If you prioritize performance for engineering tasks or intensive workloads, the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 with its higher RAM and storage could be a better option, as well as offering a 2-in-1 form factor that adds tablet functionality. However, it is heavier and larger, potentially decreasing portability. The Apple MacBook Air (2022), on the other hand, boasts a renowned build quality, a high-resolution display, and a lightweight, slim design, making it more portable. Its fanless design provides silent operation, meaning it is less likely to be disruptive in quiet environments, but it may not handle sustained workloads as effectively as the Dell due to potential thermal constraints. It also runs on macOS, which could be a deciding factor depending on your software preferences. Choose the MacBook Air for portability and silent operation or the Dell for more power and flexibility in use. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple MacBook Air (2022)
Good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Good overall display quality
Best in class overall build quality
Excellent portability
Excellent battery life
Best in class speakers
Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 14 7420
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Air (2022).
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.5/10
6.9/10
6.7/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
4.1/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Air (2022) is good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is only fair.
The Apple MacBook Air (2022) with its M2 chip offers excellent CPU and GPU performance that is well-suited for engineering and design tasks, along with a high-quality Retina display for sharp visuals, but it has less RAM which may limit multitasking capabilities compared to the Dell Inspiron 14 7420, which offers a secure amount of RAM and a capable Intel CPU and GPU combination that's also good for such tasks, with the added versatility of a touchscreen and 2-in-1 convertible design for hands-on work. While the MacBook Air is lighter and has a silent, fanless design enhancing portability and reducing operating noise, the Inspiron provides additional connectors and upgradeable components that could extend its usability over time.
Content Creation
7.9/10
7.3/10
6.7/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
2560 x 1664
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Apple MacBook Air (2022) and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 are both good for content creation, though the Apple MacBook Air (2022) is somewhat better.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
8.0/10
7.3/10
6.7/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1664
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
10.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Apple MacBook Air (2022) is very good for software development, while the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is good.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
7.6/10
6.2/10
13.6in
SIZE
14.0in
2560 x 1664
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
486.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
260.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Air has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 for general use, AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Apple MacBook Air typically boasts higher resolution and a brighter display, enhancing the viewing experience for general use and the precision required for engineering and design tasks. Additionally, the MacBook Air's display generally covers a wider range of color gamuts, like DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB, which are crucial for accurately rendering colors in design work. However, for 3D applications, the MacBook Air's display often falls short due to lower refresh rates, while the Dell Inspiron, although with a fair quality display, may also struggle in gaming and 3D tasks if it cannot offer the high refresh rates these applications benefit from.
Battery
15.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Apple MacBook Air has 15 hours of battery life. The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has 7.5 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Excellent
Very Good
13.6in
SIZE
14.0in
2.7 lbs
WEIGHT
3.6 lbs
0.4in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Apple MacBook Air (2022) has excellent portability, while the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
10.0/10
7.4/10
The Apple MacBook Air (2022) has best in class build quality, while the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$899
$801
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Apple MacBook Air (2022) has a price of $899 and the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 costs $801.
The Apple MacBook Air (2022) and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 are both good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Air (2022) is a lightweight and portable option with an efficient CPU and long battery life, making it ideal for general use; it also sports a high-resolution screen for clear visuals, though with limited storage and RAM compared to some alternatives.
Gaming and AI
6.4/10
6.2/10
4.1/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2560 x 1664
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
10.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Apple MacBook Air (2022) and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple MacBook Air (2022) and the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 compare to other laptops
"The Apple MacBook Air M2 Entry is a very good, but too expensive daily MacBook. The new MacBook Air M2 is undoubtedly once again a very good mobile companion, but we are still a little bit disappointed on a very high level, which is definitely connected with the increased price point. The new chassis is extremely slim and the front edge is no problem during typing, but the bezels are pretty wide for a modern device and in addition with the vertical space required for the notch, the new Air has larger footprint than some Windows rivals."
"Notable qualities of the Inspiron 7420 2-in-1 include the 16:10 aspect ratio, strong hinges, 12th gen Intel CPU with optional GeForce MX graphics, and easy serviceability. Such features would typically cost hundreds of dollars more on higher-end alternatives from competing manufacturers. The value proposition is therefore relatively high for users looking to maximize bang for the buck."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Air (2022) or the Dell Inspiron 14 7420
About Apple
Apple, an American technology company, is one of the world’s largest company in terms of market capitalization. Their MacBook laptops feature a slim, minimalistic design, class-leading battery life, and premium display and speaker quality. In 2020 Apple switched from using Intel processors to their own silicon chips which have excellent performance and efficiency. The macOS operating system is the second most widely used OS, after Windows.
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.