Asus vs Dell: Choosing Your Next Laptop
If there are powerhouse names in the world of laptop manufacturing, these two are it. Asus and Dell will always rise to the top of the list when you are considering getting a laptop. For one, you don’t want to buy a machine that will require repairs every month or one that will not allow you to work or play comfortably.
Even though there are a lot of factors in choosing a laptop, sometimes the brand can make all the difference. Both Asus and Dell are excellent brands, and they have a lot of variety that will allow you to choose the best one that is going to fit your needs.
Asus vs Dell Comparison
Asus and Dell make laptops, but they do target a specific audience. Dell, for example, is more focused on business users with their incredibly portable ultrabooks. If you are looking for a machine that is going to give you the performance you need to tackle a lot of work-related tasks, Dell’s XPS and Precision lines are known quantities. They are perfect for businesses or students who are looking for some quick and reliable devices.
Asus, on the other hand, delivers a good mix of quality, features, and style that make their products cost-effective. This value shows in their ROG gaming laptop line since their devices are consistently in the top choices of those looking for high-value machines.
Both these brands offer a wide variety of devices, and they both offer high performing and reliable machines. So, depending on your preferences, there is undoubtedly a laptop for you from these brands.
Business Ultrabooks
Asus Zenbook 15 | Asus Zenbook 13 | Dell XPS 13 9300 | Dell XPS 13 7390 Convertible | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i7- 10510U | Intel Core i7- 10510U | Intel Core i7- 1065G7 | Intel Core i7- 1065G7 |
Display | 15.6-inch FHD 1080p NanoEdge Bezel Display | 13.3-inch FHD 1080p WideView Display | 13.4-inch FHD 1080p InfinityEdge | 13.4-inch FHD 1080p InfinityEdge Touch |
RAM | 16GB DDR4 RAM | 16GB DDR4 RAM | 16GB DDR4 RAM | 16GB LPDDR4 RAM |
Storage | 1 TB PCIe SSD | 512 GB PCIe SSD | 512 GB PCIe SSD | 256 GB PCIe SSD |
Graphics | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 | Intel UHD 620 | Intel Iris Plus Graphics | Intel Iris Plus Graphics |
Operating System | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Home |
Size | 13.9 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches | 11.9 x 7.4 x 0.7 inches | 11.6 x 7.8 x 0.6 inches | 11.7 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches |
Weight | 3.64 lbs | 2.22 lbs | 2.64 lbs | 2.92 lbs |
Price | $1,399 CHECK PRICE | $975 CHECK PRICE | $1,649 CHECK PRICE | $1,399 CHECK PRICE |
Best Asus Business Ultrabook
ASUS ZENBOOK 15
Retail Price: $1,399
Display | Processor | RAM | Storage | Graphics |
---|---|---|---|---|
15.6-inch FHD 1080p NanoEdge Bezel Display | Intel Core i7- 10510U | 16 GB DDR4 RAM | 1 TB PCIe SSD | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 |
Asus really knows how to spice up their laptops. One of the best proofs of that is their Zenbook 15, which is an absolutely stunning piece of hardware that acts as the perfect business ultrabook. It’s slim, sleek, and incredibly lightweight that’s packed with components that will help make your work life a whole lot easier.
Design and Build
The Asus Zenbook 15 is a slim and sleek ultrabook that is a delight to use. The entirety of the machine is made of aluminum that feels durable with very little flex. Opening it up activates Asus’ ErgoLift hinge that raises the keyboard at an angle for better airflow and typing experience. Apart from that, it also gives the bottom firing speakers extra space for improved audio.
The Zenbook 15 is incredibly lightweight at 3.7 pounds, and one of those 15-inch systems that do not feel like one. Indeed, if you are looking for a slim ultrabook that is capable of doing everyday work, this is the one for you.
Display
One of the most remarkable features of the Zenbook 15 is how they managed to cram in a 15.6-inch display on a 14-inch chassis. This means that the bezels are incredibly thin, which makes it a joy to use. Although it is not as slim as the one on the Dell XPS 15, it is still pretty close.
To top it off, the Zenbook 15’s display looks good and is highly color accurate. It produces sharp details, but not as much since it is not 4K HDR capable. For a Full HD 1080p display, it does the job and is versatile enough to do more than just office productivity work.
One category where the Zenbook 15 falls a bit short compared to other ultrabooks in its class is brightness. It is not the brightest of screens, averaging only up to 279 nits, which is dimmer compared to the 400s of ultrabooks such as the XPS 15 and the MacBook Pro.
Ports
The Zenbook 15 is thin, so port real estate is on the tight side. However, it does come with the necessities such as a USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and a card reader. You could always invest in a USB hub if you need to connect a few more peripherals than intended.
Keyboard and Touchpad
There’s really not a lot to talk about keyboards and touchpad unless you are the Zenbook 15. It comes with an upgraded version of Asus’ ScreenPad technology. Its primary purpose is just like any regular touchpad. Still, it is also acting as a secondary display, which will help you improve your productivity.
As for the keyboard, Asus included a number pad without the entire thing feeling tight. Spacing is comfortable, and you should be able to hit the keys you intend to without any problems. The keys are clicky and responsive for a laptop, and typing on it is incredibly satisfying.
Battery Life
The main difference between the Zenbook 15 and other similar ultrabooks in its class is that it comes with two screens. That simply means that it uses up batteries just a bit more than others. It is still going to last you a long time, about 9 hours on a usual workflow. The 1080p display helps quite a bit since it is not as draining compared to a 4K one.
