Screen resolution 1366x768 Number of processor cores 2 Hard drive type HDD Weight 2.4 kg
Type
Type laptop Ultrabook no Operating system details DOS / Linux / Windows 10 Home / Windows 8 / Windows 8 64 / No OSCPU
CPU Celeron / Core i3 / Core i5 / Core i7 / Pentium Processor code 2957U / 3558U / 4005U / 4210U / 4510U / N3050 Braswell/Haswell CPU core CPU frequency 1400...2000 MHz Number of processor cores 2 L2 cache size 2 MB / 512 KB L3 cache size 2 MB / 3 MB / 4 MBMemory
RAM capacity 2...8 GB Memory type DDR3L Memory frequency 1600 MHz Maximum memory capacity 8 GB Number of memory slots 1Screen
Screen diagonal 15.6 " Screen resolution 1366x768 Widescreen There is LED screen backlight yes 3D support noVideo
Video card type embedded / discrete / discrete and embedded Video card Intel GMA HD / Intel HD Graphics 4400 / NVIDIA GeForce 820M / NVIDIA GeForce 840M No two video cards Video memory capacity 2048 MB Video memory type SMAStorage devices
Optical drive placement interior Optical drive DVD-RW Hard disk capacity 500...1000 GB Hard drive type HDD Hard drive interface Serial ATA Rotational speed 5400 rpm First disk capacity 500...1000 GBExpansion slots
ExpressCard slot noMemory cards
Flash card reader yes SD support yes SDHC support yes SDXC support yesWireless connection
Wi-Fi yes Wi-Fi 802.11n standard Bluetooth yes Bluetooth version 4.0 4G LTE no WiMAX no GPRS support no 3G no EDGE support no HSDPA support noConnection
Built-in network card There is Built-in fax modem No Number of USB 2.0 interfaces 2 Number of USB 3.0 Type A interfaces 1 FireWire interface no FireWire 800 interface no eSATA interface no Infrared port (IRDA) no LPT interface no COM port no PS/2 interface no VGA output (D-Sub) no Mini VGA output no DVI output no HDMI output yes micro HDMI output no DisplayPort output no Mini DisplayPort output no TV-in input no TV-out out no Connecting to a docking station no Audio input no Microphone input No Audio/headphone output No Microphone input/headphone output Combo There is Digital audio output (S/PDIF) No Fingerprint scanner no TV tuner no Remote control no Kensington lock slot yes Stylus no Shockproof housing No Waterproof housing no Length 381.4 mm Width 267.6 mm Thickness 25.6 mm Additional Information WiDi support and touch screen (optional)Before purchasing, check the specifications and equipment with the seller.
It would seem that the cost of laptops has already reached a certain threshold, and it is unlikely that good devices will become even cheaper. All budget solutions often seem to be failures and uninteresting. If you feel the same way, think twice. The conclusion is certainly obvious, but wrong, and Dell managed to prove it by releasing the Dell Inspiron 15 3552 - a classic laptop at an extremely low price. Yes, you won’t be able to find advanced hardware here or any unique solutions like rotating and detachable displays. Nevertheless, the device under review will more than cover all the requirements of most users. The power of the quad-core chip is enough for office work and web surfing. The presence of an HDMI port will allow you to easily broadcast HD video to a large display, and the built-in graphics chip will handle simple games, so there will be no problems with entertainment. An almost perfect device for 20,000 rubles. Now let's take a closer look at all aspects of the Dell Inspiron 15. Device characteristics, main features and look at the results of synthetic tests.
Packaging and accessories
The laptop comes in standard Dell packaging. In the box we were able to find: a user manual, a warranty card, a charger and the Dell Inspiron 15 itself. Drivers and additional software are available online (when working with the Ubuntu operating system, standard Linux drivers are used).
Case design
- Dimensions: 38x26x2.7 centimeters.
- Weight: 2.4 kilograms.
Typically, manufacturers do not pay enough attention to such a component as the appearance of the computer. Dell values high-quality exteriors and does not skimp on designers. Like many other devices of the company, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 series (3552) laptop looks ascetic and strict, thereby hinting at the positioning of the gadget. Such a laptop will look great both on a student’s desk and on the desk of a promising businessman. The body elements are straight, beveled, without unnecessary bends, except for what is observed at the bottom of the device. The laptop lid flexes slightly around the perimeter and in the center, but this drawback is quite common in “machines” in this price category. The body is made of inexpensive plastic, but the coating differs in different parts. In the work area it is smoother and easier on the brushes. Naturally, plastic collects fingerprints and dust, and in large quantities. The owner of the gadget will often have to use a napkin or soft cloth to keep the laptop presentable. The case fastenings are very tight and reliable; it is not possible to open the laptop with one hand, which means that it will not open by accident. There are feet on the bottom that allow air to circulate freely under the laptop. Thanks to its dimensions and weight, the computer can compete on equal terms with alternative compact solutions, such as the Lenovo IdeaPad 100, for example.
