Dell Inspiron Duo
The basics
The Dell Inspiron Duo is a hybrid computer: a 10-inch netbook that doubles as a tablet PC. It runs on Windows 7, features a dual core Intel Atom processor, and offers 250GB of storage and 2GB of memory as standard.
The good
The Inspiron Duo packs more power than the average netbook: its dual-core processor and reasonably beefy integrated graphics chip can handle the sort of HD video clips that would have most mini laptops chugging like Stephenson's Rocket.
The screen is also deliciously hi-res at 1366 x 768. The design is also reassuringly rugged: the screen stays firmly in position whether its rotated to tablet or netbook mode, and the casing sports a finger-friendly rubberised finish.
Unlike most laptop/tablet PCs, the screen doesn't swivel horizontally when you want to use it in tablet mode. Instead, it features two sets of hinges, letting you open the outer bezel like a regular laptop, and spin the inner screen round to suit your needs. Sounds complicated, looks cool.
The bad
Windows 7 isn't as geared up for touch as iOS or Android, and as a consequence the Inspiron Duo's interface isn't quite as slick as some rivals'. The screen's viewing angle is also limited, with colours and brightness dropping off once your bounce moves even slightly off-centre. The hybrid design also brings some issues along with it: while 1.5kg isn't heavy by netbook standards, it's very bulky for a tablet.
The bottom line
The Dell Inspiron Duo is far more powerful than most notebooks, but the inclusion of a keyboard and the rest makes it a lot less easy to live with than the likes of the iPad.
User comments (14)
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SaifShafi9407 January 2011
ALL I CAN SAY IS WOOOOW! Beautifully designed, Dell well done! I have one coming with the JBL dock, However Dell is taking there time sending it so I'm just waiting. The price is also very good at £499.98 from Dells official site; and the power is good for a net book with a Dual Atom processor. The best feature is definitely the touch feature. So test it out and Again well done Dell!!!!
Report as inappropriateirish175919 January 2011
@SaifShafi94, have you recieved your duo yet, and if so what do you think. I ordered one last week and the docking kit too, but have been hearing mixed reviews. But still cant wait to get it, when ever it turns up( you know what Dell delievery times are like).
Report as inappropriateSaifShafi9422 January 2011
@irish1759, I have received the Duo!!! The actual concept of the laptop works very well. For example Dells own "Duo stage" software, however I have found that Microsoft own paint utility works with the multi touch hardware capability where as Dells Paint utility doesn't which is a bit of ashame. Overall I believe that the Duo is fine art and that the dual core speed is very responsive. The Duo had given me One big let down. Multitasking is not very good due to the 2 GB of RAM. Personally I think that the docking station is definitely worth the money after reading biased reviews that the Docking staition is not worth the money. The Docking station has got very good sound and the extra USB slots come in handy.
Report as inappropriateirish175922 January 2011
I have ordered the docking station too, I should hopefully have it next Tuesday or Wednesday. Did yours have the don slot installed as a lot of people said theres didn't when they received their duo.
Report as inappropriateSteven Mackin24 January 2011
Having been first in the que to buy my wife she got yhe 350GB at first i found it a bit slow but given the overall perfomance of most computers the average consumer wouldnt really notice. However my wife loves it and so do I price comaprison is excellent considering the bang for the buck and being able to plug and play is a magor factor with regards to pendrive. well done dell
Report as inappropriateemmalouise1026 January 2011
Does anyone know if this is available in the Blue in the UK yet? If it is where can i get it! Really want to get my hands on it! Thanks!
Report as inappropriateshumifan5027 January 2011
I got mine on Sunday. It is all I esxpected. It can run all my normal PC software (I don't have to buy it from Steve Jobs). I will soon be installing dual boot to be able to run Linux on it as well. The 320GB hard disk is a bit slow, but at least it is not 16GB. The viewing angle is fine, it could actually be a bit narrower from a privacy perspective, as this is a personal device. The only 2 things that might be considered negative is battery life and weight. The nattery life is still better than my notebook, while what I can do is very similar. And it wieghs significantly less than my notebook.
Report as inappropriateAnonymous29 January 2011
is this laptop good for homework and stuff and is it laggy is the windows 7 good on it reviews seem to be excellent to awful
Report as inappropriateJeff from givemeatopic.com16 March 2011
Thanks for the nice and short post! I wrote also a review of the Inspiron Duo and was looking for other blogs about it. My feedback: Very good structure. But maybe you should add the very weak battery life as well. It's not mentioned at the moment.
Report as inappropriateCharlotte J. Kite25 April 2011
I was wondering about getting it ready for my school - work, and wasn't sure whether or not I should buy it or get a normal laptop without the touch screen. Can someone give me reason for and against having it please?
Report as inappropriateLeslie29 April 2011
I got mine a couple of weeks ago. I'm delighted with its size and "cool" factor, as I plan to use it on an upcoming trip to the US and don't want to cart my very heavy laptop around with me. The old laptop battery isn't up to it any more anyway, so I was looking for a replacement, and the size of this one combined with its "entertainment centre" functions make it idea for a long trip. 4 "G"s for size, weight, usability and gizmoid-coolness. Where it falls down is in battery life. It's billed as up to 4 hours, but even from fully charged mine's only lasting about 2.5 hours. I'm looking for an external battery (that I can afford) to augment that, but that adds to the weight as well. 2 "G"s for battery life rather than one since it's still a far sight better than the 5 minutes my laptop gets just now. The other downside is that while in PC mode its speed is just fine, it is a bit slow in tablet mode. Once the function you request has opened it's not bad though, playing music and video very smoothly. You'll want headphones, as the speakers aren't great, but for what it is, I'd still give it 3 "G"s for enterntaiment value. It's slow but not as slow as molasses,and fine once it gets going; it's a little heavy and chunky for a netbook or a tablet, but not for something that's both; its battery life isn't the greatest, but it's not the worst. Overall, 4 "G"s, since the cool factor clearly outweighs its faults.
Report as inappropriateGuto 05 May 2011
Hi, im really intrested in buying it for school and everything, but i would really like to know if u can access word and type with a touch keyboard and not the normal one???
Report as inappropriateAshley06 September 2011
This or iPad 2
Report as inappropriateLyn Metcalf15 October 2011
I purchased the Dell after watching the Gadget show, and never looked back best purchase I ever made, I also purchased a DVD portable drive so my Duo is all I ever need or use, all my computing needs are met with the duo, I use it as a pc and as a tablet the only one thing I have noticed is I cant play my game from the tablet only from the desktop, but who cares it is great. thanks you Gadget shown and Dell. Lyn Metcalf
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