Performance
Sporting the latest 10th generation Intel Comet Lake processor, the Zenbook 15 is a quick and efficient machine. These chips are excellent at pushing out performance, especially with heavy workloads, and are incredibly adept at multitasking. If you are looking for an ultrabook that is capable of doing a lot of things other than spreadsheets and typing up documents, the Zenbook 15 is undoubtedly an excellent choice.
Additionally, it is also packed with discrete graphics, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650. Although not the fastest, it is enough to give you that extra graphics processing push for intensive tasks such as video and graphics editing, even a little bit of gaming.
PROS |
---|
Elegant and durable design |
ScreenPad is an innovative addition |
Comfortable keyboard |
Excellent audio thanks to the ErgoLift hinge |
CONS |
---|
The display is on the dim side |
Best Dell Business Ultrabook
DELL XPS 13 9300
Retail Price: $1,649
Display | Processor | RAM | Storage | Graphics |
---|---|---|---|---|
13.4-inch FHD 1080p InfinityEdge | Intel Core i7- 1065G7 | 16GB DDR4 RAM | 512 GB PCIe SSD | Intel Iris Plus Graphics |
The Dell XPS 13 is the quintessential business ultrabook for years now, and they simply continue on with improving their already impressive design. This makes this generation of their XPS 13 one of the slimmest and sleekest ultrabooks in the market, and when you couple that with power, makes it one of the most versatile laptops.
Design and Build
The XPS 13 is one of the smallest portable ultrabooks in the market. If you think it could not get any smaller, they have managed to make the latest generation 2% smaller than its predecessor. From its anodized aluminum externals to its carbon fiber weave on the inside, the laptop maintains its iconic look.
It does come with improved security with an embedded fingerprint reader in the power button for quick logins with Windows Hello. However, it still lacks some sort of built-in cover for the webcam when not in use since using tape can ruin the beauty of the incredibly thin bezels.
Display
The first thing you will notice as soon as you open up the XPS 13 is the missing bezels. Dell has managed to altogether remove them, including the bottom chin. It does enjoy a slightly larger 13.4-inch touchscreen display in between those thin bezels.
When it comes to the display quality, it is one of the best in its class. It is bright and vivid, allowing you to enjoy details you may miss when using other laptops. Color accuracy is also extremely accurate, making this an excellent laptop to work on creative projects.
It also comes with Dolby Vision to enhance its HDR capabilities allowing you to watch your favorite movies with that added layer of pop that improves your immersion.
Ports
As a slim and light ultrabook, the port selection on the XPS 13 is a bit limited. There really is not a lot of real estate left, especially since Dell has squeezed every last bit of unnecessary space out of the laptop.
The only available ports that you get with the XPS 13 is a Thunderbolt 3 on either side of the laptop and a headset jack. If you are planning on connecting multiple peripherals to your machine, you might need to invest in a good USB hub.
Keyboard and Touchpad
One of the most prominent features of the latest generation, XPS 13, is its larger keyboard. They have reduced the bezels on the screen, and they also maximized most of the space on the inside with an edge-to-edge keyboard.
Even though it is significantly larger, it is still extremely comfortable to use with that clicky and tactile feel that the XPS 13 keyboards are known for. Backlighting is bright enough that allows you to quickly type in a dark room.
As for the touchpad, the XPS 13 comes with a glass Precision, that’s smooth and responsive to use. It allows you smooth control without the need to get a mouse for your work. Windows 10 gestures are quickly identified, so you can do pinch zooms and swipes to tell the laptop what you need from it.
Battery Life
One of the most remarkable features of the XPS 13 is its battery life. It is capable of putting in a full day of work, and a little bit more. You will usually get between 10 to 12 hours of use on a single charge, which is impressive for a thin and light laptop. It compares well compared to other premium laptops, so if you are looking for a machine that is going to last quite a bit on a single charge, this is the one to get.
Performance
Equipped with the latest generation Intel Core-i7, the XPS 13 is a powerhouse. Do not let its thin design fool you since it is capable of pumping out a lot of power for just about any workflow you can think of. Coupled with 16GB of RAM and a super-fast PCIe SSD, you should have no problem whether it is typing up documents and emails, working with spreadsheets, or even some light creative work.
One downside to this configuration of the XPS 13 is that it only comes with Intel Iris Graphics, which is decent but could not compare to a dedicated one. You will not get the best of performance in terms of gaming, but if you really want to play some games, it can handle some light gaming without issues.
PROS |
---|
Premium chassis |
Powerful performance |
Extremely thin bezels |
Outstanding battery life |
CONS |
---|
Not a lot of port options |
Our Pick: Dell XPS 13 for more premium design and impressive battery life
Gaming Laptop
Asus ROG Zephyrus S15 | Asus TUF A15 | Dell Alienware m15 | Dell G5 15 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i7- 10875H | AMD Ryzen 7 4800H | Intel Core i7- 10750H | Intel Core i7- 10750H |
Display | 15.6-inch 300Hz IPS FHD 1080p | 15.6-inch 144Hz IPS FHD 1080p | 15.6-inch 300Hz FHD 1080p | 15.6-inch 60Hz FHD 1080p |
RAM | 32 GB DDR4 RAM | 16 GB DDR4 RAM | 16 GB DDR4 RAM | 16 GB DDR4 RAM |
Storage | 1 TB NVMe SSD RAID 0 | 512 GB NVMe SSD | 1 TB NVMe SSD | 256 GB NVMe SSD |
Graphics | Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti | Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 |
Operating System | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Home |
Size | 14.2 x 9.9 x 0.7 inches | 14.5 x 10.1 x 0.9 inches | 14.2 x 10.9 x 0.8 inches | 14.4 x 10 x 0.9 inches |
Weight | 4.18 lbs | 5.07 lbs | 4.7 lbs | 5.18 lbs |
Price | $2,999 CHECK PRICE | $1,149 CHECK PRICE | $2,199 CHECK PRICE | $1,299 CHECK PRICE |
Best Asus Gaming Laptop
ASUS ROG ZEPHYRUS S15
Retail Price: $2,999
Display | Processor | RAM | Storage | Graphics |
---|---|---|---|---|
15.6-inch 300Hz IPS FHD 1080p | Intel Core i7- 10875H | 32 GB DDR4 RAM | 1 TB NVMe SSD RAID 0 | Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super |
Asus’ ROG sub-brand is known for their high quality gaming equipment, and it shows with the latest generation of the Zephyrus line, the S15. It is a step up from their previous models, and with the latest 10th generation Intel CPU and ultra smooth 300Hz panel, it is a laptop that gamers dream of getting.
