Dell Venue 8 Pro 5000 could be the sub 10-inch Windows 10 device consumers want

Unfortunately, for some, Microsoft saw fit to axe its highly rumored Surface Mini tablet, but the updated Dell Venue 8 Pro may be the sub 10-inch Windows 10 device users want. The updated Venue 8 Pro 5000 series tablet is packing more ‘pro’ features to users who are looking for a compact Windows 10 experience without compromising performance.

Up front, the Venue 8 Pro 5000 comes in with the hefty price tag of $641.00 (US). Fortunately, the device is on sale for $449 (US), and the price can bottom out as low as $399 (US) depending on which version of Windows 10 is selected. While the price is much steeper than sub $200 (US) the previous iterations of Venue 8 devices enjoyed, the Venue 8 Pro 5000 does pack a feature set worthy of the increase.

On top of adding NFC, a Micros SIM slot, 64GB of internal storage and bumping up the screen resolution from 1280×800 to 1920×1200, the Dell Venue 8 Pro 5000 also packs twice as much memory as its predecessors at 4GB. Other additions to the Venue 8 Pro 5000 include a transition from micro USB to a Thunderbolt Type-C connector that is more in line with Dell’s new crop of PCs and tablets.

The full spec list and configurations of the Dell Venue 8 Pro 5000 include:

• 8.0-inch Display with FHD (WUXGA 1920 x 1200) with touch
• 4GB DDR3L-RS
• Intel HD Graphics
• 64GB eMMC Hard Drive
• Wi-Fi 2×2 802.11 AC with Miracast, BT 4.0
• 2MP front/5MP rear cameras
• 19.5WHr Lithium Ion battery
• 1 Micro SD card slot (up to 128GB)
• 1 Micro SIM card slot
• 1 USB Type C
• 1 headset/microphone combo jack

TheDell Venue 8 Pro 5000 can be ordered from Dell.com and we assume it will eventually make its way to the Microsoft Store in the coming months. Interested customers should also note, the Venue 8 Pro 5000 can be used as a notepad or drawing canvas with the Dell Active Pen, but Dell sells the pen for $40 separately.

Even though Microsoft canceled the Surface Mini, the Dell Venue 8 Pro 5000 appears to be its spiritual successor in almost every way.

Let us know if you plan to pick up an updated Dell Venue 8 Pro 5000, and what how you plan to use it.