Dell Unveils Its First Ever Inspiron Gaming PC
Dell has announced its first gaming desktop computer to wear the company’s “Inspiron” branding. The powerful machine is designed to offer smooth virtual reality experiences and features several gaming-specific design touches. There’s an advanced cooling system and integrated case lighting.
Dell Inspiron Gaming Desktop
The system was announced by Dell during the Computex technology show in Taipei, Taiwan today. Although Dell’s Inspiron family of computers is now long-established, this is the first time that a dedicated desktop gaming PC has worn the familiar name. Dell has sought to blend the best of its gaming heritage under its Alienware name with the budget simplicity associated with Inspiron products.
The design of the PC is “striking and dramatic,” in Dell’s words. The company has opted for an unusual design with a slanted mesh grille. It leaves the top of the computer looking fairly similar to a regular tower PC. The lower half clearly reveals its gaming intentions though, giving way to a large ventilation system illuminated by blue LEDs.
Dell has focused on AMD components as the power source for the PC. There’s a choice of processors from AMD’s new Ryzen range, up to 32GB of DDR4 memory and a choice of Radeon RX-series graphics cards. The majority of the hardware is customisable, letting you spec your machine to your needs. You can change the power supply, customise your storage setup and specify advanced 7.1-channel HD audio.
The Inspiron Gaming Desktop is also well-placed for future upgrades. It will ship with up to five empty storage bays, letting you increase your storage further down the road by adding more drives. There’s a futureproof USB Type-C port for your data and power needs and up to a further six SuperSpeed USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports.
In keeping with the Inspiron brand, Dell has kept the Inspiron Gaming Desktop’s starting price relatively low. You’ll be able to purchase it in its most basic configuration for $599. It will be available worldwide from Dell.com and select online retailers in the coming weeks.
New Inspiron All-in-One PCs
Dell also announced two new all-in-one computers today. The Inspiron 27 7000 AIO and Inspiron 24 5000 AIO are both bezel-less machines designed for home users. The 27 7000 has a 27-inch display in resolutions up to 4K Ultra HD while the 24 5000 offers a smaller Full HD 24-inch panel.
Dell envisions the PCs as being ideal for families looking to consume entertainment media via video streaming platforms. New SmartByte technology developed by Rivet Networks for Dell prioritises video network traffic, helping to reduce buffering times on online media. It tries to ensure streams run smoothly by giving video applications the maximum possible amount of bandwidth.
Both of the new Inspiron AIOs come with AMD processors and a choice of AMD Polaris RX500 graphics cards. They feature support for far-field voice recognition via Microsoft’s Cortana digital assistant and USB Type C 3.1. Integration with Windows Hello facial recognition technology lets you log in to the computer by looking at the display.
The Inspiron 27 7000 will start at $999.99 and will launch at retailers worldwide in the coming weeks. The smaller Inspiron 24 5000 represents a lower-cost alternative for families who don’t need the advantages of 4K or virtual reality gaming. It’ll start at $699.99.
“Ready for VR”
A major focus of Dell’s launch today is on making future technology accessible to consumers this year. The company said it wants to be a “central player” in driving widespread adoption of emerging concepts like virtual reality and 4K video. It noted it has historically been committed to innovating in new technologies across its Inspiron family.
“Dell has experienced 17 consecutive quarters of PC growth by continuously innovating with our PC designs and experiences,” said Ray Wah, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dell Consumer and Small Business Product Group. “With more people than ever streaming movies, gaming and consuming VR content on PCs, Dell remains committed to providing the best visual and audio experiences and the new Inspiron All-in-Ones and Gaming Desktop bring that innovation mainstream.”
Dell’s work was recognised by a panel of judges at the Computex d&i awards during the event. The company was given awards in the Gaming Devices + Content of Games, Systems + Mobile Communication and Peripherals + Accessories categories. They were handed to four of its products, including two devices from the Inspiron line. The company said it was “proud” to accept the awards, saying they reflected its “excellence in innovation.”
[Featured Image by Dell]
