Once open, it is possible to spin this netbooks screen within its housing. Then, when it is closed again, with the screen facing upwards, users are left with a 10 inch touchscreen tablet computer.
This review will aim to find out whether or not this novel feature is integrated well, and whether or not it brings with it any limitations.
7 Tablet Computer
The Inspiron Duo is equipped with a dual core Atom N550 processor, as seen on many small netbooks. In addition, there is 2gb of memory, and a 320gb hard drive. This allows for comfortable performance at best, and leaves it a little sluggish at worst. Certainly the extra software required to allow the laptop to be used as a tablet results in a slight worsening of performance when compared to netbooks running the same processor but without the extra feature.
The screen itself is 10.1 inches across with a resolution of 1366x768. This allows it to display high definition footage. While the display is quite crisp and bright, it too fails to wow and only sits in the acceptable category. This is a particular shame when you consider that the Duos main selling feature is the screen itself.
The laptop includes a 1.3 mega pixel web camera which is housed on the bezel for video chats. It does seem a shame though that when the computer is in tablet mode, the webcam is hidden within the housing.
Once in tablet mode, the screen can be used as a touch screen. On this model it is a capacitive touch screen meaning responsiveness is good. The glossy screen finish will result in fingerprints however, which may become tiresome once the device is back in netbook mode. Windows 7 is tricky to use with a touch screen as it isn't really designed for such use. As a result, Dell have included a secondary layer of software called Stage, which provides large, easy to touch icons allowing for control over music, videos, photos, books, internet and games. Unfortunately, the Stage software runs rather slowly, and I feel many will manage without using it.
Another unfortunate criticism that we must level at the Dell Inspiron Duo is with regards to battery life. At approximately three hours, it is well beaten by most of the competition, with some netbooks offering up to nine hours on one charge.
In summary, the Dell Inspiron Duo offers the first glimpse into a possible future for tablet devices. It is fair to say that such a form factor, with some kind of retractable or hidden permanent keyboard, may catch on and prove popular. Unfortunately, prospective users may be forced to wait until the second generation of the device before purchasing to allow for some of the rough edges to be smoothed. It is also important that the user experience improves to become a little more slick and rewarding, rather than slow and frustrating.
Having said that, many will appreciate the novelty of this device, and it does have good features such as the tactile keyboard and of course, the rotating screen. Also, while it may be slightly underpowered for many users, those who are mainly just using the web will still have enough power there to keep them happy.
Black Friday Pandigital Android 1 GB 7-Inch Multimedia Tablet and Color eReader with Kindle (White) R70G100 2011 Deals
Nov 16, 2011 16:26:15
Click for larger image and other views
Black Friday Pandigital Android 1 GB 7-Inch Multimedia Tablet and Color eReader with Kindle (White) R70G100 Feature
- Android
- 1GB
- 7" TFT LCD touchscreen 800 x 600px
- WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
- 19 oz
Black Friday Pandigital Android 1 GB 7-Inch Multimedia Tablet and Color eReader with Kindle (White) R70G100 Overview
The Pandigital Multimedia Novel 7" ANDROID Multimedia Tablet & Color eReader with Kindle will change the way that you curl up with a good book. Kindle is on board with over 2 Million books, newspapers, and magazines to sample, lend, and enjoy. Plus, you can easily download and install new ANDROID Apps for even for flexibility and enjoyment. Features include: touch screen control for easy navigation, 1GB internal memory can hold hundreds of books and periodicals, expandable memory to carry your full library (books, videos and music files), Wifi/Wireless LAN connectivity for easy downloads and web access. The eReader also contains some handy tools, including: built-in dictionary, word search feature, variable font size, create bookmarks, highlighting important text and note taking on virtual keyboard..Black Friday Pandigital Android 1 GB 7-Inch Multimedia Tablet and Color eReader with Kindle (White) R70G100 Specifications
Read. Surf. Play. The Pandigital Android 7-Inch Multimedia Tablet and Color eReader with Kindle will change the way that you curl up with a good book. Pandigital Color Multimedia eReaders feature full color, touch screen displays and brings dynamic multimedia to the eReader world.
The 1GB internal memory holds hundreds of books and periodicals, and memory is expandable to carry your full library, videos, and music files. Wifi / Wireless LAN connectivity gives you easy downloads and web access. And convenient tools like a dictionary, alarm clock, calendar, and more give you practical functionality beyond the eReader. The Pandigital eReader is much more than just a good book.
Kindle On-Board
Read over 850,000 Kindle books and over 100 magazines and newspapers. Kindle for Android also includes a built in dictionary, highlighting, bookmarks, font size adjustment and more to make reading better than ever.
Expandable for Even More Fun
The Pandigital Android 7-Inch Multimedia Tablet and Color eReader with Kindle allows you to easily download and install new Android Apps for even more flexibility and enjoyment. You can expand the storage as well, with a built-in 2-in-1 card reader with support for SD/SDHC/MMC/MMC+ flash memory cards up to 32GB.
7" Color TFT LCD
Touch-screen control makes navigation simple on the beautiful 7" color TFT LCD display. Change the brightness and font size for your reading comfort.
Reading--Just More Fun
Convenient tools are just a touch away. Not certain of a word's meaning? Use the built-in dictionary. Forget who that character was? Use the word search feature. Want to reference something quick? Create multiple bookmarks, highlight important text, or take notes on the virtual keyboard.
Do More with Your eReader
You can do more with your Pandigital eReader than just read books. Use the Web to browse sites, check your social network, stocks, or the weather. Read and reply with your existing email accounts. Listen to your favorite music, or watch your favorite videos and movies. Organize your photos and share your virtual album with family and friends. And an alarm clock and calendar keep you on schedule.
What's in the Box
Pandigital Android 7-Inch Multimedia Tablet and Color eReader with Kindle, AC adapter, USB cable, cradle/stand, User Guide (electronic), Quick Start Guide.
Technical Specifications
- Display: 7" TFT LCD touchscreen
- Resolution: 800 x 600px
- Brightness: 220 nits
- Internal Memory: 1GB
- Expandable Memory: SD/SDHC,MMC/MMC+ up to 32GB
- Operating System: Android
- Networking: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
- Battery: 1600mAh Li-Ion
- Dimensions: 5.5" x 7.5" x 0.5"
- Weight: 19 oz
SAVE NOW on Black Friday offers below!
Available In Stock. |
| This Black Friday Pandigital Android 1 GB 7-Inch Multimedia Tablet and Color eReader with Kindle (White) R70G100 ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. |
Price : Click to Check Update Prices Please. |
