The Dell XPS 13 Plus has a controversial power button placement that frustrates many users. The fingerprint reader/power button sits directly to the right of the Backspace key with no gap or physical distinction.
The Problem
- Touch typists frequently hit the power button when reaching for Backspace
- No tactile difference distinguishes it from regular keys
- The seamless design makes identification by feel impossible
- Brief presses put the laptop to sleep mid-work
What Happens
A brief press triggers sleep mode:
- Interrupts workflow
- Requires logging back in
- Can lose unsaved work in some apps
- Becomes increasingly frustrating
The Fix
Change power button behavior in Windows:
- Settings → System → Power & battery
- Click Additional power settings
- Select Choose what the power button does
- Set to Do nothing for short presses
Alternative Solutions
| Approach | Effectiveness | |----------|---------------| | Disable power button action | Eliminates accidental sleeps | | Build muscle memory | Works for some (takes weeks) | | External keyboard | Best for extended typing | | Keyboard shortcuts for shutdown | Alt+F4, Start menu |
Why Dell Made This Choice
Dell prioritized seamless aesthetics. The integrated fingerprint reader adds Windows Hello convenience, but the ergonomic compromise is significant for heavy typists.
Should This Affect Your Purchase?
If you type extensively, test this keyboard before buying. Some users adapt; others find it permanently frustrating.
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How we researched this
Where this comes from: this answer draws on the product's published specifications and the reviews ShopSavvy collected for it, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.
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