
In our tests we found these processors to be unusable with more than a single open app. Avoid AMD processors like the dual-core A9 also steer clear of Intel Pentium and Celeron processors like the N4200 and N5000. The Core i3 and Ryzen 3 processors are fine for casual use and basic schoolwork but aren’t the best for multitasking the Core i5 and Ryzen 5 are faster and better at multitasking but rare in this price range.
Processor: We recommend a 10th- or 11th-generation Intel Core i3 or Core i5 processor or a 4000- or 5000-series AMD Ryzen 3 or Ryzen 5 processor. You could buy a laptop with a hard drive and replace the drive with an SSD later to save some money, but that’s more upgrading than most people feel comfortable doing, so we concentrated on models that came with flash storage. But avoid Windows laptops with less than 64 GB of flash storage-you can’t even run Windows updates on them without an external drive.
In our testing, we found that having flash storage (ideally an SSD, but an eMMC drive is also fast enough) instead of a traditional hard drive dramatically improved everyday performance, even more than a faster processor or more memory.
Storage: Most cheap Windows laptops have spinning hard drives or hybrid drives that feel unbearably slow-booting the laptop, launching apps, and browsing files each take so long that you have time to sip coffee and stretch before you can do anything. Our team does work very hard to improve our product listing quality from time to time. These are for reference only and should be considered especially when you see any conflicts in the pictures, the description or the pricing. Some products may have an associated image, photo or product specs. The best method is to ask our support team if you have any doubts. Part numbers (for Dell parts, usually five digits), can reduce the possibility of error in purchasing. Due to differences in monitors, colors of products may also appear different to those shown on the site. Product images are for illustrative purposes only and may differ from the actual product.
You may have to fold the ribbon cable on the designated folding line for your model. Dell keyboard with backlighting for the Dell Inspiron 13 (7386) and 15 (7586) 2-in-1 systems.