Dell Inspiron 15 i5558-5718SLV Review

A Deep Dive Into The Dell Inspiron 15 i5558-5718SLV

Has your old desktop or laptop expired? May it rest in peace. Was the old model sluggish for a long time? Perhaps a couple of key covers were missing so you have been pushing down harder on the keys when typing. It’s amazing how we adapt to less than comfortable situations for a long period of time before we are ready to move or circumstances compel us.

Now you are ready to shop for a replacement, which will also be an upgrade from your previous computer. At the computer store, there is a bevy of laptops to check out. Do you know where to begin when researching for a new laptop?

There are many factors in finding the right laptop that will address everything you need. Not all laptops are created equal. So here we are going to assist you in your laptop research process and give you some helpful information about the Dell Inspiron 15 i5558-5718SLV.

This 15.6-inch notebook comes in charcoal gray and a bright silver chassis. Features a full-size backlit chiclet-style keyboard that includes a numeric pad and multi-touch trackpad. It is powered by a 4-cell battery that lasts for almost 5 hours on a single charge.

Powered by the low voltage Haswell Intel Core I i5 processor (3MB Cache) with a CPU Passmark score of 3388 (average for entry-level desktop replacement category) This is a midrange dual-core Intel i5-4210U at 1.7GHz and turbo boost and hyperthreading of 2.7GHz which is plenty for smooth multitasking.

See Also: Dell Inspiron 15-5555 Notebook

The display has a 1920×1080 resolution enhanced with a 10-finger multi-touch touchscreen, though not as responsive and precise as in other computers. The touchpad is large and offers full gesture support similar to the touchscreen in swiping and zooming capabilities. There is still a keyboard and mouse option if a touchscreen is not at the top of your list.

Equipped with two 2-watt stereo speakers using Waves MaxxAudio to adjust the sound and power delivering decent sound.

Connectivity is possible to the latest and fastest Miracast enabled 802.11ac wireless that allows you internet access from anywhere in your house. In addition, there is included Bluetooth 4.0, Ethernet LAN and RJ-45 connector, DVD +/- RW Optical drive, a USB 3.0 port, 2 x USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI output, SD Media Card Reader and Headphone output/Microphone input combo.

With enough power and memory, this laptop can handle emailing, web surfing, basic gaming as well as home office functions. The installed operating system is Windows 10 Home (64-bit).

For storage, it comes with a 1TB 5400 RPM hard drive. With 8GB of RAM, you can run different apps simultaneously and leave multiple browser windows open at the same time too.

You will find this processor includes Intel’s HD Graphics 44OO, decent integrated graphics (but not the best). You will be pleased with its multimedia and baseline performance.

Thanks to the 8GB RAM allotment the Inspiron 15 can crank an extra frame per second in gaming. Older titles can be played and the visuals are pretty good. For newer games, this laptop cannot pull off the same quality.

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Who’s It For?

The Dell Inspiron 15 I5558-5718SLV holds its own pretty well as a desktop replacement laptop. It rates at the level of good performance scores with a few downsides. Nevertheless, it will do a decent job for a student, home, home office, and multimedia needs.

For gamers, this setup is in the midsize range, it comes with an Intel HD 4400 graphics card, an Intel Core i5-4210U CPU, and 8 GB of RAM. It won’t run games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and GTA but there are hundreds of games that will perform beautifully on this laptop.

Check Also: Dell Inspiron 15 566 Review

What We Like About Dell Inspiron 15 i5558-5718SLV

This Dell laptop is quite easy to set up that before you know it is ready to use soon after you take it out of the box, quickly finish the set-up and you are ready to roll.

You can count on this laptop to start up quickly, run smoothly and quietly. Decent built-in speakers. Easy to pair the laptop with Bluetooth.

The pre-installed Windows 10 is an easy operating system to navigate. It is easy to install apps, even to include them on the taskbar and desktop screen. It was pretty easy to set up the WiFi network and other devices like the printer.

The keyboard’s responsiveness is just right. It’s not too sensitive and it does not require an extremely firm touch to do the job. The size of the keys on the keyboard is not cramped for average-sized hands, larger hands may feel cramped. An external keyboard can easily address that concern.

It is portable due to its slim and lightweight features so if you are on the go this laptop will not weigh you down especially when you need it for business trips.

The screen resolution (1920×1080) is clear with brilliant color at the level of a high-quality HD TV which means all videos will be a viewing pleasure. The sound is quite decent and is even better with headphones.

This laptop’s storage capacity includes a 1TB hard drive with 8GB of RAM, which gives this laptop plenty of power to do everyday tasks.

When working at night the backlit keyboard makes it easier to work in the dark. The laptop looks well made, is strong, and is well constructed. It is everything that you have come to expect from a Dell computer.

The signature edition of this laptop includes Window Defender to protect the laptop. The system is bloatware-free so you need not uninstall undesired applications keeping your daily computer uses unencumbered and no additional battery drain.

Check Also: Dell Inspiron 17-5770 Review

What We Don’t Like About Dell Inspiron 15 i5558-5718SLV

For gamers: this is not a gaming laptop.

