Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
July 2, 2025: With this update, our lineup of recommended products remains unchanged. We are currently testing and reviewing five new Dell laptops, including several Dell Plus and Alienware models, for possible inclusion in this roundup and the rest of our laptop roundups.
- Elegantly trim, compact design
- Decent value
- Bright, sharp screen
- Spiffy seamless touchpad
- No ports except two USB4
- No audio jack
- Compromised keyboard
- No webcam shutter
Dell’s legendary ultraportable laptop has adopted the latest mobile processing for laptops, Qualcomm’s AI-ready Snapdragon X Elite chips, to excellent effect in the latest XPS 13 model. Priced at less than $1,000 (albeit barely), the Snapdragon-sporting XPS 13 maintains everything that makes the flagship laptop line great from its bright and crisp display to the sublime seamless touchpad in the same slim design. While not an Editors’ Choice award winner, this XPS 13 laptop hangs at the top of the heap regardless, ready for the incoming AI wave with a processor designed just for that kind of work.
This Dell laptop serves the interests of the broadest set of users and is a worthy computing companion. If you’re set on Dell and want the latest technology and features the company offers, it’s all here in the new XPS 13 with Snapdragon. And, because it runs on Snapdragon, just check if the new platform supports your favorite apps before diving in—chances are high that you’ll be just fine.
Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (X1E80100)
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
13.4 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Qualcomm Adreno GPU
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.6 by 11.6 by 7.8 inches
Weight
2.62 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
14:53
Learn More
Dell XPS 13 (9345, Snapdragon) Review
- Sleek, slim aesthetic and inputs
- Brilliant 4K OLED touch screen
- High performance from Intel Core Ultra 7 and GeForce RTX 4070
- Impressive battery life
- Expensive
- Not all design changes are improvements
- USB-C ports only (though USB-A and HDMI adapter provided)
This is Dell’s best answer to Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro, a hearty laptop aimed at content creators and other digital professionals who don’t need the specialized apps and independent software vendor (ISV) certifications of the Precision workstation series. The XPS 16 shines brilliantly with a 4K touch screen, top-end ports, high-power components, and lengthy battery life. It all comes housed in a super-premium chassis with some of the latest design features, like a borderless touchpad and an LED row of capacitive-touch function keys.
Buyers who want one of the highest-end Windows laptops should definitely consider the Dell XPS 16. It’s one of the most elite Dell laptops, with both price and performance to match. If you’ve got the scratch, this 16-inch powerhouse is a genuine competitor to Apple’s best portable.
Class
Desktop Replacement
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
16.3 inches
Native Display Resolution
3840 by 2400
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
90 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.74 by 14.1 by 9.4 inches
Weight
4.7 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
18:40
Learn More
Dell XPS 16 (9640) Review
- Slick touchpad and LED function row
- Long battery life
- Available GeForce RTX 4050 GPU
- Ample memory and storage options
- Effective webcam
- Pricey for the spec loadout
- Heavy for its size
- Uncomfortable keyboard
- HDMI and USB-A relegated to (admittedly cute) dongle
When it comes to ultraportable laptops, nothing beats Dell’s XPS line in terms of performance and premium panache. The XPS 14, a newer 14-inch size for the family, features the stylish seamless touchpad and LED function-key row as other XPS flagships while separating itself from most ultraportables with optional, content-creation-worthy Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 discrete graphics. The XPS 14 also boasts nearly all-day battery life.
Dell’s target audience for the XPS 14 consists mainly of deep-pocketed power users who are enthusiastic about premium computing hardware. Like the XPS 16, this model is one of the best Windows-based alternatives to comparable Apple MacBook machines. If you want something light and compact that feels substantial and high-end, this should be your first stop in the Dell aisle.
