Dell has been a longtime supporter of the Windows platform in the PC market, but when it came to tablets that company hedged its bets by releasing products on Windows and Android. However, Dell announced today that it is ditching Android and will focus entirely on 2-in-1 devices running the Windows 10 platform.
Microsoft has had to concede a lot to Android, but in the tablet market the company is slowly starting to turn the tide. Android tablet sales are in a consistent decline, while Microsoft is enjoying growing sales by focusing more on 2-in-1 hybrid devices and not true tablets.
In its announcement, Dell said it believes this category of device is gaining traction:
“We believe 2-in-1s are starting to become the preferred device for those in the workplace who occasionally want to operate the device in tablet mode, which is why we’re continuing to invest in the space, while beginning to divest from the slate tablet market.”
Dell cites IDC stats states that show standard tablet (without an accompanying keyboard) sales have slipped 21.1% through the last quarter alone. Microsoft’s Windows 10 platform can offer a full PC OS, which is ideal for the keyboard packing tablets, which is why Dell has backed Windows 10 for the growing area of the market.
Dell says 2-in-1 tablets are important for the market because:
- Productivity: 2-in-1s should focus on being a laptop first, then a tablet, which is the only way they fit in a commercial environment. Dell’s newest Latitude lineup boasts business-class features like Intel’s latest processors, large and rich screens for viewing content, full-size ports and keyboards and more, all to help you work on the go.
- Flexibility: while the standard issued work device is typically a laptop or desktop, it can be nice to have a tablet for some business functions – but is it worth carrying two systems? Our fully flexible lineup of Dell 2-in-1s are designed to go wherever work takes you. Regarding the new Latitude 12 7000 Series 2-in-1, Digital Trendsconcluded, “Slim, light, and versatile, the Dell Latitude 12 is an excellent system for the on-the-go user who does a little bit of everything.”
- Value: on-the-go professionals and corridor warriors will love the way 2-in-1s enhance their workflows, but IT decision makers can truly appreciate the value in a system that can be both a laptop and tablet. Gone are the days of purchasing multiple devices for workers, or compromising by choosing only one.
- Security, Manageability & Support: Our commitment to customers is to deliver the most secure, most manageable and most reliable solutions in the industry. The Dell Data Protection | Endpoint Security Suite Enterprise is now available and encompasses encryption, authentication and now greater advanced threat protection. And with ProSupport Plus for PCs and tablets, Dell is the only OEM to provide automated proactive and predictive support capabilities across PCs, tablets, servers, storage and networking.
This is something of a rare move from Dell. The company is essentially backing one product entirely and making it clear that one type of device is better than another. Microsoft will be pleased with developments like this, even if Dell was not particularly a big-selling brand on the Android platform.
