Dell takes a stab at combining touch with Windows 8 and a larger screen in the Inspiron 15z. The "z" designation means this is part of the higher end of Dell's lower-end laptop line (if you can follow that logic). The affordable Inspiron series tacks on the "z" to designs that are slightly thinner and sleeker, while not rising to the level of the more expensive XPS series.
The big 15.6-inch screen is covered by edge-to-edge glass, which is normal for a touch-screen laptop. However, the screen is one of the few parts of this laptop that clearly gives away its budget origins. With a native resolution of 1,366x768 pixels, text and icons can appear overly large, especially when using the traditional desktop mode (the Windows 8 tile UI handles different resolutions better), and some apps and games can lack clarity and detail because of the lower resolution. For a 14-inch or larger laptop, a resolution of at least 1,600x900 pixels, or even better, 1,920x1,080 pixels is recommended. For the $900 our review sample cost, a higher resolution is not out of the question.
Specs
Video: HDMI
Audio: Stereo speakers, combo headphone/microphone jack
Data: 4 USB 3.0, SD card reader
Networking: Ethernet, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Optical drive: DVD burner
What it offers:
Dell's Inspiron line continues to look sharper than its budget reputation would suggest. The new touch-enabled version of the 15z works as a reasonably priced Windows 8 laptop with a big screen and an optical drive.
The advantage:
The Dell Inspiron 15z has a great, slim design for a budget-minded 15-inch touch laptop, and even includes an optical drive.
The unfavorable:
It's at the top end of the budget category, and for the same money, there are more-upscale systems available. Low screen resolution looks cartoonish.
The price:
$899.99
