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Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 Convertible Review

Kaby Lake Upgrade. A powerful processor, IPS display and quick SSD: these are the fundamental building blocks for a good office computer, and the Inspiron provides them all. A backlit keyboard and a good battery life build on that foundation, and the built-in touchscreen can be operated with a stylus. The whole package costs just under 800 Euros (~$850).

For the original German review, see here.

The Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 is a 15.6-inch convertible laptop. This is the sister model of the structurally identical Inspiron 15 5568 that we have recently reviewed. One of the differences between the devices is their processors: While the 5578-1777 is equipped with a Kaby Lake processor, the sister model has a Skylake CPU on board. The Inspiron's competition consists of laptops such as the HP Pavilion x360 15 and the Lenovo Yoga 510-15ISK.

Since the two Inspiron models that we have chosen to review are structurally identical, we will not cover the case, connectivity options, input devices or speakers in this article. Please see our review of the Inspiron 15 5568 for information on these subjects.

Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1 (Inspiron 15 5000 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i5-7200U 2 x 2.5 - 3.1 GHz, Kaby Lake
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics 620, Core: 1000 MHz, Single-channel, 21.20.4526
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR4-2400, Single-channel, two memory banks (one bank occupied)
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 141 PPI, Capacitive, 10 touch points, Active stylus support, Not pressure-sensitive, LG Philips (Dell 156WF7), IPS, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel Kaby Lake-U Premium PCH
Storage
SanDisk X400 256GB, SATA (SD8SB8U-256G), 256 GB 
, 200 GB free
Soundcard
Realtek ALC225 @ Intel Sunrise Point-LP PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
1 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: Audio combo, Card Reader: SD, Sensors: Acceleration sensor, TPM 2.0
Networking
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.2
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 20.2 x 381.9 x 253.1 ( = 0.8 x 15.04 x 9.96 in)
Battery
42 Wh Lithium-Ion, Battery runtime (according to manufacturer): 6 h
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HD
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, McAfee LiveSafe (trial version), MS Office Home and Student 2016 (trial version), 24 Months Warranty
Weight
2.82 kg ( = 99.47 oz / 6.22 pounds), Power Supply: 288 g ( = 10.16 oz / 0.63 pounds)
Price
799 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
Lenovo Yoga 510-15ISK
 
74.2 MB/s +180%
HP Pavilion x360 15-bk102ng
 
60.5 MB/s +128%
Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1
 
26.5 MB/s
Dell Inspiron 15 5568
 
21 MB/s -21%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
HP Pavilion x360 15-bk102ng
 
87 MB/s +181%
Lenovo Yoga 510-15ISK
 
85.1 MB/s +175%
Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1
 
31 MB/s
Dell Inspiron 15 5568
 
26.5 MB/s -15%
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
HP Pavilion x360 15-bk102ng
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3168
314 MBit/s 0%
Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165
313 MBit/s
iperf3 receive AX12
HP Pavilion x360 15-bk102ng
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3168
352 MBit/s +98%
Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165
178 MBit/s
iperf Client (transmit) TCP 1 m
Dell Inspiron 15 5568
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165
390 MBit/s
iperf Server (receive) TCP 1 m
Dell Inspiron 15 5568
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165
372 MBit/s

Display

Pixel grid
Pixel grid

The Inspiron's 15.6-inch touchscreen display has a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The screen offers a good contrast ratio (976:1). The brightness, on the other hand, is too low (242.3 cd/m²). A convertible laptop in this price range should provide at least 300 cd/m² of luminance. On a positive note, we never experienced any PWM backlight flickering with this display.