Design and Build
On the outside, compared to previous Zephyrus models, the S15 looks like its predecessor. An all-black brushed aluminum hood with an RGB-lit ROG logo will pop out as soon as you open up the laptop.
The inside is a different story, though, since they switched the keyboard layout back to a traditional one instead of the previous models of it being pushed down the body of the laptop. Opening the lid also opens the underside that improves airflow to the fans and the hardware components of the machine.
The Zephyrus S15 is still slim for a gaming laptop, but the added cooling and premium chassis does add a bit to the weight of the device. However, compared to other premium gaming laptops, you can still consider it a thinner laptop than most.
Display
Gaming laptops are not really known for their 4K display capabilities. Since the more pixels you need to display, your graphics card has to work harder to render them. However, resolution is not really something that gamers look for. Instead, they are more concerned with the refresh rate.
The Zephyrus S15 comes with a Full HD 1080p display with a 300Hz refresh rate with a 3ms response time that makes it the perfect panel for gaming. It is incredibly smooth, allowing you to play your favorite games at higher framerates. This is especially useful when playing fast-paced games since you will be able to quickly pick out movements that you will not usually see.
The panel on the Zephyrus S15 is impressive for gaming tasks. Still, it is not the brightest compared to other gaming laptops. Color accuracy is decent, but if you are not used to rather dim displays, you may have trouble with doing some work on it. However, if you get used to it, you can use it as a workstation for just about any tasks you can think of.
Ports
The Zephyrus does come with a good selection of ports. As a gaming laptop, you do need quite a few USB ports so you can connect more peripherals. On the left side, it comes with an Ethernet port and HDMI, allowing you to connect the laptop to an external display. On the right side of the device, you will be able to find multiple USB-A ports and a USB-C with DisplayPort capabilities for more display options.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Compared to the previous Zephyrus models, the S15 has its keyboard in a more traditional laptop position. That means that the keyboard is closer to the display with the touchpad right below it. As with most Asus premium gaming laptop keyboards, the one on the Zephyrus S15 has a satisfying click every time you press. It also comes with RGB backlighting to help you type in the dark.
The RGB system of the Zephyrus S15 is fully customizable using the Aura Sync software, allowing you to change different lighting settings for a more immersive gaming experience.
As with most gaming laptops, you are likely going to plug in a mouse rather than rely on the touchpad. On the Zephyrus S15, it is not as smooth, but it is responsive enough to use whenever you are in a bind and forget your mouse. It recognizes Windows gestures like swipes and scrolls that will significantly help you with work.
Battery Life
The Zephyrus S15 sports an impressive battery life, even for a gaming laptop, since the added power that these machines come with usually means sacrificing a bit of longevity. Still, the S15 can quickly go for four to five hours unplugged on non-gaming tasks.
Performance
The Zephyrus S15 is a beast when it comes to gaming and non-gaming performance. Equipped with the latest Intel 10th generation chip, it is capable of multitasking without running into issues. You should not be able to feel any type of lag with usual browsing and media consumption tasks. The processor is also powerful enough to help you with more intensive workflows such as video and graphics editing.
Gaming should not be a problem for the Zephyrus S15, thanks to its Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super. It is more than enough for most games, even Triple-A titles allowing you to enjoy the 300Hz panel. Games should exceed 60 frames per second easily with competitive titles for improved performance.
PROS |
---|
Sleek design for a premium gaming laptop |
Ultra-smooth 300Hz display |
Excellent battery life |
Tactile keyboard for typing and gaming |
CONS |
---|
The screen can get a bit dim |
Best Dell Gaming Laptop
DELL ALIENWARE m15
Retail Price: $2,199
Display | Processor | RAM | Storage | Graphics |
---|---|---|---|---|
15.6-inch 300Hz FHD 1080p | Intel Core i7- 10750H | 16 GB DDR4 RAM | 1 TB NVMe SSD | Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super |
The Dell Alienware m15 is a powerful high-end gaming laptop that comes with a unique design that sets it apart from the rest. The Alienware brand is all about power in a sleek and stylish package, and this checks all the boxes.
Design and Build
The first time you lay your eyes on the Alienware m15, you will instantly think that this looks more like an alien spaceship rather than a gaming laptop. Its industrial aesthetic and choice of colors really reinforce that sci-fi look. It is not as aggressive looking as other black and red gaming laptops. Still, it comes with a softer and minimalist approach.
As for its size, it is what you can expect from a gaming laptop, which is reasonably portable and compact that is comparable to other sleek machines. It is not the lightest gaming device in the market, but it is as mobile as you can get with the power that it offers.
