Dell Latitude : A versatile business-class 2-in-1

Dell's 10.8-inch Latitude 11 5000 Series of small-format 2-in-1 hybrids has two sub-groups, with the 5179 models including some security features that don't appear in the 5175 variants. There are twelve configurations on Dell's UK website, ranging in price from £601 up to £1,019 (ex. VAT).

The 10.8-inch Dell Latitude 11 5000 Series, with the Latitude 11 Keyboard.

Image: Dell

The Latitude 11 5000 Series uses the classic detachable-screen laptop design comprising a tablet section, with all the ports and connectors in its casing, and an attachable keyboard to enable document creation and editing. The tablet and keyboard are sold separately, and there are two options for the latter: the Dell Latitude 11 Slim Keyboard costs £169.31 (inc. VAT, or £141 ex. VAT), while the Dell Latitude 11 Keyboard (sent for this review) costs £218.15 (inc. VAT, or £182 ex. VAT).

The Dell Latitude 11 Slim Keyboard (left) is a keyboard, protective cover and stand, while the Latitude 11 Keyboard (right) docks with the tablet to form a clamshell laptop.

Images: Dell

The tablet variations are plentiful: as well as the usual variants on processor (both Core M3 and Core M5 Skylake variants are available), and storage (128GB, 256GB or 512GB SSD), and RAM (4GB or 8GB), it is possible to select self-encrypted SSDs, a fingerprint scanner and a smartcard reader on the tablet. These latter options are what lead Dell to claim that the Latitude 11 5000 Series is "The world's most secure 2-in-1 for business".

The core specifications of my review sample -- a member of the 5179 sub-group -- were a 1.1-2.8GHz Intel Core M5-6Y57 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD running Windows 10 Professional, plus those security features.

The Latitude 11 5000's full HD touchscreen has a pixel density of 204ppi. It can go bright enough to be readable outdoors.

Image: Dell

For a 10.8-inch tablet this is a relatively weighty device, starting at 710g for the 5175 models and 760g for the 5179 models. The tablet is on the chunky side too, with a desktop footprint of 280mm by 175mm. My review unit, with its integrated smartcard reader and fingerprint sensor, was 14.3mm thick, while the 5175 models just sneak under 11mm.

I was able to bow the tablet slightly without applying a great deal of force. There's some airspace behind the screen back on the smartcard-equipped models that allows the back to flex inwards and creak a little. Pressing down hard on the back caused some feedback on the screen. A protective carrying case may be necessary, despite the use of magnesium alloy in the chassis.