It looks like the Dell Latitude 10 isn’t the only Windows 8 tablet Dell is working on. The folks at Neowin got another leaked product slide — this time showing a tablet that converts into a notebook called the Dell XPS 12.
The XPS 12 reportedly features a 12.5 inch display and a thin and light design with a case that’s 0.79 inches thick. The computer weighs just 3.1 pounds thanks to a light weight aluminum and carbon fiber case.
In other words, while the XPS 12 can function as a tablet, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Dell market the computer as an ultrabook. Some of the details in the slide, such as “Intel Smart Connect” and “Rapid Start” technology sure make it sound like the computer will have an Ivy Bridge processor and solid state disk — two of Intel’s requirements for ultrabooks.
Dell’s current line of ultrabooks are also sold under the XPS brand.
The Dell XP 12 will feature a sturdy Gorilla Glass display and a mechanism for converting from tablet to notebook mode that looks a lot like the one used in the discontinued Dell Inspiron Duo netbook.
Instead of attaching the screen to the base with a swivel, Dell rests the screen inside a larger shell. That way you can open the notebook lid, push back on the screen until it rotates 180 degrees, and then simply close the lid down over the keyboard to use the notebook like a tablet.
Keep in mind, this leaked product slide could be inaccurate or even fake. But the XPS 12 certainly looks like the kind of Windows 8 device I would expect Dell to release later this year.
It looks like this will be lighter than the dell inspiron duo so the weight issue should not be a problem
… Yeah, if you find the Inspiron duo attractive or “light” enough in the first place, why not.
I found this type of devices to be a bad solution.
Because it gives you a 1.4kg (a bit more than 3 pounds)Â tablet.
Wether ‘you’ like/want it or not, in tablet mode, the weight is way too high. ‘You’ don’t have a choice in the matter.
The hybrid tablet/keyboard-dock is a better compromise. BUT, imo, the best, for “tabtops” or “lapblets” OVER 10″, is still to have 2 devices. One tablet and a laptop, period.
Otherwise the tablet part is too big/heavy for mobility and doesn’t offer a satisfying experience.
What about when you need to lug around both? You’ll end up carrying 4lb+ worth of gear.
Definitely the tablet/keyboard dock concept is the best for those wanting both and use both often. Then at least the say 3lb overall weight can be reduced to 1.5lb when you want to just use it as a tablet.
This kind of device (XPS 12) is really meant for someone who will use the laptop part primarily say 75% of the time and just wants to dabble into tablet use. You have to look at the tablet part as a sweetener to a regular laptop. Every device has its audience. I imagine Dell will not sell a lot of these but some people will love it.