One difference of the Alienware m15 versus other gaming laptops in the market is that its chassis is not entirely made out of metal. It comes in plastic that is durable, but a lot softer to the touch, mostly when resting your hands on the surfaces as you type.
Display
The Alienware m15 comes with a Full HD 1080p panel with an insanely high 300Hz refresh rate. Although most might be turned off with a non-4K display, most gamers will still stick to a lower resolution and the capability to play games above 60 fps rather than the opposite. Even though it’s not a 4K panel, it is still capable of producing reliable picture quality. It is brighter than most displays on gaming laptops, giving you added versatility for other tasks.
Ports
There is quite a bit of room on the Alienware m15, so it enjoys a good selection of ports. The great thing is that they also made use of the rear part of the chassis and put in a couple of ports there so as not to get things crowded on either the right or left side.
The left and right sides are more for peripherals with USB ports, Ethernet jack, and audio jack. The rear ports are more for an external display with a Thunderbolt, HDMI, and Mini DisplayPort if you wish to connect your Alienware m15 to an external monitor.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Alienware devices are usually known for their keyboards and touchpad, and the m15 is no exception. It comes with solid and clicky keys with a fair amount of travel that does not make it mushy. Each key also comes with RGB backlighting that helps you type in low light conditions and generally just look cool as you play your favorite games.
The touchpad is equally good with its glass surface, allowing for extremely smooth tracking at all times. It is not the best since with gaming laptops, you are going to opt to use a mouse most of the time, but whenever you are in a crunch, this is an excellent way to navigate.
Battery Life
One of the downsides of the Alienware m15 is its battery life. It is short, only capable of up to three to five hours in non-gaming use, it is not remarkable. The good news is that this is a gaming laptop, so there is a slim chance that you are going to be using this unplugged anyway. It is definitely not a machine that you are going to use on the go, especially when you double it up as a workstation.
Performance
The Alienware m15 is a powerhouse of a laptop. Coming with the latest 10th generation Intel high-performance chip, it is capable of not only gaming but a lot of other workflows that need quite a bit of power. The Core i7-10750H is a beast of a chip that can not only give you consistently high framerates but smooth performance on a lot of productivity software.
On the graphics side, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super is not something to underestimate since it is capable of pushing a lot of frames, whether it’s a Triple-A or esports title. The entire configuration will allow you to enjoy just about any game in the smoothest possible way and with the best graphics settings.
PROS |
---|
Excellent overall performance |
Comes with enough hardware to make use of 300 Hz panel |
Design that stands out compared with other gaming laptops |
CONS |
---|
Short battery life |
The industrial design may not be for everyone |
Our Pick: Asus ROG Zephyrus S15 for its more premium aesthetic and better battery life
Productivity Laptop
Asus Zenbook Pro Duo | Asus Zenbook Duo | Dell Precision 5750 | Dell Precision 3540 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i9- 9980HK | Intel Core i7- 10510U | Intel Core i9- 10885H | Intel Core i5- 8265U |
Display | 15.6-inch UHD 4K NanoEdge Bezel Touch | 14-inch FHD 1080p NanoEdge Bezel Touch | 17-inch UHD 4K Ultrasharp Touch | 15.6-inch FHD 1080p Display |
RAM | 32GB DDR4 RAM | 8GB DDR4 RAM | 64GB DDR4 RAM | 32GB DDR4 RAM |
Storage | 1 TB PCIe SSD | 512 GB PCIe SSD | 1 TB PCIe SSD RAID 0 | 1 TB PCIe SSD |
Graphics | Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 | Intel UHD Graphics | Nvidia Quadro RTX 3000 | AMD Radeon Pro WX 2100 |
Operating System | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Pro |
Size | 14.1 x 9.7 x 0.9 inches | 12.7 x 8.8 x 0.8 inches | 14.7 x 9.8 x 0.8 inches | 14.1 x 9.5 x 0.9 inches |
Weight | 5.50 lbs | 3.5 lbs | 5.58 lbs | 4.04 lbs |
Price | $2,899 CHECK PRICE | $1,299 CHECK PRICE | $4,199 CHECK PRICE | $1,159 CHECK PRICE |
Best Asus Productivity Laptop
ASUS ZENBOOK PRO DUO
Retail Price: $2,899
Display | Processor | RAM | Storage | Graphics |
---|---|---|---|---|
15.6-inch UHD 4K NanoEdge Bezel Touch | Intel Core i9- 9980HK | 32GB DDR4 RAM | 1 TB PCIe SSD | Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 |
If there is one laptop that is so innovative that it feels out of a sci-fi movie, it’s the Asus Zenbook Pro Duo. This is a multitasking beast, giving you two high quality displays on a single device. It’s not just the extra screen real estate, but also the power behind the machine as it quickly enables you to do a lot of things without worrying about performance.
Design and Build
On the outside, the Zenbook Pro Duo looks just like any other laptop. However, as soon as you open the lid, you will notice it is vastly different than any other device in the market. You will first see Asus’ ErgoLift hinge that lifts the keyboard deck up, improving typing comfort and airflow underneath the machine. But what will instantly strike you is the different keyboard layout.
The keyboard lies in the space where a palm rest is supposed to be, and the area below the display is another screen, the Asus ScreenPad Plus. It is a large secondary display that fills up the entire length of the deck that complements the full-sized OLED 4K screen.
All these added hardware makes the Zenbook Pro Duo on the thick side. It is a bit heavier than most laptops, but it is also unlike any other machine out there. The aluminum build is solid, giving you an excellent base to start being productive with different types of projects.
Display
The Zenbook Pro Duo comes with two sets of displays. It comes with a UHD 4K OLED that acts as its primary 15.6-inch touchscreen. It is incredibly sharp and delivers details that you will not usually see on a laptop display.
