Despite the fact that we’re halfway through 2017, wireless charging remains relatively undeveloped. A lot of phones still don’t feature the technology (including the iPhone) which first came around in 2013. However, we have seen some strides in the field, including more powerful and faster transmission, as well as a new milestone from an unexpected manufacturer: Dell with a wireless laptop.
Dell’s Latitude 7000 12-inch 2-in-1 (7285) features a premium tablet and detachable keyboard design that utilizes wireless charging. The thin and light build makes it easy for users to carry around, and the powerful specs are perfect for the business environment and for demanding users. The specs for the base model include:
- Intel Core i5-7Y54
- 8GB RAM
- 128GB SSD
The more expensive, premium models have more powerful specs, including 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. More on the different models over here.
However, it must be noted that the wireless charging is not a standard feature of the laptop and that in order to have that function, the keyboard must be purchased along with the wireless charger. Yes, you read that correctly. The keyboard does not come as part of the package and if you don’t buy it, you will basically have a Windows tablet. Without the wireless charging.
How much, you ask?
Well, the minimum you can pay is $1,199. That $1,199 doesn’t buy you the wireless charging capability or even a keyboard, as mentioned earlier. There are two different keyboards you can get.
It must be clarified that the keyboard itself gets charged wirelessly, which then feeds the laptop.
The Dell ‘Productivity Keyboard’ packs additional battery capacity (22WHr, on top of the 45WHr from the tablet), has backlit keys, supports tent and slate mode, and has a solidly integrated touchpad. It costs $249 but doesn’t include the wireless charging kit.
The Dell ‘Wireless Charging Keyboard’ includes the extra 22WHr battery like the Productivity Keyboard, and costs $379 alone and can’t be used on metal surfaces. It supports the wireless charging, but it does not include the wireless charging mat required to make the wireless charging system function, but you can buy that separately ($200) or both items together for $549.99. The wireless charging is also slower, at 30W versus 45W via a USB-C adapter, but is still more than enough to charge the laptop in a reasonable amount of time.
When both the tablet and the keyboard battery are depleted, the dock will charge the tablet battery first, then top off the laptop keyboard.
If you’re a little confused by Dell’s newest creation, head on over here to its official page.