As part of the Microsoft Champions program I was provided with a device to write about. This article may contain affiliate links.
If you were to take a super powerful laptop and a fast, durable touchscreen tablet and romance them into pro-creating, you’d end up with a device so powerful it would rival the computing gods! Meet the Dell XPS DUO 12. This convertible device takes the new Windows 8 platform to the max. With the amazing ability to be either a laptop or a tablet you have the world of touch screen functionality at your fingertips.
I’ve been using the Dell XPS DUO 12 for a few months now and I don’t think I could ever go back to a traditional laptop! It’s sleek and modern appearance along with it’s light weight and compact size make it great to look at and extremely portable. Working with the new Windows 8 Pro operating system, It’s jam-packed with features. A few of my favorites are:
- Up to 11 hrs of battery life. New Windows 8 PCs and tablets use less power and have longer battery life, so you can do more on a single charge.
- Weighs just 4.7lbs and has compact dimensions (12.5″ x 9.2″ x 0.81″)
- Offers a touchscreen experience either as a laptop or a tablet
- Has a standard 500 GB hard drive
- Standard 4 GB of RAM
- Comes with an Intel Core i5 processor for super fast speed
- Back-lit and spill resistant keyboard
- Bluetooth compatible
- 1.3MP webcam with dual digital-array digital microphones
- Equipped with Intel HD 3000 graphics power, giving you a super bright and beautiful display
- Constructed from durable materials, such as machined aluminum, bonded Corning Gorilla Glass and carbon fibers
- The flip hinge design makes it super easy to go from laptop with keyboard to touchscreen tablet
- Windows 8 Pro gives you the ability to stay entertained and productive with customizable apps and intuitive tools
- Intel Smart Connect Technology automatically updates your email, work contacts, social networks and favorite apps, even when your XPS 12 convertible Ultrabook is in sleep mode.
- Includes:
1- 9-pin USB 3.0 port1- 9-pin USB 3.0 port with PowerShare and Windows debugging1- 20-pin mini-display port1- headphone/microphone combo port
The Dell XPS DUO 12 was a little intimidating at first. Windows 8 is an entirely different way of working with a computer so it does take some getting used to. If you’re a Windows 8 newbie, check out my 10 Quick Tips For Getting Started With Windows 8. It really helps to have a guide to get you through learning basic features. After I’d mastered the Windows 8 essentials, getting the XPS 12 to work for me was a snap.
Upon setting up the XPS 12 it instantly synced with my other Windows 8 laptop, bringing in my desktop background, photos and other things that I have saved in my skydrive. The flip feature is truly a marvel. Having a tablet instead of a laptop really comes in handy when I’m in places with less space. It also makes it easier to use the touch screen feature, since when I use it as a laptop, I’m not really inclined to use the touchscreen over the mouse-pad. The Gorilla Glass screen gives me confidence knowing it’s super durable, especially with my kids around. I also love how light weight the XPS 12 is. It makes it much easier to bring along and allows me work everywhere without the bulkiness of a regular laptop. I’ll admit I’m not a fan of the material that’s used on the mouse-pad since it shows the oil from my fingers, but that’s easily overlooked.
In my own opinion, Windows 8 is definitely best experienced using a touch screen device. Although it’s able to be navigated without one, I’ve found that certain features of Windows 8 perform best when the XPS 12 is in tablet mode. For instance going from app to app with just a swipe and getting to the home screen are much easier as a tablet. Turning the Dell XPS DUO 12 from laptop to tablet is done in one sleek move. Simply push on the screen and as it pops out of the flip hinges, pull the boarder down to click it into place. The screen will auto ordinate it’s self depending on if it’s being held vertically or horizontally.
I was surprised at how responsive the touchscreen keyboard was and I like that it makes a little click noise when you tap a key. Hiding the keyboard is easy and the keys are a good size for those with bigger fingers ( such as my husband). There is also a button towards the bottom of the screen with the windows logo that when pushed, takes you to the home screen. The built in 1.3 MP camera works in both laptop and tablet modes and can be used to video chat with apps like Skype or to take photos. Although it does have USB, headphone and a mini-display ports, it does not have a CD-ROM drive. Personally I don’t mind this since I can’t remember the last time I even used the one on my other computer. However, if you are wanting to create CD’s, DVD’s or install software not found online, you’ll need to purchase an external drive.
The stunning versatility of the Dell XPS DUO 12 is something to be marveled at. Even after having used the XPS for a number of months now, I’m still learning new tricks. It’s made it easier for me to take my work with me and I love having the option to choose between laptop and tablet.
The Dell XPS DUO 12 retails on the higher end of the price spectrum, at $1,374.99 on Amazon.com. I have to say though that for the money, you’re getting quite a power-packed work horse that won’t disappoint. If you’re in the market for a new laptop or tablet, I highly suggest checking out the Dell XPS DUO 12 Convertible Ultrabook!
You can find out more on the Dell XPS DUO 12 Converitble Ultrabook on Microsoft.com.
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