The farmer on a Dell...
Think of Dell computers
and you'll probably think of the machine you use at work. Dell is
known as the master of the business world with reliable and sturdy
computers, but rarely for breaking out into the mobile or tablet
industries. Until now... possibly. We take a look at the Dell
Latitude 11 5000.
This machine, in
essence, is a Windows 10 tablet with a detachable keyboard. We
reviewed a similarly set up and sized product last year from Asus,
the Transformer Book, but although the two devices might look the
same and act the same, the Dell Latitude 11 5000 is veeeeeery
different.
For a start, the tablet
itself is jacked up with power and processing unlike normal mobile
slates. You get a choice of either an Intel Core M3 or M5 processor,
4GB of RAM, a 128GB solid state drive, and Windows 10 Pro installed
as standard. The screen is 1080p HD, there are two cameras, the
forward facing of which is 5.7MP, and there is also a fingerprint
sensor to keep your files secure.
That all sounds
awesome, but it comes at a price. The Dell Latitude 11 5000 is both
chunky and heavy – in terms of tablets, that is. It has a
pleasingly soft-touch back panel and rounded edges, but it still
feels very much like a product designed to be used for work, not
play. On that note, Windows 10 in tablet mode is... all right, we
suppose. We're not huge fans of it, compared to Android at least, but
we're assuming most people who buy this won't often go down the
finger road. Ha, finger road sounds rude.
What we mean is that
one of the two keyboard options will probably always be used, and
here you get an advantage over other 2-in-1 tablet computers. The
Dell Latitude 11 5000 has an optional - and fairly ordinary looking -
keyboard with trackpad, which magnetically attaches to the base of
the screen and contains it's own battery to boost that of the
Latitude's. Unlike other clippy-on keyboards, this is sturdy as hell,
and once attached and closed up, it makes the whole unit feel very
much like a small laptop. A chunky laptop, that is. From 2008.
Still, the hinge on
this kind of optional keyboard is tough and can hold up the Dell
Latitude 11 5000 at most angles without sagging. Using the trackpad
means you can navigate Windows 10 normally, giving the whole deal a
much more natural feeling. But there is more.
If that keyboard is
just too thick for you, the Dell Latitude 11 5000 also comes with the
option for a far slimmer keyboard. Feeling more like a stiff case
than a keyboard, the Slim Keyboard attaches to the same magnetic
connectors but does not feature a hinge. Instead it has it's own
kickstand which props up the screen from the rear, with a choice of
viewing angles. It also have a trackpad, but far flatter keys. It
still felt comfortable to type on, however, but once closed up and
with the kickstand folded down, it wasn't all that thinner than
having the full-sized keyboard attached.
So what the hell is
this thing? If we're being honest, the Dell Latitude 11 5000 is
neither a good option for your new laptop or tablet. What it is, is
potentially the next computer you'll be given by your boss... and for
good reason. Although the thickness and weight might surprise you
(considering its 2017) it seems like Dell have designed it knowing it
will stuffed into briefcases and bags and lugged from meeting to
meeting, and from client to client. This is a workhorse computer; one
to given to someone who doesn't really care much for it, but who is
accustomed to using a touch screen (because it's 2017).
The powerful specs, the
heightened security, and the rugged flexibility of the keyboards make
this a perfect business machine, which we really should have expected
from Dell. You might not be attracted to it for home use, but if you
get it for work use you really won't be able to find a quicker and
more compact notebook.
Starting from £609
Visit
www.dell.com
