To stand out from the mass of multimedia laptops is no longer an easy task for any manufacturer. Dell takes an innovative turn for its newest entertainment sprout and advertises the Inspiron 17R with an exchangeable lid ("SWITCH"). The standardly black outer shell (Diamond Black) is also available in a red and blue alternative (Fire Red & Peacock Blue) for a surcharge. If you like it even more extravagant, you can additionally order special designs with stylish patterns in the accessories department of Dell's own shop.
The Inspiron 17R otherwise shows itself conventional in other regards. One of Intel's latest dual cores does its job as the processor, either the Core i3-2310M (2.10 GHz) or the Core i5-2410M (2.3 – 2.9 GHz) depending on the model. The customer doesn't have any major influence on the graphics card. While the cheaper model has to be content with Intel's weak Dell Inspiron 17R HD Graphics 3000 Driver (incorporated in the CPU), the other three models are equipped with the DirectX 11 capable GeForce GT 525M. The options for RAM and hard disk are also limited. Three, respectively four GB of DDR3 RAM and a 320, respectively 500 GB HDD – that's it.
The 17.3 inch glare display has a resolution of 1600x900 pixels regardless of the model. Moreover, Dell uses both a DVD burner and Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit. Regrettably, the laptop is remote from the configuration possibilities of an XPS 15 or an XPS 17. Regardless of that, we grabbed the Inspiron 17R's most expensive version and checked its qualities.
Case
Exchangeable lid
The gray-black case made a good impression. The surfaces are all made of simple plastic and have been given a fine line texture. The design and styling are very coherent. The keyboard is framed by an elegant silver bezel (reflects intensely in sunlight). However, we didn't like the partly high-gloss finish as much. In particular the display bezel and the key gaps smudge very quickly. The case is generally quite susceptible for scratches.
In return, there is hardly any reason for complaint in regard to workmanship. We couldn't determine any irregular gaps. Dell could however make improvements in terms of stability. The case yields evidently on both in the height of the battery and optical drive area. The wobbly laptop lid is in an even worse condition. Talking about wobbly: Both hinges do their job rather unsatisfactorily. For one thing, the base unit clearly lifts while opening and for the other, the screen isn't kept sufficiently in place on unstable surfaces.
The Inspiron 17R hasn't really been conceived for mobile use anyway. Dimensions of 41.8x28.7 centimeters and a weight of 3.3 kilograms can get quite unhandy for carrying around after a while. Exchanging the display lid is easy by the way: simply press the unlock key intended for this, push away the lid and finished.
Connectivity
USB 3.0 performance
The Inspiron 17R's connectivity can't achieve any high scores. The users will look for an ExpressCard slot in vain, just like for a FireWire port. Otherwise, Dell has done a good job. There are two cutting edge USB 3.0 ports and a USB 2.0 port behind the optical drive on the right.
The rear also accommodates a few interfaces. Dell has placed a RJ45 LAN port (fast Ethernet only), a VGA out, a Kensington lock and the power socket beside the battery. In our opinion, the left port positioning is suboptimal. An eSATA/USB 2.0 combo, a HDMI out, two audio ports and an 8in1 cardreader are located in front of the vent. If you use a mouse on the left, you'll soon find yourself faced with room problems when many cables are connected.
Communication
There's nothing to complain about in terms of wireless communication. Dell installs Intel's Centrino Wireless N 1030 module, which can handle WLAN b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0 Driver .
Left: eSATA/USB 2.0, HDMI, 2 audios, 8in1 cardreader Driver
Rear: Dell Inspiron 17R RJ45 fast Ethernet LAN, VGA, Kensington Lock, power socket Driver
Rear: Optical drive, two USB 3.0s, USB 2.00 Driver
Installed software
Software
The Inspiron 17R can't yet develop its full potential in the state of delivery. Dell has pre-installed various programs that have an adverse effect on the boot process in the long run, for one thing. For another, its responsiveness immediately after the system start suffers. Not to mention various pop up reports. Windows 7 first runs pleasantly after the Inspiron 17R Driver has been relieved from superfluous ballast.
Scope of Delivery
The scope of delivery is limited to the most necessary. A manual, a few info leaflets and a driver & tool DVD Driver joins the flat 90 watt power adapter and the 6 cell battery. Beyond that, Dell adds a data carrier for recovering the operating system for a surcharge of five euros.
Warranty
The customer can choose among various services during the configuration. Starting with a one year pick up & return service up to a 48 month premium service with onsite repair on the next business day – the range is extensive.
Input Devices Driver
Keyboard
The keyboard is clearly inferior to the touchpad. Although, the presence of a dedicated number pad, a successful layout and the key's adequate pressure point, respectively stroke have to be mentioned on the positive side, the typing feel proved to be disagreeable. The keys are very loud and clattery so that you will likely soon attract annoyed glances in quieter surroundings.
Moreover, the separated keys (chiclet design) have turned out fairly small. Especially the arrow and F keys prove to be extremely narrow. However, typos are rather rare due to the generous spacing. Too bad: Dell hasn't included a useful illumination.
Touchpad
The excellent touchpad is one of the Inspiron 17R's few unique selling features. The gliding traits are outstanding thanks to the extremely smooth surface. You can hardly glide over any other device with such silkiness. The generous size is another upside. The touchpad measures a whole 100x56 millimeters. At the same time, a certain amount of orientation and feedback is granted because it's submerged.
The touchpad is adequate in view of precision. Various gestures (zooming & scrolling, etc) facilitate use. On the other hand, the mouse keys respond alike the keyboard. While the triggering behavior is acceptable, the cheap sounding noise reduces the impression of quality.