Camera and acoustics
At the base of the laptop lid there is a low-resolution 1 megapixel camera peephole. The image quality is not impressive. Even in a static state, the picture turns out cloudy, grainy, too dark, not to mention moving objects. The lens cannot handle dynamic scenes, so any movement caught in its view turns into a mess. The camera also cannot cope with images in the dark. In low light there is noticeable noise and the display backlight is not enough to correct the situation. There are no additional mechanisms for controlling the camera, as well as specialized software.
The device is equipped with a proprietary sound system from the manufacturer. Despite the fact that the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 series (3552) laptop is a budget device, its sound quality is more than passable. The computer handles high frequencies without any problems, producing clear and rich sound. Due to the lack of a subwoofer, the lows and mids sags a little, but this can be tolerated in a device cheaper than 20,000 rubles.
Communications
The computer is equipped with a wide range of ports and wireless interfaces.
On the right side of the “machine” are located:
- Standard universal audio port (3.5 mm jack).
- Two USB-A Gen 2 ports.
On the left side are located:
- Socket for connecting a power adapter.
- Radiator grille.
- "Card reader" (with SDHC support).
- HDMI port.
- One USB-A Gen 3 port.
The only port missing is a standard jack for connecting a network cable, which is very atypical for a “machine” of this size. Also missing is the once popular Kensington lock, a mechanism similar to a bicycle lock that prevents laptop theft.
Wireless interfaces include Wi-Fi, which supports 802.11 b/n/g frequencies and Bluetooth 4.0 for connecting wireless speakers or exchanging data.
Keyboard and touchpad
Speaking of input methods, the place to start is with the keyboard. The laptop under review uses a technology that combines a rubber membrane and a scissor key mechanism. This ensures maximum balance and high response speed. Individual keys do not move and are pressed completely. The keyboard is mounted on a separate platform, but no serious flex was detected. Island-type keys are used, straight, without an obvious recess in the working area. There is a noticeable void between the keys, which significantly reduces the likelihood of typos and facilitates fast blind typing. The engraving on the keys is white, making it clearly visible even in the dark. The letters are scattered in the corners. There are a number of function keys combined with F1-F12; they only work if you have specialized software for the Dell Inspiron 15 3000. Drivers can be found on the manufacturer’s official website.
The touchpad is made of a material similar to that used for the lid. The response speed is high, the cursor does not twitch and does not confuse the position of the finger. Accidental touches are not recognized, the finger gets stuck when scrolling and dragging objects. It is possible to adjust the speed of the sensor to improve the accuracy of the cursor. There are no separate mouse buttons, but there is a visual divider that indicates the approximate position of the left and right buttons.
Specifications
For ease of perception, the information is presented in table form.
CPU | Intel Pentium N3700 (4 cores, 1600 to 2400 megahertz), 2 megabytes cache |
Display | 15.6 inches, glossy finish, resolution 1366 by 768 pixels |
RAM | 4 gigabytes, DDR2 |
HDD | 500 gigabytes, 5400 rpm |
Graphic arts | Intel HD Graphics Braswell |
Battery | 4 sections, 40 watt*hour |
Dell Inspiron 15 Operating System | Windows 7/Windows 10/Ubuntu (depending on configuration) |
Display
The Dell Inspiron 15 3552 uses a standard TN matrix with HD resolution (1366 by 768 pixels) in a display panel with a diagonal of 15.6 inches, which means the number of pixels per inch is 100 units. The picture is “grainy”; in everyday work, individual pixels are noticeable. This display resolution can correspond to the concept of Retina (when individual pixels merge into a single image and become invisible to the human eye), when viewed from a distance of 86 centimeters. Low resolution negatively affects the convenience of working in ambiguity mode. It is very difficult to place two windows next to each other and work with them at the same time. Small text turns into mush, and large-scale pages take longer to scroll through. The viewing angles of the screen are not maximum; when tilted horizontally, a “negative” appears; when tilted vertically, the colors are inverted.
