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expired Posted by mlj2015 • Oct 14, 2023
expired Posted by mlj2015 • Oct 14, 2023

Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop: i5-1235U, 15.6" 120Hz, 8GB DDR4, 256GB SSD

+ Free Shipping

$309

$430

28% off
Dell Technologies
134 Comments 65,271 Views
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Deal Details
Dell has Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop on sale for $349.99 - 2% when you apply coupon code ARMMPPS - unique 10% off coupon code you receive via email (instructions below) = $308.69. Shipping is free.

Thanks to community member mlj2015 for finding this deal.

Note: To receive a 10% off unique promo code, sign up for Dell Email Updates. The code may take up to an hour to arrive in your inbox.

Specs:
  • 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U 10-Core Processor
  • 15.6" 1920x1080 120Hz 250 nit Display
  • 8GB DDR4 2666 MT/s (1x8GB)
  • 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive
  • Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 2x2 802.11ax + Bluetooth
  • Windows 11 Home

Editor's Notes

Written by oceanlake | Staff
  • See the forum thread for additional discussion of this deal and additional configuration options.

Original Post

Written by mlj2015
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Dell has Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop on sale for $349.99 - 2% when you apply coupon code ARMMPPS - unique 10% off coupon code you receive via email (instructions below) = $308.69. Shipping is free.

Thanks to community member mlj2015 for finding this deal.

Note: To receive a 10% off unique promo code, sign up for Dell Email Updates. The code may take up to an hour to arrive in your inbox.

Specs:
  • 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U 10-Core Processor
  • 15.6" 1920x1080 120Hz 250 nit Display
  • 8GB DDR4 2666 MT/s (1x8GB)
  • 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive
  • Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 2x2 802.11ax + Bluetooth
  • Windows 11 Home

Editor's Notes

Written by oceanlake | Staff
  • See the forum thread for additional discussion of this deal and additional configuration options.

Original Post

Written by mlj2015

Community Voting

Deal Score
+43
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Top Comments

waterchange
3198 Posts
2092 Reputation
greypoint
22 Posts
14 Reputation
This is a good deal compare to my order a week ago for $5 less. I have done homework before I bought this for my kid. To answer many questions above:
1. Memory is upgradable to 64GB (2x16GB). Any DDR4 is fine. The spec you read is "up to". Slower memory but with less latency is not going to make a difference.
2. No usb-c
3. External monitor is limited to 1080P. This is dell article blame motherboard and it is by design.
https://www.dell.com/support/kbdo...using-hdmi
However, some research showed people using Intel driver be able to go 2K/4K. So it may be dell video driver limit resolution
https://www.reddit.com/r/Dell/com...?rdt=54906
4. Intel i5-1235U vs AMD 5500U basically have no difference on CPU benchmark. AMD is little better on gaming due to higher GPU clock speed. Intel is probably has better battery life due to efficiency CPU cores. If price is the same, you can choose either depending on your use case. If AMD is $100 more, choose cheap Intel.
5. Intel UHD and Iris Xe are basically the same. Iris Xe MUST to use dual channel memory. So with one DIMM 8GB, you will get UHD. Two DIMMs you get Iris Xe. It is the same CPU. Just marketing term to have you buy more memory from Dell to use Iris Xe.
6. It ships with Intel AX201 (wifi6+BT5.2). Nice. No need to replace dell crappy Wifi-BT card.
7. This laptop has a 2.5 slot for SATA SSD

I plan to wipe it clean with windows 11 pro no bloatware. Install 16GB(2x*GB) to get Iris Xe and replace with good NVME 512GB(most likely dell ships DRAM-less 256GB nvme) since I have spare parts to upgrade. Install intel driver to see if it can go beyond 1080p external monitor. If you don't have spare parts, the better configuration with 16GB/512GB goes on sale around $485 based on slickdeal or you find elsewhere for parts.

If you have no idea what I am talking about, you should avoid it.
INeverPayRetail
1386 Posts
546 Reputation
Unfortunately, I haven't found any laptop configurations available under this post with a backlit keyboard. That kills the deal for me.

133 Comments

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Oct 17, 2023
8,893 Posts
Joined Nov 2007
Oct 17, 2023
rustum
Oct 17, 2023
8,893 Posts
Quote from lmaololrofl :
But given my use case, is there a specific added advantage of 5000 series?
It is better built model with aluminum chassis and usb c charging port.
Oct 17, 2023
599 Posts
Joined Feb 2009
Oct 17, 2023
bucklen62189
Oct 17, 2023
599 Posts
Quote from lmaololrofl :
Can you please suggest between these two?
Use case: for father who teaches on zoom, does youtube video uploads and basic word/excel/pdf/email/browsing stuff.

