The only difference between the $379.99 and $449.99 ($349.99 on sale) Inspiron 15 models is the choice of quad-core processor: AMD's Ryzen 3 7320U or Ryzen 5 7520U. Other components include AMD Radeon 610M integrated graphics (part of the CPU), 8GB of memory, a 512GB solid-state drive, and a 15.6-inch non-touch IPS screen with full HD (1,920-by-1,080-pixel) resolution. The screen has a 120Hz refresh rate instead of the usual 60Hz for smoother video viewing, though I guarantee you will not be fast-twitch gaming on this system.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

Cost-cutting measures include a keyboard without backlighting and a 720p webcam instead of a 1080p model with no privacy shutter. The list continues, with neither a face recognition camera nor a fingerprint reader to avoid typing passwords with Windows Hello. Also, you get a Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) radio instead of the more modern Wi-Fi 6E or 7 standards. Compromises like those leave me less impressed by Dell's eight-core Ryzen 7 7730U model of this machine, which includes 16GB of RAM and a 1TB drive for $529.99 (marked down from $699.99 when its siblings were marked up).

Dell's 3535 model has the same Carbon Black plastic chassis as its 2023 3525 model, measuring 0.75 by 14.1 by 9.3 inches and weighing a reasonably portable 3.59 pounds. The system doesn't feel flimsy—lifting the lid feels downright thick by current slimline standards—but it shows an unnerving amount of flex if you grasp the screen corners or press the keyboard deck. Dell says the keyboard is spill-resistant, but I didn't test it.