The maximum brightness of the display is 257 cd/m2, which is enough for comfortable work in any, even the brightest room lighting. The average brightness is slightly lower, which, coupled with the absence of a polarizing layer, leads to a large number of reflections when exposed to sunlight. Thanks to the glossy finish, colors are rich and vibrant, although the screen only covers 54% of the entire sRGB color gamut, and only after calibration. In some parts of the display, where the brightness sags greatly, the color quality also decreases, but this is barely noticeable, and not too important in such a cheap laptop. An interesting indicator is the pixel update speed, only 20 milliseconds. This sets this computer apart from its competitors as a solution for gamers. Many display characteristics can be improved programmatically using specialized settings profiles that can be found on the Internet.
In general, the display panel is nothing interesting, which is logical given its price. The basic parameters are optimal for everyday work, but professionals working with photography and video will have to think about buying another device.
Performance and memory
The model under review is equipped with an Intel Pentium N3700 chip. The processor has 4 cores on board, the frequency of each of them reaches 1600 megahertz in basic mode and 2400 megahertz when using Turbo Boost technology. This is a mobile processor that is often installed in ultraportable solutions like Chromebooks. Nevertheless, the Dell Inspiron N3700 shows excellent performance both in solving everyday tasks such as web surfing and office work, and in running games with complex 3D graphics. In the Cinebench synthetic test, the computer scored 1.72 points, which is 44% more than the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 series (5551), the previous model. The closest competitor, the Acer Aspire E15, scored 24% more points, with a score of 2.14 points.
The computer does not have discrete graphics; it uses the built-in video subsystem from Intel. Despite the small amount of video memory, the graphics support DirectX 12, which means you can count on running modern gaming projects. Intel HD Graphics is capable of running three 4K displays simultaneously. In the 3D Mark Sky Diver test, the laptop scored 1271 points, while its closest competitor, the Acer Aspire 15 E15, scored 1544 points.
The processor is complemented by 4 gigabytes of DDR2 RAM. This volume is enough to install a 64-bit version of the operating system, which has a positive effect on overall performance, application launch speed and system loading. Despite the "gluttony" nature of modern applications, the system can easily handle the work of several programs simultaneously. The device has quite a lot of permanent memory - 500 gigabytes. A classic HDD hard drive with a speed of 5400 rpm is used. I would like to see a modern SSD drive in a compact laptop, but due to their high cost, they are rarely found in budget computers.
Autonomy and heating
The laptop uses a custom battery with four sections. The battery capacity is 40 watt*hour. The battery is not very capacious, but the weak processor and low-resolution display significantly reduce the load on it, thereby extending the operating time on a single charge. To test the battery, a specialized script was used, which from time to time reloaded a number of web pages, simulating the real situation of using a computer. In this case, the computer lived for 7 hours 40 minutes (brightness was set to 40%). Another typical situation is watching a film on a computer. When playing HD video, the computer lived for 6 hours and 36 minutes. Working with professional software and playing games reduces this time to 3 hours. In all three tests, the laptop showed excellent and completely unexpected results.
The heating test that the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 was subjected to does not show the most realistic results, since the processor is under maximum load during testing. In any case, a basic understanding of how hot a computer gets and how the cooling system copes with it has emerged. When the load was 100%, the laptop did not drop the processor frequency for quite a long time and worked at full capacity, without “throttling” (an artificial decrease in performance when overheated). The processor temperature was at 83 degrees. The laptop body heated up to no more than 32 degrees, which is quite tolerable for most users; hands do not sweat much, and you won’t get burned.
The standard description of an inexpensive laptop: a simple case made of cheap plastic, a TN matrix, mediocre speakers and not the most powerful hardware. In general, this is approximately how it is in this case: the body of the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 series is completely plastic, and the designers did not even try to hide it in any way, and the filling is really quite budget-friendly: the same TN-matrix, 5400 rpm hard drive /min and weak graphics NVIDIA GeForce 820M. The processor that stands out from the typical and slightly dull picture is the Intel Core i5-4210U, which greatly saves the overall impression of the laptop.
⇡ Appearance
The Inspiron 15 3000 series is inexpensive, so you shouldn’t expect any revelations from the design. The laptop looks pretty decent, but nothing more. Its lid is made of matte plastic with a neat relief pattern. The bottom and panel of the work area are made of ordinary, slightly rough, unpainted black plastic. These parts are not afraid of scratches, but fingerprints will be visible quite well. Fortunately, you can remove them in literally a couple of moments, and any fabric is suitable for this, even the roughest.
Unfortunately, there was no gloss at all. The designers inserted it in the most unusual place - on the sides of the laptop case. Of course, the “fingers” are clearly visible here, and scratching the surface is not so difficult - just connect the flash drive carelessly. Of course, a small amount of gloss somewhat refreshes the appearance of the device, but in terms of practicality it would be better to use only matte plastic. Well, or metal - but this is already from the realm of fantasy.
