Summary
- Top in Popularity:
- Top in Overall Specs:
- Top Budget Model:
- Top in Portability:
- Top Model for Students:
- Top Gaming Laptop:
Dell has consistently been an industry chart-topper in the recent years, ranking 3rd for the second year in a row Laptop Mag’s laptop brand rankings back in 2018. Although it’s too early in the year to definitively tell, Dell is considered a top contender in being the best workstation laptop brand for 2019.
Dell’s Ultrabook line of products for the year is looking promising, with Dell workstation laptops that have powerful specs, great designs, and amazing portability. These and almost all of their machines are time-tested and hardy as well, so if you’re looking for a laptop that would last a long time for your work or school needs, you can’t go wrong with a Dell workstation laptop.
With the XPS models, you can expect the latest and greatest in display options, wireless capabilities, and built-in software. XPS workstation laptops have been fan favorites since the beginning and for good reason. The Dell XPS 13 had always been considered one of the top choices in affordable and portable workstation laptop models, but its 2019 update has made it nearly perfect, with Digital Trends having a whole piece detailing its updated specifications.
All things considered, Dell workstation laptops are just simply good – they look great, have reasonably good internal hardware, and are really stylish. Dell makes sure that the materials they use are always high-quality, that the battery lives of the machines are solid, and that portability is always considered in the designs.
Depending on your needs, you’ll have to figure out what kind of Dell workstation laptop you’ll be purchasing. From business-centric models to casual on-the-go work stations, Dell has a workstation laptop for any set of needs. PCMag historically has reviewed plenty of Dell products and you’ll be seeing their Editor’s Choice tag coming up repeatedly in their many reviews.
Brief Overview
For those of us with a gaming side-hobby, Dell’s Alienware sub-brand has just what you need. This line of Dell workstation laptops have specs that are powerful enough to support the latest and greatest of PC games; additionally, this also means that more often than not, they would have enough muscle to support 3D rendering programs and 3D modeling software. So for the working man who also needs their fix of games, Dell workstation laptops under the Alienware banner would be perfect.
For your more everyday type workstation laptop needs, you might want to check out the Inspiron line of Dell workstation laptops. These machines are designed with the everyday consumer in mind. They would be good for something as simple as quick photo editing or tracking and managing your home finances. Do note however, that these Dell workstation laptops might run you a pretty penny, so if you’re looking for something a bit more affordable and more no-fuss than the Inspiron laptops, try checking out Dell’s line of Chromebooks. They have basic functionality for your simpler tasks and have pricetags that won’t break the bag. This could be perfect for younger aged consumers and students.
For the more business-minded of us, the Latitude brand under Dell has a variety of product lines that are perfect for professionals on the go as well as those in the office. These Dell workstation laptops have sleeker, more elegant designs. Don’t let that fool you though, since these machines still pack quite the punch and the power and durability they sport will be surprising to some people. If you’re in a line of work that sends you to more hardy terrains and locations, there are also Dell workstation laptops under the Latitude line that are also rugged and can be used in more extreme places and work conditions.
For a little bit more information on these brands and their respective Dell workstation laptops, check out these videos showcasing some of the latest products to come out of the Alienware, Inspiron, Inspiron Chromebook, and Latitude brands.
