Tech giant Dell continues to enrich its 2024 lineup with the release of the Inspiron 16 2-in-1 Notebook (7640), an all-in-one device that combines large-screen touch and stylus support. It's equipped with the latest hardware, and while the performance isn't workstation-class, it's modest in weight and price, avoiding over-exaggeration.
This notebook offers a wealth of customization options, whether it is the SoC or the display, it can bring significant improvements. The base configuration starts at $999 with an Intel Core Ultra 5 125U processor, 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, a 1920x1200 WVA screen. The beta version was upgraded to an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, equipped with Intel Arc graphics, and replaced with a 2560x1600 Mini-LED display that supports a 90Hz refresh rate and high HDR brightness.
Despite the upgrade, the price has also increased, starting at $1,349 for the maximum configuration and rising to $1,599 for the Windows 11 Pro. The 2-in-1 design may not be cost-effective compared to regular laptops, but it's certainly worth considering for users looking for flexibility.
The Inspiron 16 2-in-1 comes in a variety of configurations, with the smallest size for just $999 and includes an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor, while the high-end model comes with more memory and more advanced graphics, as well as a higher-resolution Mini-LED screen. The battery capacity has also been increased, with the standard version being 64Wh and the remaining configurations offering a 90Wh option.
The notebook is like an upgraded version of the Inspiron 14 Plus that was tested earlier this year, but with a larger volume. To accommodate the 16-inch screen, the body has been expanded, resulting in a thin and sleek aluminum-shelled notebook that weighs 4.68 pounds despite the plastic underside, which is normal for a 16-inch laptop.
In terms of design, Dell maintains a clean style, and the body is mainly composed of large flat areas with rounded edges. Despite its ordinary appearance, discomfort at pressure points is avoided. Lenovo and Samsung have similar designs. However, some of the details of this notebook seem to be derived from the revamps of other models, and the place at the bottom where the speakers should have been replaced by two small panels, which looks a bit peculiar.
As a 2-in-1, the Inspiron 16 2-in-1 has a 360-degree flip hinge that allows you to turn the screen into a tablet for drawing with a stylus. Despite the slight shaky hinge, the overall sturdiness. The structure of the whole machine is stable and resists light pressure, but it is slightly bent.
In terms of heat dissipation, due to the design, the rear exhaust vents are directly facing the top cover, and although the gap is enough for ventilation, it is not ideal. Air intake is also limited, and the bottom grille section has a smaller opening. Again, only half of the heat vents are really open and are designed to protect against dust.
In terms of keyboards, Dell continues its excellent performance, with solid keys and moderate dynamics for a good typing experience, despite the basic backlight, square keycaps, and smooth surfaces on the basic version. In the Monketype test, I achieved a 98% accuracy rate of 116 words per minute, which is comfortable and fast.
For the 16-inch notebook, the keyboard unfortunately doesn't do much with the basic features, but it lacks navigation keys, scattered arrow keys, and a numeric keypad. It may be more practical to sacrifice the top speaker position to add more keys. Still, this computer seems to be more suitable for content creators and consumers, especially given its stylus support.
The huge trackpad is located underneath the keyboard, making it easy to operate even with large hands, and the glass texture is smooth. Although not as large as the XPS 16's trackpad, it has clear boundaries and is easy to control. Slight sink feedback when clicking, adapting to hard clicks and light touches.
The Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 screen performs well, with Mini-LED technology providing bright HDR effects, but issues with the accuracy of local dimming can cause some visual artifacts at the junction of dark and bright content. Overall, it's a color-accurate, high-contrast screen that's perfect for work and play, but the glossy surface tends to reflect sunlight.
Overall, the Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 offers a great option for users looking for a balance of flexibility and performance due to its versatility and modest price. Despite some minor shortcomings, the overall performance is positive.
Post by Polly