But there is no gloss at all in the work area - there is none on the keyboard or around the display. By the way, the keyboard is not backlit, and the key markings are neutral in color. So, only bright stickers informing about the laptop’s contents can dilute the feeling of harshness and asceticism.
The keyboard in the Inspiron 15 3542 is island-type - you won’t see anything else lately. It is secured well, and with strong pressure even on the central keys, its base practically does not bend. In addition, the noise of the keys was low, and the moment of pressing was clearly felt. In fact, the only thing you can complain about is the overly soft key stroke, although some will like it.
The large touch panel (105x60 mm) has a fashionable “buttonless” design. There is only one physical button, it is hidden under the surface of the touchpad. The button travel is quite short, but not too hard, the operation is quiet, and the moment of pressing is well felt.
Unfortunately, our test subject's touchpad had one unpleasant feature: its lower left edge was slightly raised upward. Fortunately, when closing the laptop lid, the touchpad did not touch the screen, so there was no damage. Dell assured us that this defect is inherent only to this pre-production sample; this defect will not be present in retail laptops. Note, however, that this is not the first time we have encountered this kind of trouble with Dell laptops.
On the right side of the case there is an optical drive drive cover, a memory card reader slot, and a single USB 3.0 connector.
The left side is much busier. There are a pair of USB ports version 2.0, a combined audio jack, RJ-45 and HDMI, as well as a ventilation grille and a power connector.
There's nothing on the front panel other than a white (and rather dim) battery status indicator, which will glow red when the charge level is critically low.
The back side of the case is completely hidden when the lid is open, so they did not place anything on it.
On the bottom, in the part closest to the user, there is a pair of speakers. There is also a large removable panel that provides access to memory modules, hard drive and expansion cards.
There are few ventilation holes here. The laptop rests on two plastic protrusions in the front, as well as on four identical oval rubber feet located in the corners. The legs turned out to be quite rigid, so they do not collect dust from the surface on which the laptop stands.
⇡ Technical specifications
| Dell Inspiron 15 3542 | |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-4510U: 1.7 GHz (up to 2.7 GHz in TurboBoost mode), 3 MB L3; Two computing cores, TDP 15 W |
| Chipset | Intel Lynx Point-LP |
| Graphics controller | Intel HD 4400; NVIDIA GeForce 820M (2 GB GDDR3); Automatic graphics switching - NVIDIA Optimus |
| Screen | 15.6 inches; resolution 1366x768, Matrix type - TN, glossy finish |
| RAM | 4 GB DDR3-1600 (one expansion slot) |
| HDD | HDD 500 GB (WDC WD500LPVX-75V0TT0) |
| Optical drive | DVD-RW |
| Flash card connector | SD (SDHC/SDXC) |
| Interfaces | 1 x USB 3.0; 2 x USB 2.0; 1 x HDMI; 1 x RJ-45 (Ethernet); 1 x combo audio jack (mini-jack 3.5 mm) |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n, 2.4 GHz, 1x1 (Atheros AR9565) |
| Bluetooth | 4 |
| Network adapter | 10/100/1000 Mbps (Realtek RTL8139/810x) |
| Sound | Two speakers, microphone |
| Battery | Removable, four cylindrical batteries Capacity 40 Wh |
| power unit | 65 W (19.5 V, 3.34 A) |
| Size, mm | 381x268x25.6 |
| Weight, kg | 2,4 |
| operating system | Ubuntu Linux |
| Approximate price | From 19,500 rubles |
Whatever you say, classics will always be in fashion, and Dell knows this. This is probably why the 3000 series from Dell continues to delight users with its models designed for a wide range of users.
In particular, we are talking about the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 (3541). This laptop does not amaze with its super capabilities, but it is quite suitable for everyday use. The device has a discreet, practical design and medium-level hardware, which is enough to perform basic tasks. Let's see what this gadget is capable of.
