Dell Premium 16 ZDNET's key takeaways The Dell Premium 16 starts at $1,800.
This is a premium laptop capable of handling heavy workloads, especially graphic design, thanks to its top-notch hardware.
However, it does share some of the same issues as its predecessor, like its tendency to run warm and power-hungry battery. View now at Dell
I've been dying to get my hands on the new Dell Premium 16, mainly because it is a follow-up to the Dell XPS 16, a laptop that I reviewed back in early 2024 and one of my favorite devices I've tested for ZDNET so far. Although the name may be different, it is a similar computer with key upgrades in all of the right places. However, it shares many of the same issues.
Also: The best laptops for graphic designers: Expert tested
At a glance, you'll notice that the Dell Premium 16 looks nearly identical to the XPS. The zero-lattice keyboard makes a triumphant return, stretching nearly end to end. Each key has a nice springiness to it, providing a fast, yet comfortable typing experience. Above that is an LED capacitive touch panel where you'll find the Function and Media keys, a hallmark of the XPS series' design.
Some familiar designs
Because it's a glass panel, the Function keys don't provide any sort of physical feedback, which, to me, is totally fine. Most people don't interact with the Function keys frequently like they would with the QWERTY keyboard, so the haptic feedback isn't missed here.
Also: Need a new laptop for the office? Save $400 on the Dell 16 Plus and improve your workflow
Contrary to what you may see, the Dell Premium 16 does have a trackpad at the bottom. It is a glass trackpad that blends seamlessly with the rest of the computer. You can't see it, but you can feel the haptic feedback. In the image below, I have highlighted where the trackpad is located. You'll notice that it takes up a significant portion of the wrist rest.
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