Dell Inspiron 17 7000 Review: A Large Screen Convertible

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Dell Inspiron 17 7000: At First Glance

Convertible laptops have increasingly become a high demand among laptop users. The flexibility that convertibles offer makes them the choice of so many people since they can be used as tablets or laptops.

However, these convertible laptops mostly come in small screen sizes. Hence, big-screen laptop lovers seem to be missing out on the benefits that convertibles offer.

Interestingly, Dell has taken it upon itself to solve that problem by making big-screen convertible laptops available through its Dell Inspiron 17 7000 series. In this review, we will focus on the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779.

Do you think that a 17-inch convertible laptop is something odd? Read this review to the end, as the Dell Inspiron 17 7779 might change your opinion on that.

Dell Inspiron 17 7000: Design, Dimension, and Weight

For the design, Dell uses a brushed-aluminum metal as the build material for the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779. Due to the high quality of its build, the laptop is quite durable and classy.

As a matter of fact, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 is certainly one of the most attractive 17-inch laptops out there. The metal lid has a “Dell” logo at its center as the only noteworthy feature of the lid.

Although the lid is sturdy, it flexes a little when pressure is applied. The base of the laptop, too, will twist when a significant force is applied.

However, the laptop has decent overall stability. 

When you flip the lid open, you will find the massive 17.3-inch screen staring at you. The bezels that surround the screen are about 13mm on the sides, 29mm at the bottom, and a generous 16mm at the top.

Although the large bezels do not conform to modern standards and their thickness adds to the overall size of the laptop, they have their own few advantages. Firstly, they help to prevent the user from stroking the screen when maneuvering between the different usage modes.

Speaking of usage modes, just like every convertible 2-in-1 device, you can use the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 in laptop, tent, tablet, and stand modes. For clarity, tent mode is when the bend the lid and the base are outward to form an inverted V.

The tent mode is great for watching movies.

For the stand mode, it involves laying the keyboard flat on the desk in a backward “L” shape while the screen faces the user. This mode is great for making presentations.

When it comes to tablet mode, you fold the keyboard all the way back so that you can place your 2-in-1 device flat on a surface. This mode is best for writing or drawing while using the touchscreen.

Finally, there is the laptop mode, where you use your convertible just like any other laptop. This mode is best for tasks that involve the extensive use of the keyboard.

Having explained the different modes, let’s return to the bezels.

Another benefit of the chunky bezel is that the top bezel houses an HD webcam that is suitable for casual video chats. Meanwhile, the bottom bezel has a silver “Dell” logo that helps with brand identification and beautifies the bottom of the screen.

Now that we’ve described the bezels, let us look at the resolution of the display. In that regard, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 has FHD (1920 x 1080 pixels), which I find quite disappointing.

The reason for my disappointment is that some smartphones offer FHD (1920 x 1080) display resolution. Therefore, I expected a higher display resolution from this laptop, considering its 17-inch screen size.

However, the FHD display of this laptop is sharp enough, and it produces accurate colors with enough brightness. Hence, it is sufficient for home and work use.

In addition to the resolution, the display also has good viewing angles which makes it suitable for watching videos from an angle.

Another thumbs up for the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779’s display is that it has good brightness. Specifically, it has 313 nits of brightness which is higher than the 295 nits category average.

Furthermore, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 is one of the few 17-inch laptops that has a touch-sensitive screen. The touchscreen works well and makes it easier to swipe between tabs or control a presentation slide.

Having talked about the display, let us now discuss the hinges that hold it to the keyboard. Dell says the laptop hinges can still feel tight even after opening and closing the lid 10000 times.

Thankfully, that is not so hard to believe because the hinges are quite sturdy. Additionally, the hinges are somewhat stiff, and this helps with maneuvering the convertible between the four modes earlier discussed.

Proceeding to the laptop base, there you will find the keyboard with keys that are a bit small. For a 17-inch laptop, I expected larger keys.

To add to that, the gaps between the keys are small. However, the pressure point is clear, which reduces typing noise and results in a nice typing experience.

In fact, even when typing fast, the keys are pleasantly quiet. Additionally, the keyboard has a backlight with two brightness levels that can be controlled via the Fn key.

Overall, the keyboard is good, but I wish it were larger. I guess Dell sacrificed the keyboard size for the touchpad.

Talking about the touchpad, it is quite spacious.

Although the surface is slightly roughened, it is still smooth and responsive when you glide your fingers over the surface. Additionally, the two integrated touchpad buttons produce a satisfying click when pressed.

Having highlighted the qualities of the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779’s keyboard and touchpad, let us now consider its audio. The laptop has 2 x 2 W down-firing speakers located slightly below the palm rest.

The speakers use the MaxxAudio Pro application, which enhances their sound performance. Impressively, the speakers are adequate for listening to music or making video calls.