Specifications
| CPU: | AMD A6-6310 1800 MHz |
| RAM: | 4 GB DDR3 1600 MHz |
| Data storage: | 500 GB HDD 5400 rpm |
| Display: | 15.6" 1366x768 WXGA LED TFT, matte |
| Video card: | AMD Radeon R4, AMD Radeon R5 M230 2 GB GDDR3 |
| Drive unit: | DVD-RW |
| Wireless connection: | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Audio: | 2 speakers |
| Interfaces: | USB 3.0, 2xUSB 2.0, HDMI, RJ-45, SD card reader, headphone output |
| Additionally: | 1 MP webcam |
| Battery: | 4-cell Li-ion 2700 mAh |
| Dimensions, weight: | 380x268x26 mm, 2.4 kg |
| Operating system: | Windows 7 Ultimate |
| Equipment: | Dell Inspiron 3541(2594) |
Contents of delivery
A sample came to us for testing, so we were not able to evaluate the value of the package. Our box contained the laptop itself and the power supply, but the buyer will also receive a standard set of documentation.Design
The appearance of the device is very attractive. Usually budget laptops are made to be quite boring and monotonous, so in this regard the laptop is lucky. The finishing material is plastic, which is annoying from a beauty point of view, but from a practical point of view it is reasonable. Metal would certainly add sophistication, but also weight. By the way, about the latter: the weight of the device does not exceed 2.4 kg, which makes it quite mobile and transportable. As for the dimensions, the length of the laptop is 380 mm, width – 268 mm, and thickness – 26 mm. By the way, we couldn’t help but notice that the design of the gadget is very reminiscent of Lenovo’s ThinkPad line, aimed at business buyers: the same chopped lines and rectilinear shape on the outside, asceticism on the inside. This is quite an interesting move, because everyone is pleased to get a budget laptop with the “habits” of a more expensive laptop.But let's return to the design of the Dell Inspiron 3541. The cover is made in gray, but there is also an option in black. Its surface is not smooth, but textured, and this is visible both visually and tactilely. I'm glad that the lid is non-staining; if fingerprints remain on it, they are not particularly noticeable. In the middle you can see the glossy Dell logo.
The connecting element between the top and bottom of the laptop are two small plastic hinges. The lid opens easily; if desired, this can be done with one hand. In this case, there are no creaks or backlashes. The entire lower part of the laptop is made in black. The keyboard and palm surface are also completely non-staining and very pleasant to use. The touchpad pleases with its size, it is smooth, and it is convenient for your finger to slide over it.
There are four rubber feet on the bottom, which have the function of preventing slipping. There is also the possibility of an upgrade; by unscrewing a few screws and removing the cover, you can get to the RAM and hard drive.
Display, sound and webcam
The 15.6-inch laptop screen has a matte surface, very comfortable to read. The display resolution is 1366x768 pixels, which is not enough by modern standards, but is suitable for everyday work. Aspect ratio – 16:9, matrix type – TFT (screen ID – LGD0456). Viewing angles are acceptable for everyday work, distortion occurs only with strong deviation.
We took some measurements of the display using the Datacolor Spyder4Elite calibrator. This is how we measured the color rendition, brightness and contrast of the display, as well as the uniformity of the backlight. As a result, the following data were obtained: the maximum brightness value is 180.9 cd/m2, the maximum black value is 3.29 cd/m2, and the contrast is 60:1.
The backlight is also uneven, with the right side of the display significantly darker than the left, and the maximum discrepancy from the normal value is 27%.
Compared to the other laptop models we chose for comparison, the Dell Inspiron 15 (3541) was the weakest in terms of brightness. Unfortunately, the contrast was not far behind, so our laptop shared last place with the ASUS K56CB.
The next measurement to measure was color gamut. Just in case, we remind readers that the higher the percentage of agreement, the better; the ideal value is 100%. As you can see in the screenshot below, sRGB gamut compliance is 64%, while AdobeRGB is only 48%.
Two small grilles, under which the speakers are hidden, are located on the front bevel of the bottom. Usually such “home” laptops cause skepticism in terms of multimedia capabilities, but the Inspiron 3541 was a pleasant surprise. At maximum, the sound is not hoarse, there are problems with bass and mid frequencies, but, in general, the sound quality is at an acceptable level.
The webcam in this case received a modest resolution of 1 megapixel. But for its intended use, namely, video communication, it should be enough.
Keyboard and touchpad
As mentioned above, the island keyboard, like the entire palm surface, is made of black plastic. It is rough and quite pleasant to the touch. The keyboard has clearly defined borders, and it includes not only the main one, but also a number pad. The keys are square in shape and have white markings. All the buttons that are often used when typing are very comfortable. As an example, we can cite both buttons , , , which have, frankly speaking, a successful elongated shape.
Unfortunately, the keyboard is not backlit, so without external lighting, you will have to backlight the buttons with the display when typing. The travel of the keys is average, quite elastic, and when pressed you can hear a not too loud click. It is noteworthy that the keyboard does not flex even during intensive typing. The device power button is located in the upper right corner above the keyboard. It has a round shape and not too noticeable boundaries. When pressed, the button is not highlighted, so until the OS welcome picture appears on the screen, it is difficult to understand whether the key was pressed or not.
The touchpad located under the keyboard is quite large. Unlike the palmar surface, it is smooth and easy to feel in the dark. However, the touch pad still has to make a small note: it is quite noisy when pressed. Each click is heard quite loudly and clearly, although, by and large, you get used to it quite quickly. The touchpad does not have physical keys, but their conventional zone is marked with a vertical line.
