With the ongoing fervor surrounding Apple’s launch of the MacBook Neo at $599, I’m having a lot of fun sniffing out Windows laptops that are both more affordable and superior in terms of hardware and features.
The most recent Windows laptop deal that caught my attention involves a Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1, complete with a convertible design, touch display, 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, and a capable Intel Core 5 120U CPU.
How does Dell’s discounted Inspiron 14 2-in-1 compare to the new MacBook Neo?
Let me start by sharing a brief comparison table showing off the differences and similarities between the $549 Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 and Dell’s $599 MacBook Neo.
| Header Cell – Column 0 |
Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 |
MacBook Neo |
|---|---|---|
|
CPU |
Intel Core 5 120U (10 cores, 12 threads) |
Apple A18 Pro (6 cores, 6 threads) |
|
Integrated GPU |
Intel Graphics |
Apple A18 |
|
Max. external display support |
4 |
1 |
|
RAM |
16GB |
8GB |
|
Storage |
512GB |
256GB |
|
Display |
14 inches, 1920×1200, 60Hz, 300 nits, touch |
13 inches, 2408×1506, 60Hz, 500 nits, non-touch |
|
Ports |
2x USB-C 3.2, 2x USB-A 3.2, HDM 1.4, 3.5mm audio |
USB-C 3, USB-C 2, 3.5mm audio |
|
Dimensions |
12.36 x 8.9 x 0.74 inches |
11.71 x 8.12 x 0.50 inches |
|
Weight |
3.77 pounds |
2.7 pounds |
|
Wireless |
Wi-Fi 6E |
Wi-Fi 6E |
|
Battery |
54Wh |
36.5Wh |
|
Camera |
1080p |
1080p |
|
Convertible? |
Yes |
No |
|
Keyboard backlight? |
Yes |
No |
It’s clear from this table that the more affordable Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 has several advantages.
Most notable are the 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD, which doubles the amounts available in the $599 MacBook Neo. The Intel Core 5 120U CPU has more cores and more threads to play with, resulting in strong multitasking performance.
On that note, the integrated GPU in the Intel chip can support up to four external displays (with the built-in display disabled), whereas the Neo can only power one external display.
That’s not just a limitation due to the narrow port selection on the MacBook Neo; that’s a limitation at the chip level.
Moving down the list, I must admit that the MacBook Neo’s display is more impressive with its 2408×1506 resolution and 500 nits brightness. However, you get more screen real estate, a similar refresh rate, and touch functionality from the Dell Inspiron.
Other notable comparisons involve the convertible design and keyboard backlight available in the Inspiron laptop, two features the Neo lacks.
The big wins for the MacBook Neo mainly involve size and weight, not to mention Apple’s street cred. The Dell Inspiron doesn’t come in an array of bright colors, and it’s not as sleek as the Neo, but I know those points matter less to a lot of Windows users.
Bottom line? You can spend less than you would on the MacBook Neo and land this capable, versatile Windows laptop that makes a lot more sense for a wide range of users.
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