Notebook-transformer Dell Inspiron 13 (7348), which we will tell you in this review, is almost completely analogous to the previously reviewed model Dell Inspiron 11 (3147). Used exactly the same design and construction, so that the two transformer differ from each other mainly in size and some minor features dictated by the size difference. However, unlike his younger brother in the family, Dell Inspiron 13 (7348), equipped with the latest energy-efficient processor Intel Core i5-5200U architecture Broadwell.

Design, materials

The predominant color Dell Inspiron 13 designers chosen silver, in this color made all the external surface of the notebook. In light of the open state successfully diluted black border of the display unit and black keyboard island.

Top cover laptops finished with silver plastic with sofftach effect. Cover differs completely flat mirror surface and logo of the manufacturer. Base of the housing is made of exactly the same “uhvatistogo” sofftach-silvery plastic, so a transformer is very comfortable to carry from place to place in the hands of no slipping out of the question.

In contrast to the flat cover on the bottom of Dell Inspiron 13 can be found rounding (closer to the sidewalls), mounting screws, official stickers and thin four rubber feet. Open slot for the battery is not here, as well as a convenient “hatch” to upgrade components. However, if necessary, replace the memory or the hard disk does not take much to remove the entire bottom panel as a whole because it holds all five screws.

When viewed from the side faces of the body can be seen the same design feature as the junior Dell Inspiron 11 – a side wall assembly made flat, and the front and rear edges of the base and the display unit are different characteristic rounded shape. Apart from the purely design problems (originality, recognition), this solution allows the touch to determine what kind of a face is at hand.

The right side of the front edge of the notebook can be found miniature activity indicator. The central part of the rear face of the body takes grille cooling system, here you can examine in detail the metal hinges hinge of the display unit. On the left side you can find an acoustic speaker, combined audio jack, two-port USB 3.0 (one of which supports charging accessories shutdown mode), the full-size HDMI video output jack and charger.

Right side plate is arranged very unusual for a classic notebook, but it is quite normal for a transformer. In particular, it placed power button and volume rocker, which can be used in any of the four modes of transformation (laptop, tablet, stand, canopy). What follows is symmetrically arranged speaker, the third port USB, memory card slot, and a silver “button”, which is proving to be bundled stylus cap. Developers quite rightly felt that it is more logical to place the stylus in a special slot in the laptop case, and not to rely on the fact that users will not forget to take it with you as a separate accessory.

Ergonomics

Model Dell Inspiron 13 (7348) is a 13.3-inch laptop with a special hinge that allows the display unit to rotate 360 degrees around the axis of the mount. Thus the device can be operated in the notebook mode, the multimedia stand, canopy and proper tablet (more on the process of transformation can be found in the review of Dell Inspiron 11). A hardware keyboard is used only in the first mode, the remaining three cases, the basic control method is a touchscreen device, supplemented with supplied stylus.

The inner part of the display unit is covered by a protective glass layer with integrated touch. Thus in notebook mode, the user can control the device with the help of a rather large touchpad and using the touch screen. In the lower part is rubberized with tight hardware key Windows.

Operating panel Dell Inspiron 13 different characteristic “phony” form of fillets close to all four edges. Island keyboard is placed in a small depression operation panel, its layout is typical of the 13-inch models. Keys became slightly larger compared with younger brother, but made Enter “odnoeatzhnym.” The keyboard has a white backlight, level of brightness is adjustable between the two grades.

Functionality

As we mentioned, the laptop Dell Inspiron 13 (7348), equipped with the latest energy-efficient processor Intel Core i5-5200U microarchitecture Broadwell. The processor is configured for 14-nm process technology and has a maximum level of heat in 15 watts. Model Intel Core i5-5200U has two cores, capable of operating at a base frequency of 2.2 GHz and a maximum frequency of 2.7 GHz, as well as integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 5500.

RAM is available for one SODIMM-slot, in our case it was busy module DDR3-1600 8GB (Samsung M471B1G73DB0). As a data warehouse using a hybrid hard drive with 500 GB (Seagate ST500LM000-1EJ162). For wireless data module provides Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 with support for the latest standard Wi-Fi 802.11ac (867 Mbit / s) and built-in power Bluetooth 4.0.

Tested model Dell Inspiron 13 (7348) is equipped with a 13.3-inch touchscreen IPS-screen with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels. The brightness is adjusted manually from 20 to 170 cd / m2, also available automatic backlight based on the performance of the light sensor.

Interestingly, in this model is used exactly the same battery as in the more compact 11-inch model – three-piece removable 43 Wh. As a result, the full charge of the battery the laptop was able to hold 2 hours 15 minutes at maximum load, and 7 hours and 20 minutes in emulation mode of reading.

