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Updated January 10, 2024·
Let's consider the tradeoffs between the Apple MacBook Air (2022) and the Dell Inspiron 14 7435 to determine which laptop may be the better choice for you. The MacBook Air is known for its slim design, lightweight, and long battery life, making it ideal for portability. It is optimized for general use and is particularly effective for users within the Apple ecosystem, given its seamless integration with other Apple devices and services. However, it is typically priced higher, and may not be the best choice for gaming or intensive engineering software due to its graphics and processing limitations. On the other hand, the Dell Inspiron 14 7435 could offer more versatile hardware options that can cater to needs such as 3D design, machine learning, or gaming, given that Dell typically allows for more customization in terms of processing power and graphics capabilities. However, this can also mean a heavier device with possibly shorter battery life, which might make it less convenient for on-the-go use compared to the MacBook Air. Additionally, Dell laptops might come at a lower cost but may not offer the same build quality or operating system integration as the MacBook Air. Ultimately, if you prioritize portability and are embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the MacBook Air is a strong choice. If you require more powerful hardware for technical or gaming applications and are willing to compromise on portability, the Dell Inspiron 14 might be more suitable. Consider not only the initial cost but also the usability and long-term value that matches your specific needs. 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)
- 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 Inpsiron 14 7435
- The Dell Inpsiron 14 7435 has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Air (2022).
Key differences
Software Development
8.0
7.4
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 Inpsiron 14 7435 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
6.1
13.6in
SIZE
14.0in
2560 x 1664
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
486.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
216.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Air has a better screen than the Dell Inpsiron 14 7435 for general use, AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Apple MacBook Air offers a high-resolution display with excellent brightness and color accuracy, making text and images sharp, vivid, and easy on the eyes for general use and detailed enough for engineering and design applications that rely on precise color representation. The Dell Inspiron, while sufficient for everyday tasks, doesn't quite match the MacBook's display quality, which can affect the visibility of fine details and color fidelity essential in engineering and design work. When considering 3D applications, the MacBook Air’s screen falls short mainly due to a lower refresh rate, which is less ideal for smoothly rendering fast-moving visuals, whereas the Dell Inspiron's fair qualities across the board suggest it provides an acceptable but not optimal experience for the demands of gaming or 3D modeling.
Battery
15.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Air has 15 hours of battery life. The Dell Inpsiron 14 7435 has 8 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
3.4 lbs
0.4in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Apple MacBook Air (2022) has excellent portability, while the Dell Inpsiron 14 7435 has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
10.0
7.4
The Apple MacBook Air (2022) has best in class build quality, while the Dell Inpsiron 14 7435 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$899
$779
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Apple MacBook Air (2022) has a price of $899 and the Dell Inpsiron 14 7435 costs $779.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.9
7.8
2560 x 1664
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
486.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
216.0 nits
15.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
10.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
9.4/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.1/10
The Apple MacBook Air (2022) and Dell Inpsiron 14 7435 are both good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Air (2022) is highly portable with a lightweight and thin design, a vibrant and high-resolution screen, and offers silent operation, making it ideal for general use in diverse settings, but it has less storage and memory compared to the Dell Inspiron 14 7435. On the other hand, the Dell Inspiron 14 7435 provides a larger amount of storage and more memory, which may be beneficial for multitasking and storage-intensive tasks, yet it's heavier and thicker, reducing portability, and its screen isn't as bright or color-accurate as the MacBook's.
Gaming and AI
6.4
6.3
4.1/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
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 Inpsiron 14 7435 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The MacBook Air's GPU is well-suited for light 3D tasks but is limited by Mac's compatibility with many games; on the other hand, the Dell Inspiron's GPU can handle similar tasks and is better suited for gaming due to Windows' extensive game support, although both have screen refresh rates that are not optimal for high-end gaming.
Engineering and Design
7.5
7.1
6.7/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
4.1/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Air (2022) and Dell Inpsiron 14 7435 are both good for engineering and design.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Content Creation
7.9
7.6
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 Inpsiron 14 7435 are both good for content creation.
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.
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How the Apple MacBook Air (2022) and the Dell Inpsiron 14 7435 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple MacBook Air (2022) | Dell Inpsiron 14 7435 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$899 | $779 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2022 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12'' x 8.5'' x 0.44'' | 12.4'' x 8.9'' x 0.73'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.7 lbs | 3.48 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.97" | 12.36" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.46" | 8.92" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Apple M2 | AMD Ryzen 7 7730U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 256 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 15 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 52.6 Wh | 54 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.6" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1664 | 1920 x 1200 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 486 nits | 216 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 10/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | Yes | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 10/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 10/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 10/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 1 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 3 | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple MacBook Air (2022)
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | July 2022
"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."
Dell Inpsiron 14 7435
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Eric Grevstad | August 2023
"We see no shame in an economy laptop missing the four-star mark. Frankly, we considered giving the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 three-and-a-half stars for its low price, competitive performance, and long battery life. Unfortunately, working with a screen that can't deliver at least 300 nits of brightness is simply no fun to the point of detrimental. Still, if you're looking for a convertible laptop on a tight budget, it's worth keeping an eye on Dell's sales and discounts. That Lavender Blue model is fairly tempting."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Air (2022) or the Dell Inpsiron 14 7435
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.
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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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
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.
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