Whats a Microsoft Surface Pro Again?

Kick aside Microsoft's Surface Pro just for a moment guys, the Dell Venue 11 Pro has arrived to the party. Much like the Surface Pro, we’ve got a typical Windows 8.1 tablet, that can snap onto a keyboard dock to use like a laptop, or remotely connect it to a dock, as well as pushing the tablet's beauteous display to a larger monitor screen. With specs to impress, this tablet is truly multifaceted. Windows 8.1 runs this bona fide OS, and you have the will of the world to install Windows software applications as you would on a desktop; most importantly, not being limited to apps in the Windows App Store. With all the accessories, the 4th gen Intel Atom Bay Trail Processor, etc, it's become obvious why this tablet is said to rival the Surface Pro 2.

Specs to Impress:

With a 10.8 inch screen supporting Full HD 1920 x 1080 display, I found this rather unusual to handle (grip) at first. Although its oblong shape is great for wide viewing angles, it's definitely not for one-handed held use. That particular complaint doesn’t seem to continue to be bothersome, especially after experiencing the Venue 11's unremarkable but practical design.

Powered by a quad-core Intel Atom Z3770 Bay Trail processor (2MB Cache, up to 2.4 GHz Quad-Core), with 2 GB memory and 64 GB storage, the tablet is offered with anything from Bay Trail to a fourth-gen Haswell processor (i3 or i5).

Although it ships with 8GB RAM, storage is available in several capacities. It can support up to 256 Gb of internal storage, also with a micro SD card slot with up to 128GB of additional space. Several wireless options for internet, including 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and Near Field Communication (NFC).

For traditional wired peripherals and drives, however, there is a full-size USB 3.0 port, which people seem to find amazing. In fact, the Venue 8 Pro only included a Micro USB port.

Primary back camera gives crisp, clean 8MP photos with the help of that Full HD display. The secondary front camera provides 2MP. There is an Intel Gen7 video graphics card.

The entire system weighs in at 1.57 pounds.

Multifaceted Piece of Work:

One thing that sets the Venue 11 Pro apart is that the back cover can flip off, revealing a removable battery. Regular battery life is said to run through a full workday of 8 to 10 hours.

The 11 Pro launched with three docks, making it possible to easily switch between desktop, laptop and tablet. Plug in a monitor, keyboard and mouse and you instantly have a work machine. The Slim Keyboard, a folding magnetic portfolio cover containing a lightweight keyboard serves as a case for when the device isn't in use. The full sized Mobility Keyboard with chicklet keys and mouse pad comes with an embedded rechargeable battery, to make use in between charges plausible. Up to 18 hours, or an incredible 80 percent additional battery.

This desktop dock ($99) features an array of ports (USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, headphone and power connections) for full productivity. Here, you are able to launch the tablet's display onto a larger monitor, attach a keyboard with a back stand, etc. Finally, the Dell Active Stylus is always there for you when in need to capture signatures, design and take notes. All of these options make for a more flexible and versatile tablet experience.

Price and Worth:

“Dell Venue Pro tablets are designed to give people on-the-go a selection of sizes and options to meet their varying need “ and this version does just that. Just under $500, the Dell Venue 11 Pro seems to stand out as more than just another Windows tablet. Features such as a removable battery, detachable keyboard and desktop docking capacity are very appealing; essentially turning this into an Ultrabook. Pushing detachables is one great way to compare something like this to say, an iPad tablet. Reviewers are also calling the 11 Pro the “Anti-iPad, which is a good thing” because it gears towards a difference consumer base. Additionally, in order to charm to business customers, Dell decided to throw in security features to keep data safe. The Dell Venue 11 Pro is not unlike the Surface Pro 2, however, the dollar difference of about $400 is enough to contemplate over.

Check out my full video review of the Venue 11 Pro!