Dell have begun selling updated versions of its Venue 8 Pro and Venue 10 Pro tablets. The 2-in-1 devices are being updated to keep Dell relevant given Apple's latest announcement to sell an iPad Pro, which the company hopes will boost productivity for users who have the option to buy a $169 Smart Keyboard.
Dell's commercial client vice president and general manager, Kirk Schell, cites the increased demand for 2-in-1 devices is a primary reason that Dell has updated the Venue Pro devices, writing "We're seeing quotes for 10s of thousands of tablets".
Given that Windows upgrades will be more incremental in future, and free, Dell has decided the best way to make money from these devices is to offer support. Dell will take a multifaceted approach to offering support: firstly they plan to have one vendor for Dell tablets, 2-in-1s and Microsoft's Surface. Secondly they'll offer customers support with their ProSupport Plus for PCs and tablets using their SupportAssist tools. Lastly they plan to offer security and manageability tools through their KACE platform.
With the Venue 10 Pro users will get:
- 2-in-1 keyboard that delivers an exceptional Continuum experience for a seamless transition between tablet and desktop modes
- 10.1-inch FHD (1920x1200) touch display
- High quality dual speakers and microphones for easy and reliable interaction with the Cortana personal virtual assistant
- Multiple ports, including USB Type C, USB Type A, microHDMI, headset jack, microSD card reader and noble lock slot (on tablet)
- 2x2 AC WLAN and optional WWAN and NFC
The Venue 8 Pro users will get:
- Handheld design for use on-the-go
- 8-inch HD (1280x800) & FHD (1920x1200) touch display
- Optional NFC support for additional security
- USB Type C docking (coming in 2016) so users only need one cable for power, data, video and a desktop experience
- 2x2 AC WLAN and optional WWAN
The Venue 8 Pro is available for $299 and the Venue 10 Pro will come at the heftier cost of $429.
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