Updated July 2021
Written by
Jaime Vazquez
contents
Buying Guide to the Best Dell Laptops
Important Considerations
Core specs for comparison
Our favorite upgrades
Essential accessories
Dell laptop prices
tips
FAQ
Buying guide for
best dell laptops
When Dell first marketed computers to consumers, the company wasn't seen as a threat to established manufacturers like HP, IBM and Compaq. But a lot has changed since then. Dell is the biggest name in PC hardware and the standard choice for thousands of people Businesses around the world. Dell computers are powerful, affordable and well-supported by the company.
Dell's notebooks are no exception to this rule. A wide range of Dell laptops, each tailored for specific use cases - which is also another way of saying that for every need there is a Dell laptop perfect for she is suitable.
Whether you're looking to replace a dying machine or buy a new laptop for your next digital adventures, we've got you covered. Here's everything you need to know to find the right Dell laptop for you.
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Important Considerations
Dell makes several lines of laptops, so it's easy to get lost between them, especially when they all look so similar. Before you start, consider these three questions so you can filter out any non-relevant options.
Will you be using your Dell laptop for work or pleasure?
Dell does a great job of tailoring machines for professionals - their entire Latitude line is built for business, which means they're a little more durable, sport-neutral designs, and include security measures like fingerprint readers. On the other hand, there's no point in asking more for features that you might not use if you're buying a Dell laptop for personal use. In that case, we recommend saving a few bucks and opting for a laptop from the Inspiron or XPS line.
Are you a PC gamer?
Dell makes two lines of laptops specifically for gamers: Alienware and the G-Series. Alienware was originally an independent company that Dell later acquired, and Dell
Alienware Laptops
are some of the best (and most expensive) gaming laptops in the business. If you're a serious gamer, or want to become one, you should have an Alienware laptop. On the other hand, if you're playing games that aren't graphics intensive or a budget one gaming system, the G-Series might be a better fit. Essentially, Dell's G-Series laptops are a small step down from their Alienware models, but for
player
who appreciate a bargain are perfect.
Do you want a laptop with a touchscreen that can also be used as a tablet?
Technically speaking, laptops with integrated touchscreens belong in their own category – often referred to as . designated
2 in 1
— but they're still laptops. Laptops with touchscreens are useful if you prefer a tablet-based experience, and Windows 10 Tablet Mode makes virtually every app touch-friendly. However, 2-in-1s are generally more expensive ( to cover the cost of the touchscreen). So if you're not a fan of tablets, you can save money by checking out other models.
Core specs for comparison
Once you have a general idea of what you will be using your Dell laptop for, you can start comparing models and specifications. Here are the features that are most important to compare.
CPU:
The central processing unit or CPU is the brain of your laptop and has the biggest impact on its performance. If you look at different Dell laptops, you will mostly find Intel i3, i5, i7 and i9 series processors. Be just warned that as the processor speed increases, so does the cost.
screen size:
Dell laptops come in all imaginable sizes, from 11 inches to 18 inches. The size of your laptop screen determines both how much screen real estate you get and how big and heavy the laptop is overall. There is no magic size that applies everyone is perfect, so you need to choose the size that best suits your taste and budget.
R.A.M:
Random access memory (RAM) is the memory that computers use to manage multiple tasks. Even if you have the fastest processor available, it doesn't really feel fast until you have enough RAM to enable multitasking. If you're buying a Dell for casual use or basic
office work
, get one with at least 8GB of RAM. If you're buying one for intensive work or gaming, consider buying one with 16GB or 32GB of RAM.
Video hardware:
One of the big differentiators between Dell laptops is the graphics card that comes with it. Graphics cards drive all the graphics you see and every image rendered. So if you're doing something with intense graphics (e.g
4K video
), you'll need one with a discrete graphics card onboard. If you're not too graphics savvy, you can opt for one with integrated graphics (which really means the CPU does the graphics).
Our favorite upgrades
In addition to the basics, Dell laptops sometimes include some unique and innovative features not found on other brand laptops. Here are some of our favorites.
Chrome operating system
Some Dell laptops are Chromebooks, meaning they use Google's Chrome OS as a platform instead of Windows. While the thought of a new operating system can be intimidating, Chrome OS is essentially based on Google's Chrome browser. So if you've ever used Chrome to surf the web, you'll feel right at home with a Chromebook.
Ryzen CPUs
Most Dell laptops contain Intel CPUs, but a growing number of laptops are being manufactured by rival Ryzen processors with Ryzen CPUs. Ryzen CPUs are generally comparable, if not faster, than Intel processors, but the real benefit is there is that Ryzen CPUs have more cores, so they're generally better at handling intensive tasks (like video editing or gaming) than their Intel equivalents. If you need sheer horsepower, check out Dell laptops with Ryzen CPUs.
eMMC storage
Advanced multimedia controllers, or eMMCs, are small cards that plug directly into your laptop's motherboard and connect flash storage. The advantage of eMMC cards is portability and cost, which is why you'll mostly find them in Dell's smaller budget laptops.