239
cd/m²
239
cd/m²
237
cd/m²
237
cd/m²
244
cd/m²
236
cd/m²
253
cd/m²
251
cd/m²
245
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
LG Philips (Dell 156WF7) tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 253 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 242.3 cd/m² Minimum: 14.5 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 93 %
Center on Battery: 244 cd/m²
Contrast: 976:1 (Black: 0.25 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.94 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 4.93 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
63% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
40% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
43.13% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
62.8% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
41.74% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.7
Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1
IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Dell Inspiron 15 5568
IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
HP Pavilion x360 15-bk102ng
IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Lenovo Yoga 510-15ISK
IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Display
-9%
-5%
2%
Display P3 Coverage
41.74
38.04
-9%
39.45
-5%
42.58
2%
sRGB Coverage
62.8
57.1
-9%
59.2
-6%
63.9
2%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
43.13
39.3
-9%
40.76
-5%
43.99
2%
Response Times
7%
-15%
-17%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
55 ?(20, 35)
42 ?(19, 23)
24%
55 ?(23, 32)
-0%
43.2 ?(19.6, 23.6)
21%
Response Time Black / White *
20 ?(4, 16)
22 ?(6, 16)
-10%
26 ?(10, 16)
-30%
30.8 ?(17.6, 13.2)
-54%
PWM Frequency
50 ?(20)
Screen
-3%
-28%
2%
Brightness middle
244
266
9%
205
-16%
254
4%
Brightness
242
249
3%
191
-21%
230
-5%
Brightness Distribution
93
85
-9%
74
-20%
86
-8%
Black Level *
0.25
0.26
-4%
0.3
-20%
0.26
-4%
Contrast
976
1023
5%
683
-30%
977
0%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
4.94
4.98
-1%
7.2
-46%
4.23
14%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
7.3
11.82
-62%
12.7
-74%
9.5
-30%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
4.93
2.68
46%
6.86
-39%
2.87
42%
Gamma
2.7 81%
2.27 97%
2.27 97%
2.35 94%
CCT
7401 88%
6583 99%
6983 93%
5965 109%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
40
36
-10%
38
-5%
40.35
1%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
63
57
-10%
59
-6%
63.48
1%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-2% / -3%
-16% / -22%
-4% / -1%

* ... smaller is better

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

In factory default setting, the display's DeltaE 2000 color difference is 4.94 - not bad. Manufacturers should strive for a difference of less than 3. The screen does not suffer from a blue cast.

CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Color saturation
CalMAN - Color saturation

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
20 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 4 ms rise
↘ 16 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 37 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
55 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 20 ms rise
↘ 35 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 90 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Dell's Inspiron offers an IPS panel with stable viewing angles, allowing the user to view the screen content from any angle. Unfortunately, the convertible laptop cannot really be used outdoors: the reflective display surface combined with the panel's low brightness are prohibitive here.

The Inspiron in outdoor use (shot taken on a sunny day in direct sunlight).
The Inspiron in outdoor use (shot taken on a sunny day in direct sunlight).

Performance

Dell's Inspiron is a 15.6-inch convertible laptop. The Kaby Lake processor has more than enough performance power to handle all the usual applications. Our test device carries a price tag of about 800 Euros (~$850, gross price). As of the publication of this review we could find only one other version of this device, fitted with a Core i7 processor, more memory and a larger SSD.

Processor

Dell's convertible laptop is equipped with a Core i5-7200U (Kaby Lake) dual-core processor. This is Intel's current mid-range ULV CPU (TDP: 15 watts). It should have ample performance power to meet the demands of most users. Alternatively, Dell is also offering a version of the Inspiron with the somewhat more powerful Core i7-7500U processor. For most users, the slight gain in performance power would not be worth the significantly higher cost. Our model's Core i5 processor runs at a base clock speed of 2.5 GHz. Using turbo, it is possible to reach speeds of up to 3.1 GHz (both cores). The processor takes advantage of its turbo in both AC power mode and battery mode.

Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
4976
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
11078
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
7731
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
126 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
326 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
37.44 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.7 %
Help
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Dell Inspiron 15 5568
Intel Core i7-6500U
128 Points +2%
HP Pavilion x360 15-bk102ng
Intel Core i5-7200U
126 Points 0%
Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1
Intel Core i5-7200U
126 Points
Lenovo Yoga 510-15ISK
Intel Core i5-6200U
114 Points -10%
CPU Multi 64Bit
HP Pavilion x360 15-bk102ng
Intel Core i5-7200U
326 Points 0%
Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1
Intel Core i5-7200U
326 Points
Dell Inspiron 15 5568
Intel Core i7-6500U
308 Points -6%
Lenovo Yoga 510-15ISK
Intel Core i5-6200U
289 Points -11%
Cinebench R10
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
HP Pavilion x360 15-bk102ng
Intel Core i5-7200U
11328 Points +2%
Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1
Intel Core i5-7200U
11078 Points
Lenovo Yoga 510-15ISK
Intel Core i5-6200U
9846 Points -11%
Rendering Single 32Bit
Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1
Intel Core i5-7200U
4976 Points
HP Pavilion x360 15-bk102ng
Intel Core i5-7200U
4787 Points -4%
Lenovo Yoga 510-15ISK
Intel Core i5-6200U
4399 Points -12%
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Single-Core Score
Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1
Intel Core i5-7200U
2893 Points
HP Pavilion x360 15-bk102ng
Intel Core i5-7200U
2812 Points -3%
Lenovo Yoga 510-15ISK
Intel Core i5-6200U
2699 Points -7%
32 Bit Multi-Core Score
Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1
Intel Core i5-7200U
6439 Points
HP Pavilion x360 15-bk102ng
Intel Core i5-7200U
6297 Points -2%
Lenovo Yoga 510-15ISK
Intel Core i5-6200U
5733 Points -11%
Geekbench 4.0
64 Bit Single-Core Score
Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1
Intel Core i5-7200U
3632 Points
HP Pavilion x360 15-bk102ng
Intel Core i5-7200U
3484 Points -4%
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1
Intel Core i5-7200U
6795 Points
HP Pavilion x360 15-bk102ng
Intel Core i5-7200U
6425 Points -5%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1
Intel Core i5-7200U
219.9 Points
HP Pavilion x360 15-bk102ng
Intel Core i5-7200U
212 Points -4%
Dell Inspiron 15 5568
Intel Core i7-6500U
207.1 Points -6%
Lenovo Yoga 510-15ISK
Intel Core i5-6200U
196.9 Points -10%

