Are you searching for the perfect desktop replacement laptop? This detailed Dell Inspiron 17 review will help you with your decision making.
In this review, you will learn a lot about the laptop to help you decide if it will be suitable for your computing operations. This review consists of a detailed record of its performance and features.
Furthermore, I will take a look at how cost-cutting affects the performance of this laptop. Finally, you will get an expert’s view of the overall performance of this laptop.
My Initial Thoughts
Dell recorded a significant boom in the laptop market the moment the average non-premium laptop proved to be fast enough for computing tasks. Dell’s reputation for the production of fast laptops has attributed to their growth.
In line with what Dell is known for, Dell offers another strongly competitive laptop in form of the Dell Inspiron 17. It caters to those looking for a desktop replacement with a smaller size and basic mobility.
This laptop comes with many good features that make it impressive. For example, its storage options are so impressive that the laptop really seems like a daily must-have.
Dell Inspiron 17 Design, Dimension & Weight Review
The lid of the Dell Inspiron 17 is covered with a raised triangular pattern that looks bumpy but very detailed. It is comfortable to the touch and it looks different from the typical flat laptop surfaces.
This design keeps the laptop from retaining fingerprints. However, the laptop can be difficult to clean if it gets stained.
In terms of color, the Dell Inspiron 17 comes in silver and black models. The laptop is mostly constructed with plastic material.
However, the laptop is a bit hefty and will take more than one hand to open its lid. It weighs 3003 g and measures 415.40 x 279.20 x 21.86 – 22.46 mm.
Despite its bulky size, Dell Inspiron 17 has some exciting features. The proper spacing of the keyboard keys, for example, enhances comfortable typing. Also, the keys have a very good tactile feel.
The touchpad is also quite nice. It is sensitive enough and its multitouch feature is great.
In addition, the Dell Inspiron 17 has a really good port selection. You get a power connector, a USB Type-C 3.1 port, an HDMI port, an RJ-45 port.
The laptop also offers an Optical drive, two USB Type-A 3.1 ports, an audio jack, a USB Type-A 2.0 port and an SD card reader.
In conclusion, the Dell Inspiron 17 scores a seven in this review because of its average design.
Dell Inspiron 17 Processor (CPU) Performance Review
Dell equips the Dell Inspiron 17 with the Ice Lake family processors. Dell offers three different variants for the laptop’s processor – Intel Core i5-1005G1, Intel Core i5-1035G1, and Intel Core i7-1065G7.
When you get Dell Inspiron 17 with any of these processors, you should get excellent performance. However, I recommend Intel Core i7-1065G7 for the best possible performance.
Thanks to its processor, the Dell Inspiron 17 provides advanced processing power in all basic computing tasks and even in demanding tasks.
Web browsing and even video editing are smooth on this laptop. However, the processing speed of this laptop largely depends on the processor configuration you purchase.
The Dell Inspiron 17 scores an eight in this review for its good CPU performance.
Dell Inspiron 17 Memory (RAM) Performance Review
The Dell Inspiron 17 is equipped with 4 GB DDR4 RAM but can be upgraded to 16 GB. This is possible thanks to the availability of 2 memory slots.
For basic multitasking, the 4 GB RAM gives the laptop enough power. However, if you intend to carry out heavy multitasking, the 16 GB RAM is recommended.
Furthermore, the maximum 16 GB memory supported on the laptop makes it suitable for video editing. Also, with more memory, the Dell Inspiron 17 is able to run CAD packages with little or no problems.
During memory performance tests, the Dell Inspiron 17 performed well. It easily ran 2 programs and up to 15 browser tabs with 2 of those tabs playing 1080p videos on YouTube.
The Dell Inspiron 17 scores an eight in this review for its multitasking capability and RAM upgradability.
Dell Inspiron 17 Storage Options & Performance Review
The Dell Inspiron 17 comes with an M.2 SSD NVMe PCIe Gen 3 with a maximum size of 512 GB as well as a SATA drive with 2 TB capacity. Its storage options also include 1 SD card.
This laptop’s storage offers good performance and it is very reliable. Its Solid-state drive is a major attribute of its good performance.
Furthermore, the process of opening files and programs are all faster thanks to its storage. Also, starting and shutting down the laptop is very fast.
For instance, its NVMe SSD is capable of attaining an average read speed of 2000 MBps and an average write speed of 1200 MBps. Additionally, its SATA drive can attain an average speed of 600 MBps.
Therefore, the Dell Inspiron 17 scores an eight in this review for its good storage options and speed.
Dell Inspiron 17 Graphics Card Performance Review
The Dell Inspiron 17 offers 2 configuration options for its graphics card. It comes with either an Integrated Intel UHD Graphics card or an Integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics.
Dell Inspiron 17 is not a gaming laptop. Nevertheless, it works just fine with daily graphics and regular multimedia tasks.
However, its performance at advanced gaming is not very exciting. Though you can play some latest games, you will have to lower the graphics settings and resolution.
To give you some of its gaming performance, the laptop ran old games like Left4Dead at a rate of 36 FPS. It also ran Dirt3 at 33 FPS.
However, it barely ran modern games like The Witcher 3 at a favorable frame rate – it ran the game at 20 FPS with the game settings reduced.
Furthermore, it ran Call of Duty: BlackOps 2 at 30 FPS with the lowest resolution setting. But Battlefield 4 is a no go area because it barely plays the game.
The Dell Inspiron 17 scores a seven in this review because it performs well with daily graphics and multimedia tasks.
Dell Inspiron 17 Battery Life & Performance Review
The Dell Inspiron 17 is equipped with a 3-Cell 42 Wh Lithium battery. The battery delivers a maximum battery life of 5 hours.
The battery life is disappointing because, with the absence of a dedicated video card to suck up power, you would have expected longer battery life.
As expected, on a battery performance test, the laptop managed to stay powered for 4 hours 30 minutes during heavy browsing sessions. It lasted for 5 hours with video playback.
This laptop’s battery life can barely last you through half a day’s work without requiring you to plug it in. Hence, the Dell Inspiron 17 scores a six in this review for its average battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Dell Inspiron 17 is an efficient laptop for daily computing tasks. Its good configuration options make it more admirable. However, it is not very light. Nonetheless, it has really good features like its bright IPS display and good port selections.
Dell Inspiron 17 isn’t very good for gaming. You’ll struggle to enjoy most modern games at high settings. You will have to reduce the game’s graphics settings to medium or low settings depending on the game. However, it is okay for casual gaming.
The Dell Inspiron 17’s battery lasts up to 5 hours. The laptop manages to stay powered for 4 hours 30 minutes with heavy browsing sessions. It lasts as long as 5 hours with very few tasks such as video playback.
The Dell Inspiron 17 can last for more than 3 years with proper maintenance. It’s a good and reliable laptop. To make it better, Dell also offers outstanding customer support for their products.
No, it doesn’t. The Dell Inspiron 17 has good multimedia options like its Audio Jack, 2 speakers, and 720p HD Camera. But it doesn’t have an optical drive.
My Final Thoughts
The Dell Inspiron 17 fits perfectly as a laptop for everyday use. Its decent display and above-average performance make it a good option.
However, I wouldn’t recommend this laptop to a student or a competitive gamer. It is big, heavy, and not worth much to a student and gamer, but it is perfect as a desktop replacement.
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