Class
Business, Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
14.5 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
Dynamic
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
6 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.71 by 12.6 by 8.5 inches
Weight
3.7 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
19:36
Learn More
Dell XPS 14 (9440) Review
- Beautiful mini-LED display with vivid color and brightness
- Pen support ideal for sketching
- Impressive battery life
- Generally potent if inconsistent performance
- Too big and bulky for tablet use
- Hinge and vent design aren’t ideal
- Graphics performance hindered by lack of GPU
- Outdated HDMI 1.4 means no 4K monitor use
Most of Dell’s traditional laptop lines have 2-in-1 variants, with the Inspiron 2-in-1 line being its best for mainstream audiences. The Inspiron 16 Plus 2-in-1 7640 sits at the top of Dell’s pile, being both the biggest and the most beautiful among all the Inspiron hybrid laptops. This is another example of a midrange laptop giving you a taste of the high life with a gorgeous 1600p, mini-LED touch screen with a helpful 90Hz refresh rate. The laptop’s innards make use of that panel with Intel Core Ultra processing and Intel Arc graphics for light gaming and content creation chops.
This one is admittedly for Dell fans of perhaps the most specific niche. Anyone who buys a laptop like this should want a large tablet with pen support—larger than they can find from Apple or Android options. The attached keyboard and entire Windows interface only increase this device’s capabilities as a complete laptop, but it’s all about that lovely screen for watching, playing, and drafting.
Class
Convertible 2-in-1, Desktop Replacement
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Panel Technology
Mini LED
Variable Refresh Support
Yes
Screen Refresh Rate
90 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.75 by 14 by 10 inches
Weight
4.68 pounds
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
16:25
Learn More
Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 (7640) Review
- Strong gaming, productivity performance, thanks to RTX 4070 and Core Ultra 7
- Reasonable starting price and good value as configured
- Sleek metal build is trim for a 16-incher
- Superior keyboard, plenty of ports
- Long battery life
- QHD+ screen resolution strains hardware in demanding titles
- Only two configurations, though they’re well priced
When it comes to raw graphics power, Dell’s flagship Alienware m16 R2 is the leading choice in its gaming lineup at this writing. With a decent starting price for its size and plenty of punch in our tested configuration (not cheap, but surprisingly fairly priced), the m16 R2 is a crowd-pleaser for PC gamers who need a rig they can pack up and move on occasion. This is hugely helped by its sleek metal build with many connections, excellent keyboard, and lengthy battery life.
If you care less about desk or briefcase space and more about pushing pixels, the Alienware m16 R2 is your best bet in Dell’s gaming laptop lineup. This laptop also represents a rare value among competing gaming machines, with plenty of power and lots of premium touches for well under two grand, even in a step-up configuration.
Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
G-Sync
Screen Refresh Rate
240 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.93 by 14.33 by 9.81 inches
Weight
5.75 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
10:14
Learn More
Alienware m16 R2 Review
- Blistering processing and gaming performance
- Relatively approachable starting price
- QHD+ 165Hz display with FHD+ 480Hz option
- Optional mechanical Cherry MX keyboard
- Expensive as tested
- Heavy, even for its size
- Screen could be brighter
This is the Alienware laptop to get if you want to release the Kraken, ride the Leviathan, or otherwise crave the company’s most powerful mobile gaming rig. Its immense 18-inch size takes up reams of desk space, making it barely portable, but this behemoth can easily accommodate the utmost in Intel processing and Nvidia graphics power. Because of that, our top-end review configuration isn’t quite the value that Dell’s smaller gaming laptops represent, but it makes up for that with some of the most dazzling display options available, like a 1600p screen with 165Hz refresh or a 1080p panel that runs at a blistering 480Hz.
Dell’s answer for deep-pocketed PC gaming nuts who want as much power as they can possibly get is the m18 R2, whose speed is rivaled only by its size. This mighty machine is solely for a specific audience: hard-core gamers who want bragging rights over even compact gaming desktops, let alone other notebooks. (For “notebook,” read “encyclopedia.”)
Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core i9-14900HX
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
2 TB
Screen Size
18 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
G-Sync
Screen Refresh Rate
165 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
16 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
1.05 by 16.2 by 12.6 inches
Weight
8.9 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
6:45
Learn More
Alienware m18 R2 Review
- Full-workday battery life
- Powerful, laptop-like performance
- Wi-Fi 7 and Intel vPro
- Built with recycled materials
- Three-year warranty
- Expensive, and essential accessories are still extra
- So-so cameras
As 2-in-1 detachable laptops seem to be growing more scarce lately, it’s comforting to know Dell supports the form factor with such well-made devices as the Latitude 7350. This tablet-and-keyboard combo nails all of the expectations of the category, like an entire workday’s worth of battery life, laptop-grade speeds, a sharp 2,880-by-1,920-resolution touch screen, and the latest wireless specs. The three-year warranty is also a significant plus.
