The Dell Inspiron 17 5000 is a budget-friendly laptop that packs a punch, offering an impressive combination of performance, features, and affordability. As one of the most popular laptops in its class, the Inspiron 17 5000 has undergone significant improvements since its predecessor, making it a compelling option for users seeking a reliable and feature-rich device without breaking the bank.

Design and Display

The Inspiron 17 5000 boasts a sturdy and sleek design, featuring a durable aluminum lid that resists scratches and fingerprints. The laptop’s 17.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display provides vibrant colors and crisp visuals, making it ideal for watching movies, browsing the web, or working on documents.

The keyboard is comfortable to type on, with decent key travel and a subtle backlight that illuminates the keys in low-light environments. The touchpad is also responsive, supporting multi-touch gestures and Windows 10’s precision touchpad features.

Performance

Under the hood, the Inspiron 17 5000 is powered by up to Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, paired with up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD. This configuration delivers smooth performance for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, or running multiple applications simultaneously.

The laptop also features integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, which provide decent performance for casual gaming or multimedia consumption. However, if you’re an avid gamer or require more powerful graphics capabilities, consider upgrading to a dedicated GPU or opting for a different model.

Battery Life

Dell quotes up to 12 hours of battery life for the Inspiron 17 5000, and our testing confirms this estimate. With moderate usage, including web browsing, document editing, and streaming media, we achieved around 10-11 hours of battery life on a single charge. This is impressive considering the laptop’s large display and powerful processor.

Connectivity and Ports

The Inspiron 17 5000 features a generous selection of ports, including:

• USB-A (x2)
• USB-C (with Power Delivery support)
• HDMI
• Headphone jack
• SD card reader

Wireless connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.1.

Audio and Camera

The laptop’s audio system is a highlight, featuring dual speakers with Waves MaxxAudio technology that produces clear and immersive sound. For video conferencing or photography enthusiasts, the Inspiron 17 5000 features an improved 720p HD webcam with a wider viewing angle.

Storage and Cooling

The Inspiron 17 5000 offers various storage options, including up to 2TB of SSD storage for faster loading times and responsive performance. For added durability and heat dissipation, Dell has included dual fans that keep the laptop’s internal components at a safe temperature during intense usage.

Conclusion

The Dell Inspiron 17 5000 is an exceptional budget laptop that balances power, features, and affordability. Its sturdy design, vibrant display, and impressive performance make it an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable device for everyday tasks or moderate gaming.

While it may not be the most portable option due to its large size, the Inspiron 17 5000 is an attractive alternative to pricier laptops that sacrifice features and performance. With a starting price of around $599 (base model) and going up to $999 (high-end configuration), this laptop offers incredible value for those on a budget.

Technical Specifications:

• Processor: Up to Intel Core i7-1165G7
• RAM: Up to 16GB DDR4
• Storage: Up to 1TB NVMe SSD or 2TB HDD + 256GB SSD (hybrid configuration)
• Display: 17.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display
• Battery Life: Up to 12 hours web browsing, document editing, and streaming media
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, USB-A (x2), USB-C (with Power Delivery support), HDMI, headphone jack, SD card reader
• Audio: Dual speakers with Waves MaxxAudio technology
• Camera: 720p HD webcam