Having one vibrant and bright screen is enough for most, but for the Zenbook Pro Duo, it’s not. A secondary matte 4K display, although not as dynamic as the primary screen, it still does its job as a multitasking enabler.
One of the hallmarks of the Zenbook Pro Duo’s display is its color accuracy. For a panel on a laptop, it is one of the best ones you can get that will closely replicate colors for you. This is particularly useful if you are a creative professional and want the best display for your work. You can be sure that it is going to offer the most vivid colors, no matter what you do.
The ScreenPad Plus, on the other hand, is not really primary display material, so you get decent color performance out of it. However, it’s most effective use is by simply being an extra screen where you can stash timelines and editing options for quick access with a stylus or even your fingers.
Ports
The Zenbook Pro Duo is a bit thicker than most laptops, so it does have the space for some ports. However, you do not get a full selection since it only comes with USB-A, USB-C Thunderbolt, HDMI, and an audio jack. It does lack some display connection ports like an extra HDMI or a Mini DisplayPort. Still, you get a few options, but be prepared to get a USB hub if you want to connect a few more peripherals than usual.
Keyboard and Touchpad
One of the things that you will notice right away as soon as you open the lid is the not-so-traditional keyboard and touchpad positions. Due to the ScreenPad Plus, the keyboard is pushed down the chassis where the wrist rest should be. The touchpad is also moved to the right of the keyboard rather than below it.
So, visually, it can get a bit cramped. However, it does not feel like that at all. The keyboard is comfortable to use, but you might have to get used to not having that palm rest. The keys are springy giving you great feedback as you type.
Because of the design, the touchpad also suffers a bit from this entire setup since it is only relegated a small space beside the keyboard. It is not the best case, but it still is comfortable to use. After all, you can always plug in a mouse and not use it as much. The great thing is that it also acts as a Num Pad, so space is not entirely wasted.
Battery Life
The Zenbook Pro Duo is a stunning device. However, if there is a category where it lags behind compared to others is its battery life. One of the main reasons for the hit in battery performance is its two 4K screens. Displays eat a lot of power, and two that’s packed with tons of pixels just guzzle through battery life. In the case of this machine, it only lasts between three and five hours before you search for the power brick and plug it in.
Of course, you can display the ScreenPad Plus to extend the battery life, but that defeats the purpose of getting this laptop in the first place. It is not going to be the most portable laptop, but once you get used to its power requirements and at peace with it, you will be able to take full advantage of it.
Performance
The area where the Zenbook Pro Duo did not hold back is in the performance front. Powered by Intel’s most powerful mobile chip, the Core i9-9980HK, it is more than capable of working with massive spreadsheets, extremely long documents, and the most complicated of video projects. This is the perfect laptop for content creation, allowing you the freedom to do whatever you want without suffering from lag.
Even though it is touted as more of a workstation and creativity device. It should have no problems handling the latest games thanks to its Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU. You should have no issues running the latest games, even VR ones.
If you are looking for a laptop that is going to make your life a lot easier when it comes to doing all the heavy lifting and allowing you to game at the same time, the Zenbook Pro Duo is definitely a machine to consider.
PROS |
---|
Impressive 4K OLED screens |
Excellent workstation and gaming performance |
ScreenPad Plus helps in creative work |
CONS |
---|
On the heavy side |
Short battery life than other laptops |
Best Dell Productivity Laptop
DELL PRECISION 5750 MOBILE WORKSTATION
Retail Price: $4,199
Display | Processor | RAM | Storage | Graphics |
---|---|---|---|---|
17-inch UHD 4K Ultrasharp Touch | Intel Core i9- 10885H | 64GB DDR4 RAM | 1 TB PCIe SSD RAID 0 | Nvidia Quadro RTX 3000 |
If you are looking for a Macbook alternative that is going to give you reliable workstation performance, the Dell Precision 5750 is the laptop for you. It can handle just about anything you throw at it, from creative tasks to resource-intensive workflows.
Design and Build
Typically with 17-inch laptops, it is going to be stuck to your work desk as they can get a bit bulky. However, the case may be different for the Precision 5750 as it is not as heavy as other options out there. At 5.5 pounds, it is on the hefty side, but its sleek design allows you to carry it without any problem.
It is a Dell, after all, and they seem to know how to make full use of the available space and create a device that is the smallest possible version of itself. Don’t let the 17-inch design fool you since it is smaller than most 15-inch devices out there.
The Precision 5750 looks like a larger version of the XPS 13 and 15. You get the same design philosophy with the outside made from anodized aluminum, and the inside is covered in the black carbon fiber weave that you expect from a premium Dell laptop.
Display
One of the most notable features of the Precision 5750 is its display. There is something that Dell is doing right when they can squeeze in a 17-inch panel on a 14.7-inch frame. This is all thanks to the InfinityEdge display, where they reduced all the bezels to near zero.
The screen is not just thin, but it is also extremely vivid. With 172% of the sRGB color gamut, it is one of the most color-accurate displays on a workstation laptop, allowing you to use it for a lot of projects. It also provides you with multiple customization options with Dell Premier Color, allowing you to adjust color temperature, brightness, and others, making it perfect for creative work.
The display on the Precision 5750 is also a touch panel, and on something that’s this wide, you will find a lot of use for it. It is incredibly responsive and can keep pace with your commands, mainly if you use it as some sort of a notepad.
