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How it runs
You can choose between an Intel CoreTM M or a CoreTM M vPro processor. I worked off of the vPro processor and found that multiple simultaneous operations ran smoothly. However, when I tried to run native Windows 8.1 apps like Maps and OneDrive there was a significant launch delay.
The machine was running 1600MHz 8GB DDR3L SDRAM. Dell says the 7000 features 30 watt-hours, but I didn't have the device long enough to test this out.
The 7000 doesn't come with much in the way of jacks and ports, as is to be expected from what is essentially a notebook. You'll get the following with your purchase:
- Stereo global headset jack
- SD 4.0 card reader
- A docking connector
- 2 USB 3.0 (1 with Powershare)
- 2 M.2 slots (WLAN & WWAN)
- Noble Lock slot
If you want anything else, you'll have to purchase additional hardware adapters.
IT will love the back-end security features available on this machine. It comes fully-loaded with Dell Data Protection, Encryption, and backup and recovery. Not bad for a notebook-style hybrid.
Early verdict
At $1,199.99 (about £728 or AU$1,283) the Latitude 7000 is incredibly pricey. Given that it is built for business users, I don't think even a low price-point would have overcome its design flaws. When people buy hybrids they want a light-weight tablet and a laptop with Yoga-style flexibility. This device has neither.
The Latitude 7000 will run decently, and your data will be as secure as any manufacturer can guarantee. If those are your primary concerns, the device will be available mid-October globally. But at the end of the day, if you're going to spend nearly twelve hundred dollars, you can probably do better than this machine.
What is a hands on review?
Hands on reviews' are a journalist's first impressions of a piece of kit based on spending some time with it. It may be just a few moments, or a few hours. The important thing is we have been able to play with it ourselves and can give you some sense of what it's like to use, even if it's only an embryonic view. For more information, see TechRadar's Reviews Guarantee.