Performance
We received the Dell Inspiron 3541(2594) for testing with Windows 7 Ultimate preinstalled. However, keep in mind that this is a sample, and therefore the OS version in a similar gadget on store shelves will most likely be completely different.
Under the hood of this device you can find a quad-core AMD A6-6310 processor operating at 1.8 GHz. It is made using a 28 nm process technology and is considered quite energy efficient, because the maximum power consumption level is only 15 W. You can get acquainted with the processor in more detail from the screenshots of the CPU-Z application.
The processor is complemented by an integrated AMD Radeon R4 graphics card. It has 128 shader cores, support for DirectX 11.2, Shader 5.0. Paired with a processor, this graphics can guarantee stable operation under everyday undemanding laptop load conditions. For more complex work, a discrete AMD Radeon R5 M230 video card with 2 GB of its own GDDR3 memory is provided. It was made using a 28 nm process technology. Of course, you shouldn’t expect miracles from this chip, however, its presence is pleasantly pleasing. You can see more detailed information about the features of video cards below, in the screenshots of the GPU-Z program.
As for the Dell Inspiron 3541 in action, we started with the 3DMark06, 3DMark 11 and 3DMark 2013 benchmarks from Futuremark. In 3DMark06, a laptop with a built-in video card received 4536 points (2706 points for processor test, 1501 points for SM2.0 and 1928 points for HDR/SM3.0). With a discrete video adapter, of course, the result is even better - 5538 points.
In 3DMark 11 with integrated graphics we have 1300 points, and with discrete graphics we have 1313 points. For more detailed information regarding this test, take a look at the screenshots below.
When we compare our laptop to competing models such as the Dell Latitude 3440 (an enterprise-class model, mind you), the ASUS K56CB, and the HP Pavilion 15-p054nd, we can see that the integrated AMD Radeon R4 graphics card found in the Dell Inspiron 3541 is noticeably ahead of the pack. , except that the Dell Latitude 3440 took the lead in 3DMark06.
The discrete chip showed less promising results and turned out to be an outsider. However, there is nothing surprising in this, because this video card is weaker than the discrete adapters of competing models.
In 3DMark 2013 we have the following data for integrated graphics: Fire Strike – 435 points, Sky Diver – 1756 points, Cloud Gate – 2831 points and Ice Storm – 30528 points. As for discrete, the figures here are expectedly higher: 718 points in Fire Strike, 1760 in Sky Diver, 3652 points in Cloud Gate and 38347 in Ice Storm.
In the comparative graph you can see that Intel HD Graphics is in the lead in the Dell Latitude 3440; our model is on par with the HP Pavilion 15-p054nd, which, again, is quite predictable, given their similar hardware. And finally, ASUS K56CB is significantly behind its competitors.
As for the graphics with discrete chips, the situation here is similar, but still different. In first place, again, is the Latitude 3440, with the other three models breathing in its back, alternately occupying the leadership position. By the way, unlike the previous graphics with an integrated video card, in which the ASUS K56CB is in last place, here it is on par with the Latitude 3440 in many categories, thanks to the powerful NVIDIA GeForce GT 740 video card, but the latter has a stronger processor. But the discrete video card of our laptop and the Pavilion 15-p054nd model have approximately the same performance, and therefore do not lag behind each other.
The next test we ran was Cinebench R11.5. The processor in it received 1.91 pts, the integrated graphics – 15.11 fps, and the discrete graphics – 18.74 fps.
Unfortunately, the hero of our review did not take the honorable position of leader. In both cases, the HP Pavilion 15-e033er and Dell Latitude 3440 took the lead, thanks to more powerful hardware.
In the updated version of this test - Cinebench R15, our processor earned 155 cb, the discrete video adapter - 20.53 fps, the built-in - 14.50 fps.
As for the rest of the hardware, the laptop has 4 GB of DDR3-1600 MHz RAM. It is represented by one Samsung M471B5173DB0-YK0 strip.
The Seagate Momentus Thin ST500LT012-1DG142 hard drive with a capacity of 500 GB and a spindle speed of 5400 rpm is responsible for storing information. Of course, we couldn't help but run the HD Tune Pro 5.00 test on the hard drive, and here's what came out of it: the minimum read speed is 43.8 MB/s, the average is 83.8 MB/s, and the maximum is 113.3 MB/s. The hard drive access time is 19.3 ms.
As you can see from the graph, these are quite good indicators. The tested laptop is in the top three here, occupying either second or third position.
