CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.
7.8 / 10
SCORE Dell 14 Plus $750 at Dell Pros Sharp 2.5K display
Sturdy aluminum chassis
Good overall performance for the price Cons Touchpad a touch too firm
Plastic display bezels look cheap
Underwhelming audio output
The Dell 14 Plus is the update to the previous Inspiron 14 Plus as the computer maker's mainstream offering that sits between Dell "base" models and the more upscale Dell Premium models (formerly named XPS). Dell may have dropped the longtime Inspiron name, but it's nearly identical to the Inspiron 14 Plus 7440 I reviewed last year. It's a solid, if plain-looking, laptop with an all-metal design based on a 14-inch display. This year's version is slightly lighter and offers a slightly higher-resolution screen along with the latest AI chips from Intel and AMD.
The Dell 14 Plus is available as both a regular clamshell laptop and a two-in-one convertible, and each is available with Intel Lunar Lake or AMD Krackan Point processors. I tested an Intel-based laptop and an AMD-based 14 Plus two-in-one for this review. If you don't need the added versatility of the two-in-one design, then get the laptop version. It has a superior display not offered on the two-in-one. And when the clamshell model is on sale for $750, it's a particularly great buy if you're shopping for a midrange laptop for home, school or work.
Dell 14 Plus models as tested
... continue reading