New Dell Inspiron PCs pack 8th Gen Intel CPUs, optional UHD screen, Geforce GPU

Dell Inspiron 17 7000 2-in-1

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The Dell Inspiron 17 7000 is the largest mobile computing device of the updated Inspiron batch. This model, like all the others listed afterward, is based on in-plane switching (IPS) panel technology, which provides wide viewing angles and rich colors. This screen is backed by graphics built into the new eighth-generation Intel processor, or an optional Nvidia GeForce 940MX discrete graphics chip.

In addition to transferring data at up to 5Gbps, the included USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C port can be used to charge the laptop. It also supports the DisplayPort protocol, meaning you can use it, along with the HDMI port, to connect two external displays. Of course, that is not really ideal if you have the 2-in-1 in a tent, stand, or tablet position.

Take note of the two different kinds of solid-state drives this device will support. An SSD connecting via SATA 3 uses the same lanes as a hard drive and can push speeds around up to 560MB per second. An SSD that uses a PCI Express connection is a whole different ballgame, pushing speeds above one gigabyte per second. They are quick, to say the least, but could mean a 2-in-1 model with a higher price tag in the end.

Dell Inspiron 13/15 7000 2-in-1

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Here are two smaller versions of the Dell Inspiron 7000 2-in-1. The 13.3-inch model sports a Full HD touchscreen that supports Dell’s Active Pen peripheral along with facial recognition.

The base 15.6-inch model has a Full HD screen with touch support, but no pen input or facial recognition. However, there is a second display option for the 15.6-inch version that includes Ultra HD resolution backed by touch, Active Pen, and facial recognition support.

One of the big selling points of these two Inspiron units is the thin bezel running along each side of the screen. The 2-in-1 also includes a hinge that enables four positions: laptop, stand, tablet, and tent. If you are eager to share media with others, you can just bypass these modes and connect the 2-in-1 to an HDTV via the provided HDMI port. The USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C port supports DisplayPort video output as well.

For this duo, the discrete GeForce 940MX discrete graphics is only offered on the 15.6-inch model. The larger version also includes up to 16GB of DDR4 memory clocked at 2,400MHz, and a dual-storage option consisting of a 128GB SATA SSD, and a 1TB 5,400RPM hard drive. Finally, the 15-inch has two battery options instead of one.

Dell Inspiron 13/15 7000 Clamshell

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Here are the only traditional laptops in the new Inspiron 7000 group. However, the hinge allows them to open a complete 180 degrees, so they can spread flat across a table. The fact sheet for the 13.3-inch model states that it offers a fingerprint scanner option on top of an infrared camera, providing two ways to log into Windows 10 without manually entering credentials. The sheet for the 15.6-inch model does not mention a fingerprint scanner.

Like the 2-in-1 model, the 15.6-inch clamshell laptop includes additional options over the 13.3-inch version, such as an Ultra HD resolution, a discrete Nvidia GeForce 940MX graphics chip, and dual storage. The specs show that it can support up to 32GB of DDR4 memory via two slots, even though Dell only sells up to 16GB.

The only other notable features with these two models are an extra USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A port on the 15.6-inch model, and the addition of a pink color option. All touch-based screens support facial recognition and Dell’s Active Pen peripheral, which is sold separately.

Dell Inspiron 13/15 5000 2-in-1

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Finally, we drop into Dell’s Inspiron 5000 zone. These two models can actually be purchased with the Dell Active Pen included, but the price will be $50 higher. As shown below, you can configure the 13.3-inch and 15.6-inch models to support for both Dell’s Active Pen and facial recognition, or without pen support. Both 2-in-1s only offer a Full HD screen resolution.

If you have not noticed, all Inspiron devices in this announcement are based on only two eighth-generation Intel processors. These chips include integrated graphics called Intel UHD Graphics 620, which is the only graphics component you can get in these two Inspiron 5000 models. There is no dual-storage option, and no USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C port for charging the device or outputting DisplayPort video.

Still, with the 2-in-1 design, you get a hinge enabling the device to morph like a Transformer into four shapes — Laptop, tent, stand, and tablet. Both measure just 0.80 inches thin, and the 15.6-inch model has a starting weight of just 4.84 pounds. Note that these are the only units in the entire refreshed Inspiron batch to offer an operating system other than Windows 10.