The computer’s performance and efficiency are restricted by the erratic Wi-Fi connection causing slight delays and pauses when relying on the internet. The connection is quite weak making it impossible to be located too far away from the Wifi router with this laptop while other devices have no problem maintaining a connection.

The thin and fragile touchscreen frame is so sensitive to any applied pressured that it can actually depress the “X” on any open Internet window situated in the vicinity and close out the browser.

Customers have reported that after several months the touchscreen started acting up. After a few months, the laptop stopped charging and a replacement charger did not address the problem that originated from the laptop. After several months the power button stopped functioning. The screen went black.

Customers have also reported that the DVD/CD drive does not connect. The USB and HDMI ports have not been working.
The hardware is cheap and brittle that it begins falling apart from top to bottom within a year. Space Key becomes unresponsive and nonfunctional.

Windows 10 has no additional significant functional improvements when compared to its predecessors Windows XP or Windows 7. Reported issues relating to using Windows 10 – the printer identifies a “ghost” of a chosen document is sitting in the queue, displaying an error message, and the printer will not work or print any subsequent documents. There have been difficulties to print multiple documents.

The sound, power Wi-Fi signal, time, and date icons located in the lower right-hand corner of the screen have been flashing in and out. The cursor is independently moving around in directions not originating from the touchpad and it closes out internet browser tabs involuntarily.

The adapter plug does not remain attached to the laptop which interferes with the electric connection as well as preventing a consistent charge for the battery. The charger does not easily plug into the laptop – and the laptop is displaying error messages that it is unable to identify the charger

The display cable is defective creating flashes of vertical colored lines for a while making it difficult to use the laptop.

The Haswell i5 processor is a bit older and slower than the Broadwell and Skylake processors which affects the laptop’s efficiency and speed.

Customer service has not helped resolve laptop breakdown issues.

What’s Included?

• 15.6 inch Silver matte
• 4-Cell Battery (removable)
• 45 Watt AC Adaptor
• Power Cord (US/CAN)

Overview Of Features

The Dell Inspiron 15 i55558-5718SLV is a 15.6″ laptop with a Silver matte finish including a touch FHD. Powered by a 4th generation i5 4210U processor (3M Cache, up to 2.70 GHz). With a memory capacity of 8GB Dual Channel DDR3L 1600MHz (4GBx2) plus hard drive storage of 1TB 5400 rpm.

Includes an LED-backlit On-cell Touchscreen Display with Truelife and FHD resolution (1920 x 1080).

It is also equipped with W10H, HE 64 MSSI ENG. Intel HD Graphics. A DVD Drive that reads and writes to the DVD/CD, a 3-in-1 Media Card Reader, and USB 3.0.

Wireless connectivity through 802.11ac + Bluetooth 4.0, Dual Band 2.4&5 GHz, 1×1.

Audio features included in this laptop include stereo speakers and MaxxAudio. Backlit Keyboard – English.

Review Summary

The Dell Inspiron 15 i5558-5718SLV is a very fast and quiet laptop with a display that is comfortable for viewing. With good processing power, the Intel i5 processor is fast. A solid laptop at a great price!

FAQ

Question: Is Microsoft installed on this laptop?
Answer: The laptop does not come with the Microsoft Office bundle installed.

Question: Is this laptop designed to include a backlit keyboard?
Answer: Yes, a black-lit keyboard has been installed in this model.

Question: Is there an off switch for the touchscreen?
Answer: The option is to turn it off and you can opt not to use it.

Question: Is the battery removable?
Answer: The 4-cell is a removable battery that lasts 3 and a half hours (unlike the advertised claim to last 7 hours).

Question: Is the Wi-Fi connection reliable? I have had a Wi-Fi issue with Windows on my old laptop.
Answer: There have been reports of connectivity issues that have affected wireless mouses and Wi-Fi adapters to maintain a solid connection. The culprit behind these Wi-Fi issues was found when users choose from the Windows settings offer the option to “allow the computer to turn off power to this device.” Disable this option and the issue will be resolved.

Question: When I received my laptop it did not come with the charger. Is this standard?
Answer: The laptop typically comes with a charger.

Question: Is this laptop equipped with Bluetooth?
Answer: Yes, it is compatible with Bluetooth 4.0

Buyer’s Guide

You want to get the most out of your laptop and not break the bank. Laying out the money is a pinch in the pocket. However, when you buy the right laptop you will have peace of mind for many reasons.

1. The convenience of a lightweight laptop – instead of a desktop – means you can work anywhere you wish. This saves you time as well.
2. With a desktop, you need a dedicated space, as it takes up space and will reside there for a long time. With the accessories (keyboard, mouse, router, wires) a desktop needs several times more the amount of space when compared to a laptop. If you have a small space the choice should be obvious.
3. Laptops can go anywhere you want to take them, even the ones that are a bit heavier. Not so with a desktop. The benefits and conveniences of portability are many.
4. Many features needed for a desktop need to be purchased – so more money is leaving the bank. A laptop usually includes the same features for the price, like a webcam, keyboard, trackpad mouse, etc.
5. The trend nowadays for many devices is portability and to include every convenient application possible – plus the kitchen sink – into one device. Remember what is included in a laptop and you will realize the price is not as steep as you may have originally thought.