For more in depth reviews of the best Dell workstation
laptops, here we have compiled some of our favorites:
Top in Popularity: Dell Latitude 7490
Image source: Amazon
One of Dell’s more popular products in recent months, the Latitude 7480 has a sleeker looking case compared to some of the older Latitude models; this is a welcome change since Dell was a little notorious for producing less-than-pretty laptops in the past. This high-end Dell workstation laptop also has a lighter weight for its specifications, improved battery life, and really does well in the race for best business laptop of the year. Despite some minor inconveniences, such as a noticeable coil whine, it has fairly dependent specs:
- Price Range: $1,300.00
- Processor: Intel Core i7 2.8GHz
- Graphics Card: Intel HD Graphics 620
- Display: 14”, 1920 x 1080 max resolution
- Disk Space: 512 GB Flash Memory Solid State
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4
- Portability: 18.5 x 11.5 x 3.1 in; 5.4 lbs
| Pros: A good variety of configurationsCrisp screen colorsSeveral portsGood battery lifeFlexible Wi-Fi and wireless technology | Cons: Less than average temperature managementBrightness is lackingCPU throttlingCoil whineTouchpad size is small |
Top in Overall Specs: Dell XPS 9570
Image source: Amazon
The latest in Dell’s line of premium XPS workstation laptops is known in the community for its sheer amount of power and quality performance. With a high price tag that raises expectations, Dell truly delivers with this model’s top-notch processor, RAM capacity, hard drive, and graphics card. The display is also nothing to scoff at with a plethora of features. Specs like battery life, portability, and the backlit keyboard are also nice little touches:
- Price Range: $2,400
- Processor: Intel Core i7 4.1 GHz
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
- Display: 15.6”, 3840 x 2160 max resolution
- Disk Space: 1 TB Flash Memory Solid State
- RAM: 32 GB
- Portability: 9.3 x 14.1 x 0.7 in; 7.55 lbs
| Pros: Upgradeable RAM up to 32GBGood value for priceGood display optionsCan be used as a gaming laptop | Cons: Price |
Top Budget Model: Dell Inspiron 15 5000
Image source: Amazon
When it comes to Dell workstation laptops, the Inspiron line is one of the brand’s most well-known and trusted product lines. The latest iteration carries with it a ton of great features. A great display with a well-sized screen is only one of them. The processor, graphic card, and memory specs are also notably high-quality:
- Price Range: $730-850 (Depending on Processor and availability of touch capability)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-5500U, 2.4 GHz
- Graphics Card: Intel HD Graphics 5500
- Display: 15.6”, 1366 x 768 max resolution
- Disk Space: 1 TB SATA
- RAM: 8 GB DDR3
- Portability: 0.9 x 10 x 14.9 in; 5.7 lbs
| Pros: Flexible design (with touch capabilities)Good display optionsAesthetically pleasing designFast file transfers | Cons: Lack of USB-C portHigh temperatures at timesBelow-average battery lifeAudio is weakSometimes dim display |
Top in Portability: Dell Inspiron 11
Image source: Amazon
The smallest in Dell’s Inspiron line, the Dell Inspiron 11 sports a sleek design in a deceptively portable package. This Dell workstation laptop has an 11-inch display with a weight that doesn’t go over 3 lbs. Don’t let its smaller stature fool you, the process and memory of this thing is still quite impressive for a lower-end machine; more than enough for everyday activities.
- Price Range: $500
- Processor: Intel Pentium Processor N3540, 2.66 GHz
- Graphics Card: Integrated Video
- Display: 11.6”, 1366 x 768 max resolution
- Disk Space: 500GB SATA, 5400 rpm
- RAM: 4GB DDR3L, 1600MHz
- Portability: 7.9 x 11.8 x 0.8 in; 3.07 lbs
| Pros: Good displaySatisfactory battery lifeSturdy design2-1 capability | Cons: Lower-end specs limit kind of tasks that can be done efficientlyDim screensDisplay prone to glareLack of upgradability |
Top Model for Students: Dell G3 15
Image source: Amazon
When consider what Dell workstation laptop to purchase for students, there are certain things to consider. The machine has to be powerful enough for student programs, reliable enough not to conk out in the middle of thesis year, and portable enough to bring and use during lectures. Most students will also search for gaming capabilities, so you have to take that into consideration. The Dell G3 line is like the little brother to the Alienware line – this makes it perfect for students with a budget but looking for something with a bit of power:
- Price Range: $1350-1540 (Depending on Size)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-8750H, 2.2 GHz
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060
- Display: 15.6-17.3”, 1920 x 1080max resolution
- Disk Space: 1 TB SDD
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4
- Portability: 1 x 11 x 16.3 in; 9.7 lbs
| Pros: Stylish designGood, stable overall performanceDecent battery lifeSturdy buildGood audio | Cons: Dim display at timesSlow storage capabilitiesSub-par keyboard |
Top Gaming Laptop: Alienware 17 GTX 1070
Image source: Amazon
Alienware has always been a trusted brand among gamers since Dell had acquired it back in 2006. In its more than a decade of producing quality laptops, it has rarely let the market down. The latest iteration of the Alienware 17 is one of the best, most-satisfying gaming laptop models. This Dell workstation laptop has an astoundingly powerful graphics card, great graphic and display options, and a beefy i7 processor. This machine is fast and can handle huge amounts of data and software loads. Its wireless capabilities are also up there with the best of them:
- Price Range: $1800-2500
- Processor: Intel Core i7-7700HQ, 3.8 GHz
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
- Display: 17.3”, 2560 x 1440 max resolution
- Disk Space: 1 TB Hybrid
- RAM: 16 GB DDR SDRAM
- Portability: 13 x 16.7 x 1.2 in; 9.7 lbs
| Pros: Flexible display optionsEye-tracking capabilitiesHigh quality case and buildGood price for quality | Cons: High temperatures when at full loadHeavy weightLower quality keyboard compared to models of same price |