Ports
The Precision 5750 is a thin and light laptop, and it shows with the port selection on this device. Dell put four Thunderbolt 3 ports on both sides of the computer, which is excellent. However, it does lack some legacy ports that will allow you to plug in a good quality mouse for work. So, it still helps to get a USB hub so you can connect a few more peripherals that are not USB-C.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard on the Precision 5750 is comfortable, although you do get a sense that there is quite a bit of space. However, they did not overdo the keyboard as they are large and well-spaced enough to allow you to type quickly. As with most Dell laptop keyboards, the keys have a deep travel, which can make it a bit mushy, but it should be fine until you get used to it.
Since there is quite a bit of space when you open the lid of the Precision 5750, Dell put in an extra-wide touchpad. Now, being large, you might think there would be issues. Still, they did include excellent palm rejection technology to ensure that your palms will not activate the cursor as you type.
Battery Life
Something you do not expect from a workstation-grade laptop with a 4K display is excellent battery life. However, the Precision 5750 comes with a large enough battery that provides between eight to ten hours of battery life with your usual workflow.
Performance
The Precision 5750 is one of the more powerful productivity laptops in the market. With its 2.4 GHz 8-core Core i9-10885H, it is a powerhouse that is capable of just about anything you put its paces through. Whether it’s working with extensive spreadsheets or a complicated video, the Precision 5750 can rip through it without breaking a sweat.
As a workstation-grade laptop, you will use it for a variety of tasks, including those that require some intense resources. For graphics, the Precision 5750 comes with an Nvidia Quadro 3000 GPU that will help you with your creative needs. Video editing and 3D rendering tasks are no match for this device, which makes it an excellent machine to get if you do a lot of creative work.
Gaming also does not pose a threat to the device as its dedicated GPU is equivalent to an Nvidia RTX 2060. It will let you play your favorite games without stressing your system. If you are a power user and want a powerful machine that can keep up with your work, the Precision 5750 is the laptop for you.
PROS |
---|
Compact chassis for a 17-inch device |
Powerful workstation graphics and performance |
Excellent battery life for a machine with a 4K display |
Vivid 4K screen |
CONS |
---|
On the pricier side |
Lacks decent port selection |
Our Pick: Asus Zenbook Pro Duo for its more innovative design
Budget All-Around Laptop
Asus Vivobook 15 | Asus Zenbook 13 | Dell Inspiron 5593 | Dell Inspiron 15 3000 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 3700U | AMD Ryzen 5 4500U | Intel Core i7- 1065G7 | AMD Ryzen 3 2200U |
Display | 15.6-inch FHD 1080p | 14-inch FHD 1080p | 15.6-inch FHD 1080p | 15.6-inch FHD 1080p |
RAM | 20GB DDR4 RAM | 8GB DDR4 RAM | 8GB DDR4 RAM | 8GB DDR4 RAM |
Storage | 512 GB PCIe SSD + 1 TB HDD | 256 GB PCIe SSD | 512 GB PCIe SSD | 256 GB PCIe SSD |
Graphics | AMD Radeon RX Vega 10 | Nvidia GeForce MX350 | Intel Iris Plus Graphics | AMD Radeon Vega 3 |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Home |
Size | 14.1 x 9.1 x 0.8 inches | 12.6 x 7.8 x 0.7 inches | 14.3 x 9.8 x 0.7 inches | 15.0 x 10.0 x 0.9 inches |
Weight | 3.75 lbs | 2.85 lbs | 4.03 lbs | 5.00 lbs |
Price | $729 CHECK PRICE | $799 CHECK PRICE | $1,029 CHECK PRICE | $579 CHECK PRICE |
Best Asus Budget All-Around Laptop
ASUS VIVOBOOK 15
Retail Price: $729
Display | Processor | RAM | Storage | Graphics |
---|---|---|---|---|
15.6-inch FHD 1080p | AMD Ryzen 7 3700U | 20GB DDR4 RAM | 512 GB PCIe SSD + 1 TB HDD | AMD Radeon RX Vega 10 |
The Asus Vivobook 15 may not be the best overall machine on this list. Still, as an all-around budget laptop, it is something worth considering. Its premium look is undoubtedly enough to impress users, and its price is lower than most budget options out there while continuing to offer reliable performance.
Design and Build
Even though the Vivobook is made primarily of plastic, it’s still nice to see some premium touches that get carried over from Asus’ more premium Zenbook line. Opening up the lid reveals Asus’ ErgoLift hinge that lifts the keyboard deck up at an angle, making it easier to type, and improves airflow on the backside of the laptop.
The interior of the laptop follows the finish of the lid, giving it an elegant look. As a budget device, you don’t really expect it to be one of the thinnest and lightest laptops in the market. Still, it is portable enough so you can carry it with you without any effort. It is a compact laptop that you can store in a bag to bring with you wherever you go.
Display
As a budget laptop, you don’t really expect much from the Vivobook 15’s display. It is a decent screen, and it produces sharp images, but the colors can seem a little washed out and can sometimes be on the dark side.
It is still a solid display that will allow you to do a fair amount of work. Although it may not be the best screen for doing color accurate creative work. However, if you are mostly using it for office productivity, it will do.
Ports
There is a fair amount of port options for you with the Vivobook 15. If you have not yet converted all your peripherals to USB-C, then this laptop has got a few ports that you will be able to use just fine.
The left side of the device only has two USB-A ports, but it is the right side where it gets interesting. This is where you will be able to find several ports like a USB 3.1, USB Type-C, and an HDMI slot. It might not have a dedicated Ethernet port, but you can always get a USB hub to solve that problem.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The Vivobook 15 comes with a decent keyboard that is comfortable to use so you can still type quite fast. The spacing is excellent, but it can tend to feel a bit mushy because of the lack of feedback after you press a key. Still, it’s an excellent keyboard to use and should tide you a workday without feeling tired typing on it.
