Dell Inspiron 13 7000 (2017) Review: A Good Budget 2-in-1


4 min read 01-11-2024
Dell Inspiron 13 7000 (2017) Review: A Good Budget 2-in-1

In the realm of portable computing, the 2-in-1 laptop has become a dominant force, offering the flexibility to seamlessly transition between laptop mode and tablet mode. Dell, a renowned name in the industry, has consistently strived to cater to diverse user needs, and the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 (2017) stands as a testament to this commitment. This 2-in-1 laptop, aimed at the budget-conscious consumer, delivers a compelling blend of performance, portability, and versatility.

Design and Features: A Fusion of Style and Functionality

The Inspiron 13 7000 (2017) embodies a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic, with its aluminum lid and palm rest exuding a premium feel. The laptop's compact footprint, weighing in at just 3.15 pounds, makes it exceptionally portable, allowing users to effortlessly carry it around. Its dimensions of 12.7 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches make it a breeze to slip into a bag or backpack.

The design seamlessly integrates a 360-degree hinge, enabling the screen to rotate fully, transforming the laptop into a tablet. This versatility allows users to work, play, and browse content with ease. The hinge provides a sturdy and smooth transition, ensuring the screen remains firmly in place regardless of the angle.

Display: Vivid Colors and Immersive Viewing

The Inspiron 13 7000 (2017) boasts a 13.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) touchscreen display, providing sharp visuals and a vibrant color palette. The touch screen responsiveness is excellent, ensuring accurate and seamless interaction. Whether you're editing photos, watching movies, or browsing the web, the display delivers a captivating visual experience.

The display's brightness is adequate for indoor use, but it can struggle in bright sunlight. The viewing angles are also decent, though colors can appear washed out when viewed from extreme angles. Overall, the display offers a good balance of quality and affordability.

Performance: Power for Everyday Tasks

Under the hood, the Inspiron 13 7000 (2017) is powered by a seventh-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM. These specifications ensure smooth and efficient performance for everyday tasks, such as web browsing, document editing, and light multitasking.

The laptop's integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 chipset provides sufficient graphics capabilities for casual gaming and video playback. While it may not be a gaming powerhouse, it delivers a decent gaming experience at lower settings for less demanding titles. The laptop also comes equipped with a 256GB solid-state drive (SSD), which provides fast boot times, quick app loading, and overall snappy performance.

Keyboard and Touchpad: A Delightful Typing Experience

The Inspiron 13 7000 (2017) features a comfortable and responsive backlit keyboard. The keys offer a good amount of travel and feedback, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. The keyboard's layout is standard, making it easy for users to adjust.

The touchpad is smooth and accurate, responding well to gestures. It features multi-touch capabilities, allowing users to navigate the interface with ease. The touchpad's size is also adequate for comfortable use.

Battery Life: A Day's Worth of Productivity

The Inspiron 13 7000 (2017) is equipped with a 4-cell battery that delivers an impressive battery life. On a single charge, the laptop can last for up to 7 hours of mixed usage, including web browsing, video playback, and light productivity tasks. This makes it ideal for users who are constantly on the go and need a laptop that can keep up with their busy schedules.

Ports and Connectivity: Well-Equipped for Modern Needs

The Inspiron 13 7000 (2017) features a decent selection of ports, providing ample connectivity options for modern users. It includes two USB 3.0 ports, a USB 2.0 port, an HDMI port, a microSD card reader, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. The laptop also includes a built-in 720p webcam for video calls and conferences.

Audio Quality: A Solid Performance

The Inspiron 13 7000 (2017) features dual speakers located on the bottom of the laptop. While the audio quality is adequate for everyday use, it lacks the depth and clarity of higher-end laptops. The speakers produce a decent sound, but they can sound thin and tinny at higher volumes. For a more immersive audio experience, users may want to consider connecting external speakers or headphones.

Conclusion: A Solid Budget 2-in-1 Option

The Dell Inspiron 13 7000 (2017) proves to be a solid choice for budget-conscious users seeking a versatile 2-in-1 laptop. Its sleek design, impressive battery life, and comfortable keyboard make it an ideal companion for everyday productivity and entertainment. While its performance may not be as robust as higher-end models, it delivers more than enough power for most users. If you're looking for a reliable and portable 2-in-1 laptop that doesn't break the bank, the Inspiron 13 7000 (2017) is definitely worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the starting price for the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 (2017)?

A: The starting price for the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 (2017) varies depending on the configuration. You can typically find it for around $700-$800.

Q: Is the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 (2017) suitable for gaming?

A: While the Inspiron 13 7000 (2017) can handle some casual gaming, it's not ideal for demanding titles. It's best suited for light gaming and casual titles.

Q: Does the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 (2017) have a fingerprint reader?

A: No, the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 (2017) does not come with a fingerprint reader.

Q: Is the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 (2017) upgradeable?

A: The RAM in the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 (2017) is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. The storage drive, however, can be upgraded by replacing the existing SSD.

Q: What are the main differences between the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 (2017) and the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 (2018)?

A: The Dell Inspiron 13 7000 (2018) features an updated processor, a slightly improved display, and a longer battery life compared to the 2017 model.