later in the year, but with no clear details. As of now, there’s no pricing info for Europe.

Verdict: Has Dell really simplified its lineup? 🤔

While the goal of clarification was admirable, Dell has ended up making things even more confusing. By trying to cater to everyone, the company risks losing consumers in the process.

So, is this a failed simplification or marketing genius? Time will tell how users react, but one thing is certain: Dell could have gone even further in making things simpler… instead of piling on new layers.