Dell Inspiron Duo

[Mr1Croft]

Not sure if anyone else is bothered but thought I'd share my feelings of the new Dell Inspiron Duo, the convertable laptop/tablet PC.

Laptop
The way it converts is truly stunning, it leaves onlookers in awe. It uses a magnet locking system, one on the left and right of the screen, giving a 360 degree axis for the screen to spin round on. Alot cooler and very different from the usual conversion; the laptop having to be opened and then \"shut\" on itself, all the way around so the screen is resting on the keyboard. The Keyboard is pretty neat as well, considering it is a notebook, the keys are nicely placed and not too scrunched up allowing for easy typing.

RAM, Processor and graphics
Not a great gaming PC, the fact that it only uses an Atom Processer means that a Windows 7 Phone has the same graphics but possibly faster speed despite being a handheld device. That aside it works quite well as a notebook, not too slow and not too fast. Although multi-tasking and memory high programs can be a problem

Tablet mode
What I quite like about it in tablet mode, is that you can hold it how you like, whether in both landscape modes (normal or upside down) or holding it in either portrait modes (same again) the screen modifies itself well to acustom your choice. With it being in Windows 7, some items are quite small on screen and things such as links take a few touches before your finger can finally get the touch. Although as a tablet it works very well, its nothing more special than a touch screen PC.

Battery
A big let-down, I can only get the battery to last 4 hours maximum, and that is with WiFi, Bluetooth and location services all turned off. Brightness down to a minimum and the PC muted. As a Notebook or Tablet, its weight normally implies that its is more of a travelling device than a Desktop PC. Putting the Computer to sleep or hibernate wastes battery as well, with no stand by feature, I wouldn't plan to use it for more than 3 hours if your taking it anywhere with you.

As a PC it does everything you ask, despite the battery it works quite well as both a tablet and notebook. The price is probably what you expect from Dell. It's apparent they have worked closely with Windows to make this work, and it could be the start of a whole new range of Tablet convertables of the future. I'd recomend it for anyone considering it, but not sure whether it is worth it.

If you do plan to buy one, I'd buy it straight from Dell as they offer a free year's McAfee, whereas if you buy it from PC world or Tesco, you could only be looking at a month.

[Sheepskin Stu]

Ok thanks.

[coventryrover]

Do you get a recommendation fee?

[RobTheRover]

I look forward to Carlos's Blackberry v HTC appraisal....

[Glyn_Wigley]

I wouldn't have a Dell if they gave them out free. And I certainly wouldn't put McAfee on any of my computers.