Results

As a result, Dell Inspiron 13 (7348) – it’s quite a good representative of the family of laptops, Transformers, which will attract the attention of potential buyers of fresh hardware platform Intel Core “Broadwell”, an excellent 13-inch IPS-screen with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels and of course ability to work in four modes: laptop, tablet, stand and tent.

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Large hybrids tablets with a monoblock recently become increasingly common, and the model Dell XPS 18 should be referred to the elite of this class. Weight and dimensions of the computer makes it easy to move it within the home. It features a gorgeous touch screen with a screen diagonal of 18.4 inches and comes with a charging cradle, from which it receives energy in stationary mode.

But no matter how I liked XPS 18 model, absolutely perfect it can not be named. The configuration, which I prefer – with the fastest processor Intel Core i74510U, 8 GB of memory type DDR3L / 1600 and high-speed solid state drive 256 GB – costs money: $ 1,500., To be exact. Dell is offering three less expensive models (with the same display, but less powerful processor, less memory and a mechanical hard drive, and in one case without charging cradle), but I am sure that impression of them will be different.

Disappointing and the fact that none of the four models no input HDMI (respectively, you can not use them as a display for the game console or set-top box), and none of them support the cable connection to the network. The computer on which I stopped my attention, is equipped with integrated Wi-Fi-adapter 2×2 Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260. With regard to the XPS 18 speakers, nothing good about them, I can not say (but more on that later).

Dell XPS 18 comes with very good wireless keyboard and wireless mouse excellent (but the mouse itself off after a few hours of downtime).

By now you probably already look at the four-star rating, and think about what I mean? Do not worry. Just wanted to immediately throw all negative. In general, XPS 18 is for me a typical midsize hybrid tablet with a monoblock.

Massive stand allows you to change the angles of the screen, so that you will be comfortable to look at him as sitting at a desk or standing. Necessary to achieve a snug fit electrical contacts, charge the battery, and I must admit that I every time have to make some effort before mechanical latch works properly. Check the result helps LED that lights up when the correct position finally found.

The tablet can be charged without the charging cradle. When buying XPS 18 I certainly would buy another power adapter, because every time to unravel the intricacies of wires and disconnect it from the stand is not too convenient. If this article will be read by engineers Dell, I would like to ask them to add to the next slot and Ethernet. Support for 802.11ac – certainly good, but the cable connection will always run faster. An Ethernet jack input and HDMI (I can not fail to mention again about sore) led me into a state of complete relaxation.

Disconnecting the display from the stand, you can use it as a regular tablet (the screen with an aluminum base and a magnesium frame weighs a little more than 2 kg). And if you bend a pair of legs from behind and put them on the screen, the computer turns into a candy bar. You can put a display on the table and play games together. And lifting the screen so that it rests on top of his feet part, you will add to it almost horizontal, but still inclined position. The strong folding legs Dell sells low-end model without charging cradle.

To use the XPS 18 in desktop mode, carry a charging cradle is not necessary.

XPS 18 managed on battery pretty impressive for 3 hours and 37 minutes. This is enough for watching movies and even gaming session. Note that in the testing process, we tried to give a large enough load, so you Battery life may vary. In Dell’s claim that if you leave a light sensor on, computer on battery power for more than 5 hours. We runtime tests disabled it, fixing brightness of 200 candelas per square meter.

WVA display with a diagonal of 18.4 inches looks great and provides excellent viewing angles. Fast and accurate response at a high level, including in the performance of gestures scaling. Movies look very good, especially when playing with a hard disk or a connected storage, but the translation of YouTube videos over Wi-Fi leads to delays. Perhaps this issue can be solved by using a router 802.11ac (I tested the computer in the office, where there was only access point 802.11n).

Faint sound

Ultra-slim screen design (its thickness is only 1.8 cm) leaves very little space speakers, and the sound of the tablet, it is as thin as himself. When listening to a cover version of the song «Heroes» David Bowie, Peter Gabriel performed (she entered the album «Scratch My Back»), open bass strings sounded like a cello, violin and cello reminded. Gabriel’s voice seemed to be emasculated and was filled with unpleasant hiss.

The speakers are located in the left and right ends of the display, but the sound penetrates through the rear grille. If you want to hear good sound, use headphones or connect external powered speakers.

The model allows to play some games, not very high requirements to the equipment (such as BioShock Infinite), subject to reduce the screen resolution and reduce the image quality. Fans of the most modern computer games do not like it, but Dell’s an audience and do not count. This machine is designed for families who want to install a PC for gaming and entertainment in the kitchen (in the office, living room or bedroom) and be able to quickly move it to another room (with keyboard, mouse and power supply or not).

