The Dell Inspiron 13 5000 is the company's midrange ultraportable laptop that combines premium styling and the latest Intel silicon to create a system that looks and performs like pricier notebooks. Unlike budget models that come wrapped in flimsy, plastic chassis, the Inspiron 13 5000 features an aluminum lid and keyboard deck for added durability and style. Inside, my test system has a 10th Generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB solid-state drive. The CPU and RAM should keep you computing merrily for years, but you may run out of storage space if you wish to keep even a modest library of photos and videos on board - and unfortunately, Dell doesn't offer an SSD larger than 256GB for this model. But if you've embraced cloud storage or own a trusted external drive, the Inspiron 13 5000 laptop offers great value among ultraportables.
The keyboard feels roomy and responsive. The keys are quiet and have a springy feel for an enjoyable typing experience, and the aluminum deck has none of the flex that you get from a plastic surface. The keys also offer two levels of backlighting, but it isn't as effective against the silver keys as it would be against black keys. The letters and symbols can be difficult to make out with the backlighting turned on unless you're sitting in the darkest of rooms. Last, the power button at the top right of the keyboard features an integrated fingerprint reader for easy, secure logins, an appreciated touch in a midrange laptop.
The buttonless touchpad has a matte finish that creates a perfect surface for smooth swipes. It accurately recorded my taps and other gestures.