New tablet family and updated laptops from Dell emphasize connectivity and sharing

Fresh from investor approval of a buyout by its founder, Dell has announced a new family of tablets and an updated range of XPS laptops. The Venue tablet range comprises four ultra thin models designed to deliver class-leading performance and quality with compact designs to help people stay in touch whilst on the move.

The Dell Venue tablets are available in Windows and Android versions. The lightweight Dell Venue 8 Pro runs Windows 8.1, has a bright HD IPS display, advanced connectivity options and provides long battery life. Office 2013 Home & Student is included with the device and there's the option of Dell Active Stylus.

The Venue 11 Pro, also based on Windows 8.1, provides ultimate 2-in-1 flexibility with the power of an Ultrabook thanks to a detachable keyboard. Unlike competitive tablets, it has a user removable/replaceable battery. Its large, Full HD display with wide viewing angles makes it easy to read and create content while staying mobile. It's also available with a variety of keyboard and stylus options.

The Venue 7 and Venue 8 tablets are based on Android and designed to be affordable, feature-rich tablets for people who want to be constantly connected wherever they are. Both are designed with longevity in mind so that, according to Dell's press release, "customers will be just as delighted with their tablet one year from now, as they are on the day they take it out of the box".

All the Venue tablets are based on Intel processors. The Dell Venue 7 and Dell Venue 8 feature Intel Atom Z2760 ("Clover Trail") processors, while the Dell Venue 8 Pro and Dell Venue 11 Pro feature the new Intel Atom quad-core processors, code named "Bay Trail." The Venue 11 Pro offers up to 4th generation Intel Core i3 and i5 processor options and Intel vPro for manageability.

The new laptops are the XPS 11, claimed to be the thinnest, lightest and most compact 2-in-1 in the world with the world's first 11.6-inch Quad HD display. The XPS 15 is described as a powerhouse laptop offering the world's first 15.6-inch Quad HD+ display.

"People today expect the best experience possible from their technology -- they are counting on it to keep them connected and move with them, wherever they are," says Sam Burd, vice president Dell Personal Computing Group. "The new Dell Venue tablets and XPS laptops give customers the stellar experience they expect from us, with performance that allows them to work how they want, when they want, in a design they'll be proud to show off and own".

The Venue 7 and 8 and the XPS15 will be available in the US from 18 October. Prices range from $149.99 for the Venue 7 to $299.99 for the Venue 8 Pro. The XPS 15 will be available at the same time for $1499.99. The Venue 11 Pro will launch in November priced at $499.99 along with the XPS 11 for $999.99. Keep an eye on www.dell.com for more details.