14 DAY TRIAL // Back in 2012, when Microsoft launched the Surface RT, only few considered this new approach based on a tablet and a standalone keyboard innovative, so the Redmond-based software giant was almost all alone in this side of the market at the very beginning.
Now that sales of the Surface are catching up, more companies are trying to build 2-in-1 devices that come with such a configuration, and after Lenovo, which has recently unveiled a Surface clone, Dell seems to be interested in building its own too.
A report from German website Giga reveals some leaked Dell slides that point to a device that’s supposed to be launched soon and that uses an approach similar to that of the Surface.
The device, which could hit the market as XPS 12, could come with a removable keyboard that allows it to play a dual role of tablet and laptop. It runs Windows and comes with a touchpad that makes you feel just like on a regular laptop.
Better display than the Surface Pro 3’s
According to Dell, the device “is designed to [offer] easy transition from laptop tablet, which the magnetic connection enables a one-handed transition.” There is a 4K ultra HD display with a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, which means it’s better than the Surface Pro 3's. A new Microsoft device called Surface Pro 4 is expected to debut soon with 4K resolution support too.
The new Dell tablet also includes an 8-megapixel rear camera for photos and videos, as well as a 5-megapixel unit for video calls. A Thunderbold 3 port will be used for charging and file transfers, with Dell saying that the device should provide an autonomy of about 10 hours.
And last but not least, it will come with illuminated keyboard, a feature that’s already available on the Surface and is very likely to retain it for the new model coming out next month.
There’s no word on pricing or release date, but it’s pretty clear that the Surface is getting serious competition from Microsoft’s rivals, so Redmond had better come with something really impressive to remain a leader in this side of the market.
Story updated to state that the Surface Pro 3 also comes with illuminated keyboard. Thanks everyone for sending this in!