Expensive? Yes, if you want to get the best possible configuration. Whether or not the computer that money? undoubtedly

Dell XPS 18

Pluses:

• powerful components;

• versatility;

• excellent display.

Disadvantages:

• lack of HDMI inputs and cable interface Ethernet;

• mediocre dynamics;

• to “wake up” mouse, you need to press.

Findings

XPS 18 – expensive model (in the chosen configuration), but this is the best laptop mid-size candy bar that I have ever seen.

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As planned, today, 21 January, Microsoft revealed details about the operating system Windows 10, the preliminary announcement of which was held in the autumn of 2014.

According to the Redmond corporation, the process of testing a prerelease version of “dozens” of 1.7 million connected users who have sent in the end about 800 thousand comments. (That is roughly polzamechaniya brother, because in reality, this can not be, at least half were tested just keep quiet – apparently finding Windows 10 almost perfect.)

Contrary to expectations, with the transition from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 will not ask for money: the update will be distributed free of charge (but only during the first year since the release of “tens”). Moreover, Windows 7 users will also be offered to upgrade at no charge. And, of course, as promised earlier, Windows 10 gets a free smartphone users with Windows Phone 8.1.

On the innovations in the interface. “Start” menu in Windows 10 will return as close to pristine, that is what we have seen in Windows 7 and a number of previous versions of the OS. However, it will be possible to disclose the full screen, and in this case it looks like the Modern UI interface of Windows 8 / 8.1. However, to activate this mode is not necessarily: users will be able to leave the “Start” compact.

Hybrid device, which can act and tablet, and desktop computer, get two interface options with possibility to switch between them. In tablet mode, the interface is optimized for fingers in the desktop – a keyboard and mouse.

Not without a voice assistant Cortana, which will now “live” not only in smartphones. Of course, it will follow the user to learn and improve. And she will learn new languages, that’s just what – until the matter. The event was not told about it.

The presentation showed early build of Windows 10 for smartphones, using his Phablet Nokia Lumia 1520. As is usually the case at Microsoft, added a bunch of new small and not very functions, but apparently “mobile window” has not changed much. As for applications, the majority of programs for smartphones and larger devices will actually be compatible. One such application would be the package MS Office – its capabilities on all gadgets with Windows 10 will be the same.

Among other things, Microsoft release a new Notification Center in smartphones, synchronized with the PC.

Generally synchronize your phone and a computer belonging to a particular user in Windows 10 is given a lot of attention. And the timing is not only in the literal sense, but also in similar operating experience. For the same application, if not look the same (all the same physical dimensions screens impose limitations), the maximum similar.

The software keyboard can be moved around the screen, reducing and increasing its size. This feature is especially relevant for Phablet and tablet computers.

Confirmed the rumors about the new browser – Project Spartan. It will be available for computers and smartphones. In the new browser renderingovy engine, the new interface and what developers are doing the emphasis that function to create notes with your fingers, a mouse or stylus. You can select a piece of text and then examine it later, even when there is no Internet. Also promise mode for reading and close integration with voice assistant Cortana.

Briefly about the game: a special game center called – surprise! – Xbox contains information on all the games you purchased. Even including titles from Steam. Also with the help of the center you can watch and communicate achievements in Xbox Live. Well, the interesting thing is that the game with the Xbox One will be to stream to any device with Windows 10. That is to say, it will be possible to play on the tablet while lying in bed. For some people it is much more convenient than sitting in front of a TV.

As a bonus. Remember the legendary 80-inch “tablet Ballmer”? Although charismatic Steve Microsoft is long gone, Microsoft decided to make a serial tablet: Corporation announced wall device called Surface Hub 4k-touch screen having a diagonal of 84 inches, speakers, a microphone, a pair of camera, support for pen input and a built-in PC. It is expected that the new product will be a place in the negotiation and meeting rooms.

Another bonus, too hard – glasses computer Microsoft HoloLens, equipped with a special “holographic processor» (HPU), and technology of Windows Holographic. This “kit” allows you to immerse yourself in augmented reality, and not only with the help of three-dimensional image, but also by some artful sound, supplementing the picture. Software to create holograms – HoloStudio – also announced at the presentation.

And then appeared on the scene Satya Nadella – CEO of Microsoft. He looked very impressive and, forgive us in Redmond, intimidating. Briefly summarize what Mr. Nadella, it can be done about this conclusion: “Microsoft has a lot of new cool technologies that have found application in Windows 10. Windows 10 will change the world for the better, and it megakruto. Classical computers leave the stage, their place gradually pull apart the device completely new type in various form factors designed for close interaction with the network. Microsoft intends to move to the forefront of new trends, and Windows 10 – the strongest tool for this. “

Another portion of the details of Windows 10 will be revealed in April at the conference Build, whereas the release of the final version is scheduled for the end of 2015.

