The new Dell Inspiron i3169-0013GRY is the most robust and versatile model of the iconic series. Featuring a more powerful processor than all other 3000 series models, this 2-in-1 has great features and specs, backed up by many happy users.
Review
Built for young people on the go, the new Inspiron i3169-0013GRY features four color schemes: white, grey, red and blue while maintaining an otherwise classic style, except for the power button and the volume keys which are located on the right side of the chassis.
This series comes with 3 available processors, but the one I’ll be reviewing today has the most powerful one by far, being the most expensive out of all: around $450 at the time of this review.
Performance
The Dell Inspiron i3169-0013GRY has a mobile Intel Core m3-6Y30 processor. The M line of processors are designed from the bottom up to offer an overall better computing experience than cheaper counterparts, while being specifically optimized to work inside ultra portable devices, such as 2-in-1’s, tablets and ultrabooks.
The impressive dual core m3-6Y30 processor has 4 megabytes of cache size, a clock speed ranging from 0.9 GHz to 2.2 GHz and a thermal footprint of just 4.5 Watts, making it one of the most energy efficient processor on the market. However, despite the low power consumption, benchmark tests rate this CPU on par with Intel i3 mobile counterparts, scoring around 3000 points.
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The i3169-0013GRY also comes with 4 gigabytes of on-board memory installed, which will likely prove sufficient for every user’s needs. Combined with the power of the m3 processor, multitasking and running moderately demanding programs such as photo editing software will be handled with ease by the Dell.
Also, system memory is not user upgradeable since it’s soldered to the motherboard. The 500 gigabytes of available storage space are satisfying for an ultra portable device with the disadvantage of it being a hard disk drive, therefore the slowest component. You can always upgrade it to an SSD at the expense of storage capacity.
Graphics and Display
The Inspiron i3169-0013GRY has an integrated Intel HD Graphics video card. Playing games on this 2-in-1 laptop will be difficult, with new titles completely off limits. Some online MMOs could be played, but I wouldn’t buy one of these to game, not even as a pastime.
Regarding the display, the Dell has a 11.6 inch screen with LED-backlit, touch enabled, HD display. The apparent outdated resolution (1366 x 768 pixels) works great on such a small screen without making text and other elements seem cramped and unreadable from afar. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have IPS technology, so viewing angles are modest at best, at par with similar affordable 2-in-1 notebooks.
Interface Options
The Dell i3169-0013GRY has plenty of ports, more so than expected:
- 1 x USB 3.0 port
- 2 x USB 2.0 ports
- 1 x HDMI-out
- 1 x Audio combo jack
- 1 x microSD card reader
Networking
I would have expected a better wireless card to be installed if I’m honest. The Dell has a 802.11bgn, 2.4 GHz 1×1 wireless adapter with built-in Bluetooth 4.0 and obviously no Ethernet option. The fact that it doesn’t feature the new 802.11ac protocol isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, although it would have made the small notebook more future proof.
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Features
There aren’t any special features or meaningful design choices to talk about, except for the details which make the Dell Inspiron i3169-0013GRY a convertible 2-in-1. It has 360-degree rotating hinges which allow four use modes: tablet, stand, tent and laptop, depending on your needs.
Portability and battery life
The Dell i3169-0013GRY isn’t the easiest device to carry when comparing it to a traditional, non-touch small ultra portable laptop. This thing weighs 3.2 pounds, mainly because of the touchscreen display. Otherwise, it would have surely been lighter – that’s the price you have to pay for extra features. It’s still light enough to carry around town or across the country for that matter.
Battery life is also modest for an ultra portable device, clocking up to 8 hours before needing a charge. That’s still equivalent to a full day’s worth of work, but under the expectations I had for this device. Travelling to remote regions may prove tricky, but some multitasking around town won’t require the charger to be brought along.
Final words
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All in all, I think the Dell Inspiron i3169-0013GRY is a decent 2-in-1 convertible laptop. It has great hardware specs, but falls a bit short on networking options. Other features and specs are average for a touch-enabled device. It’s great for young students, travelers, writers, home and office light users.