1. $ 460
Base: Inspiron 15 (3525)
Processor: AMD Ryzen™ 7 5700U 8-core/16-thread Mobile Processor with Radeon™ Graphics
Operating System: Windows 11 Home, English, French, Spanish
Memory: 16 GB: 2 x 8 GB, DDR4, 3200 MT/s
Storage: 1 TB, M.2, PCIe NVMe, SSD
Display; 15.6", FHD 1920x1080, 120Hz, WVA, Non-Touch, Anti-Glare, 250 nit, Narrow Border, LED-Backlit
Keyboard: English US non-backlit keyboard

2. $330
Base: Inspiron 15 3535
Processor: AMD Ryzen™ 5 7530U 6-core 12-thread Processor with Radeon™ Graphics
Operating System: Windows 11 Home, English, French, Spanish
Memory: 8 GB: 1 x 8 GB, DDR4, 3200 MT/s
Keyboard: English US non-backlit keyboard
Driver: Realtek 8821 Wireless Driver
Display: 15.6", FHD 1920x1080, 60Hz, WVA, Touch, Anti-Glare, Narrow Border, LED-Backlit
Storage: 512 GB, M.2, PCIe NVMe, SSD
I'd probably lean towards #2, but I strongly advise you to upgrade the RAM. Once you do that though you're inching towards the price point of #1 which includes a better CPU. So I guess it's a toss up.
Oct 17, 2023
356 Posts
Joined May 2022
Oct 17, 2023
lmaololrofl
Oct 17, 2023
356 Posts
Quote from bucklen62189 :
I'd probably lean towards #2, but I strongly advise you to upgrade the RAM. Once you do that though you're inching towards the price point of #1 which includes a better CPU. So I guess it's a toss up.
How easy and cost effective is to add another 8gb ram to device #2 by myself at home?
I'm tech savvy and have opened mobile phones and such. But not really any experience with laptop repairs and such. If it's just opening screws and installing a stick in I think I can do it.
That way we can try 8gb ram to see if that is sufficient for our use case. And if and when needed add another 8gb at home.
Oct 17, 2023
599 Posts
Joined Feb 2009
Oct 17, 2023
bucklen62189
Oct 17, 2023
599 Posts
Quote from lmaololrofl :
How easy and cost effective is to add another 8gb ram to device #2 by myself at home?
I'm tech savvy and have opened mobile phones and such. But not really any experience with laptop repairs and such. If it's just opening screws and installing a stick in I think I can do it.
That way we can try 8gb ram to see if that is sufficient for our use case. And if and when needed add another 8gb at home.

Almost all laptops are extremely easy. Unscrew the bottom and pop it in 9 times out of 10. Dell has manuals and typically there are YouTube videos.
Oct 17, 2023
28,289 Posts
Joined Jan 2007
Oct 17, 2023
cgigate
Oct 17, 2023
28,289 Posts
Quote from Baraka :
How can this be verified? You'd think they wouldn't have such important, incorrect information on their website.
Yes, they posted many incorrect specs on their web page with obvious false information .
ie. the 2th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U CPU built-in Iris® Xe Graphics eligible, Dell specs says something else Intel® UHD Graphics which is Gen10 or earlier version CPU
Last edited by cgigate October 17, 2023 at 12:43 PM.
Oct 18, 2023
22 Posts
Joined Dec 2011
Oct 18, 2023
greypoint
Oct 18, 2023
22 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank greypoint

This is a good deal compare to my order a week ago for $5 less. I have done homework before I bought this for my kid. To answer many questions above:
1. Memory is upgradable to 64GB (2x16GB). Any DDR4 is fine. The spec you read is "up to". Slower memory but with less latency is not going to make a difference.
2. No usb-c
3. External monitor is limited to 1080P. This is dell article blame motherboard and it is by design.
https://www.dell.com/support/kbdo...using-hdmi
However, some research showed people using Intel driver be able to go 2K/4K. So it may be dell video driver limit resolution
https://www.reddit.com/r/Dell/com...?rdt=54906
4. Intel i5-1235U vs AMD 5500U basically have no difference on CPU benchmark. AMD is little better on gaming due to higher GPU clock speed. Intel is probably has better battery life due to efficiency CPU cores. If price is the same, you can choose either depending on your use case. If AMD is $100 more, choose cheap Intel.
5. Intel UHD and Iris Xe are basically the same. Iris Xe MUST to use dual channel memory. So with one DIMM 8GB, you will get UHD. Two DIMMs you get Iris Xe. It is the same CPU. Just marketing term to have you buy more memory from Dell to use Iris Xe.
6. It ships with Intel AX201 (wifi6+BT5.2). Nice. No need to replace dell crappy Wifi-BT card.
7. This laptop has a 2.5 slot for SATA SSD

I plan to wipe it clean with windows 11 pro no bloatware. Install 16GB(2x*GB) to get Iris Xe and replace with good NVME 512GB(most likely dell ships DRAM-less 256GB nvme) since I have spare parts to upgrade. Install intel driver to see if it can go beyond 1080p external monitor. If you don't have spare parts, the better configuration with 16GB/512GB goes on sale around $485 based on slickdeal or you find elsewhere for parts.