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One day (at Computex 2014), ASUS has already shown the device 2 in 1 called Chi, but we sell it and have not seen. It turned out that during this time the tablet-laptop could be transformed immediately in three models: T90, T100 and T300. Let’s see what came of it.

First of all, the main difference between these three devices is the screen diagonal: T90 – 8,9-inch (1280 x 720 pixels), T100 – 10,1 inches (1920 x 1080 pixels) and T300 – 12,5 inches (2560 x 1440 points). I have to say that without OTG-cable are not enough, because the full USB-connectors here. This has a positive effect on the thickness: 7.5 mm (T90), 7.2 mm (T100) and 7.6 mm (T300). Dimensions are accounting without docking station (keyboard). But even assembled thickness does not exceed 1.5 cm. There are other small features, such as low-end model has no touchpad on the docking station (the screen there is a very close, so the decision, as for me, right), and most older version (that which is 12.5 inches) stripped back camera (front only).

All three devices work on processors Intel. Only in the case of the T90 and T100 – Intel Atom Z3775, and T300 – Intel Core M. If there is already talk about the top model, the user can choose when buying a configuration RAM 4 GB or 8 GB. To store the information in any case be only SSD 128 GB. But in the other models can be installed 1 GB or 2 GB of RAM, and for personal information, you can choose a complete set with 32 GB or 64 GB of memory on board.

Pricing has also decided to ASUS. T90 will ask for $ 299, with the T100 already have to shell out $ 699 (you know that the screen is larger, and the expansion of the above), but for the father’s line T300 will have to pay 799 dollars earned personally. Home sales is planned for February. Let’s see how the market will perceive these laptops tablets. Personally, I liked the news.

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If you believe the new information leakage, Lenovo is preparing to replenish the line of tablets Yoga. Novelty is equipped with 11.6 “displays and processors Intel Core M Broadwell.

Data on new Lenovo Yoga 11 March appeared on the manufacturer’s website. As it usually happens, it quickly removed from the site, but it has not gone unnoticed.

Dimensions hybrid tablets – 29 x 19.8 x 1.5 cm, and weight – 1.18 kg. The manufacturer will provide an opportunity to choose from three models. The first was a processor Intel Core M-5Y10C, 4GB of RAM and 128GB SSD. Second – 1 GB of RAM and 256 GB of memory. The third – a bit faster processor Core M-5Y71, 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of memory.

Each new model Lenovo Yoga 11 March includes a display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, a battery that operates up to 6.5 hours in battery mode, ports 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x output micro HDMI, SD-card reader, 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0.

Unfortunately, information about the cost of new products not yet available. We assume it will fluctuate around € 599 – € 999.

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The tablets have repeatedly promised death. Nevertheless, they not only continue to be issued by manufacturers, but also diverge from the shelves. However, the company NPD DisplaySearch, which specializes in research reports on various markets, reports that shipments of tablets reduced. This is the first time since the beginning of the growth of their popularity after the presentation of iPad in 2010. What could it be connected?

In the first quarter of 2014 around the world were shipped 56 million tablets seemingly impressive figure. But last year the figure was 59 million. Based on this fact, NPD DisplaySearch has reduced the projected sales for 2014 from 315 million units to 285 million. By the way, a revised forecast still promises to increase sales by 14% in comparison with last year, but it is obvious that this is not the aggressive growth rate, at which the stake was initially.

Tablet sales

The first drop in sales of tablets is associated with the increasing popularity of smartphones with larger screens, more than 5 inches diagonal, in emerging markets like China. This accordingly leads to a drop in interest to the tablets with a diagonal screens ranging from 7 to 9 inches.

Probably the reason is not only that. Plays a role, and the fact that users simply no need to frequently update the tablet, if he, for example, is used as a bedside device – for watching videos and surfing the Internet.

So while tablets can not offer more advanced games or the best conditions for photo and video editing, regularly updated, as it happens with the same smartphone, does not look like the best investment.

In addition, there is a significant part of potential buyers who just do not find themselves scenario for the tablet. In other words, he just did not need them.

What can I change this? Obviously, new usage scenarios. For example, the same Project Tango or other resourceful ideas from manufacturers (or marketing). And how do you see the future of tablets?

