Announced today at Computex, Dell's updated Inspiron line offers something a little out of the ordinary in the hybrid PC world: a 17-inch display. It's fair to say that you're more likely to be using its tablet mode on a coffee table than on your lap.
The new Inspiron 17 7000 makes use of the 360-degree flip hinge form factor popularized by the Lenovo Yoga line. Unlike the majority of 2-in-1s, there's no compact, portable form factor, instead providing a huge multitouch panel for both laptop and tablet use.
At that size, you're unlikely to want to prop the device up on your lap like you usually would with a tablet. With a 17-inch display, the new Inspiron would even make the 12.9-inch iPad Pro look small (the Inspiron's screen is 55 percent bigger!). It would likely be more at home on a table top, and could perhaps make a good media viewing device when used in tent or presentation mode.
On the other hand its mere 1080p resolution, which comes out to a low 130 PPI, is going to look very pixelated – especially in tablet mode.
The system is powered by a sixth generation Intel Core i7 processor, alongside 12 or 16 GB RAM and either a 1 TB HDD or a 512 GB SSD. Running Windows 10, it comes fitted with a Nvidia GeForce 940MX graphics card, and includes a USB Type-C port. There's also a single USB 2.0 and a USB 3.0 port, alongside an HDMI-out.
It measures 0.89 in (23 mm) thick, and features a brushed aluminum finish.
The 17-inch monster convertible will be joined by more manageable 13 and 15-inch models. The systems will be available from June 2 in the US and China, with prices starting at US$999 for the 17-inch variant in question.
Product page: Dell
