Skip to main content

Dell Inspiron R notebooks get Sandy Bridge, switchable covers

Computer maker Dell has taken the wraps off a its new Inspiron R line of notebook computers, featuring second-generation Intel Core processors, 14-, 15-, and 17-inch screen sizes, and new “Switch” covers from Dell’s Design Studio that enable customers to swap around the notebook’s lids to change the look of their systems.

Dell Inspiron R notebooks (March 2011)
Image used with permission by copyright holder

“Our Inspiron R models equipped with 2nd generation Intel Core processors deliver the ultimate in entertainment and mobility and because customers value both performance and style, the eye-catching lids are designed to suit your mood or style at any given moment,” said Dell’s VP for consumer and SMB product group Sam Burd, in a statement. “With the Inspiron-R series, we’re living up to our heritage of delivering the performance you need to do more, and with Switch by Design Studio, you can look good while doing it.”

The new Inspiron R series will be available with second-generation “Sandy Bridge” Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors and 14-, 15-, and 17-inch screen sizes. All three sizes will feature Intel 3000 HD integrated graphics, while the 15-inch and 17-inch models will also sport discrete graphics: the Inspiron 17R will bring an Nvidia GeForce GT525M graphics controller with 1 GB of dedicated video memory, while the Inspiron 15R will sport AMD Radeon HD6470M graphics with 512 MB of dedicated video RAM. Stock configurations will vary between 3 and 6 GB of RAM, and up to 500 GB of hard drive storage will be available. The systems will sport either an internal tray-load DVD±RW drive or an optional internal Blu-ray player/DVD burner; the systems will also offer Intel Wireless Display technology so users can push 1080p video and 5.1 surround sound to a home theater without cables. The systems will all sport 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless networking options, HD webcams, two USB 3.0 ports (along with a USB 2 port and a USB 2.0/eSATA combo port), an 8-in-1 media card reader, and Windows 7 Home Premium (with an option for Windows 7 Professional).

The new Inspiron R systems are available now to U.S. customers on Dell’s Web site, and should be available in retail channels in the coming months. The Inspiron 15R starts at $529.99, with both the 14R and 17R starting at $579.99. The systems all come with a black lid; the Switch lids start at $39.99, and include options from “outstanding independent artists” as well as lids benefitting Susan G. Komen for the Cure and (Product) Red.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
Dell Inspiron 15 7000 vs. Dell XPS 15
dell inspiron 15 7000 2020 review

When it comes to mainstream laptops, Dell offers two ranges: Inspiron and XPS. The Inspiron range considers value, from the 3000-series that you can have for around $400 to the 7000-series, which stretches up to $1,000.

The XPS range, on the other hand, uses the traditional "ultrabook" model, with premium design, components, battery life, and build quality. Dell charges for the privilege, however, with a kitted out XPS notebook reaching upwards of $3,000.

Read more
Dell wins Prime Day with a $680 discount on Alienware m17 R2
A person types on an Alienware M15 at a desk.

Dell is king of the hill when it comes to best Prime Day Deals with a $680 discount on one of its high-end gaming laptops. The deal brings down the price of the Alienware m17 R2 to $1,200 from its usual $1,879 tag -- making it a no-brainer for someone who wants an uncompromised gaming experience on a budget. You can take advantage of the offer directly on Dell’s website with the coupon code DBAWAP4 to save over 30%.

The Dell Alienware m17 R2 features just about everything you’d need on a gaming laptop. Its highlight is the premium ninth-generation Intel Core i7 chipset paired with Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 2060 6GB graphics card. On top of that, you have 512GB of SSD storage and 8GB RAM which should be more than enough to play the latest gaming titles such as Call of Duty: Warzone and Microsoft Flight Simulator at the highest resolution.

Read more
Dell knocks $525 off the must-have Alienware m17 R1 gaming laptop
A person types on an Alienware M15 at a desk.

Alienware has a fantastic reputation for high-quality gaming laptops for good reason -- they really are some of the best gaming systems out there. Right now, Dell has heavily reduced the Alienware m17 R1 gaming laptop from $1,725 to $1,200. With a saving of $525, this is the perfect time to upgrade your portable gaming setup and enjoy playing your favorite games with the best hardware. It's one of the best gaming laptop deals out there. Be quick though -- stock is strictly limited!

So, what makes the Alienware m17 R1 gaming laptop so great? It has a 9th-generation Intel Core i7 processor with 16GB of memory and a 256GB SSD for storage. On top of that is a high-end Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card which means it'll never miss a beat while you're playing all the latest games. Whatever you play will look fantastic because of the graphics card but it will also look great because of the 17.3-inch full HD screen that the system has been paired with. That's plenty big enough to see every detail while you're gaming.

Read more