I've been using the Dell Inspiron Duo for over a month, and while it is not the best netbook/tablet I have ever used, it is good for what it is. The device came with Windows 7 along with some Dell built-in software which tried and failed to make touch relevant. So, because of that, the software aspect of this review will be based around Windows 8 Consumer Preview. The default Windows 7 OS just doesn't do this device any justice whatsoever. It makes the experience so bad that users would rather not play around with the touchscreen.

The Dell Inspiron Duo was first released back in 2010, so performance wise in 2012, it is not able to keep up with most netbooks. However, it is still able to hold its own regardless.

Hardware

On the inside of the Inspiron Duo, you will find an Intel Atom N550 dual core processor, 2GB RAM, Bluetooth 3.0, and a Broadcom Crystal HD accelerator graphics card. Nothing out of this world, but with Windows 8 installed on this badboy, it is blazing fast.

I haven't come across any hardware problems apart from some drivers not working properly in the Windows 8 Consumer Preview, which disables the Bluetooth and the ability to play music via an external speaker plugged in via a 3.5mm jack. There is also a gorgeous looking 10.1 capacitive multitouch display that works like a charm in Windows 8, though like every other touchscreen, it is prone to smudges.

The device feels great in the hand, but the material gives the impression that one good drop would break it for good without any chance of repair. I wished Dell had chose to build the Insprion Duo with metal casing. Then again, that would add to the weight. But for me, sturdiness is important over weight.

Design

Dell has hit the jackpot with this one. As you might have realized already, the Dell Inspiron Duo is not your typical netbook, it can also transform into a tablet. Because Dell is not selling anything separate that would allow it to become a transformer, this computer is more deserving of the 'Transformer' name than the Asus Transformer line of tablets that are sold without the keyboard. To turn it into a tablet, simply bend the screen from the bottom, fold it and watch as the magic unfolds before your very eyes. It's quite neat the way Dell designed this one, so the company deserves kudos for getting it right.

Keyboard And Touchpad

Let me talk about the touchpad first before anything else. The feel of the pad is not to my liking. I wish my fingers would move over it smoothly without much effort. I have a Dell Inspiron Mini and the touchpad on that is great. So I can't understand why Dell failed to replicate that on the Inspiron Duo.

The keyboard, on the other hand, works great. My only problem is the keys are too low for my liking. So this forces me to use an external keyboard whenever I am writing anything long. For short burst on Facebook or searching for whatever on Bing, it works great.

Battery Life and Performance

As noted earlier, the Dell Inspiron Duo performance is very weak with Windows 7 at the helm. Or maybe this could be blamed on all the bloatwares Dell installed. However, with Windows 8 at the center of attention, this beauty is flying faster than you can say "Michael Bay, raping our childhood since 2007." I noticed that transferring files to a USB drive is faster than usual. Touch navigation works fine. However, there are times when I had to swipe multiple times before anything would register.

As for battery life, this is where the Dell Inspiron Duo really shows its ugly side. Running with everything on high, the device only manages to push 3 hours before it rolls over and plays dead, which is a huge disappointment. Want to take this out with you? You better carry an extra battery or a charger.

Verdict

The Dell Inspiron Duo is a one of a kind tablet/netbook device that performs generally well. However, the less than lackluster battery life is its Achilles heel.

If you can't wait for a Windows 8 tablet later this year, then this is the best choice on the market right now, and will probably be until the end of the year. Search around eBay for a used one. I wouldn't recommend anyone buying this for the brand new price of $599.

(reported by Vamien McKalin, edited by Dave Clark)