Dell's new laptop almost rivals MacBook Air specs for half the price

(Image credit: Dell)

The difference between two top Dell Inspiron 13 5000 models is currently a mere $20 dollars. We're not sure whether it's a genuine mistake or a strategic move on the part of Dell, but it's something we certainly think is worth highlighting.

The more expensive Inspiron 13 5391 comes with a Core i5, 8GB and 256GB for just under $550 (roughly £420). Its cheaper cousin offers slightly less bang for your buck, with a Core i3, 4GB and 128GB for $530.

This is the very epitome of a no-brainer deal, especially when you consider the McAfee LiveSafe 12-month subscription thrown in at no extra cost.

Dell Inspiron 13 5391 - $549.99 at Dell
$549.99 at Dell

Dell Inspiron 13 5391 - $549.99 at Dell
We’re not sure how Dell has managed to deliver this outstanding piece of technology at such a low price point. The Inspiron 13 5300 series has everything you’d expect from a mid-range model, except for the display (WVA rather than IPS). A fingerprint reader and a plethora of ports are just two of its many selling points.

Compared to Apple’s MacBook Air, it is lighter, costs almost half as much, has twice the storage capacity and far more connectors. Admittedly, Apple’s machine has a higher resolution screen, Thunderbolt 3 connectors and a bigger battery.

The Inspiron 13 5391 may be viewed as a cheaper version of the Dell XPS 13, but aluminium is used extensively throughout, giving the laptop a premium look and feel. It also has a three-sided narrow border and a diamond cut finish around the touchpad.

Surprisingly for a laptop of this price, there’s a fingerprint reader plus a backlit, spill-resistant keyboard. The redesigned hinge might not be to everyone’s taste, but the ability to integrate with your smartphone via Dell Mobile Connect should distract from any misgivings.

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Desire Athow
Managing Editor, TechRadar Pro

Désiré has been musing and writing about technology during a career spanning four decades. He dabbled in website builders and web hosting when DHTML and frames were in vogue and started narrating about the impact of technology on society just before the start of the Y2K hysteria at the turn of the last millennium.

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