Not convincing! The multimedia device from Dell convinces with good system performance thanks to Kaby Lake and dedicated GPU. However, the poor display costs important points. We will find out which device gets the best scores in the individual review sections.
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The Dell Inspiron 5000-series is primarily designed for private customers. The multimedia device combines the latest generation of Intel processors with a dedicated AMD graphics card in a 15-inch chassis. Dell charges 549 Euros (~$592) for the base model with an Intel Core i5-7200U, but no dedicated GPU. The latter is available in the SKU for 619 Euros (~$668), while our test sample is currently retailing for 719 Euros (~$776). It is equipped with an Intel Core i7-7500U, 8 GB RAM, and a 256 GB SSD. The graphics card has the designation AMD Radeon R7 M445 and is equipped with 4 GB GDDR5-RAM. The most expensive model right now costs 799 Euros (~$862). The additional 80 Euros (~$86) doubles RAM to 16 GB and includes a 2 TB hard drive. The latter is a conventional hard drive, so you will lose the performance advantage of the SSD from our test model. The screen is a 15.6-inch FHD panel, and there are currently no alternatives.
We decided only to use comparison devices that are equipped with a Kaby Lake CPU as well as dedicated graphics cards. They are also similarly priced:
The case of the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5567-1753 is mainly made of plastic and the 15.6-inch device looks rather restrained when the lid is closed. The latter has a glossy black surface in combination with a silver Dell logo. This glossy surface is very prone to scratches. Fingerprints are quickly visible as well, but they can easily be removed with a wet cloth. The bottom panel of the base unit is slightly roughened and provides good grip when you carry the laptop around. The top of the base is silver and appears to feature an aluminum finish. However, it is made of plastic as well, although this is not really a surprise considering the price that starts at 599 Euros (~$646). The build quality is good, but the torsion resistance could be better. We did not notice any problems under pressure, so the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5567-1753 is pretty much on par with other devices in this price range.
You need both hands to open the lid, but it still bounces a bit. The two hinges work well and keep the display in position.
There is unfortunately no maintenance hatch, so the whole bottom panel has to be removed to access the internals. Caution: We recommend the use of special tools for this procedure.
Dell's website shows different colors for this laptop. Besides our black test sample, the manufacturer also offers a blue, white, and gray model.
Size Comparison
The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5567-1753 measures 39 x 25.9 centimeters and is 2.3 cm high (~15.3 x 10.2 x 0.9 inches). Our comparison shows that it has a slightly wider footprint than the other 15.6-inch models, while the length is average. Our test model tips the scale at 2.3 kg (~5.1 lb) and is therefore not the lightest laptop, because the HP Pavilion 15 only weighs 2 kg (~4.4 lb), and the Lenovo ThinkPad E470 even stays under the 2 kg mark. However, the latter is a 14-inch device, so this is not a completely fair comparison.
The port selection of the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5567-1753 does not offer any surprises. There are three USB ports, but only the two ports on the left support the 3.0 standard. Dell does not implement a USB Type-C jack, which is unfortunate. We think every modern device should have one nowadays. TVs or external displays can be attached via HDMI. You can argue about the implementation of a DVD drive, but Dell equips the Inspiron 15 5000 5567-1753 with a DVD burner. Wired networks for stationary operation are supported by the Gigabit Ethernet jack.
We like the port layout, but this is not really a big challenge considering the low number of ports. Most of them are located at the left side, and the spacing between the individual ports is sufficient.
SD Card Reader
The card reader is located at the front of the right side. About 1/3 of the inserted card will stick out of the chassis. Our performance benchmarks are sobering. Similar to the HP Pavilion 17-x110ng, the performance cannot meet our expectations. We only determine 23.2 MB/s for the transfer of jpg files in combination with our fast reference card (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II), and the sequential read speed was limited to just 27.5 MB/s. Only the Lenovo IdeaPad 510-15IKB and the HP Pavilion 17-x110ng perform even worse in this respect. Occasional transfers from memory cards will be fine, but we recommend an external USB 3.0 solution when you often transfer large amounts of data.
The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5567-1753 supports both wired and wireless networks. The WLAN module is provided by Intel, has the designation Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165 and supports Bluetooth 4.2. We determined transfer rates of 350 Mbps (receive) and 319 Mbps (send), respectively, in our standardized WLAN test. This is sufficient for fast and reliable operation. However, our test model is clearly beaten by the ThinkPad E470.
Dell also implemented an Ethernet jack next to the HDMI port if you prefer wired network communications. The RJ45 connector supports Gigabit speeds, and we did not notice any problems during our review period.
The list of security features confirms that our test model is a multimedia device. Users only get a slot for a Noble Security Lock as well as a Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM). There is also the software McAfee LiveSafe with a 12-month subscription.
Accessories
The box only includes the laptop as well as the power adapter besides the usual support information and service manuals. A CD with drivers would have been a nice addition, but is unfortunately not included. Corresponding accessories like the Dell Wireless Mouse or a Dell Performance Headset have to be purchased separately.
Maintenance
The maintenance of the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5567-1753 is pretty tricky, because there is no dedicated maintenance hatch. The bottom panel is secured pretty well even when all the screws have been removed. This is a result of numerous surrounding plastic clips. You should not continue the procedure at this point without proper tools, otherwise you will probably damage the base unit. Once the panel has been carefully lifted, you gain access to the components. Upgrades are limited to the RAM, because there is a free SODIMM slot. It is also possible to clean the fan or replace the SSD, although only drives with a height of 7 millimeters will fit.
Operating System
Our test model was shipped with the 64-bit version of Windows 10. Dell's support website also lists drivers for Ubuntu 16.04, so it should be no problem to use the open source operating system.
Warranty
Dell grants a one-year pickup & repair hardware support by default, and there are no other options when you purchase the device on the website. Other shops sometimes offer the notebook with a 24-month warranty, and there can also be special services depending on the shop.