If you have no idea what I am talking about, you should avoid it.
3
Oct 18, 2023
108 Posts
Joined Dec 2010
Oct 18, 2023
ps_fedex
Oct 18, 2023
108 Posts
Intel UHD graphics instead of Iris XE, pass.
1

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Oct 18, 2023
612 Posts
Joined Apr 2015
Oct 18, 2023
Cornezy
Oct 18, 2023
612 Posts
Quote from ThanksDude :
I have read Dell's return policy, buyer pays return shipping charges and there is a 15% restocking fee, really? Better make sure you want this laptop.

I've never been charged shipping or a restocking fee for returning new or refurbished products from dell/alienware.

I think it's there more for people that maybe be taking advantage of returns and just buying tons of things and never keeping them. Then they'd enforce it.
Oct 18, 2023
4,746 Posts
Joined Aug 2009
Oct 18, 2023
tomwil
Oct 18, 2023
4,746 Posts
Quote from greypoint :
1. Memory is upgradable to 64GB (2x16GB).
Is this a misprint? 16GB x 2 = 32GB.
Oct 18, 2023
2,970 Posts
Joined Jun 2009
Oct 18, 2023
wildpig1234
Oct 18, 2023
2,970 Posts
Quote from mlj2015 :
I read in another thread that no Inspirons from Dell's website have backlit keyboards.

Just bought the inspiron 14 from dell on the $450 deal here a few weeks ago. It has backlit keys.

But sadly the HDMI on it is also only HDMI 1.4 so 4K is limited to 30hz ;( I confirmed this with my 4k monitor.
Oct 19, 2023
1,091 Posts
Joined Apr 2012
Oct 19, 2023
kozg
Oct 19, 2023
1,091 Posts
Quote from INeverPayRetail :
Unfortunately, I haven't found any laptop configurations available under this post with a backlit keyboard. That kills the deal for me.
I was surprised how much I like a backlit keyboard in middle age. A backlit keyboard on dark colored keys, even better.
Oct 19, 2023
161 Posts
Joined Sep 2020
Oct 19, 2023
SmilingMustang6270
Oct 19, 2023
161 Posts
Quote from lmaololrofl :
How easy and cost effective is to add another 8gb ram to device #2 by myself at home?
I'm tech savvy and have opened mobile phones and such. But not really any experience with laptop repairs and such. If it's just opening screws and installing a stick in I think I can do it.
That way we can try 8gb ram to see if that is sufficient for our use case. And if and when needed add another 8gb at home.
On many occasions I have upgraded the RAM on my laptop(s). First thing I do is some research on the internet, specifically, I try to find a youtube video where someone has opened up the laptop or a very similar model. This tells me what and where are the screws that need to be removed and if/where there is an empty ram slot. Next I download/install CPU-Z. There is a tab that tells me the exact specs of the installed RAM like speed and manufacturer model #. I tren try to find a matching stick on ebay or Amazon. If there is a slot available and you can find the right RAM, the actual install is fairly straightforward. The RAM comes with keyed slots that only allows it to be installed one way so if'ts nearly impossible to install it incorrectly. Just make sure it's pushed in all the way and that it snaps into place.
Oct 19, 2023
161 Posts
Joined Sep 2020
Oct 19, 2023
SmilingMustang6270
Oct 19, 2023
161 Posts
Is this expired? I'm getting full $429.99 price on website and not the sale price of $349.99. Guess I mulled it for too long...
Oct 20, 2023
262 Posts
Joined Dec 2010
Oct 20, 2023
phippsy
Oct 20, 2023
262 Posts
Quote from Baraka :
Why do the specs say it has USBC?

Ports
1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C® port with DisplayPort 1.4 (on 12th Gen Processor configured with Type-C®)
1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 port (on systems configured with Type-C®)
2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (on systems configured with non Type-C®)
1 USB 2.0 port
Yeah, based on the photos there is absolutely no USB C unless you switch model to the NEW inspiron laptop on the same page. Pretty terrible description, no full funtion USB C is a deal breaker.
1

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Oct 20, 2023
1,808 Posts
Joined Jul 2018
Oct 20, 2023
ThanksDude
Oct 20, 2023
1,808 Posts
Quote from SmilingMustang6270 :
Is this expired? I'm getting full $429.99 price on website and not the sale price of $349.99. Guess I mulled it for too long...
Sign up for the Dell newsletter and get 10% off via email, once you sign up, just chat with a online rep and ask for the 10% off code to be sent to your email address as you didn't receive it. May help if you say it's been two days and VERY IMPORTANT, if one rep says they can't/won't do that, just disconnect and try another rep. I had to try like 5~6 reps until one rep provided the code. Good luck dude and save that hard-earned money.
1

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