Laptops

Dell's new 2-in-1 makes the iPad Pro look tiny

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With a 17-inch display, the new Inspiron would even make the 12.9-inch iPad Pro look small
With a 17-inch display, the new Inspiron would even make the 12.9-inch iPad Pro look small
The new 17-inch Inspiron could make a good media viewing device when used in tent or presentation 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
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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 new 17-inch Inspiron could make a good media viewing device when used in tent or presentation 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

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3 comments
Mark Salamon
Quoted from the article: "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." I am using a 2011 MacBook Pro 17 on a daily basis, which has a 1920 x 1200 non-retina display yielding almost exactly the same pixel density as this new Dell Inspiron 2-in-1, and I never notice any problems with pixelation. In fact, I also use a 2004 Cinema HD 1920 x 1200 23" monitor on a regular basis, and the pixel structure is visible only at extremely close range. While ultra high definition displays are certainly impressive, I imagine that I would have no problems with the resolution of this 17" Dell 2-in-1, especially since the savings from a less costly display can be applied to upgrading other hardware specifications on this device, and selling it to consumers for a better price. This strikes me as a balanced overall approach to providing value in a product, for someone like me who likes BIG SCREENS and has limited financial resources to spend on a computer. [And no, I don't have any connection with Dell.] I look forward to seeing the detailed test reviews of this laptop.
Rann Xeroxx
I have a Dell XPS 18 AIO tablet and its very nice for moving my work space not only around the house but when I also work remote. I can see this with the same advantage.
pmshah
Why make useless comments? I have a 22" monitor with 1080p as the highest resolution. Nothing looks pixellated on it. This resolution on a smaller screen would only look sharper.