Dell XPS 11 review 2014: Specs of the Windows 8.1 convertible Ultrabook, Dell XPS 11, is described by one tech reviewer as “sharp, light and sleek looking.” The laptop/tablet hybrid has a detachable keyboard and a dual Windows/Android OS system. It also features a 360-degree hinge design.

According to Notebook Check, the Dell XPS 11 is “sharp, light, and sleek-looking.” It is only 0.6-inch thick and weighs 2.5 lbs. The device is light and thin enough that the XPS 11 can be used strictly as a tablet. It’s not too light though that you’d only want to use it as such. The tech review site noted that the device is oddly proportioned compared to a traditional notebook. It’ is 11.8-inch wide and 7.9-inch deep, which cause the screen to appear much wider.

Based on Notebook Check’s review, the carbon-fiber construction of the device makes it comfortable to hold and its overall construction seems sturdy. A downside on the construction of the unit is that its silicone palm rest and keyboard begins to feel slimy after sometime.

Like in many convertibles, the XPS 11 features four different models of use, thanks to its 360-degree hinge. Modes for the convertible include Laptop, Tent, Stand, and Tablet. The features allow the XPS 11 to maximize the Windows 8.1 operating system its running on. Though the ultra book is flexible because of its hinge design, it’s that very specific feature that gives it its downsides.

The hinges are floppier than possible, which makes the use of the touchscreen in the tend or stand mode a bit precarious. There are also no grips or textures on the edges of the device. The unit easily slides on a tabletop in tent mode. Notebook Check noted that the device switches screen orientation easily enough when the screen is rotated, but it takes a little under a second to fully react when it needs to switch, so it’s not perfectly seamless.

Next week, we’ll be delving in on the screen and performance of the Dell XPS 11 here.