Performance: Overall this laptop's performance was good, below that of many other models but still powerful enough for tasks such as email, word processing, web browsing, and streaming movies. Compared to other tested laptops, its speed was adequate for common tasks such as web browsing, video conferencing, and application startup. Speed was adequate when composing documents, working on data spreadsheets, and other productivity tasks, and its speed was adequate for manipulating filters on images, converting and editing videos, and rendering models and calculating simulations.
Portability: This laptop is a good choice for traveling, although not ideal. Battery life lasted 10 hours in a light load of web browsing tests, and 7.5 hours in a heavier load of 4K video playback tests. Results could get you through a typical workday, under a workload of mixed use. At 3.6 lbs, weight was typical for a laptop of this size category. To help with long-term battery health, this laptop has adjustable charge options, such as modifying when and how much to charge the battery.
Ergonomics: The keyboard has large keys and was comfortably sized. Its high contrast letters were easy to read. There's a dedicated number pad for faster data entry. The power button was well labeled and conveniently located. Friction on the touchscreen may prevent fast swiping, and fingerprints may take some effort to clean off. We found the screen had more flex than on most other tested laptops.
Display: The display quality was fair overall. Colors were not reproduced as accurately as on better displays. The laptop's display was dimmer than most but it's anti-reflective, so this laptop is a somewhat better choice for viewing in a well lit room. The display has a wide viewing angle, especially important if more than one person needs to see the screen at a time, say, for a video or presentation. Its display produces a smaller array of colors than on most other tested laptops.
Useful features and attributes on this model include: Laptop has a touchscreen. The spacious 1TB solid-state drive offers plenty of room for storing your music, photos, and movies. This laptop has a full-size HDMI port and supports DisplayPort over USB-C for connecting to an HDTV or monitor.
Downsides: There is no memory-card reader, so you'll need to buy an external reader or connect your digital camera directly to this laptop to transfer photos. Based on results of a CR member survey, Dell laptops of a similar price to this model stood out as being meaningfully worse than typical for experiencing certain problem areas such as poor wifi or internet connectivity.
