key specifications
- Intel Core i7-8565U, Core i5-8265U and Core i3-8145U processors
- Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Nvidia GeForce MX130 or MX150 (both with 2GB GDDR5 vRAM)
- Intel Optane memory and storage options
- 359*249*19.5mm
- 1.77kg
The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 (5580) features Intel’s new 8th Gen Whiskey Lake CPUs and lets you choose from a range of storage and memory options so you can tailor it to your work needs.
Processor-wise, versions will be available with three of the Whiskey Lake processors, and storage-wise you get a range of SSD, HDD, or SSD and HDD configurations if you want the best of both worlds.
Just how much choice you have when combining hard drive options with storage isn’t known yet. We also note that the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 has a “take off weight” of 1.77 kg. Once you start adding large SATA drives, the weight will increase.
While the presence of Whiskey Lake means Gigabit Wi-Fi is an option, flaky and congested conferencing Wi-Fi access points don’t work well with the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 (5580), so I can’t say what this thing is for is surfing the internet. The looped video playing on the screen sure looked good on the 15.6-inch screen, at least.
While there’s IPS technology here that promises great viewing angles, I wasn’t able to snap photos that do the display justice, thanks in part to the harsh stand lighting from Dell’s IFA booth.
Related: Intel Whiskey Lake and Amber Lake
Dell Inspiron 15 5000 (5580) – Theme
The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 (5580) will be available in a range of colors including this attractive burgundy metallic hue that really caught the eye on Dell’s stand at IFA. The laptop feels dense, solid, and sturdy, although I do wonder how resilient it is and how that red finish will look after a few years.
The Inspiron range is typically aimed at the student, researcher, reporter or anyone who needs something solid and reliable for writing and archiving copies while on the go. They don’t look that flashy historically. You are there to get the job done.
After spending a few minutes with the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 (5580), we were able to get a bit of a feel for the keyboard, which is nice, springy, and responsive. The key travel feels flat, the layout is intelligent and nicely spaced. I’m guessing that unlike some Dell laptops (I’m looking at you, Dell XPS15 2-in-1) the Page Up and Page Down keys have been done away with, these commands can be executed by using the function hold down and use the corresponding arrow key.
While 1.77 kg is as light as the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 (5580) will get, it’s not a huge unwieldy thing. While it’s not quite as light as something like the Acer Swift 5, there are more storage options and ports here. While not quite as zippy, it’s arguably more versatile for those who can’t stand to embrace the dongle life.
Related: Best Laptop
Dell Inspiron 15 5000 (5580) Specifications
| Dell Inspiron 15 5000 (5580) | |
| advertisement | 15.6″ Full HD LED with IPS |
| CPU | Intel Core i7-8565U, Core i5-8265U, Core i3-8145U |
| graphic | Intel UHD Graphics 620, Nvidia GeForce MX130 or MX150 (both with 2 GB GDDR5 vRAM). |
| reminder | 4GB, 8GB, 8GB (4G x 2) 12GB (8G + 4G), 16GB (8G x 2), 32GB (16GB x 2) DDR4 2666MHz, 20GB (4GB 2666MHz DDR4 + 16GB Intel Optane memory) |
| camp | 128GB/256GB/512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD 1TB/2TB 5400RPM 2.5″ SATA Hard Drive 128GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD + 1TB 5400RPM 2.5″ SATA Hard Drive 128GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD + 2TB 5400RPM 2.5″ SATA Hard Drive 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD + 1TB 5400RPM 2.5″ SATA Hard Drive 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD + 2TB 5400RPM 2.5″ SATA Hard Drive |
| Wireless connection | 802.11ac, Bluetooth, 2×2 802.11ac, Bluetooth, 1×1 |
| ports | HDMI 1.4a, 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C (Power Delivery), USB 2.0, SD card reader (SD/SDHC/SDXC), headphones/microphone, Ethernet (RJ45) |
| battery | 3-cell, 42 WHr battery (estimated battery life not given) |
| Dimensions | 359*249*19.5mm |
| Weight | 1.77kg |
Unlike the Dell Inspiron 15 (5482) 2-in-1, there doesn’t seem to be the same M.2 limitation here, so in theory you should be able to select an SSD + HDD option and Optane storage to boot to use.
Related: Dell Inspiron 2018 Update
Dell Inspiron 15 5000 (5580) Price
The Inspiron 15 5000 (5580) range starts at £499.
It’s currently unclear how much the price will increase as you start adding things. Typically, it’s storage that drives prices skyrocketing. So if you’re looking for one of these SSD and HDD options, expect to dig deep.
Dell Inspiron 15 5000 (5580) Release Date
The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 (5580) will go on sale in the UK and Europe on September 20th.
Dell Inspiron 15 5000 (5580) First Impressions
The Inspiron line has always been aimed at people who care more about substance than style, and at first glance that seems like what you’d get with the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 (5580). While it’s not unpleasant on the eye, it’s not quite as engaging as other slimmer notebooks and Ultrabooks doing the rounds these days. While it feels pretty solid, the fact that I can’t do much with it on Dell’s stand obviously limits what I can tell you about the performance of the Inspiron 15 5000 (5580). I like the fact that you get a good number of ports here, including an SD card reader and Ethernet, and I have a feeling this will appeal to those looking for a reliable machine that’s flexible in a variety of situations.
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