IDF: Dell shows off tablet/laptop hybrid

Dell used a keynote presentation on day two of IDF 2010 in San Francisco to show off a new 10in tablet that turns into a notebook.

The Inspiron Duo runs Windows 7 with a dual-core Intel Atom N550 processor, and is primarily designed for use as a tablet.

However, Dave Zavelson, a precision marketing manager at Dell, pointed out that people need a keyboard to create media, and showed how the Duo screen rotates within its frame to reveal a keyboard.

"It's the world's most powerful 10in tablet," he said. "The design means you can use it for business and then kick back and relax."

The Duo comes with a docking station for powering and data synchronisation, and will be available next year. No details on pricing or launch date were given.

The demonstration caused a round of spontaneous applause from the crowd, one of the few times that the speakers have elicited such a positive response.