Best Dell laptops to choose from on Black Friday 2023

Dell Inspiron: some of the best entry-level laptops

If you're looking for a Dell laptop -- or laptop deals in general -- start with the Dell Inspiron laptops. These are some of the most value-focused laptops you can find, and they'll definitely fit any casual user's needs. So if you're not sure what exactly you need in a computer, the Dell Inspiron series is probably for you.

Dell Inspiron laptops are split into the 3000, 5000 and 7000 series. As you can probably expect, the higher the number, the higher the quality (and price). 

• Dell Inspiron 3000 laptops are some of the most affordable laptops that Dell makes. You'll find laptops that have enough power for browsing and running basic programs. They're available largely in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes, plus there are some decent 2-in-1 options as well. If you're looking for a teen's first laptop or if you're a light user, this is a great pick. 

• Dell Inspiron 5000 laptops are the sweet spot. The build quality is better, the screens are nicer, and the processors are more capable. The prices don't creep up too much either: you can find the Dell Inspiron 15 5423 for $$$$$$$. Unless you're on a tight budget, we can easily recommend these as the best Dell laptops for most people.

Dell Inspiron 7000 laptops are the highest-quality computers in the series. They come in a variety of options as far as specs and sizes so you can get the exact laptop you need. If you want a great display, speedy 512GB SSD storage, a more powerful processor, dedicated graphics card -- generally the most premium experience without breaking the bank -- check out the Dell Inspiron 7000 laptops.

Dell XPS 13 vs Dell XPS 15

The Dell XPS series is probably Dell's most popular line of laptops. It's basically impossible to find a "best laptops of the year" article without seeing the XPS 13 or XPS 15. They combine a thin and light form factor with an "eXtreme Performance System." They're high-end computers that compete against Apple Macbook Pros, Acer Aspire and HP Pavilion laptops -- very solid competition as far as thin powerful laptops go.

Both the XPS 13 and the XPS 15 have a similarly premium design and some of the best battery life available in a laptop. They also both include the latest Intel processors and have generally good thermals so you can rely on smooth and steady performance. The speakers are some of the best on any Windows laptop, and the keyboard and trackpad are favourites among computer enthusiasts too. Of course, the display is also incredible: good contrast ratio, incredible colour accuracy and even the option for a 4K display.

Most obviously, the difference between the two is how big this display comes. The Dell XPS 13 has a 13.4-inch screen; the Dell XPS 15 has a 15.6-inch screen. Being a bigger computer, the XPS 15 also houses more ports, a generally better processor and a bigger battery.

Most importantly, you get a dedicated GPU in the XPS 15 instead of the integrated graphics card found in the XPS 13. If you want to do intense creative work like video editing or even some light gaming, the XPS 15 will certainly be the better option.

Overall, the Dell XPS series is one that deserves its accolades. If you're a student or casual user who wants a premium laptop, the XPS 13 is one of the best options available today. If you're regularly running more demanding programs, the larger XPS 15 is probably the safe choice. In any case, if you can fit one into your budget, it'll definitely be a worthy companion for years to come.

Are Dell G Series laptops actually good for gaming?

Gaming laptops tend to be the most powerful laptops available. For those that want to game on the go or who run intense programs, they are the best options outside of a desktop. Just know that they tend to be bulky and expensive.

The Dell G series laptops are Dell's answer to gaming laptops. The most popular one is the Dell G16, which has budget models starting from over £1,000. 

Generally speaking, even the slightly older G15 model is still great for gaming. Even the budget options have respectable specs that still perform well when running most games. The more premium G15 laptops can be purchased with the latest processors and dedicated GPUs, which do well running basically every game. 

The faults people find with the G15 (that are present in most gaming laptops) are that it's a bit loud and the battery life isn't amazing. Some models also have panels with slow response times so ghosting may be a huge issue if you're playing games that demand quick reactions.

The Alienware x15 is also worth mentioning here. Alienware was acquired by Dell so they technically are Dell laptops. More importantly, they're one of the most recognized gaming laptop brands.

Since they're built with only gaming in mind, they do make for a better experience. Fast screens, quick processors, the latest mobile GPUs -- basically the whole package.

Their design makes them divisive among users though. Compared to the Dell G15, for instance, it's much more futuristic and bulky. If you'd like a sleeker laptop that won't stick out or break your back carrying it around, you should probably still go for the Dell G Series.

Should you wait for Black Friday Dell laptop deals?

Those are basically all the Dell laptops that you should watch out for. However, you don't need to wait for Black Friday deals specifically.

While November is thought to be the best time to find sales on all kinds of appliances and electronics. . . it's actually not. If you look closely, most manufacturers only let you save when you buy bundles or commit to contracts in the case of smartphones. Even then, you're only looking at saving 10% based on what we saw during Black Friday 2022.

If you're looking for Dell laptop from Black Friday deals or Cyber Monday deals, you should focus your attention on buying your new laptop new-ish instead. Refurbished Dell laptops on Back Market sell for 30-50% off, and that's every day of the year. Plus, you get a 12-month minimum warranty, 30-day returns and free delivery. Plus, you save a laptop from going to computer heaven (which is a nice way to say an e-waste landfill which is a huge environmental issue). 

Black Friday is the busiest shopping season of the year. But it's not the best shopping season of the year. Each year, the sales and deals get more modest while consumerism grows more and more rampant.

So screw buying new -- join the refurbished revolution! Your wallet and our planet will thank you.