In fact, even at moderate volume, sounds are clear and easy to comprehend without any distortions. However, because of the laptop’s size, I expected a bit more sound.

Now let’s discuss the port selection of the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779. In this aspect, the laptop does not offer much.

Specifically, on the left side, the laptop offers 1 USB 3.0 port, 1 USB 2.0 port, and 1 USB Type-C port. Additionally, on the right side, there is an HDMI 1.4a port and headphone/microphone audio combo jack.

Once again, I expected more but more ports would have led to an increase in the weight of the laptop. Talking about the weight, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 weighs 2770 g which implies that it is pretty heavy.

For comparison intent, another 17.3-inch laptop – the MSI GS75 Stealth – weighs only 2249.8 g.

Apart from the weight of a laptop, we also consider its dimension. In light of that, the Dell Inspiron 17 7779 has a dimension of 412.5 X 277.5 X 22.1 – 22.6mm (W x D x H).

Meanwhile, the MSI GS75 Stealth measures 395.9 x 259.5 x 19 mm (W x D x H).

From the dimension comparison, we can see that the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 is also bigger than the MSI GS75 Stealth.

In conclusion, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 has a sturdy build, a backlit keyboard, and a good display. For these reasons, I rate it eight in this design review section.

Dell Inspiron 17 7000: Processor (CPU) Performance

The Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 employs an Intel Core i7-7500U processor. In the aspect of processing speed, its base and maximum frequencies are 2.70 GHz and 3.50 GHz, respectively.

In addition to that, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 processor is called a dual-core processor. So, it will process tasks faster than single-core processors.

Additionally, this processor has a 4 MB cache memory which acts as temporary storage for frequently used data. The cache memory helps the processor to work faster.

So, ideally, the bigger a processor’s cache, the faster it can process tasks.

From the processor specs, the Core i7-7500U can be regarded as a high-end processor. Hence, it should perform most tasks assigned to it efficiently.

To see how true that is, let’s examine the processing ability of this laptop by considering its performance in the Cinebench R15 benchmark test. For your information, Cinebench R15 is a benchmark tool that tests how well a computer’s processor performs.

It does this in two ways – by checking how well the processor performs tasks by using one of its cores. In the Cinebench R15 benchmark test, this is known as single-core.

Also, the Cinebench test checks how well the processor performs tasks by using all its cores and this is known as multi-core.

Meanwhile, it is important to note that a higher score in each of these test classifications signifies better processor performance.

Hence, based on the Cinebench R15 test results, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 recorded 142 points for its single-core test. Meanwhile, in the multi-core test, the laptop recorded 645 points.

Comparatively, the Acer Predator 15 G9-592-7925 scored 142 points on the single-core test and 676 points on the multi-core test. For a better perspective, the Acer Predator 15 runs on an Intel Core i7-6700HQ processor.

In conclusion, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 proves its ability to swiftly perform heavy computing tasks from the benchmark test. So, a rating of eight is right for this processor performance review section.

Dell Inspiron 17 7000: Memory (RAM) Performance

The Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 comes with two DDR4 slots with a standard capacity of 4 GB. Better still; the laptop supports a maximum memory capacity of 16 GB.

This implies that you can upgrade the 4 GB memory to a larger memory size of 16 GB. However, if you buy this laptop with its standard 4 GB of RAM and wish to upgrade to 16 GB, note the information in the next paragraph.

You will have to remove the 4 GB of RAM. Then, purchase 2 DDR4 RAMS and populate the two RAM slots.

However, the DDR4 is a good memory type, so this laptop can still perform light multitasking even with the least RAM size of 4 GB of RAM. For example, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 model I am reviewing, with its 4 GB RAM, is capable of opening up to 10 Chrome browser tabs.

Not only that, but switching between these tabs is also swift. Now you know how much multitasking a 4 GB model of this laptop can handle.

However, if you need more multitasking prowess from your laptop, you might need to upgrade to larger memory sizes. That said, let us now discuss how well this laptop performed in a PCMark 8 test.

In case you don’t know, PCMark 8 is a benchmark test tool that assesses a computer’s memory performance by simulating essential computing tasks.

For example, it can mimic tasks like emailing, video streaming, web surfing, and others. Just like the Cinebench R15 benchmark earlier discussed, the higher the score in this PCMark test, the better the laptop’s performance.

Having said that, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 scored 4175 points on the test. In comparison, its score is a few points below the 4741 points achieved by ASUS ROG GL502VM.

Overall, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 offers a good memory performance. Therefore, I will be rating it an eight out of ten in this memory review section.

Dell Inspiron 17 7000: Storage Options and Performance

When it comes to storage, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 comes in two storage options. Dells makes this 17-inch laptop available in either SSD or SATA HDD storage types.