This is a 2-in-1 for getting work done, likely to be bought by contractors and small businesses or deployed by IT departments to high-level creators or public-facing decision-makers in larger offices. It’s not cheap either, particularly with the keyboard and pen accessories that—while top-quality—are still sold separately. Regardless, it’s a high-grade device that deserves to share at least a sliver of the class-leading Microsoft Surface Pro’s spotlight.
Class
Detachable 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 164U
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
13 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1920
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Graphics
Wireless Networking
Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7
Dimensions (HWD)
0.35 by 11.5 by 8.2 inches
Weight
1.76 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
15:26
Learn More
Dell Latitude 7350 Detachable Review
- Svelte and light
- Decent array of ports
- Impressive battery life
- Includes three years of on-site service
- Expensive
- Lattice keyboard looks better than it works
- OLED and WWAN models not available yet
Dell’s big 2025 brand revision first hit the Latitude line with the Dell Pro 14 Premium. This laptop represents the highest-end tier of the newly named Dell Pro line for offices, bringing Copilot+ PC AI capabilities to Dell’s enterprise fleet with Intel Core Ultra 200V processing. The Pro 14 Premium is a slim and light laptop with a decent port arrangement for its size and lengthy battery life—all essential for the mobile professional.
This laptop is the next generation of Dell’s premium PCs, designed for mass adoption by large offices worldwide, particularly in the US. With a range of features and competencies that are all essential for the average modern office employee, the Dell Pro 14 Premium targets a broad audience of end users. Plus, the three years of on-site service should appeal to fleet managers and IT folks stuck in exceptionally wooly situations.
Class
Business, Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 268V
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.71 by 12.3 by 8.5 inches
Weight
2.52 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
25:53
Learn More
Dell Pro 14 Premium (PA14250) Review
- Stunning 4K OLED touch screen
- Blazing performance for its size
- Elegant build with snappy keyboard
- Not quite as fast or expandable as heavier rivals
- No USB-A ports or webcam shutter
- Mega expensive, as most mobile workstations are
Dell’s most potent power lurks within its Precision line of mobile workstations, and the best unit we’ve tested to date is the Precision 5690. Packed with an Intel Core 9 Ultra processor and an Nvidia RTX 5000 Ada professional GPU, this 16-inch workstation chewed through every high-intensity benchmark we threw at it. Shockingly, it also lasted more than 17 hours in our battery test, delivering a MacBook Pro-like experience for the Windows camp. Of course, like all elite workstations, it’s premium-priced, so enterprise clients or exceptionally fortunate contractors are in its customer crosshairs.
A laptop of this power level is almost exclusively aimed toward particularly well-off small businesses in demanding design and engineering fields or enterprise-level buyers for large firms that either produce high-fidelity CGI content or complex digital assets or crunch through the most mammoth, complex datasets. The Precision 5690 is an impressive, if pricey, proposition with the chops to back it up.
Class
Workstation
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Secondary Drive Type
SSD
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
3840 by 2400
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia RTX 5000 Ada
Graphics Memory
16 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.87 by 13.9 by 9.5 inches
Weight
4.46 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
17:11
Learn More
Dell Precision 5690 Review
- Low price
- Sufficient memory and storage
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Tepid performance
- Chintzy keyboard
- Wi-Fi 5, not 6E or 7
- Dim display
The Dell Inspiron 15 (3535) is the best budget Dell laptop we’ve tested so far, overall improving over the 3525 model it replaces. While not an award winner, it’s ideal for everyday users who prioritize speed and a decent screen while saving as much cash as possible. The laptop also serves up appropriate memory and storage capacities for its (sometimes) sub-$300 price, making its budget-bound shortcomings easier to overlook.
If you’re a frequent traveler with little money to spend on a laptop for personal use, Dell’s Inspiron 15 (3535) should be a fine fit. This laptop is for someone who is prepared to make compromises to reach minimum specification requirements, such as 8GB of memory, a 1080p 120Hz screen, and 512GB of SSD space, for as little cash upfront as possible.
