The world of laptops has evolved dramatically over the past decade, with 2-in-1 devices leading the charge as versatile solutions for both productivity and entertainment. Among these devices, the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 stands out as a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on performance or design. In this review, we will delve deep into its specifications, performance, design, and overall user experience. By the end, you will have a comprehensive understanding of whether this device meets your needs and expectations.
Specifications Overview
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a quick glance at what the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 (Early 2017) brings to the table:
- Processor: Intel Core i5-7200U / Intel Core i7-7500U
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB SSD (optional 512GB)
- Display: 13.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Touchscreen
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Weight: Approximately 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg)
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Ports: USB Type-C, USB 3.0, HDMI, SD card reader, headphone/microphone combo
Design and Build Quality
The first thing you'll notice about the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 is its sleek design. The chassis is constructed from aluminum, giving it a premium feel that you wouldn’t typically associate with budget laptops. The device is available in a sophisticated gray color, which contributes to its elegant aesthetics.
The 2-in-1 hinge allows you to flip the screen around, letting you use it in tablet mode, tent mode, or as a traditional laptop. This versatility makes it suitable for a variety of tasks—whether you're typing an essay, sketching, or watching a movie.
Display
The 13.3-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen offers vibrant colors and sharp visuals, making it ideal for media consumption and general use. With a resolution of 1920 x 1080, everything from browsing the web to watching your favorite shows is visually satisfying. The touchscreen is responsive, allowing you to navigate smoothly through apps and Windows 10 features.
One thing to note is that the screen is glossy, which can lead to reflections in brightly lit environments. However, the brightness levels are quite respectable, so most users should find it sufficient for indoor use.
Performance
Under the hood, the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 is powered by either an Intel Core i5-7200U or i7-7500U processor, combined with 8GB of RAM. This setup strikes an excellent balance between performance and power consumption, making it capable of handling everyday tasks with ease.
Whether you’re multitasking, streaming videos, or working on documents, the laptop performs admirably. Thanks to the SSD storage, boot times and file transfers are lightning-fast. The performance is robust enough for most users, although hardcore gamers or those requiring specialized software may find it lacking.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key consideration for any laptop, especially for those on the go. With a claimed battery life of up to 10 hours, the Inspiron 13 7000 performs well under typical usage conditions. This means you can comfortably get through a workday or several episodes of your favorite series without scrambling for a charger.
Real-world testing suggests that users can expect around 7 to 8 hours of battery life with mixed usage, which is still commendable for a device in this price range.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard on the Inspiron 13 7000 provides a comfortable typing experience. The keys have a decent amount of travel and offer good tactile feedback, making long typing sessions less of a chore. It is backlit, which is a nice touch for working in low-light conditions.
The touchpad is also responsive, featuring Windows Precision drivers that enhance usability. Gestures such as pinch-to-zoom and swipe are fluid, allowing for a seamless interaction experience.
Connectivity Options
Dell has equipped the Inspiron 13 7000 with a range of connectivity options. You will find a USB Type-C port alongside two USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI output, and an SD card reader. This diverse array of ports allows users to connect to various peripherals without needing additional adapters.
Additionally, the device supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless connectivity. This ensures that you can easily connect to the internet and use wireless devices like printers and headphones.
Software and User Experience
Out of the box, the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 runs Windows 10 Home, which offers a user-friendly interface with a host of features. Dell also includes some useful software utilities that enhance the experience, such as Dell Update for driver installations and support.
However, keep in mind that like many manufacturers, Dell includes some bloatware, which can be uninstalled if you prefer a cleaner setup.
Audio Quality
In terms of audio, the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 features stereo speakers that provide satisfactory sound for general use. While they are not audiophile-grade, they are perfectly adequate for watching videos or making video calls. For the best audio experience, we recommend using headphones or external speakers.
Pricing and Availability
When it comes to pricing, the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 (Early 2017) is positioned as a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality. Typically, prices range from $600 to $800, depending on the configuration and retailer. Given its performance and features, this price point is competitive compared to other devices in the same category.
Pros and Cons
To summarize our review, let’s look at the main pros and cons of the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 (Early 2017).
Pros
- Versatile 2-in-1 Design: The ability to switch between laptop and tablet mode is a significant advantage for users who value flexibility.
- Solid Performance: Equipped with a capable processor and SSD, it handles everyday tasks with ease.
- High-Quality Display: The Full HD touchscreen offers vibrant colors and clarity for media consumption.
- Good Battery Life: With up to 10 hours of battery life, it is well-suited for on-the-go users.
- Decent Build Quality: The aluminum chassis provides a premium feel, enhancing the overall user experience.
Cons
- Glossy Display: The glossy screen can lead to reflections in bright environments.
- Limited Graphics Performance: While it handles everyday tasks well, it's not suitable for heavy gaming or intensive graphic design work.
- Bloatware: Some pre-installed software may not be necessary for all users.
Conclusion
In a sea of options, the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 (Early 2017) proves to be an excellent budget 2-in-1 laptop that strikes a balance between performance, versatility, and build quality. It is well-suited for students, professionals, and casual users who are looking for a reliable device that can handle a wide variety of tasks.
While it may not be perfect—especially for those with demanding graphics needs—it shines in the everyday computing tasks that most users engage in. With its robust design, impressive battery life, and solid performance, the Inspiron 13 7000 is certainly worth considering for anyone in the market for a budget-friendly 2-in-1 solution.
FAQs
1. Is the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 good for gaming?
While it can handle some light gaming, the integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 will struggle with more demanding titles. It's primarily designed for productivity and media consumption.
2. Can the RAM be upgraded?
No, the RAM in the Inspiron 13 7000 is soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.
3. Does it come with a stylus?
The Dell Inspiron 13 7000 does not come with a stylus included, but it is compatible with various third-party stylus options for touch input.
4. How does it handle heat during heavy use?
The laptop has a decent cooling system that keeps it relatively cool during everyday tasks. However, it may become warm under intense workloads.
5. What is the warranty period?
Typically, the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 comes with a one-year limited warranty, covering parts and labor. Extended warranty options are available for purchase.
This comprehensive review aims to provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed purchasing decision regarding the Dell Inspiron 13 7000. Whether you're looking for a reliable work machine or a capable multimedia device, it’s worth considering this budget-friendly 2-in-1.