Dell has just released a couple of fresh models to keep up with the latest processor technology from Intel. The one I’ll be talking about today is the Dell Inspiron i5567-3655GRY, a mid range notebook with expansive features.
Review
So, Dell is marking the arrival of Kaby Lake processors with their own line of updated notebooks. The 5000 series, already known for its user friendly and capable models has received a makeover, not only concerning components, but also looks.
The new design seems to stray away from the previous generation’s rather straight lines and enter a new and more curvy territory. The edges are much more rounded and refined, the features are more distinct looking (like the island style keyboard and the large, offset touchpad) and the overall impression the Dell Inspiron i5567-3655GRY gives is one of maturity.
Performance
As I said in the beginning of this review, the Dell Inspiron i5567-3655GRY features the latest in processor technology. It’s equipped with a dual core Intel Core i5-7200U unit. This is the descendant of the popular 6200U CPU from Intel, an ubiquitous processor found on most mid range laptops and ultrabooks, simply because it’s the most versatile on the market.
This processor will handle almost any program and will run smoothly even when processing large data sets or when it will be used to manipulate photos and even edit video files. It has a base frequency of 2.5 GHz, a turbo frequency of 3.1 GHz, 3 megabytes of cache and a thermal design power of 15 Watts.
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These numbers make the 7200U way better than an i3, but just slightly slower than a similar i7 processor. This is why I chose to review this model, instead of the more expensive one, the 5473GRY – which features a 7th gen. i7. I think the price difference doesn’t make up for the marginal increase in processing power.
The Dell Inspiron i5567-3655GRY comes with 8 gigabytes of DDR4-2400MHz RAM installed, an amount most users will find adequate for whatever needs may arise – be it large data sets, using intensive programs such as Photoshop or Illustrator or playing games. Still, power users may want to upgrade to the maximum allowed of 16 gigabytes. The 5000 series from Dell has two SODIMM slots, but it’s unclear if just one, or both of them are occupied by memory sticks in this specific model. If you want to upgrade, it’s a good idea to check beforehand.
Storage space is “limited” at 1 terabyte of data stored on a mechanical hard disk drive. Sure, there are faster options, like getting a 2.5″ replacement SSD, but I would wait at least a year before installing one. I don’t think the speed difference will be noticeable to most average users, except when booting and opening programs. The loss of storage space in favor of quickness will be an issue for those who intend to use the Dell as a multimedia center or an all-rounder desktop replacement laptop.
Graphics and Display
Unfortunately, the Dell Inspiron i5567-3655GRY doesn’t have discrete graphics, so serious gaming is out of the question. The on-board Intel HD Graphics 620 will play a decent amount of MMOs, multiplayer FPS games and RPGs. If you think about using it to play newer titles, I think a $200 price increase for a superior i7 processor, 16 gigs of RAM and discrete graphics is well worth it.
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The screen, a 15.6″ panel features an LED-backlit, FHD touch display. Not so spectacular because of the lack of IPS technology, the display manages to represent colors more vividly than rival models, while the operating angle is limited to 135 degrees. Screen resolution is great for a 15-inch device, with a maximum of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
Interface Options
Although I would have liked to see the new USB-C port being implemented alongside the new generation of Intel processors, Dell has decided to let their users wait longer than other companies have. It’s a shame, but one that doesn’t impact the end user as much, especially considering the technology is still in its infancy.
Here are the available I/O options:
2 x USB 3.0 ports- 1 x USB 2.0 port
- 1 x HDMI-out
- 1 x Audio Combo Jack
- 1 x RJ-45
- 1 x SD/XC/HC Card Reader
- 1 x DVD-Writer
Networking
You can use the Dell Inspiron i5567-3655GRY to connect to the internet via LAN or wireless. It has a 10/100/1000 Ethernet card and a 802.11ac dual band wireless card for fast, reliable access when connecting to a Wi-Fi router. Also, it has built-in Bluetooth 4.2 to connect your other mobile or fixed devices.
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Extra Features
Not may features are worth mentioning here, except for the backlit keyboard, which will enable you to work into the late hours of night without the need to turn on the lights.
Battery Life and Portability
It’s unclear at the moment how much the battery pack will hold a charge for, but if we take into consideration the number of hours users got from previous models, I think it’s safe to say that the 3-cell, 42Whr Lithium-Ion battery will manage somewhere between 5 and 7 hours of usage before needing to be recharged. I’ve given a range because each user will have a different experience based on what programs are used and how well the system will be optimized for saving juice.
When it comes to portability, the Dell Inspiron i5567-3655GRY is an average device. It weighs 5.1 pounds and is 0.9 inches thick, mainly because of the presence of the DVD-writer. Therefore, I think this is a notebook most suited for home use, home offices, work spaces, college dorms and brief trips to the coffee shop or to your favourite working spot outside your home.
Conclusion
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All in all, the Dell Inspiron i5567-3655GRY doesn’t stray far from what Dell has delivered in the last couple of years. The hardware specs are great, so are the interface and networking options. But when it comes to battery life, the numbers are modest at best. So, if you want a desktop replacement or an every day laptop, this model is a good choice as it offers plenty of power and convenience at the cost of portability.
