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OT: Click on the link and see the video of Dell's new "Duo". It's cool.

FP Tech Desk: Dell hybrid netbook/tablet ‘Duo’ to launch next week: report
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Jameson Berkow November 16, 2010 – 12:30 pm

Can’t decide whether to buy a netbook or a tablet? Well as of next week that decision could become much easier.

Citing “industry sources familiar with the launch plans,” CNET reported late Monday evening that Dell Inc.’s ‘Duo’ device will be available for purchase starting November 23. Aptly named, the Duo combines the touchscreen functionality of a tablet PC like Apple Inc.’s iPad device and the more practical usability of a complete-with-keyboard netbook, like Apple’s new MacBook Air.

Sporting a colourful 10-inch design, the most unique feature of the Duo is its ability to transform from a tablet into a clamshell notebook simply by opening the case and flipping the screen. The Duo will also be the first tablet[-like] device to run Microsoft Corp.’s new Windows 7 operating system. With sales of smartphones based on the Windows Phone 7 platform being initially disappointing, Microsoft in particular is likely hoping the Duo will reinvent the mobile computing space much in the same way the iPad did when it launched less than one year ago.

The comparisons to Apple products are no coincidence either. When the Duo was first unveiled at an Intel Developer Conference in September, the Dell official making the presentation couldn’t help but insert a jab at the iPad.

“There are times that you have to do work,” said Dave Zavelson, whom LinkedIn identifies as senior manager of product marketing for consumer “ultra-mobile” devices at Dell. “Tablets are great for entertainment, but they aren’t exactly conducive to productivity.”

He then flipped open the Duo’s screen, revealing a full QWERTY keyboard and prompting a collective ‘OOoooOO’ from the audience.

http://business.financialpost.com/2010/11/16/fp-tech-desk-dell-hybrid-netbooktablet-duo-to-launch-next-week-report/