Dell presented at CES 2020 its new laptop concept: the Duet. Behind this name hides the desire to create a transformable computer with two screens, quite simply, with a small magnetic keyboard in addition.
You feel it in the air don’t you? Change is happening in the world of laptops. The presentation Surface Neo and Surface Duo by Microsoft at the end of 2019 was already a first indicator.
During this CES 2020, Dell also introduced a similar concept: the Duet. We were able to take over the latter to give you our first impressions.
Not quite ready
Already, let’s say it right away: the device is not ready. Or rather, Windows 10 is not yet ready to make sure that both screens are used properly.
We can see this using this prototype: Microsoft is still working on these new types of machines, which surely explains why the Surface Neo will not be released until the end of 2020. It is therefore more of an intention presentation here. , hence the fact that this Duet is shown as a concept and not produced.
The idea is there, not the optimization
–
In the idea, Dell sees these formats as the ultimate evolution of the 2-in-1 that it is already promoting on the XPS and Latitude sides. For the manufacturer, the tactile format makes interaction with the device more natural and therefore more intuitive, with the double bonus for professionals to be able to meet the eyes of their colleagues in meetings without having their laptop raised in front of them since this format can be used flat.
Surface Duet or Concept Neo?
For what we can see today, the Concept Duet is after all quite predictable since it offers… more or less the same functionalities as the presentation of the Microsoft Surface Neo has already shown us, in a slightly more great all the same.
Thus, we have two screens that have the right to a magnetic keyboard that can be placed on the bottom screen, thus offering a fairly standard laptop format. When you put it back on the screen, the bottom turns into a touchpad. And when you no longer need it, just magnetize it on the back of the device. Fun fact: the keyboard uses Bluetooth to connect and has a transparent back, because it uses the screen brightness to backlight the keys. Clever.
Magnetic keyboard to chassis
–
Otherwise, it is possible for you to use it in catalog format, in PC format, in tablet format once folded… It is substantially the same freedom sold by Microsoft, with the Dell key of circumstance which for the moment does not notice not on software experience.
The Dell touch
The Dell touch is above all the manufacturing quality of the product. Despite its status as “concept“We know that he is still preparing for a rapid exit to the market, the manufacturer wanting to place a few horses in this new race in preparation.
Even under its false prototype software side, the hardware is very successful. The hinge has the same design as the XPS or Latitude 2-in-1, which is excellent, and the borders are as thin as on the new XPS 13.
Dell finishes are here
–
The format is simply excellent, as is the weight of the product. Despite the two slabs, the weight of the product surprises once you have it in hand: we expected more. Despite the integration of the two screens with a layer of touch glass, it remains very light and transportable in this demo version that we were able to try.
It remains to be seen what all of this will give, but Dell has told us: the brand wants to prepare for the upcoming OS revolution and this Concept Duet, just like the Concept Ori, are ways to determine what will capture the upcoming market. Hopefully Microsoft will be able to create the stable software experience going with this beautiful computer that we had in hand.
Photo gallery
– –
– – – ––
