Dell now taking pre-orders on Windows 8 PCs

Dell is now taking pre-orders on Dell Inspirion and XPS products loaded with Microsoft Windows 8, including the screen-flipping XPS 12.

Dell has opened up pre-orders on three previously announced machines in its XPS product line. These are the new XPS 12 laptop and the updated XPS One 27 and Inspiron One 23 all-in-ones PCs.

The XPS 12, the only all-new product, is a 12-inch convertible tablet. It uses a flip-hinge design that makes it possible to rotate the entire display 180 degrees while the display’s frame remains static. It will be shipping with a 1080p display in spite of its small size, resulting in excellent pixel density. The laptop’s other specifications are standard for the Ultrabook space. Prices start at $1,199.

Consumers buying the updated XPS One 27, an all-in-one we’ve previously reviewed with Windows 7, will be able to order an optional touch-screen display and enjoy a standard reclining mount that can tilt up to 60 degrees. Pricing for the touch-enabled model starts at $1,599.99.

Those looking for a more affordable Windows 8 option should instead check out the Inspiron One 23. This PC has a 23-inch 1080p display and is also available with an optional touchscreen, but prices start at a more modest $779.99.

While these three systems have been announced or revised for the Windows 8 launch they are not the only ones that can now be pre-ordered with Microsoft’s latest OS. Dell will now allow customers to choose Windows 8 when pre-ordering all Inspirion and XPS systems as well as select Latitude and OptiPlex models.

Dell also snuck in an update of the XPS 13 Ultrabook. It was an excellent option when it arrived earlier this year, but it was not updated to use third-generation Intel processors. This oversight has finally been fixed.