The Dell Inspiron 13 7373 2-in-1 aims to strike a balance between power and portability in the competitive convertible laptop market. As a tech enthusiast who has extensively tested this device, I'm excited to share an in-depth look at its capabilities and limitations. This comprehensive review will help you determine if the Inspiron 7373 aligns with your computing needs.
Design and Build Quality: Premium Feel with Practical Considerations
Dell has crafted an impressive device with the Inspiron 7373, featuring a sleek aluminum chassis that exudes quality. Weighing in at just 1.45kg, it's lightweight enough for comfortable use in tablet mode while still feeling substantial. The 360-degree hinge mechanism is robust, allowing for smooth transitions between laptop, tent, and tablet configurations.
While not achieving the nearly bezel-less design of Dell's XPS line, the Inspiron 7373 still maintains relatively narrow borders around its display. This contributes to a modern aesthetic that stands out in the convertible market. The aluminum body not only looks premium but also provides excellent rigidity, inspiring confidence in daily use and transport.
One design element worth noting is the placement of the power button and volume rocker on the right side of the device. This positioning makes them easily accessible in tablet mode but can lead to accidental presses when handling the laptop. It's a small trade-off for the versatility offered, but users should be aware of this potential quirk.
Display: Vibrant Visuals with Some Compromises
The Inspiron 7373 features a 13.3-inch IPS touchscreen display with a Full HD (1920×1080) resolution. This pixel density provides sharp visuals that are more than adequate for a screen of this size. Color reproduction is a strong point, with vibrant hues that make content pop, whether you're working on documents, browsing photos, or streaming video.
The display supports pen input, making it a viable option for digital artists and note-takers. While the stylus is not included, the screen's responsiveness to touch and pen input is commendable. Palm rejection technology works well, allowing for a natural writing and drawing experience.
However, the display is not without its drawbacks. The maximum brightness of around 250 nits falls short of some competitors and can make outdoor use challenging. Additionally, the glossy finish, while enhancing color vibrancy, is highly reflective. This combination can be problematic in well-lit environments, often requiring users to adjust screen angles to combat glare.
For users primarily working indoors or those who frequently connect to external monitors, these issues may not be deal-breakers. However, if your work often takes you to varied lighting conditions, you might find yourself constantly battling reflections and wishing for higher brightness levels.
Keyboard and Touchpad: A Tale of Two Input Devices
The keyboard is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Inspiron 7373. With 1.1mm of key travel, it offers a comfortable typing experience that strikes a balance between tactile feedback and quiet operation. The keys are well-spaced, reducing typing errors even during extended work sessions. The backlighting, adjustable to three intensity levels, is evenly distributed and proves invaluable in low-light environments.
Unfortunately, the touchpad doesn't match the keyboard's quality. Its rough texture impedes smooth cursor movement, which can be frustrating for precise tasks. The shallow click mechanism lacks the satisfying feel of higher-end laptops, and the clicking sound it produces is notably louder than one would expect from a premium device.
While the touchpad does support Windows 10 gestures, its overall feel may push many users towards relying on an external mouse for prolonged work sessions. This is disappointing for a device that otherwise emphasizes portability and versatility.
Performance: Impressive Power in a Compact Package
The Inspiron 7373 comes in two main configurations, featuring either an 8th Gen Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processor. This review focuses on the higher-end Core i7-8550U model, paired with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD.
In real-world usage, this configuration impresses with its ability to handle demanding workloads. Multitasking is a breeze, with the system maintaining responsiveness even when juggling numerous Chrome tabs, Microsoft Office applications, and media playback simultaneously. The quad-core processor, with its ability to turbo boost up to 4.0 GHz, provides snappy performance for both everyday tasks and more intensive operations like photo editing or light video work.
The inclusion of a PCIe NVMe SSD contributes significantly to the system's overall responsiveness. With read speeds approaching 3000 MB/s and write speeds over 1500 MB/s in benchmark tests, file transfers and application launches are notably quick. This storage solution plays a crucial role in maintaining system fluidity, even when working with large files or datasets.
However, the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 remains a limitation for users interested in gaming or GPU-intensive tasks. While it can handle casual games and older titles at lower settings, modern AAA games are beyond its capabilities. In our tests, even less demanding e-sports titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive struggled to maintain 25 fps at low settings, making for a subpar gaming experience.
