Dell introduces world's first 17in 2-in-1 laptop

Dell is infatuated with large tablets. The company announced that it is releasing the world's first 17in two-in-one laptop, but this is not the first time Dell has stretched the limits of what a reasonable person would want to hold in his or her hands while working. The Dell XPS 18 is an 18in all-in-one computer that can also serve as a tablet. This is bigger than the company's new laptop, but the two-in-one form factor helps Dell keep things interesting.

The new Dell computer is part of the new Inspiron series. The Inspiron 17 7000 is the new 17in two-in-one laptop, but smaller ones are being released, as well. There are 13 and 15in models of the Inspiron 7000, which run Intel's 6th-generation Core processors, namely the Core i5 or i7. Prices start at $750, although the 17in model goes for $900. There are also Inspiron 5000 and Inspiron 3000 models, which are targeting different market segments. The Inspiron 11 3000 is the most budget-friendly unit, which is available at $250 and runs an Intel Celeron processor.

While the Inspiron 5000 series will allow consumers to just get a regular notebook version, the two-in-one form factor seems to be the big selling point here. Since this market segment is one of the best performers in the PC industry, it makes sense for Dell to be pushing for this area. The 17in model seems a bit extreme to use as a tablet, but it might make sense in some business environments in which it is better to work on large displays.

Other companies have also experimented with the large tablet format. China companies have likewise been producing more two-in-one laptops, acknowledging which way the winds are blowing. While bigger is not always better, Dell is betting that its new Inspiron products have a home somewhere in the PC market.