PCMark7 and PCMark8 complete the performance testing of our laptop. The result of the first was 1796 points: the Computation category received the maximum - 4006 points, the Creativity test slightly less - 3485 points.
In this test, unfortunately, the Dell Inspiron 3541 took last place, behind its rivals with stronger hardware.
In PCMark8, we gave preference to the Home test, which allows us to determine the level of capabilities of the gadget in everyday work, for which, in fact, it is designed. The result was 1725 points.
Games
Since this laptop has a discrete adapter installed, we couldn't help but test it in games. We are sure that every reader will be interested in how well the device performed in this aspect. We launched two games: Battlefield 4 and Grid 2. The first game with native resolution and low settings showed 23-27 frames per second, the second one ran at 30-35 fps at high settings. As you can see, the laptop we tested is capable of running even demanding games, so in your free time you can immerse yourself in the exciting world of gaming.
Ports and communications
On the right side of the Dell Inspiron 3541 you can see a USB 2.0 port, an SD card reader and a DVD-RW optical drive, which supports almost all CD and DVD formats, but does not read HD DVDs and BDs at all.
As for the left side, there is a USB 3.0 port, another USB 2.0, an HDMI video output, an RJ-45 network connector, a Kensington lock, a headphone jack and a charging socket.
There are no interfaces on the back, and on the front you can only see an elongated battery status indicator.
In terms of wireless communications, everything is standard: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n module and Bluetooth 4.0.
Heat and noise
Heat and noise, in most cases, are not the primary factors in choosing a laptop, but they, to one degree or another, determine the comfort of its use. The Dell Inspiron 3541 hardware cannot be called very productive, however, it can handle many games, which means the user needs to know whether the cooling system can handle the load. To determine the degree of heating of the hardware components of our laptop, we used the CPUID HW Monitor benchmark, running the AIDA and Furmark stress test. The results show that the temperature of the processor varies from 47 to 62 degrees Celsius, the hard drive – 31-33 degrees, and the maximum for the video card is 64 degrees Celsius. With such results, the gadget is not in danger of throttling.
15 includes laptops equipped with the latest technology. They provide solutions to any problem and allow you to cope with various applications. In addition, laptops have extensive customization options that can be adjusted to suit your own needs.
The whole range of qualities of laptop computers would seem to make them the most acceptable solution for businessmen, but as statistics show, purchasing laptops to replace desktop computers is widespread. Despite the fact that in general desktops are an order of magnitude more powerful and cheaper, ease of use and the ability to carry the device at least within the home often play a decisive role in the choice.
general information
They are becoming more widely used every day. They are also reflected in laptops. Today, a device with such a screen, by definition, cannot be budget. Therefore, it may seem that in this case there are only two options: either a significant increase in price, or the presence of a minimum number of characteristics. But the manufacturer managed to do the impossible, combining excellent technical performance and reasonable cost in one device.
A special place in the model range is occupied by a laptop with a 15-inch diagonal Dell Inspiron 15 3000 series. The device has powerful functionality. This model can rightfully be considered universal. It is equipped with features that support rich multimedia capabilities.
Dell Inspiron Lineup: Multimedia Features 15 3000 series
Speaking about broad support for multimedia capabilities, it is worth mentioning:
- reliable performance;
- advanced high definition capabilities;
- built-in DVD drive.
The performance level allows you to efficiently perform many everyday tasks. The user has access to the ability to effectively search for information on the Internet. The device has a 4th generation Intel Core processor (i3-4030U). Due to this, it becomes possible to adjust the power.
Processor Features
In this model, the manufacturer was able to avoid using budget processor options, which include Pentium and Celeron. At the same time, the price for Dell Inspiron 15 was kept at a low level.
The productive power it has can support multimedia and office tasks. The user can edit the video.
The integrated Intel HD 4400 graphics core is capable of handling games that have average requirements. The optional 2GB graphics card has a discrete connection type. It ensures that the most complex tasks can be completed without compromising productivity.
Touch screen
The screen has a 15-inch diagonal and an optional sensor that offers high image clarity.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 laptop is suitable for:
- watching your favorite television programs;
- connections to Internet resources;
- searching on the Internet;
- and video recordings, etc.
The image on the screen is presented with clear detail and rich colors. The screen is characterized by a high response speed. Printing is done using scrolling and sliding gestures. Thanks to the high functionality of the sensor, use becomes simple and convenient, and interaction with applications is easy.
Built-in DVD drive
The DVD drive can be used for:
- recordings of musical compositions;
- watching movies;
- software downloads;
- storing bulk data on DVDs;
- quick access to new applications.
