I think the Inspiron Duo's success (or failure) will likely depend on the price point--if it's more expensive than the iPad, consumers may go for the sexier Apple tablet; if it's less expensive, Dell may still end up skating in the red at first--but could go into the black eventually, thanks to budget-minded tablet hunters.

Either way, the Inspiron Duo's design is innovative, and it's exciting to see device-makers building outside the box of just tablet or just netbook.