Essential accessories
Once your Dell laptop arrives, you need to complement it with the right accessories. Here are our favorite add-ons.
Laptop backpack -
KROSER laptop backpack for 15.6"-17.3" laptops
If you're taking your Dell laptop to school or work, you need a good bag. For larger laptops, we recommend the KROSER backpack, which offers enough space for models of all sizes, but is still thin and offers plenty of room for extras also has a pass-through port for a USB cable so you can charge your phone while on the call, and it's made from waterproof material so you always know your gear is safe.
Webcam cover -
EYSOFT 0.7mm Webcam Cover (3-Pack)
Web security experts all agree: you should cover your webcam when you're not using it to prevent applications and intruders from unexpectedly recording you. While webcam hacks are still relatively rare, it's better to be safe This three-pack from EYSOFT is our favorite as the covers include a sliding mechanism to reveal your webcam when you need it for video calls - and it's super affordable.
bluetooth mouse -
KLO Rechargeable Bluetooth Mouse
If you're going to be working on your Dell laptop for any length of time, you'll likely need a mouse so you don't have to scoot between the trackpad and keyboard. We prefer to start with a Bluetooth mouse so you don't have to connect your USB ports to a wireless receiver (as is the case with other wireless mice). Our favorite Bluetooth mouse is the rechargeable model from KLO: it's incredibly cheap, easy to set up, and has a long battery life. But the killer feature here is how thin it is it is: It's thin enough to fit in your pocket, but thick enough to feel like a real mouse when you use it.
Did you know already?
If you use your Dell laptop with Microsoft applications such as Word, Office, PowerPoint or Excel, you must purchase the software separately.
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Dell laptop prices
Between $200 and $500
, you'll find Dell's entry-level laptops. Models in this range are good value for money if you don't need the fastest laptop available, or if you're buying a laptop that will only do basic tasks like surfing the web.
The best scores on Dell laptops are usually
between $500 and $1,300
.Laptops in this range have fast processors, lots of RAM and often touchscreens too.If you're looking for a solid machine for work or
school
, plan to spend at least that much.
Between $1,300 and $3,000
, you'll encounter Dell's best and brightest: laptops that boast consistently solid specs and often come with niche conveniences like a fingerprint reader. If you need a machine that lasts for several years, or that needs to be fast enough for heavy-duty work, you have to panning a lot.
tips
If you're buying a Dell laptop with a touchscreen, have a microfiber cloth handy and wipe down the screen regularly.
Touch screens get dirty, and one of the downsides of a laptop with a touch screen is that your fingerprints can get in the way, especially when you use it as a laptop. Avoid harsh substances like commercial cleaning products or blunt cleaning products like paper towels. A microfiber cloth is all You need to keep everything nice and shiny.
If battery life is critical to you, get a Dell laptop that supports ExpressCharge
.Dell's proprietary ExpressCharge battery technology takes just one hour to charge a battery to 80 percent.It takes several hours to charge most laptop batteries. So, being able to quickly recover most of a full charge means your laptop can spend less time plugged into the wall and more time with you on the go.
When comparing laptops, keep in mind how much each of them weighs.
It's easy to forget that laptops can be heavy - they're so slim that they often give the impression of being airy. In reality, Dell laptops can weigh anywhere from three to eight pounds, depending on factors like screen size. Think how often you'll be taking your Dell laptop with you, and plan accordingly so you never feel like you're lugging around a brick.
FAQ
Q. How long do Dell laptops typically last?
A
It depends on how often you use them. Dell laptops are well built and designed to last for years, but like all laptops, their batteries show their age between 18 and 24 months after purchase.
Q. What are the differences between Dell's G-series gaming laptops and their Alienware gaming laptops?
A
Dell offers two different lines of gaming laptops: the G-Series and the Alienware models. Alienware laptops have better graphics cards and are several hundred dollars more expensive, but for many it's worth the trade-off. If you like first-person shooters or the latest If you love triple-A titles, your games will run smoother on an Alienware machine. If you're not an avid gamer or want to play games at lower resolutions, the G-Series might be a smarter choice.
Q. Are Dell Refurbished Laptops a Smart Buy?
A
It depends on who's doing the refurbishment, but in general, refurbished laptops are a risk that we don't recommend. If you're considering buying a refurbished Dell laptop, make sure Dell did the refurbishment themselves. Otherwise, there's there is no guarantee that the machine has been worked on at all.
