Dell’s recent shift in focus marks a refreshing return to fundamentals after a period dominated by the hype around “AI PCs.” The company has quietly stepped back from aggressively marketing AI features as the defining trait of its new devices, instead prioritizing performance, design, and user experience—what truly matters in a laptop. The revival of the XPS line, long considered Dell’s flagship premium series, exemplifies this change. The latest models feature refined builds, improved displays, better keyboard ergonomics, and solid battery life—all hallmarks of a well-crafted laptop. While they do include AI-powered capabilities like enhanced noise cancellation, smart document editing, and improved image processing, these features are presented as helpful additions rather than the main selling point. This approach stands in contrast to the broader industry trend, where many manufacturers have rushed to label nearly every new device an “AI PC,” often touting AI features that offer minimal real-world benefit. Dell’s decision to downplay the AI branding and focus on reliability, durability, and seamless performance feels like a much-needed reset. Consumers and professionals alike have grown skeptical of AI as a marketing gimmick, especially when it comes with inflated prices and underwhelming functionality. By returning to the core strengths that made the XPS line a favorite—elegant design, top-tier components, and consistent performance—Dell is reestablishing trust. The company’s move also signals a maturing of the AI PC market. As AI becomes more integrated into computing, it should work quietly in the background, not dominate the conversation. Dell’s strategy reflects that understanding: AI is useful, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of what makes a laptop great. In a landscape crowded with flashy claims and superficial AI integrations, Dell’s XPS revival is a welcome reminder that innovation should serve users, not just headlines.