Page 4 : Performance & Storage, Our Verdict
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Performance & Storage
The Dell Inspiron 13 5000 (5368 / 5378) 2-in-1 laptop (Lowest Price) is powered by either the Intel Core i7-6500U (Inspiron 13 5368) or the Intel Core i7-7500U (Inspiron 13 5378) processor.
Windows will show that there are four cores, but they are both dual-core processors that supports HyperThreading – hence, the four logical cores. Backed by 4 MB of L2 cache, both are fast dual-core processor. Impressive when you consider the fact that they only use 15 W of power.
The newer Intel Core i7-7500U is slightly faster and more power-efficient than the Intel Core i7-6500U, but without benchmarking them, you won’t be able to tell the difference. The Inspiron 13 5000 won’t have any problem handling office applications. You can even edit photos on its full HD display without breaking a sweat.
The Intel processor is a little hobbled by the Inspiron 13 5000’s default single-channel design. There are two SODIMM slots, but only one is populated so the processor is running with half of its peak memory bandwidth. This can be remedied by simply adding another memory module. This would also give you more memory to use.
The good news is the older Inspiron 13 5368 model comes with a 256 GB SanDisk Z400s solid state drive. The newer Inspiron 13 5378, on the other hand, comes with a 1 TB hard disk drive. The solid state drive really makes a big difference – it boots up very quickly, and does not feel sluggish like the Inspiron 15 7000 we reviewed earlier.
Unless storage space is critical to you, we still think an SSD would have been a better choice due to the way these 2-in-1 laptops are used. SSDs are virtually impervious to shock and vibration, while hard disk drives are not.
Our Verdict
Unlike the Inspiron 15 7000, the Dell Inspiron 13 5000 (5368 / 5378) 2-in-1 laptop (Lowest Price) can actually be used as a large tablet. You will end up laying it on your lap or a tabletop most of the time though. It is best used in the laptop mode, the tent mode and the stand mode.
Our Inspiron 13 5368 review model came with a great 256 GB SanDisk Z400S (Lowest Price) solid state drive. However, Dell currently offers a smaller 128 GB SSD option, or a 1 TB hard disk drive option, in the Inspiron 13 5378 refresh model. Always opt for the SSD option. It makes a HUGE difference in the laptop’s performance.
[adrotate group=”2″]You will love the performance of the Inspiron 13 5000 (5368 / 5378) 2-in-1 laptop (Lowest Price). The dual-core Intel Core i7 processor is fast enough to handle any work application you throw at it. The HD Graphics processor graphics is also good enough to handle full HD video playback and light gaming.
The TrueLife display is a real pleasure to use. Once you try it, you will never want to go back to the cheap TN panels that are used in many low-cost laptops. The battery life of the Inspiron 13 5000 though is pretty limited at about 6 hours. We sure wished Dell gave it a bigger battery. The small 3-cell battery will give you “range anxiety” on a long trip.
The Dell Inspiron 13 5000 (5368 / 5378) 2-in-1 laptop (Lowest Price) is a great option for anyone who wants a relatively light and powerful 13.3″ laptop. Why settle for a cheap laptop with a TN panel, when you can get a convertible laptop with a high-resolution touch screen display?
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