System Performance

The combination of a fast solid-state disk and powerful processor produce a fast system. The Inspiron's good score in the PC Mark benchmark demonstrates strong overall performance. The computer also achieved good scores when we ran more demanding applications than simple office and internet-related programs. A slight improvement in the device's overall performance would be possible if the user were to install a second RAM module - then the active dual-channel mode would increase the system's graphics performance.

PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3446 points
Help
PCMark 8 - Home Score Accelerated v2
Lenovo Yoga 510-15ISK
Radeon R7 M460, 6200U, Liteonit CV3-DE256
3651 Points +6%
Dell Inspiron 15 5568
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Toshiba THNSNK256GCS8
3607 Points +5%
Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, SanDisk X400 256GB, SATA (SD8SB8U-256G)
3446 Points
HP Pavilion x360 15-bk102ng
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, WDC Slim WD10SPCX-21KHST0
3173 Points -8%

Storage Devices

A solid-state drive from SanDisk serves as the computer's system storage device. The SSD is a 2.5-inch model with a total capacity of 256 GB; about 200 GB of which is available to the user. The remaining disk space is occupied by the Windows installation and the recovery partition. The drive's transfer rates are good.

SanDisk X400 256GB, SATA (SD8SB8U-256G)
Sequential Read: 503 MB/s
Sequential Write: 465.3 MB/s
512K Read: 293 MB/s
512K Write: 322.7 MB/s
4K Read: 28.9 MB/s
4K Write: 55 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 314.5 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 209.2 MB/s
Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1
SanDisk X400 256GB, SATA (SD8SB8U-256G)
Dell Inspiron 15 5568
Toshiba THNSNK256GCS8
HP Pavilion x360 15-bk102ng
WDC Slim WD10SPCX-21KHST0
Lenovo Yoga 510-15ISK
Liteonit CV3-DE256
CrystalDiskMark 3.0
-4%
-91%
6%
Read Seq
503
458.6
-9%
102.4
-80%
487
-3%
Write Seq
465.3
270
-42%
102
-78%
450.7
-3%
Read 512
293
397.4
36%
31.37
-89%
384.5
31%
Write 512
322.7
242
-25%
48.12
-85%
356.3
10%
Read 4k
28.9
19.88
-31%
0.357
-99%
27.05
-6%
Write 4k
55
86.7
58%
1.047
-98%
63.7
16%
Read 4k QD32
314.5
275.3
-12%
0.844
-100%
281.5
-10%
Write 4k QD32
209.2
197.6
-6%
1.098
-99%
232
11%

Graphics Card

The Inspiron is not equipped with a dedicated GPU; instead Dell has installed Intel's HD Graphics 620 integrated graphics solution. This card supports DirectX 12 and runs at speeds of up to 1000 MHz. The results in the 3D Mark 2011 benchmark are normal for this GPU. Installing a second RAM module would boost the system's performance by activating dual-channel mode.