Class
Budget, Desktop Replacement
Processor
AMD Ryzen 5 7520U
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
15.6 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
Manual
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
AMD Radeon 610M Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.75 by 14.1 by 9.3 inches
Weight
3.59 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
16:22
Learn More
Dell Inspiron 15 (3535) Review
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The Best Dell Laptops for 2025
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Buying Guide: The Best Dell Laptops for 2025
What Are the Differences Among Dell’s Laptop Lines?
When looking for the best Dell laptop, you’ll want to concentrate on which of its six main laptop families best meets your needs. The ones to familiarize yourself with are Inspiron, XPS, Alienware, G Series, Latitude, and Precision. Apart from the two gaming-oriented ones, you’ll find clamshell and 2-in-1 convertible entries in all these families.
However, this year, Dell is in the process of rebranding almost all of its PC product lines under new names while covering the same subcategories. Here’s a cheat sheet:
-
Inspiron will become simply “Dell” followed by the screen size. For example, the Inspiron 15 of 2024 will be the Dell 15 of 2025.
-
Inspiron Plus will become “Dell Plus” followed by the screen size (i.e. Inspiron Plus 16 to Dell Plus 16)
-
XPS will become “Dell Premium” followed by the screen size (i.e. XPS 14 to Dell Premium 14)
-
Latitude will become “Dell Pro” or “Dell Pro Plus” followed by the screen size (i.e. Latitude 14 to Dell Pro 14)
-
Precision will become “Dell Pro Max” followed by the screen size (i.e. Precision 16 to Dell Pro Max 16)
-
The Alienware brand will now cover all of Dell’s gaming laptop products. Dell is discontinuing the G Series, with mainstream-priced Alienware Aurora systems poised to take their place.
Inspiron: The Mainstream Choice
Dell’s Inspiron brand comprises consumer laptops of every stripe for use at home or in school: power machines, inexpensive “just enough” systems, big displays, and ultra-compacts. Whether editing photos or managing your home finances, Inspiron’s copious options fit most buyers’ screen size and budget needs. These machines are mostly Windows models; if you want something less expensive for simple tasks and browsing online, consider Dell’s Chromebooks, which put basic functionality into affordable packages that work great for kids and students.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Dell used to break its Inspiron line into three gradations or levels: 3000, 5000, and 7000 series. As you went up that stack, you tended to see more premium features and higher relative pricing. The number between the word “Inspiron” and the series number was typically the laptop’s screen size; an Inspiron 13 5000, for example, would be a 13-inch-screened laptop with middle-field characteristics.
However, today, Dell names its Inspiron systems according to their rough screen sizes, which now include 14-inch and 16-inch laptop varieties. This creates more significant ambiguity around what each laptop is capable of; you’ll want to look at detailed reviews with testing results to get an idea of relative potency.
Want to ensure you’re saving the most cash possible, even on one of the best Dell laptops? Check out our article with 15 money-saving tips for buying laptops.
Remember, as 2025 goes on, the Inspiron brand will become simply “Dell,” followed by the screen size call-out. For example, the Inspiron 15 of 2024 will be the Dell 15 of 2025. Likewise, Inspiron Plus will become “Dell Plus.” Models using both name styles will coexist for a while.
XPS: The Power-User Class
Successive versions of the Dell XPS 13 were our “near-perfect” ultraportable for several years. Refresh after refresh, Dell keeps tuning to keep this hardy machine on top. XPS signifies a premium-design, fully decked-out machine that bridges demanding consumers and business users on both the desktop and laptop sides of the fence. Dell’s line of power tools is equally at home in a home office, coffee shop, conference room, or high-stakes business meeting.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
XPS-class laptops also sometimes serve as guinea pigs for introducing futuristic features, such as in the XPS 13 Plus, which ditched a physical touchpad in favor of a haptic feedback mechanism integrated into the palm rest. Traditionally, you didn’t find much variety in the XPS laptop line regarding screen size or stratification, just configurable versions of the 13-inch-screened XPS 13 and 15-inch XPS 15 as both clamshells and swiveling-screen 2-in-1s. The XPS 17, the biggest model, has a 17-inch screen and is only available in a clamshell form factor.
