14 DAY TRIAL // The Dell Venue 11 Pro is one of the company’s most popular tablet products. The slate offers a 10.8-inch display and runs Windows 8 out of the box and there are multiple versions of the device to choose from. But now Dell has introduced a new model.
Customers are offered a choice processor-wise, ranging from Intel Atom, Core i3 and going all the way up to Core i5. The tablets also came with a range of optional accessories, including a digital pen, keyboard dock and desktop dock.
The cheapest of these models started at $500 / €362, but now Dell is lowering the standard with the latest version which starts at $430 / €311.
But a more affordable price-tag brings about a less capable configuration. For example, the full HD pixel resolution (1920 x 1080) we saw with previous models is now reduced to 1366 x 728. And instead of 64GB of internal storage, customers will only get 32GB.
However, compared to earlier models, the tablet runs on the new Intel Atom Z3775D processor instead of the Atom Z3770, although the chips are probably quite similar, so users aren't probably going to notice any mind-blowing performance improvements.
Furthermore, you can expect to see the same specs the earlier versions of the Dell Venue 11 Pro enjoy, like 2GB of RAM, 802.11n 2x2 dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, two cameras (8MP on the back and 2MP in front).
The tablet also offers a microSD card slot for memory expansion, full-sized USB 3.0 port, HDMI out and arrives pre-bundled with Office Home & Student 2013.
The lower resolution might not appeal to more demanding customers, who will still prefer the older versions of the slate.
Nevertheless, if you’re on a budget, the new slate still retails some “Pro” features like swappable battery and has support for Dell accessories like the keyboard case, desktop docking station and digital pen.
Now, if you’re thinking of getting the Dell Venue 11 Pro and plan to rely on it for stylus-related activities, you should know a lot of customers have been complaining about the quality of the dedicated Active Styluses and their related performance issues.
Dell went as far as to pull the pens from sale and a few months later shipped replacement styluses to owners. But even if Dell has made a few adjustments here and there, some users are saying the styluses may experience pressure lag.
So before going out to purchase the device, take a moment to go through some customers’ opinions and see what their thoughts on the product are.