The touchpad is really nothing to call home about, but it does the job. It is large enough to allow you to use it for primary navigation. It quickly detects Windows 10 gestures like zooming and scrolling, so even without a mouse, you can still use the laptop without experiencing any issues. It is not the best touchpad for a budget laptop. Nevertheless, you can always connect a quality mouse, so you altogether avoid using it.
One excellent feature that the touchpad comes with is a dedicated corner for a fingerprint sensor. Now, you can quickly login to Windows using it, making the Vivobook 15 a convenient laptop to use.
Battery Life
The Vivobook 15 is not going to give you excellent battery life. Still, capable of running for five to six hours on a single charge, it is undoubtedly decent. It is good enough to beat some really good laptops on the market. But, if you are looking for a compromise that will drop the price of a particular device, the batteries on the Vivobook 15 are it.
It still offers reliable usage on a single charge, but it will not last you an entire workday. As long as you invest in a good laptop bag with compartments for a charger, the Vivobook 15 is a device where you can make it work.
Performance
The great thing about the Vivobook 15 is that it comes with a configuration that uses the latest AMD Ryzen 7 processors. It is undoubtedly a budget option giving you more processing cores for its price compared to its Intel counterpart. You should have no problem opening several tabs and watching your favorite videos on YouTube.
The beauty of the latest AMD Ryzen 7 processors is its capability of multitasking without any issues. The rest of the components that it comes with is nothing to scoff at. The 20GB RAM and the SSD and HDD combo ensures that you can do a lot of work on the laptop without experience any lags or performance dips.
The Vivobook 15 is not really something to get if you are looking for a decent gaming experience. Still, the dedicated AMD Radeon RX Vega 10 graphics definitely help. It is going to give you an excellent boost with the latest games allowing you to have a satisfactory experience. It is not going to be the best, but it should be decent enough to get you near 60 fps on the latest games.
PROS |
---|
Premium design for a budget laptop |
Excellent port selection |
Thinner than usual bezels for a budget machine |
CONS |
---|
Sub-par display that is dim and dull |
Best Dell Budget All-Around Laptop
DELL INSPIRON 5593
Retail Price: $1,029
Display | Processor | RAM | Storage | Graphics |
---|---|---|---|---|
15.6-inch FHD 1080p | Intel Core i7- 1065G7 | 8GB DDR4 RAM | 512 GB PCIe SSD | Intel Iris Plus Graphics |
If you are looking for an affordable laptop that is capable of running your daily tasks with ease, the Dell Inspiron 5593 is your best bet. It is a device that will provide you the balance that you are looking for in terms of design, performance, and battery life.
Design and Build
As a budget option, there are surely some compromises when it comes to the design and build. It sports plastic as its primary material, but some aluminum accents help with chassis strength. Even though it is made mostly of plastic, it does not feel cheap and is solid to the touch.
The Inspiron 5593 is not the lightest or the thinnest budget all-around laptop in the market, but it is portable enough to allow you to quickly carry it to work or school.
Display
The Inspiron 5593 comes with a Full HD IPS panel that offers decent image quality, especially at different angles. It is bright enough to allow you to work in outdoor situations, but there may be times when it will not appear as vivid as you would like. Brightness can be improved, but you should have no issues using it out of the box.
As a budget laptop, it is not the most color accurate of screens, so it is not recommended for a lot of intensive creative work. If you could not help it, then maybe invest in a high-quality external display to help you with the colors.
The screen is decent and should give you a good amount of performance, whether you are using it for work or gaming. As long as you are not using it for creative work like graphics and video editing, the display should satisfy your needs.
Ports
Since it’s not a thin and light laptop, there is ample space for some ports on the Inspiron 5593. Most of the ports are located on the left side with a USB Type-C, HDMI, Ethernet, two USB Type-A, and a 3.5mm jack. On the right side, you will see a USB Type-A and an SD card reader. For a budget device, it sure does come with a good selection of ports to allow you to connect your peripherals.
Keyboard and Touchpad
As a budget device, you do not expect a lot when it comes to the Inspiron 5593’s keyboard. However, it is incredibly comfortable to use as it is clicky and a reasonably long travel that gives you the right amount of feedback so you can type for extended periods without tiring out. One compromise they have made with the keyboard is that Dell did not put any type of backlighting, so it may be difficult to type in low light conditions.
As for the touchpad, it has a matte finish, which makes it not the best to glide your fingers across. It is responsive enough to let you use it without experience any problems, but if you are looking to use it for more extended periods, it is advisable to invest in a quality mouse.
Battery Life
The Inspiron 5593 comes with a decent battery capable of lasting between five to six hours on usual loads like browsing the web and watching your favorite videos. As a budget device, there is room for improvement with optimization, but a good five hours of use will do. Equipped with the latest 10th generation Intel chips, makes the Inspiron 5593 a more efficient laptop.
Performance
One of the upsides of the Inspiron 5593 is that it comes with Intel’s latest 10th generation processors, mainly the Core i7-1065G7. It is one of their most efficient chips, which provides the laptop with enough multitasking capabilities and extended battery life. With four cores and eight threads, it will have no problem running any type of work tasks, even intensive ones such as graphics and video editing.
An advantage of this CPU is that it also comes with a relatively decent built-in graphics in the form of the Intel Iris Plus. It is significantly better than the older integrated Intel UHD chips, and this will allow you to have a decent experience with gaming.