Sadly, the SSD storage type offers only a maximum capacity of 128 GB, which might be inadequate for most users. On the other hand, the SATA HDD memory type comes with a maximum storage capacity of 1 TB.

As popularly known, SSDs offer faster storage speed, while HDDs usually offer larger storage space. Hence, if you desire more storage space than faster storage speed, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 with SATA HDD storage is the best for you.

However, if you prioritize storage speed over storage space, then the SSD storage option is a better choice for you. Whichever storage option of the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 you choose, it might impress you to know that this laptop supports external storage expansion.

Specifically, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 comes with one Micro SD (SD/SDHC/SDXC) card reader.

At this point, let us consider the storage performance of this laptop in a CrystalDiskMark benchmark test. For this purpose, we will be considering a model of this laptop with a 128 GB SSD.

Before we get into that, you should be aware that CrystalDiskMark is a benchmark test tool for evaluating the speed of a computer’s storage.

The CrystalDiskMark test does this by evaluating the read and write speeds of the computer’s storage. For better understanding, read speed means the time it takes a computer to open a file.

On the other hand, write speed is the time it takes a computer to save a file. Similar to the previous benchmark test we talked about, the higher the speed achieved in this test, the better the storage performance.

That said, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 recorded a sequential read speed of 816.4 MBps. Meanwhile, for sequential write speed, it had 127.3 MBps.

Compared to Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779, the HP Envy 17 had a lower sequential read speed of 468.6 MBps. However, HP Envy 17 had a higher sequential write speed of 449.4 MBps.

This implies that the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 will open files faster than the HP Envy 17. Meanwhile, the HP Envy 17 will save files faster.

Based on all I have said in this section, I will be rating the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 seven out of ten in this storage review section.

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Dell Inspiron 17 7000: Graphics Card Performance

Another aspect where the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 has two options is graphics. These options include an integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce 940M graphics.

As for the speed, the Intel HD Graphics 620 has a base frequency of 300 MHz and a maximum frequency of 1050 MHz. Meanwhile, the NVIDIA GeForce 940M has a 1072 MHz base frequency and 1176 MHz boost frequency.

In addition to that, the NVIDIA GeForce 940M graphics card also has 2 GB DDR3 dedicated video RAM. However, the Intel HD Graphics 620 does not have dedicated video RAM because it is an integrated graphics card.

For better understanding, video RAM is a memory type that boosts the graphic processing ability of a computer. Hence, because the NVIDIA GeForce 940M has video RAM, it will deliver a better graphics performance than the Intel HD Graphics 620.

At this point, let us proceed to consider the performance of this laptop with the NVIDIA GeForce 940M in a 3DMark benchmark test. Firstly, it is important to note that 3DMark is a benchmark tool that tests the graphics rendering ability of a computer.

As with other benchmark tests earlier mentioned, the higher the score, the better the computer’s graphics performance. Based on the test results, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 recorded 97,422 points.

Unfortunately, this score is below the 124,290 points average and also below the 114,482 points achieved by the Dell XPS 15.

Meanwhile, it is important to note that the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 is not designed for gaming. However, with the NVIDIA GeForce 940M graphics, you can play some games at low settings.

Specifically, you can run GTA 5 in 1080p resolution and low graphics settings at 56 fps. You can also play Counter-Strike: Global Offensive in 1080p resolution and low graphics settings at 94 fps.

In conclusion, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 is convenient for performing most graphics tasks, especially when you opt for the dedicated graphics option. Hence, this laptop deserves an eight out of ten in this graphics review section.

Dell Inspiron 17 7000: Battery Life and Performance

In this aspect, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 is powered by a 4-cell, 56 WHr Li-ion battery. Unfortunately, Dell didn’t advertise the battery life.

However, we always include the laptop’s battery life in our laptop reviews to give you complete information about the laptop. Therefore, I will be doing the same for the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 in this review.

To do that, we will be considering some battery tests. The first test involved keeping the laptop idle while screen brightness was set to a minimum and WLAN turned off.

From the test, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 lasted 16 hours 37 minutes. In addition to that, another test was carried out, which involved continuously surfing the web over WiFi and at 150 nits of brightness.

From the second test, the laptop lasted 9 hours.

Comparatively, the ASUS ROG GL502VM lasted 5 hours 15 minutes on idle and 3 hours 40 minutes while surfing the web.

In conclusion, the battery life of the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 is quite impressive, so it deserves an eight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 is a big convertible laptop that is good for multimedia and general computing tasks. It has a bright, colorful display and powerful speakers that make it a good choice for watching movies as well as playing music and games.

However, the laptop’s size and weight make it a burden to carry. Its size and weight also do not make it seamless to switch between modes, unlike smaller convertibles.

Another reservation I have about this laptop is that its keys are quite small for a laptop of this size.

Nevertheless, if you need a big-screen convertible laptop without minding its heavyweight then, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 7779 could be a good choice.

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