The Dell Inspiron duo, a netbook-hybrid tablet, is now available, the company announced on Tuesday.
The 10-inch HD touch-based device was originally unveiled at the Intel Developer Forum in September. With a hidden sliding keyboard, it works as both a netbook and a tablet. It features a 1.5-GHz Intel Atom N550 dual-core CPU and 2 GB of DDR3 (800Mhz) memory. Fitted with a 250GB, 5,400-RPM hard drive, consumers have the option of upgrading to a 320GB, 7,200-RPM option.
"Dell is changing the shape of computing, with products that usher in new experiences and allow people to stay connected to each other and the content they love from almost anywhere," Sam Burd, vice president of Dell Consumer small and medium business product group, said in a statement. "The new Inspiron duo's dual purpose delivers one-touch access to great content and yet offers the functionality of a full keyboard for more intensive applications. We're excited to offer such an innovative and unique design to our customers."
The device also features a 1.3 megapixel webcam with digital microphone, two USB 2.0 ports, and a headphone port. Wi-Fi-enabled, 4G connectivity can also be added to the tablet.
It comes loaded with Windows 7 Home Premium and has been available for pre-order since last week. U.S. shoppers can purchase it starting Tuesday via www.dell.com and it will be available in the U.K. starting Dec. 2. The device is $549 or $649 if the optional audio station dock is included.
The Inspiron duo was teased in a video at the beginning of the month. At the time, details remained clandestine, with Dell only specifying that the multipurpose device was "coming soon."