Review Dell Venue 11 Pro (7130)

Review Dell Venue 11 Pro Tablet Computer (7130)

 

Hardware

Intel Core I3 4020Y processor (3MB Cache, 1.5GHz Dual-Core

4GB 1600MHz memory.

128GB SSD.

Lexar 64GB MicroSD memory card.

Lexar 64GB USB memory card. (2 – used as needed, connected via USB 3.0 port).

10.8 inch IPS Display with FHD (1920 x 1080) resolution with 10-pt capacitive touch.

Intel GT2 Graphics.

Dell Active Stylus.

Intel(R) 7260AC Dual-Band 2x2 802.11 ac WiFi + Bluetooth(R) 4.0

Dell Wireless 5808E (LTE/HSPA/EVDO) Mobile Broadband Card - Verizon

Factory installed OS: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (64 bit). This OS has been replaced with Microsoft Windows 10 Preview Enterprise Edition. This is beta code, but is a major improvement compared with Windows 8/8.1.

Pros

Convenient sized and weight tablet with 10.8 inch display.

The SSD and MicroSD storage units are significantly superior to usage of rotating hard drives.

Display images are adequate, but AMOLED technology and higher screen resolution are preferable.

It has WiFi, cellular and Bluetooth modems.

The battery is user replaceable.

It uses the Windows operating system.

USB storage units can be used for OS booting and installation, data storage and transfers and viewing of movies and other video material.

The Tablet generally functions properly.

Cons

The back cover is flimsy plastic and is difficult to remove and to re-install due to its fragility and poor design including inadequate plastic fasteners. You have to remove this cover to replace the battery. It is a frustrating process that defeats the purpose of having interchangeable batteries. There should be a slot where one can easily change the battery by unlocking it, slipping it out and sliding in the alternate battery.

Battery life is very poor. It obviously depends on many factors including use of the three radio transceivers, the GPS that is part of the cellular modem, and, most importantly the screen brightness. For example, "Bright Screen" battery life is about three hours.

The rear camera should have higher resolution, image stabilization and better low light performance.

There should be a minimum of two USB (3.0) ports. (A temporary fix is to use a port multiplier.)

The HDMI port should be standard sized rather than micro.

The Active Stylus is an expensive, but essential accessory which should be included with the computer.

Important accessories include: a microSD Storage Card, USB Storage Cards for data backup and transfer, spare battery with external charger, micro HDMI converter and cables to connect from micro HDMI to standard HDMI or DVI, Active Stylus, briefcase, table support, keyboard and mouse.

There is a hardware “Windows button icon” that is located on the front rim of the computer, halfway between the right and left sides of the unit. This is a very poor location because it is easy to accidentally press the button while holding the computer in one’s hand. The button should be recessed and should be located on a side of the computer.

There should be a mechanical button to increase or decrease screen intensity. There should be a user selectable option to control ambient light regulated screen intensity.

Dell does not supply any OS or other software on external media. You need to backup the factory installation on a bootable USB storage card.

Conclusions

It could be a great unit with better engineering. I would not recommend it at this time.