The Best Laptop Dell Inspiron Duo

The Dell Inspiron Duo is a hybrid computer: a 10-inch netbook that doubles as a tablet PC. It runs on Windows 7, features a dual core Intel Atom processor, and offers 250GB of storage and 2GB of memory as standard.

The Inspiron Duo packs more power than the average netbook: its dual-core processor and reasonably beefy integrated graphics chip can handle the sort of HD video clips that would have most mini laptops chugging like Stephenson's Rocket.

The screen is also deliciously hi-res at 1366 x 768. The design is also reassuringly rugged: the screen stays firmly in position whether its rotated to tablet or netbook mode, and the casing sports a finger-friendly rubberised finish.

Unlike most laptop/tablet PCs, the screen doesn't swivel horizontally when you want to use it in tablet mode. Instead, it features two sets of hinges, letting you open the outer bezel like a regular laptop, and spin the inner screen round to suit your needs. Sounds complicated, looks cool.

Windows 7 isn't as geared up for touch as iOS or Android, and as a consequence the Inspiron Duo's interface isn't quite as slick as some rivals'. The screen's viewing angle is also limited, with colours and brightness dropping off once your bounce moves even slightly off-centre. The hybrid design also brings some issues along with it: while 1.5kg isn't heavy by netbook standards, it's very bulky for a tablet.

The Dell Inspiron Duo is far more powerful than most notebooks, but the inclusion of a keyboard and the rest makes it a lot less easy to live with than the likes of the iPad.