For productivity and general use, the Inspiron 7373 excels, offering performance that rivals some mobile workstations. But for gamers or visual content creators working with 3D graphics or high-resolution video, the lack of dedicated graphics is a significant drawback.
Battery Life: A Notable Weakness
Perhaps the most significant weakness of the Inspiron 7373 is its battery life. In our testing, which involved a mix of web browsing, document editing, and occasional video playback at 50% screen brightness, the laptop managed only about 4 hours of usage. This dropped to around 2.5 hours with more intensive tasks or video streaming.
These results fall well below the average for modern ultraportables, many of which can last 8 hours or more on a single charge. The short battery life significantly limits the device's usefulness for frequent travelers or those who often work away from power outlets.
It's worth noting that battery life can vary based on usage patterns and power settings. However, even with conservative use, the Inspiron 7373 struggles to last through a full workday without needing a recharge. This is a critical factor to consider for potential buyers, especially given the device's positioning as a versatile 2-in-1 meant for on-the-go use.
Thermal Management: Heat Under Pressure
Heat dissipation is another area of concern for the Inspiron 7373. During intensive tasks, the bottom of the laptop can become uncomfortably warm, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) in some spots. This can make lap use challenging, particularly during extended work sessions.
The system's fan becomes noticeably audible under load, which may be disruptive in quiet environments like libraries or meeting rooms. While the fan noise is not excessively loud compared to some gaming laptops, it's more prominent than one might expect from an ultraportable device.
Interestingly, the heating issue is less pronounced when using the device in tablet mode, as the keyboard acts as a barrier between the user and the warmest components. However, this doesn't negate the potential impact on long-term component health and overall user comfort.
Audio Quality: A Pleasant Surprise
One area where the Inspiron 7373 pleasantly surprises is its audio capabilities. The speakers, located under the keyboard, provide clear and relatively loud sound. The inclusion of Waves MaxxAudio Pro processing enhances the audio output, offering a richer sound stage than typically expected from laptop speakers.
The accompanying software allows for fine-tuning of audio settings, enabling users to optimize sound for different scenarios such as music playback, movie watching, or voice calls. While audiophiles will still prefer external speakers or headphones for critical listening, the built-in audio system is more than adequate for casual media consumption and video conferencing.
Software and User Experience: Clean and Functional
Dell has taken a commendable approach with the Inspiron 7373's software loadout, providing a clean Windows 10 installation with minimal bloatware. The few pre-installed Dell utilities are genuinely useful, focusing on system updates, driver management, and hardware diagnostics.
The inclusion of Windows Hello support for facial recognition login enhances the user experience, offering a quick and secure way to access the device. The touchscreen and potential stylus support integrate well with Windows 10's tablet mode, making the 2-in-1 form factor feel genuinely useful rather than just a gimmick.
Price and Value Proposition: Balancing Cost and Features
With a starting price of ₹74,490 for the Core i5 model and ₹94,490 for the Core i7 variant, the Inspiron 7373 positions itself in a competitive mid-to-high-end bracket for convertible laptops. Its value proposition hinges on how potential buyers prioritize its various features and limitations.
For those who value processing power, build quality, and the versatility of a 2-in-1 design, the Inspiron 7373 offers strong appeal. The combination of 8th Gen Intel processors, premium construction, and a comfortable keyboard make it a capable workstation for professionals and students alike.
However, the short battery life and thermal management issues are significant drawbacks that cannot be overlooked. These factors may push some users towards alternatives like the Lenovo Yoga series or HP Spectre x360, which often offer better battery performance and cooler operation, albeit sometimes at a higher price point.
Conclusion: A Capable Convertible with Clear Tradeoffs
The Dell Inspiron 13 7373 2-in-1 emerges as a powerful and versatile convertible that excels in certain areas while falling short in others. Its strengths lie in its robust performance, premium build quality, and versatile form factor. The device is well-suited for users who prioritize processing power and build quality, and who primarily work in environments where power outlets are readily available.
However, the short battery life and heating issues present significant limitations, particularly for users who require long unplugged sessions or frequently work on-the-go. These drawbacks make it less ideal for students, travelers, or professionals who value mobility above all else.
Ultimately, the Inspiron 7373 is a solid choice for those who need a powerful, versatile 2-in-1 and are willing to work around its limitations. By carefully considering your specific needs and usage patterns, you can determine whether the Inspiron 7373's strengths align with your priorities, or if its weaknesses necessitate looking at alternative options in the competitive convertible laptop market.