This changed with the debut of the 14-inch and 16-inch Dell XPS models, which feature Intel’s Core Ultra AI-equipped processors. All of the existing odd-number screen sizes (13, 15, 17) are sold alongside these new even-number sizes (14 and 16 inches), but some may be phased out.
Just remember that this year, the XPS brand will become “Dell Premium.” That transition hasn’t happened yet, as of this writing, but be aware that the XPS brand name’s days are numbered.
Alienware, G Series, and Aurora: Full-Spectrum Gaming
While you might still find some of the options mentioned below (notably, Dell’s G series) as final stock at third-party retailers, Dell has adjusted its gaming laptop line for 2025, too. First, Dell has revived the Alienware Area-51 name for its top-tier gaming laptops. These models feature a new design with an improved airflow system for better cooling. You’ll find these laptops with top-end Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 or 5080 graphics inside (or an RTX 5070 Ti to start) for prices north of $3,000.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Dell’s efforts to serve more gamers across budgets, though, will be served by its 2025 revival of the Alienware Aurora brand. These new laptops, starting at $1,100, have similar styling but less flashy materials and lighting effects.
Dell previously offered gamers machines at less than $1,000 with its G series, but the G series is going away, and it looks like the Aurora’s higher starting price is the new baseline it has settled on. The new Aurora laptops, dubbed Aurora 16 and 16X, start with RTX 4050 graphics and ramp up to an RTX 5070 in the highest-end builds, which hover around $2,000.
Latitude: Dell’s Umbrella for Business Machines
Then we have the business machines. Dell’s Latitude brand is the mainstay for its business laptops, competing with options from Lenovo (the ThinkPad series) and HP (its various EliteBooks). Latitude offers options for workers in the office or out in the field, with a mix of thin yet powerful laptops and durable systems that can take a beating.
Like the Inspirons once did, classic Latitudes use a 3000, 5000, and 7000 hierarchy, plus a top-of-the-line 9000 series. The second number in the four-digit model number signifies the screen size. So a Dell Latitude 7390 is in the second from the top of the four lines, with a 13.3-inch screen; a Latitude 9500 would be a top-grade machine with a 15.6-inch screen.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Beyond the “simply” durable units, the Latitude line also includes a few costly, highly ruggedized models designed for use in hostile environments: doused in water, clipped onto an ATV, exposed to cold and wind, or carried into harm’s way by first responders. These are branded under the Latitude Rugged Extreme moniker.
As a reminder, the Latitude brand is becoming “Dell Pro” or “Dell Pro Plus” in the latest models, with the latter covering the more powerfully configured and fully featured configurations. This transition is already underway.
Precision: Workstation Laptops for Demanding Professionals
Mobile workstations are a breed of machines that share some traits with business models. Still, they stand apart for their independent software vendor (ISV) certifications and, in some cases, specialized CPU and GPU options and support for precise error-correcting-code (ECC) memory. ISV certifications give users of demanding professional business apps (in areas such as scientific computing, architecture, and engineering) assurances that the workstation will run up to snuff with a given application. Companies such as Adobe, Autodesk, Avid, Dassault Systemes, and Siemens tend to be the ISVs involved.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Dell’s mobile workstation line has traditionally been its Precision line, which comprises laptop and desktop models. On the laptop side, Precision uses the same 3000, 5000, and 7000 series lingo as the Latitudes, with the screen size indicated within the model number. A final name-change reminder, though: Through 2025, the Precision brand will transition to “Dell Pro Max” and cover various screen sizes and hardware configurations.
A workstation might use consumer- or business-grade Intel CPUs. Still, the mark of a high-end workstation is the presence of a dedicated workstation-grade graphics processor from Nvidia (RTX and A-series) or AMD (Radeon Pro, much less common). The latter contrasts consumer-GPU counterparts (GeForce RTX and Radeon RX, respectively) and are designed specifically for the heavy-duty calculations that ISV-class applications require.
Ready to Buy the Best Dell Laptop for You?
You’ll find plenty of solid Dell systems, but don’t be overwhelmed by the options. We’ve combed through our many reviews and singled out the best Dell systems in multiple categories in the lists and summaries above. For more Dell and non-Dell options, check out our best laptops overall (updated constantly) and our lists of the best Chromebooks, budget laptops, and gaming laptops.