Efficiency
In this regard, the inherent characteristics of the Dell Inspiron 15 laptop provide a range of possibilities. The user can solve important problems without being tied to a specific place. Compact dimensions are the best reason to take this stylish laptop with you.
The rechargeable battery has a long charge. This frees you from constantly being near an electrical outlet. You can work without fear that the laptop will finish working much earlier than required.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 series is an excellent platform for storing personal information. The hard drive, which has a capacity of almost 1 TB, can accommodate a large volume of videos, photos, and music. All this can be stored in the laptop memory.
Besides, free space on the hard drive can be used for optimization. Archiving in this case is not a particularly necessary function. But memory can also be used for structured storage of archive files.
For ease of operation, the device has a special built-in device designed to read information from memory cards. This greatly simplifies the process of transferring files from a camera or video camera. Therefore, the user can easily transfer photos and videos to the computer’s memory. The USB 3.0 port allows you to transfer files to external file systems for storage.
Screen sensors
When you purchase the Dell Inspiron 15 3000, you get an optional screen with excellent touch sensors. High definition is aimed at fully supporting interactive features. It provides amazing detail. The transmitted image is bright and clear.
The touch action screen supports ten-finger touch. The surface provides full coverage of the necessary functionality:
- high accuracy;
- sensitivity to touch, scroll, slide;
- high response speed.
The capabilities include maintaining a smooth and very natural interaction compared to conventional touch screens. This was made possible due to optimal placement directly below the screen. While an optical touch screen has cameras for these purposes. They are usually located in the area where the front panel of the device is located.
The Dell Inspiron 15 laptop has the Windows 8.1 operating system. While using such a convenient device, the owner has access to various entertainment and viewing photos in quick mode. Sliding gestures can be used for this. This laptop model will be an impetus for the development of creative possibilities.
Testing and additional benefits
When developing this laptop, the creators of the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 series sought to make a truly convenient and versatile gadget. Therefore, the manufacturing company carried out a series of testing studies, during which this laptop was operated in the most unusual conditions and tested in the most unpredictable places.
As a result, he acquired the following advantages:
- Thermal Resistance - The Dell Inspiron 15 has been tested to withstand short periods of exposure to high temperatures. Testing conditions maintained temperatures at 65 degrees Celsius (149 degrees Fahrenheit). This property will come in handy if the owner of the laptop leaves it in a personal locker at the gym or in a locked car.
- Reliable hinge system - the hinge system is tested for strength and reliability. The model is tested using 20,000 closing and opening movements. Even after such a test, the hinges remain in excellent condition.
- Hotkey system - during testing, the ability to withstand multiple keystrokes is checked. As a result, the laptop can be guaranteed to withstand about 10 million keystrokes, which fall on frequently used keys. The touchpad buttons account for approximately one million clicks.
- Reliable buttons - No matter how you use the media and power buttons, the buttons are guaranteed to be pressed for up to 40,000 times.
- Well-thought-out case - The Dell Inspiron 15 has protection for internal components, this allows the laptop to withstand even 25 thousand turns of the lid and base.
- Tight fit of the battery - the laptop battery, even after 30 removals and subsequent installation, will fit as tightly as when purchasing a new device.
Suggested Accessories
The owner of a laptop can please his device with the appropriate accessories.
As a supplement the following can be used:
- Speaker with Portable Design - The stylish Dell AD211 Bluetooth speaker offers long-lasting performance and supports NFC and Bluetooth 4.0 technology.
- Dell Tek Backpack - Specially designed for devices with a diagonal size of 15 inches. It has a universal design and is made from lightweight and at the same time durable materials. Neutral colors suit any style. This backpack has many convenient pockets that can be used to organize and store all kinds of devices.
- External hard drive - can be used to optimize space on the internal hard drive of a laptop. In this way, the user can protect their files, movies and photos.
Model 3542 Features
The laptop manufacturer Dell is known to many today. An equally popular laptop in the series is the Dell Inspiron 15 3542. Its body is made of plastic, there are no metal parts. The lid has a matte surface covered with light perforations. The textured surface is not only beautiful, but can also hide minor scratches that occur during use.
The display is framed by a black frame with a small width. There is a webcam on top that can be used for shooting and video communication. Glossy inserts are placed in the side areas of the case. In the process of pressing the body, there are no backlashes or excess creep, and the surface does not sag.
Technical capabilities of the model 3542
In terms of technical characteristics, the model has the following set:
- Intel Core processor - version i5-4210U;
- RAM - 4 Gigabytes;
- built-in memory - 500 Gigabytes;
- screen diagonal - 15.6 inches;
- two speakers;
- DVD drive - built-in, recording;
- two speakers.