3DMark 11 Performance
1528 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Lenovo Yoga 510-15ISK
AMD Radeon R7 M460, Intel Core i5-6200U
2137 Points +50%
Dell Inspiron 15 5568
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i7-6500U
1506 Points +6%
Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
1422 Points
HP Pavilion x360 15-bk102ng
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
1355 Points -5%

Gaming Performance

The Inspiron's hardware is powerful enough to run a lot of games smoothly - although mostly games that do not demand too much of the hardware. Even with these games, users will have to be content with a low resolution and low quality settings. The installation of a second RAM module (active dual-channel mode) could increase the frame rates by an average of 20 to 30%. The exact percentage is dependent on the game. A taxing game such as “Watch Dogs 2”, however, is simply unplayable.

low med. high ultra
BioShock Infinite (2013) 40.3 24.3 19.9 6.3
Civilization VI (2016) 26.8 9.2

Emissions and Energy

The Inspiron is relatively quiet under any level of load. The fan stands still as a general rule, and the rest of the system operates in silence. Even under load the fan does not generate too much noise. During our stress test, we recorded a maximum sound pressure level of 35.3 dB(A).

Noise Level

Idle
30.4 / 30.4 / 30.4 dB(A)
Load
32.3 / 35.2 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 30.6 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2037.540.237.837.940.137.52534.439.835.336.135.534.43132.839.53330.631.132.84031.537.630.931.829.831.55030.236.530.830.429.530.26331.636.733.930.733.331.68029.133.331.429.427.829.110029.139.330.828.52729.112525.32825.825.425.325.316025.830.825.925.324.325.820025.229.42624.524.625.225024.129.124.22322.424.131524.327.624.422.821.824.340023.126.822.621.620.323.150021.825.921.920.62021.863020.82521.319.618.920.880020.124.320.819.418.120.1100020.524.621.718.517.720.5125019.7242117.916.819.7160019.323.220.817.716.319.3200018.324.722.117.516.118.3250017.921.719.517.315.617.9315017.720.51917.215.517.7400017.319.317.817.115.417.3500017.218.917.317.21517.2630017.218.717.317.115.317.280001718.417.317.115.2171000016.918.117.11714.916.91250016.817.91716.914.916.816000171817.2171517SPL31.335.232.330.429.131.3N1.62.41.81.41.21.6median 19.7median 24.3median 21median 17.9median 16.8median 19.7Delta34.73.42.92.83hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseDell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1

Temperature

The Inspiron in the stress test.
The Inspiron in the stress test.

The Inspiron completed our stress test (Prime95 and FurMark running simultaneously for at least an hour) in the same way in both AC power mode and battery mode. At the beginning of the test the processor ran at 2.5 GHz, while the graphics core went about its task at 850 to 900 MHz. After about 5 minutes, the situation changed. The CPU throttled to 1.6 GHz and the GPU accelerated to 1000 MHz. The convertible laptop never heated to particularly high temperatures. During the stress test, we measured temperatures over the 40°C mark (104°F) in only three spots. These numbers were lower in everyday use.

Max. Load
 34 °C
93 F
37.3 °C
99 F
28.6 °C
83 F
 
 33.4 °C
92 F
25.4 °C
78 F
26.7 °C
80 F
 
 24.5 °C
76 F
24.6 °C
76 F
25.5 °C
78 F
 
Maximum: 37.3 °C = 99 F
Average: 28.9 °C = 84 F
24.8 °C
77 F
43.3 °C
110 F
42.6 °C
109 F
25.2 °C
77 F
34.7 °C
94 F
40.3 °C
105 F
25 °C
77 F
25.8 °C
78 F
24.9 °C
77 F
Maximum: 43.3 °C = 110 F
Average: 31.8 °C = 89 F
Power Supply (max.)  44.6 °C = 112 F | Room Temperature 22.4 °C = 72 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 28.9 °C / 84 F, compared to the average of 30.2 °C / 86 F for the devices in the class Convertible.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 37.3 °C / 99 F, compared to the average of 35.3 °C / 96 F, ranging from 19.6 to 55.7 °C for the class Convertible.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 43.3 °C / 110 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 24.3 °C / 76 F, compared to the device average of 30.2 °C / 86 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 25.5 °C / 77.9 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(+) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.1 °C / 82.6 F (+2.6 °C / 4.7 F).
Heat generation top surface (under load)
Heat generation top surface (under load)
Heat generation bottom surface (under load)
Heat generation bottom surface (under load)
Heat generation top surface (idle mode)
Heat generation top surface (idle mode)
Heat generation bottom surface (idle mode)
Heat generation bottom surface (idle mode)