Keyboard
Dell Inspiron 17R (N7110) Touchpad Driver
Display
Like many other laptops, the screen proves to be the biggest downside. Dell relies on a 17.3 inch WLED display, which has an aspect ratio of 16:9 and a HD resolution. In our opinion, 1600x900 pixels represent a good compromise of desktop and computational effort.
The Inspiron 17R otherwise shows itself conventional in other regards. One of Intel's latest dual cores does its job as the processor, either the Core i3-2310M (2.10 GHz) or the Core i5-2410M (2.3 – 2.9 GHz) depending on the model. The customer doesn't have any major influence on the graphics card. While the cheaper model has to be content with Intel's weak Dell Inspiron 17R HD Graphics 3000 Driver (incorporated in the CPU), the other three models are equipped with the DirectX 11 capable GeForce GT 525M. The options for RAM and hard disk are also limited. Three, respectively four GB of DDR3 RAM and a 320, respectively 500 GB HDD – that's it.
The 17.3 inch glare display has a resolution of 1600x900 pixels regardless of the model. Moreover, Dell uses both a DVD burner and Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit. Regrettably, the laptop is remote from the configuration possibilities of an XPS 15 or an XPS 17. Regardless of that, we grabbed the Inspiron 17R's most expensive version and checked its qualities.
Case
Exchangeable lid
The gray-black case made a good impression. The surfaces are all made of simple plastic and have been given a fine line texture. The design and styling are very coherent. The keyboard is framed by an elegant silver bezel (reflects intensely in sunlight). However, we didn't like the partly high-gloss finish as much. In particular the display bezel and the key gaps smudge very quickly. The case is generally quite susceptible for scratches.
In return, there is hardly any reason for complaint in regard to workmanship. We couldn't determine any irregular gaps. Dell could however make improvements in terms of stability. The case yields evidently on both in the height of the battery and optical drive area. The wobbly laptop lid is in an even worse condition. Talking about wobbly: Both hinges do their job rather unsatisfactorily. For one thing, the base unit clearly lifts while opening and for the other, the screen isn't kept sufficiently in place on unstable surfaces.
The Inspiron 17R hasn't really been conceived for mobile use anyway. Dimensions of 41.8x28.7 centimeters and a weight of 3.3 kilograms can get quite unhandy for carrying around after a while. Exchanging the display lid is easy by the way: simply press the unlock key intended for this, push away the lid and finished.
Connectivity
USB 3.0 performance
The Inspiron 17R's connectivity can't achieve any high scores. The users will look for an ExpressCard slot in vain, just like for a FireWire port. Otherwise, Dell has done a good job. There are two cutting edge USB 3.0 ports and a USB 2.0 port behind the optical drive on the right.
The rear also accommodates a few interfaces. Dell has placed a RJ45 LAN port (fast Ethernet only), a VGA out, a Kensington lock and the power socket beside the battery. In our opinion, the left port positioning is suboptimal. An eSATA/USB 2.0 combo, a HDMI out, two audio ports and an 8in1 cardreader are located in front of the vent. If you use a mouse on the left, you'll soon find yourself faced with room problems when many cables are connected.
Communication
There's nothing to complain about in terms of wireless communication. Dell installs Intel's Centrino Wireless N 1030 module, which can handle WLAN b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0 Driver .
Left: eSATA/USB 2.0, HDMI, 2 audios, 8in1 cardreader Driver
Rear: Dell Inspiron 17R RJ45 fast Ethernet LAN, VGA, Kensington Lock, power socket Driver
Rear: Optical drive, two USB 3.0s, USB 2.00 Driver
Installed software
Software
The Inspiron 17R can't yet develop its full potential in the state of delivery. Dell has pre-installed various programs that have an adverse effect on the boot process in the long run, for one thing. For another, its responsiveness immediately after the system start suffers. Not to mention various pop up reports. Windows 7 first runs pleasantly after the Inspiron 17R Driver has been relieved from superfluous ballast.
Scope of Delivery
The scope of delivery is limited to the most necessary. A manual, a few info leaflets and a driver & tool DVD Driver joins the flat 90 watt power adapter and the 6 cell battery. Beyond that, Dell adds a data carrier for recovering the operating system for a surcharge of five euros.
Warranty
The customer can choose among various services during the configuration. Starting with a one year pick up & return service up to a 48 month premium service with onsite repair on the next business day – the range is extensive.
Input Devices Driver
Keyboard
The keyboard is clearly inferior to the touchpad. Although, the presence of a dedicated number pad, a successful layout and the key's adequate pressure point, respectively stroke have to be mentioned on the positive side, the typing feel proved to be disagreeable. The keys are very loud and clattery so that you will likely soon attract annoyed glances in quieter surroundings.
Moreover, the separated keys (chiclet design) have turned out fairly small. Especially the arrow and F keys prove to be extremely narrow. However, typos are rather rare due to the generous spacing. Too bad: Dell hasn't included a useful illumination.
Touchpad
The excellent touchpad is one of the Inspiron 17R's few unique selling features. The gliding traits are outstanding thanks to the extremely smooth surface. You can hardly glide over any other device with such silkiness. The generous size is another upside. The touchpad measures a whole 100x56 millimeters. At the same time, a certain amount of orientation and feedback is granted because it's submerged.
The touchpad is adequate in view of precision. Various gestures (zooming & scrolling, etc) facilitate use. On the other hand, the mouse keys respond alike the keyboard. While the triggering behavior is acceptable, the cheap sounding noise reduces the impression of quality.
Keyboard
Dell Inspiron 17R (N7110) Touchpad Driver
Display
Like many other laptops, the screen proves to be the biggest downside. Dell relies on a 17.3 inch WLED display, which has an aspect ratio of 16:9 and a HD resolution. In our opinion, 1600x900 pixels represent a good compromise of desktop and computational effort.
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