Dell Venue 11 Pro review

Is Dell’s Venue 11 Pro better value than Microsoft’s Surface Pro 2?

Service Options and Alternative Specifications

The Venue's specification can't be customised, but Dell sells four different models. The next model down costs 629 and uses a Haswell Core i3 processor, and the next system down costs 499 and includes mobile broadband. Elsewhere, though, it's limited by its Bay Trail-based Atom chip, 32-bit OS, slower integrated graphics, smaller SSD and 2GB of RAM. A 429 model mimics this cheaper machine but drops the mobile broadband.

Every Venue 11 Pro has a one-year C&R warranty, and accidental damage protection can be added to each machine for 65. Theft protection is available for another 39. It's a better option than the 12-month limited hardware deal included with the Surface Pro 2, but it's not as versatile as the options available for Dell's laptops.

Overall

The Venue 11 Pro is a good tablet thanks to its screen quality, versatile design and reasonable processor, and its lower prices make it a tempting alternative to the Surface Pro, even though Microsoft's machine has a faster processor and more stylish design. If you're willing to drop the specification, the Venue becomes better value.

Although the Venue 11 Pro is good - we can't help but think you'd be better off investing in an Ultrabook a hybrid for content creation. A cheaper Dell Latitude 14 7000-Series machine, or one of Lenovo's Yoga Pro convertibles are suitable alternatives.

If portability is paramount we'd also recommend opting for Dell's smaller 8in Venue Pro.

Verdict

A great tablet with lots of connectivity and accessories. It is expensive though - and not as portable as its 8in brother.

Mike Jennings

 

Mike Jennings has worked as a technology journalist for more than a decade and has been fascinated by computers since childhood, when he spent far too long building terrible websites. He loves desktop PCs, components, laptops and anything to do with the latest hardware.

Mike worked as a staff writer at PC Pro magazine in London for seven years, and during that time wrote for a variety of other tech titles, including Custom PC, Micro Mart and Computer Shopper. Since 2013, he’s been a freelance tech writer, and writes regularly for titles like Wired, TechRadar, Stuff, TechSpot, IT Pro, TrustedReviews and TechAdvisor. He still loves tech and covers everything from the latest business hardware and software to high-end gaming gear, and you’ll find him on plenty of sites writing reviews, features and guides on a vast range of topics.

You can email Mike at mike@mike-jennings.net, or find him on Twitter at @mikejjennings