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.
