Dell Inspiron 15R (2nd generation) review: Dell Inspiron 15R (2nd generation)

When it comes to spending $500 on a laptop, beggars can't be choosers. One of the best things about the Inspiron 15R, Dell's 2011 update to its budget and midrange consumer laptop line, is that it starts at an aggressive price while still offering Intel's second-generation Core i-series processors. At $499, the new Inspiron 15R includes a Core i3 Sandy Bridge processor, along with a couple of USB 3.0 ports and Bluetooth, making it one of the better deals around.

7.5

Dell Inspiron 15R (2nd generation)

The Good

The 2011 <b>Dell Inspiron 15R</b> starts at just $499, and includes modern features such as second-gen Intel Core i-series processors, USB 3.0 ports, and an HD Webcam, along with optional swappable lids.

The Bad

The Inspiron 15R's bulky body is heavy, and its battery life is a big letdown. Adding optional extras makes it nearly as expensive as a laptop from Dell's premium XPS line.

The Bottom Line

Dell's Inspiron 15R is an attractively priced budget consumer laptop with a welcome set of up-to-date features and design options, but beware of the cost of customizations.

The tricky thing about the Dell Inspiron 15R is upgrading it: depending on what options you choose, as with many Dell laptops, the price can easily soar up to $1,000 or more. Our review configuration of the 15R cost about $709, and comes with a Core i5 processor, 6GB of RAM, and a 500GB hard drive, along with an extended 2-year warranty. That's a reasonable price, but you might want to pick your configurations carefully, and consider other alternatives. Up at the near-$1,000 range there are plenty of attractive options from other manufacturers, and there's also Dell's own XPS 15z.

The 2011 Inspiron R comes with an HD Webcam and second-generation Intel Core i-series CPUs, and optional multicolored and patterned back lids are available for $35 to $60 a pop. The upgraded processors are the most welcome addition, and in the $499 configuration the Inspiron 15R is a very attractive budget laptop option. Just be careful about going too far over that $700 threshold.