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Well known is the fact that the absolute leader among other smartphone operating systems is our favorite Android . Toward the end of 2013 its share exceeded 80 percent, and then, of course, there is a huge amount of reasons. To similar and include adequate cost , and the wide variety of models available, and probably a huge opportunity to personalize . Despite this popularity, the leader in the world of tablets, until recently, remained a kupertinovskaya, Apple with its iPad. Whatever it was, a recent study by Gartner confirmed the triumph of justice from henceforth: the gap between Android and iOS-plates is more than 25 percent.

In order to know the number of units sold, not necessarily to attach men in black coat, hat and glasses for every potential buyer. Share data for analysis of a system is more than enough. It could be data on the number of activated devices, records maintained on the basis of shopping applications Google Play, and information about how shipped and sold plates. Benefit from one of these options, the representatives decided by Gartner, as a result of the study which found one interesting detail.

Totals can not please the loyal fans of the green robot inside. It turned out that the share of Android tablets from 2012 to 2013 rose from 45.8 to 61.9 percent, respectively. 

And if at the end of 2012 to talk about leadership Android was early (iPad held 52.8 percent of the market), but now people who are not alien to the concept «root» and «open source» have the full right to open the champagne. By the way, at the end of last year the share of iOS-tablet dropped to 36 percent. Impossible luck.

As stated by our colleagues from androidcommunity.com, a similar trend was triggered by two factors. First, there was a rise in popularity of cheap devices with display compact size (about 7 inches), and secondly, the growing popularity of tablets as a category as a whole. 

The fact that last year the number of tablet computers sold grown in half, respectively, and increased the number of people testing the first representatives of this category in themselves. In other words, many beginners world of mobile technology was selected as the first tablet device is on Android.

It seems that the expansion of Google continues. It is likely that Android will soon become a leader in several other categories of devices. Suitable for such a role, not only cars, but also, for example, coffee tables.

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Toshiba announced the release of the camera module with two image sensors designed for use in mobile devices.

Dimensions module Toshiba TCM9518MD constitute 18h12h4 65 mm. Its configuration includes two 0.25-inch type CMOS image sensor resolution of 5 megapixels each, which can simultaneously capture images and data depth to the scene. Image processing LSI composed module is responsible for processing data about the distance to the objects photographed and the formation of three-dimensional pictures. Among other features of the camera module Toshiba TCM9518MD worth noting the possibility of fine-tuning the digital focus, as well as the extraction and removal from the obtained images of individual objects.

According to the manufacturer, the two 5-megapixel image sensor can capture images with a resolution of 13 megapixels. The solution Toshiba is thinner than most 13-megapixel cameras, which are now used in smartphones.

It is noted that the supply of engineering samples Toshiba TCM9518MD mobile device manufacturers will begin January 31, 2014. Unfortunately, to predict when it will go on sale the first mobile device with a camera Toshiba TCM9518MD, difficult.

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It was learned that ASUS is not going to abandon the idea of ​​manufacture hybrid devices line PadFone, which allow you to use your smartphone as a computing unit for the tablet. Currently, work is underway to create a model PadFone mini.

This model will be the decision of the average level. It involves the use of more compact smartphone and tablet. Recall that in the PadFone Infinity used a 5-inch smartphone and 10.1-inch tablet. In the case of diagonal PadFone mini smartphone is 4.3 inches, and the image resolution – 960×540 pixels. The handset is also available 2-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor 400 running at 1.4 GHz, 1 GB of RAM 2-megapixel camera on the front and an 8-megapixel main camera. Complete battery capacity is 1500 mAh. Smartphone offered to install the plate with a 7-inch display with a resolution of 1280×800 pixels image. When this unit is equipped with an extra tablet battery 2200 mAh. The exact dates of commencement of sales and price of the device PadFone mini has not yet reported. This model will be extended to the territory of China, Russia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia.

In addition, the U.S. market in the second quarter of 2014 is scheduled to be another model family PadFone. But for her there is no information.

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Already next year the South Korean company Samsung is going to launch two new tablet computer screens AMOLED, that can more effectively counter tablets Apple iPad.

Applying proprietary organic crystals AMOLED screens in tablets should not only increase the contrast, but also due to the absence of general lighting to reduce energy consumption and increase battery runtimes.

Is currently known about the intentions Samsung to release at least two tablet with a screen diagonal of 10 inches and 8. However, it is difficult to say how it will update the lineup – Galaxy Note with S Pen stylus support or Galaxy Tab. With high probability we can say only one thing – new items will relate to higher price segment.

According to Electronista , in the third quarter of this year, Samsung’s share of the tablet market has grown to 22%. This is not the 30% of the market, which is still owned by Apple. Nevertheless, in the last quarter of the South Korean giant has managed to increase sales by 8.1% compared to the same period last year.

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