Dell 156 Inspiron 15 5000 Series 5570 Notebook Review

TechRadar Verdict

The Core i7 processor and AMD graphics make this a powerful all-rounder, and it's got good looks and reasonable build quality. The keyboard isn't great, though, and the Inspiron's screen lacks resolution and quality.

Pros

• +

  Core i7 processor

• +

  Dedicated AMD graphics

• +

  Smart exterior design

• +

  Decent build quality

Cons

• -

  Low screen resolution and quality

• -

  Middling battery life

• -

  Mediocre keyboard

Dell'south range of Inspiron laptops has been around for what feels similar eons, so was about time the line was refreshed with more recent, superior Intel hardware. This 2018 laptop remains an attractive computer, too, with a brushed metal finish across the chapeau.

Design

Immediately, the metallic lid and attractive Dell logo make a stiff first impression, and the aesthetic spreads to the sides and base, where more than metal is layered over the Dell's plastic skeleton to add a scrap of sheen.

The brushed metal cease on the rear is definitely a nice touch

Spec sheet

Here is the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 configuration sent to TechRadar for review:

CPU: ii.4GHz Intel Core i7-5500U (dual-cadre, 4MB cache, up to 3GHz with Turbo Boost)
Graphics: AMD Radeon R7 M265
RAM: 8GB DDR3
Screen: 15.6-inches, 1,366 ten 768, non-bear upon
Storage: 1TB HDD 5,400RPM
Optical drive: No
Ports: 2 ten USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, Philharmonic audio jack, HDMI, SD card reader
Connectivity: Intel Dual-Ring Wireless – AC 7260, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth iv.0
Photographic camera: 720p Webcam
Weight: iv.four pounds (2kg)
Size: 0.ix 10 thirteen.half dozen x nine.6-inches, 23 x 345 x 243mm (H ten W ten D)

Build quality is very consequent, too. The wrist-rest barely budges, the screen feels sturdy, and the underside has a picayune give – but all the components within are well protected. Nosotros wouldn't actually have a problem with slinging the Dell Inspiron 15 inside a backpack and expecting it to survive our travels. Y'all'll only need to use a protective sleeve if you're concerned about aesthetic harm.

This isn't a particularly expensive notebook, though, so don't expect metal draped over every surface. The underside of the base is only covered in metal on areas where information technology'll exist visible, and the keyboard, wrist-rest and screen bezel are all finished with underwhelming matte blackness plastic.

The port situation is pretty standard here, too, with a trio of USB connections, a HDMI output and Gigabit Ethernet alongside an SD carte du jour reader. Interior access is decent: the base panel lifts abroad after just two screws have been removed, and the retentiveness, hard drive, battery, processor and wireless card are all hands reachable. That's cracking news for anyone that wants to be able to repair or upgrade their own laptop.

In that location's a typical option of ports

This isn't an Ultrabook or a convertible car, which means it'south chunkier than both of its main rivals. At 0.9in (23mm) thick information technology's a tad broader than the 0.78in (20mm) Lenovo ThinkPad X250 and the 0.86in (22mm) Asus Transformer Volume Flip TP300LA, and it tips the scales at 4.4lbs (2kg) – almost 2lb more than the Lenovo and effectually half a pound more than the Asus.

The Inspiron 15 is heavier than some rivals

Ergonomics

The Scrabble-tile keyboard has a number pad, which is a benefaction for productivity, and its layout is mostly fine – we're not thrilled to a see a single-height Render cardinal, only that'southward our simply quibble.

It's a decent jumping off point, but the keys themselves aren't great for serious typing. The base isn't firm enough, and the keys don't take enough travel – a combination of bug that can make the keyboard feel unsatisfying, without the movement and conviction of meliorate, more expensive laptops. Information technology's perfect for browsing, instant messaging and the occasional email, just that's really information technology.

The keyboard isn't designed for serious work

The trackpad is initially too sensitive, which can be fixed in the Control Panel, and it's fine elsewhere – the surface is smooth and responsive, and the buttons are light and consistent.

• Bill Thomas has besides contributed to this review

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Mike has worked as a technology journalist for more than a decade and has written for about of the UK'south big technology titles alongside numerous global outlets. He loves PCs, laptops and any new hardware, and covers everything from the latest business trends to loftier-cease gaming gear.

vigilbres1976.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.techradar.com/uk/reviews/pc-mac/laptops-portable-pcs/laptops-and-netbooks/dell-inspiron-15-5000-1297284/review

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