Speakers

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs203940.1392539.135.539.13136.331.136.34037.829.837.8503829.5386339.933.339.98040.127.840.110040.42740.412542.825.342.816043.424.343.420047.224.647.225051.922.451.931557.921.857.94005720.35750053.92053.963060.218.960.280067.518.167.5100064.917.764.9125067.316.867.3160066.516.366.5200066.916.166.925006115.661315057.415.557.4400062.315.462.3500066.21566.263006515.365800052.715.252.71000048.414.948.41250050.714.950.71600057.31557.3SPL76.229.176.2N36.91.236.9median 57.4median 16.8median 57.4Delta82.8835.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseDell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1 audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (67 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 10.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (7.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 6.6% higher than median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (7.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 5.5% higher than median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (12.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (19.6% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 43% of all tested devices in this class were better, 6% similar, 51% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 21%, worst was 57%
Compared to all devices tested
» 43% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 49% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 5% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 93% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 3% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 96% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Frequency comparison (checkboxes are selectable/deselectable)

Power Consumption

While idling, we recorded a maximum energy consumption rate of 9.8 watts - a reasonable figure. During the stress test, the rate rose to 3.4 watts. When the CPU throttled after about 5 minutes, the number sank to 28.4 watts. The power supply is rated at 45 watts.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.25 / 0.35 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 4.3 / 7.6 / 9.8 Watt
Load midlight 32.6 / 28.4 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Battery Life

Our WLAN test - designed to simulate normal, everyday use - uses a script to keep the system busy by regularly loading new websites. The "balanced" profile is active, the laptop's energy saving functions are deactivated, and the display brightness is set to about 150 cd/m². The Inspiron reached a run time of 6 hours and 34 minutes: a good 90 minutes longer than its structurally identical Skylake predecessor.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing (Edge 38)
6h 34min
Battery Runtime - WiFi Websurfing
Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620, 42 Wh
394 min
HP Pavilion x360 15-bk102ng
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620, 48 Wh
348 min -12%
Lenovo Yoga 510-15ISK
6200U, Radeon R7 M460, 35 Wh
335 min -15%
Dell Inspiron 15 5568
6500U, HD Graphics 520, 42 Wh
299 min -24%

Pros

+ IPS display
+ Full HD display
+ Runs quietly
+ Quick SSD
+ Good battery life
+ Backlit keyboard

Cons

- Dark display
- No USB Type-C port

Verdict

In review: Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777. Test device courtesy of Notebooksbilliger.de
In review: Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777. Test device courtesy of Notebooksbilliger.de

The Inspiron 15 5578 is a 15.6-inch convertible laptop of Dell's creation. Only its inner workings diverge from those of the previous model. The manufacturer now relies on a Kaby Lake processor, equipping its system with enough performance power to fearlessly face the coming years. The Inspiron does not irritate its users with a relentless fan, or an antiquated whizzing hard drive. In idle mode, the machine generally goes about its business in perfect silence; even under load the fan is not an overachiever. The computer also remains cool no matter the circumstance.

A fast solid-state disk enables the system to run with speed. It is possible to switch out the SSD, as the base plate is removable. The computer's battery life is certainly nothing to sneeze at. The touchscreen functions flawlessly and reacts instantly to input from your fingers or an active stylus. To test the latter, we prodded at and drew across the screen with a stylus manufactured by Hama - to our full satisfaction. Overall, we also deem the backlit keyboard a success.

In every relevant area, the Inspiron profits from the Kaby Lake upgrade. The computer's battery life has improved in no small measure, and the system has gained performance power.

The IPS display is pleasing to the eyes, with its good visibility from all angles and screen orientations, high contrast, and color representation that achieves an above average degree of accuracy. The display brightness is too low for outdoor use - sadly, users of this computer will be confined to the indoors. Not good: The device lacks a USB Type-C port. We expect at least one of these ports in a laptop on today's market.

A note regarding warranty: If you buy the Inspiron from the Dell website, the standard warranty length is one year. In Europe, purchasing the computer from another website (ex. notebooksbilliger.de) provides the buyer with a two-year warranty. In both cases the warranty can be extended - Dell offers a plethora of options here. 

Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 2-in-1 - 01/18/2017 v6(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
85 / 98 → 87%
Keyboard
85%
Pointing Device
84%
Connectivity
46 / 80 → 57%
Weight
58 / 35-78 → 53%
Battery
89%
Display
82%
Games Performance
54 / 68 → 80%
Application Performance
84 / 87 → 97%
Temperature
94%
Noise
93%
Audio
62 / 91 → 68%
Camera
47 / 85 → 56%
Average
74%
79%
Convertible - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Dell Inspiron 15 5578-1777 Convertible Review
Sascha Mölck, 2017-01-25 (Update: 2018-05-15)