Gaming Performance Review: Dell Venue Pro 11 Tablet with Atom Bay Trail

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Unboxing the Dell Venue Pro 11 Tablet
3. testing the Performance of the Atom Bay Trail Processor
4. Evaluating the Keyboard and Mouse Functionality
5. Cold Start Time and Resume Speed
6. Exploring the Slinky Board and Tablet Stand
7. Expandable Storage Options
8. Loading and Playing Team Fortress 2
9. Adjusting Graphics Settings for Optimal Performance
10. Offline Practice and AI Performance
11. Conclusion

Introduction

👋 Hello everyone! Today, I am excited to share my experience with the brand-new Dell Venue Pro 11 tablet. This tablet features the new Atom Bay Trail processor, and I wanted to test its performance specifically in running the popular Game Team Fortress 2. I know many of you might be curious about how well this tablet can handle gaming, so let's dive into it and see what this device is capable of. But before we dive into the details, let's unbox the tablet and take a closer look at its features.

Unboxing the Dell Venue Pro 11 Tablet

When I received this Dell Venue Pro 11 tablet, I immediately unboxed it and was greeted by a sleek and modern design. The specific model I am reviewing is equipped with the Atom Bay Trail CPU, which promises improved performance and efficiency. The tablet also came with a slinky board, featuring an Italian layout keyboard and a power charger. The keyboard keys are neatly designed with a short travel distance, making it comfortable to move in-game using the WASD keys. The tablet itself has a USB 3.0 port and a micro USB port for charging. I even tried using the power cord of my XPS 17 and it worked perfectly with the Venue charger. This tablet definitely has some promising features, so now let's move on to testing its performance.

Testing the Performance of the Atom Bay Trail Processor

One of my major concerns before testing the Dell Venue Pro 11 tablet was whether the Atom Bay Trail processor can handle running a game like Team Fortress 2. Despite being a quad-core processor and a new generation, I was uncertain if it could deliver smooth gameplay. To my surprise, the tablet handled the game really well. The CPU managed the out-of-order processing efficiently, allowing for a seamless gaming experience. The game ran smoothly, and I didn't face any performance issues. The Atom processor proved to be quite capable, even for gaming purposes.

Evaluating the Keyboard and Mouse Functionality

The slinky board that came with the Dell Venue Pro 11 tablet functions as a smart cover for the device. When closed, the magnets on the keyboard suspend the tablet, while when opened, it can be used as a sturdy stand. This thoughtfully designed feature supports connected standby, meaning that even when the tablet is suspended, it remains connected to Wi-Fi. The resume time of the tablet is astonishingly fast. As soon as I opened the cover, the tablet was ready to be used. Being an Intel CPU tablet, it can install any application, including full-fledged Team Fortress 2. I even tested it with a microSD card expansion containing additional games. The tablet proved to be versatile and capable of handling various applications and games.

Cold Start Time and Resume Speed

To test the cold start time of the Dell Venue Pro 11 tablet, I turned on the device without using the fast boot function in Windows 8. Thanks to the 64GB micro solid-state drive, the tablet booted up swiftly, completing the startup process in just around 11 to 12 seconds. The resume feature of the tablet, when suspended, is also impressively fast. As soon as I opened the cover, the tablet resumed Instantly, making it convenient to use on the go.

Exploring the Slinky Board and Tablet Stand

The slinky board that comes with the Dell Venue Pro 11 tablet offers more than just a keyboard. It doubles as a stand, making it easier to use the tablet in different scenarios. When the tablet is closed, the magnets on the cover suspend the tablet, providing protection. When the cover is opened, it can be easily transformed into a stand, giving a comfortable viewing angle. This feature is especially useful for watching movies or video calls. The slinky board is designed to enhance the overall experience of using the tablet.

Expandable Storage Options

The Dell Venue Pro 11 tablet offers a microSD expansion slot, allowing for additional storage. I inserted a 32GB microSD card, expanding the tablet's storage capacity. This feature is particularly useful for gamers who want to install and play multiple games. It provides flexibility and allows users to shift their games to external storage if needed. The expandable storage option adds convenience and ensures that the tablet can accommodate a variety of content.

Loading and Playing Team Fortress 2

Now, let's get to the exciting part – loading and playing Team Fortress 2 on the Dell Venue Pro 11 tablet. I launched the game from the Steam platform and selected the offline mode to avoid any internet connectivity issues. The game loaded promptly, and I kept the video settings at native panel resolution, which is 1080p Full HD. In this first round, I set the graphics quality to the minimum to assess the tablet's performance. Surprisingly, even at the lowest settings, the game ran smoothly without any noticeable lag or frame drops.

Adjusting Graphics Settings for Optimal Performance

After the initial test, I decided to push the performance of the Dell Venue Pro 11 tablet further by adjusting the graphics settings. I increased the resolution to 720p HD and set the graphics quality to DirectX level 8.1. This allowed me to maintain a reliable frame rate, even with higher settings. While some textures and polygonal materials were sacrificed, the tablet delivered a consistent minimum of 40 frames per Second, with peaks reaching 100 or even 110 frames per second. It's worth noting that these settings can be adjusted further based on personal preferences, providing flexibility for gamers to optimize their gaming experience.

Offline Practice and AI Performance

To test the Dell Venue Pro 11 tablet's performance with AI-driven gameplay, I decided to try the offline practice mode in Team Fortress 2. This mode allows the CPU to manage artificial intelligence-driven bots while simulating a realistic gameplay experience. Despite lowering the graphics settings, the tablet handled the game exceptionally well. The offline practice mode not only showcased the tablet's performance with AI, but it also allowed for higher polygonal and texture details. The tablet managed the gameplay smoothly, although occasional spikes and hiccups were observed. Overall, the performance of the Dell Venue Pro 11 tablet impressed me, demonstrating its capability for both casual and more demanding gaming scenarios.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Dell Venue Pro 11 tablet with the Atom Bay Trail processor proves to be a reliable option for gaming enthusiasts. It offers smooth and seamless gameplay, even with a demanding game like Team Fortress 2. The slinky board and tablet stand enhance the overall user experience, providing convenience and flexibility. The tablet's quick resume time and expandable storage options further contribute to its versatility. Whether you're a casual gamer or someone who enjoys more intense gaming Sessions, the Dell Venue Pro 11 tablet is sure to impress.