PROS |
---|
Good amount of port options |
Features the latest Intel chips for efficient performance |
Comfortable keyboard to type on for extended periods |
CONS |
---|
No keyboard backlighting |
Not the most color accurate even for a budget device |
Our Pick: Asus Vivobook 15 for its AMD CPU configuration and more premium design
How to Choose Your Next Laptop
Choosing your next laptop can sometimes be a challenge. At the end of it all, you can end up choosing between brands. Once you have limited your options, you can only be left with the brands as the only things that are different.
Having more knowledge about these different brands will undoubtedly help you make an informed decision. In the case of Asus and Dell, their laptops are incredibly similar, that the only difference between their device is the marks on them.
Whether you are looking to get a laptop for personal, business, or gaming, you want to make sure that you are choosing the right one. So, let’s take a look at what are the similarities and differences between these two brands since they offer a wide range of products.
Hardware Components
Both Asus and Dell offer a wide range of machines. In terms of hardware components, there is really nothing between them since they use similar parts from the processor, graphics, memory, and storage.
To stand out, companies like Asus and Dell usually come up with a flagship product where they cram in the best parts they can find. These companies always produce flagship laptops that are at the top of the list and expect to see the best processors like Intel’s Core i9 and graphics cards like the latest Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 or RTX 2070.
If you are looking at the hardware components that Asus and Dell laptops use, you will quickly find out that there is very little that separates them. There is some minor difference, and if you are particular about your choices, these are things that you should look closely into.
The most notable hardware difference between laptops of these two companies is Asus’ use of the ScreenPad in their Zenbook line. This is truly an innovative piece of technology that takes the place of the touchpad giving you a new way to interact with your laptop.
Dell, on the other hand, is known for its display technology and reducing their bezels to near zero. You will be able to find this in their XPS line of laptops where there are absolutely no bezels left, reducing the size of the device.
Design and Build
As top laptop brands, both Asus and Dell use their proven design and build combinations to achieve the stunning looks for their machines. Some will say that it can sometimes get boring, but they certainly do the job.
Asus is known for its stunning and stylish looks and their compactness that improve portability. From their business ultrabooks to their gaming device, you will see this design language of sophisticated and premium.
Dell even sticks to their proven designs more. Their XPS line has not changed in years, and you will instantly know it thanks to its anodized aluminum externals and the carbon fiber weave on the inside. Still, as a whole, their designs will strike you since they look absolutely beautiful and stunning.
Asus will usually offer laptops with a more sleek and stylish design, while Dell is on the side of minimalistic and functional. Both are elegant, even with their budget choices, and you should be able to enjoy premium designs all through their laptop line.
Product Variety
Both Asus and Dell are top laptop manufacturers, and they have you covered no matter what type of machine you are looking for. Whether you are looking for a business laptop, a gaming machine, or an all-around device for school, both these companies will deliver.
Although these companies have their own specialties, like Asus may have snatched the crown from Dell’s Alienware line when it comes to gaming machines. In the field of business ultrabooks, you can never go wrong with Dell’s XPS line, and Asus’ Zenbook Duo is excellent for productivity.
You do get product variety with both companies, and there should be a laptop that is going to check a lot of boxes depending on your needs.
Pricing
An advantage of these top laptop manufacturers is that they will certainly have a device that is going to fit both your needs and budget. Whether it’s an entry-level laptop or high-end gaming or business one, both Asus and Dell have the right one for you.
Customer Support
Support is often not the priority of those looking for a laptop. However, if you are not the type who is technically savvy, this is something you should be taking a closer look at. This is really not the area where Asus excels. They are excellent when it comes to optimizing their designs with the available hardware, but when it starts to break down, they are not the best at getting help from.
It’s not that they are absolutely bad at it, but some companies do it better. You do get online and phone support, but they are not keen on taking the extra step to help you with your problem.
Dell, however, excels in this area. Users always talk about Dell’s customer support and how they take the extra mile to help you solve your problems. When you call about a problem, they will assign you a personal technician, so you do not have to repeat yourself to a bunch of different specialists.
Innovation
When it comes to innovation, Asus has been the leader over the past years with their sometimes quirky designs, but it just works. You will be able to see this in their Zenbook and ROG gaming laptop line. One innovative feature that they use in most of their laptops is the ScreenPad, which replaces the touchpad giving you a new to interact with the computer. It comes with unique apps allowing it to double up as a Numpad, saving space in the process.
The ROG gaming laptops are also leading the way in terms of cooling since their flagship devices are now as thin and ultrabooks, but pack a whole lot of power.
Dell is also a company that leads the way in laptop innovation. Although their focus is a lot different than that of Asus, they are still continuing to change how other manufacturers make their laptops.
They are mostly known for their small bezels, which essentially packs a 15.6-inch laptop in the body of a 13-inch one. Their XPS and Alienware line are where you are likely to find their brand new innovations and slowly trickles down to their other models, including the budget ones.
Wrap Up: So, What Do You Get?
Asus is known for its edgy and stylish designs that are packed with powerful components. If you are looking for laptops that look nice and are capable of top-notch performance, Asus is the way to go. They also have a good amount of variety, so whether you are looking for the most expensive machine or one that you can afford, Asus will have something to make it work for you.
Dell is known for their quality customer support and is the brand to get if you are not that tech-savvy and want to make sure that you do not run into any problems as you use their devices. They also provide you with variety, so there is going to be a laptop that is going to fit your needs.
Dell is also known for their proven designs. A case in point is their XPS line. It has not changed much, but it delivers in terms of style and performance.
You can never go wrong with these two laptop manufacturers. Your choice will entirely depend on what you are looking for in a laptop.