The 6 Best Large Dell Laptops for 2024

For those seeking the ultimate in big-screen personal computing, a plus-sized 17-inch Dell laptop deserves serious consideration. Modern 17-inch models from Dell featuring the latest 12th Gen Intel Core processing, Nvidia‘s newest RTX GPUs, crisp 4K displays and more allow performance that can rival many desktops. Yet these machines retain reasonable portability thanks to thinner, lighter designs than their predecessors.

If you want expansive screen real estate for work productivity, content creation, at-home entertainment or enthusiast-grade gaming, Dell has several excellent 17-inch options waiting. Let‘s explore six top picks for 2024 along with guidance to help you select the right system.

Overview of Dell‘s 17-Inch Laptop Roster

Dell offers 17-inch laptops under several model lines, each targeting different needs:

XPS 17 – Dell‘s premium consumer ultrabook packing the latest tech
Alienware m17 and x17 – Serious gaming rigs tuned for enthusiast PC gamers
Precision Mobile Workstations – Commercial-grade portable powerhouses for professional use
Inspiron 17 3000 – Cost-focused big-screen suitable for basic tasks

Below we break down the best pick in each model line along with pros, cons and ideal usage scenarios. But first, let‘s recap exactly why you may want to go big with a 17-inch Dell system versus smaller mainstream options.

Why Consider a 17-Inch Dell Laptop?

Going with a plus-sized laptop brings several advantages:

Abundant screen space – 17-inch 16:10 displays measuring over 400 square inches allow for easier multitasking and immersive gaming versus 15- and 14-inch models
Desktop-grade performance – Larger chassis provide thermal headroom and space for the fastest mobile processors and graphics cards
Big, backlit keyboards – Accommodates full numpads and widely-spaced, comfortable key layouts ideal for typists
Advanced connectivity – More real estate permits greater quantity and variety of ports compared to ultraportables
Enhanced entertainment – Expansive screens and four-speaker setups offer captivating movie/TV watching experience

Sure, a 17-inch system commands premium pricing over smaller equivalents while giving up some mobility. But for the right person, investing in a tricked-out Dell 17-inch laptop will provide serious capabilities wherever work takes you.

Now let‘s explore the top options available for 2024 in several categories:

Best Overall: Dell XPS 17 9720

Dell XPS 17 9720 17.0" Laptop

If you‘re seeking the ultimate combination of performance, design and display tech that still stays (somewhat) mobile, Dell‘s flagship XPS 17 9720 should top your list. Available with 12th Gen Intel Core i7 or i9 CPUs plus potent Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti / 3060 graphics, this stylish powerhouse blazes through intensive workloads.

Beauty and brawn come together in the 9720‘s 17-inch 16:10 display with lively Dolby Vision HDR support across a vibrant color gamut. Format support is outstanding too — spanning 4K Ultra HD+ (3840 x 2400) resolution, multi-touch functionality and Eyesafe low blue light technology.

Reviewers praise the XPS 17‘s ability to juggle creative applications, business productivity, at-home entertainment andenthusiast gaming with aplomb. Benchmarks reveal performance surpassing many desktop rigs. Yet at just 0.77 inches thin and 4.86 pounds (starting weight), the elegant CNC aluminum chassis retains reasonable mobility.

Downsides are typical of bleeding edge consumer models — lofty price tags and good-but-not-great battery life roughly 7 hours with mixed usage. But for shoppers seeking to maximize productivity across applications while gaining desktop-style power in a slick ultrabook form factor, the XPS 17 9720 is an outstanding choice for 2024.

Best Value 17-Inch Dell Laptop: Inspiron 17 3793

Dell Inspiron 17 3793 17.3" Laptop

If maxed-out processing muscle matters less than abundant screen space on a budget, Dell‘s Inspiron 17 3000 family deserves a look. The Inspiron 17 3793 model supplies a roomy 17.3-inch Full HD LED display running a 1920 x 1080 native resolution — perfect for movies, web browsing and basic productivity.

Despite the affordable pricing, niceties like a built-in DVD/CD drive, numeric keypad, wide port selection including USB-C make this Inspiron 17 well equipped for dorm life or family use. A good balance of memory and storage come via the 8GB RAM and spacious 1TB hard disk too.

Downsides primarily stem from older internal components that trail the latest models. Light gaming and streaming still feel responsive thanks to the Intel UHD integrated graphics. But intensive 3D applications and demanding multitasking may tax the entry-level processors during extended sessions.

For shoppers seeking an inexpensive big-screen system sized similarly to desktop replacements of old for mostly online activities, document editing, media enjoyment and light computing, the sub $700 Dell Inspiron 17 3000 warrants consideration.

Best for Gaming: Alienware m17 R5

Alienware m17 R5 17" Gaming Laptop

Serious PC gamers know Alienware equals hardcore gaming hardware, and the m17 R5 brings AMD Ryzen 6000 mobility processors plus high refresh displays and graphics for competitive play. Within the recognizable Alienware "Legend" design, you‘ll spot accent lighting and a premium keyboard supporting per-key RGB customization.

Internals configurable up to an eight-core Ryzen 9 paired with GeForce RTX 3080 Ti graphics drive smooth framerates even at QHD resolutions. Need more performance? Overclocking bumps clocks beyond stock speeds. And Cryo-Tech cooling with vapor chamber technology keeps the rig running cool when battles intensify.

As expected, all this gaming goodness demands premium pricing — especially for top-bin GPUs and pixel-packed displays. Battery life also falls on the shorter side when away from AC power. So budget-minded buyers or those who game primarily off-battery may want to look elsewhere.

But eSports participants and gaming enthusiasts wanting no compromises in AAA title performance within a slick RGB-infused chassis cannot go wrong with Alienware‘s m17 R5. Consider it a highly portable gaming centerpiece capable of tackling today‘s most demanding titles without blinking.

Best 17-Inch Dell Laptop for Creators: Alienware x17 R2

Alienware x17 R2 17" Laptop

Creative professionals needing serious GPU acceleration for 3D, video editing, animation and VFX applications should check out Alienware‘s aptly named x17 R2 model. It brings next-gen computing to content creation thanks to 12th Gen Intel processors plus high-end Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti or range-topping 3080 Ti graphics — the very best GPU silicon for laptops currently.

Visual design app users will also appreciate the vibrant 17.3-inch Full HD 360Hz panel with 3ms response times. Out-of-factory calibration plus high refresh rates offer fluid interaction when concepting ideas or assets. Expect superior color precision as well covering 100% of the sRGB spectrum at up to 500 nits max brightness.

The x17 R2 stays cool under pressure too thanks to a five-intake-port design with vapor chamber cooling. Thermal interface material helps disperse heat across heatsinks connected to each of the six-cores on premium i7/i9 CPUs. Such advanced cooling pays creative dividends by preventing throttling during marathon editing/effects/rendering sessions.

Pricing gives pause like most Alienware rigs; configs climb well over $3K fully loaded. Audible cooling fans also come with the territory for peak performance. But artists and media professionals need to balance budgets with capability. On the latter, Alienware‘s x17 R2 delivers desktop-capable speed perfect for remote video production.

Best 17-Inch Dell Laptop for Business: Precision 7770

Dell Precision 7770 17” Mobile Workstation

Road warriors requiring workstation-grade power aligned with enterprise-class serviceability should shortlist Dell‘s Precision 7770 mobile workstation. ISV certifications for major software suites plus tested compatibility with professional apps means this mobile powerhouse works reliably wherever projects go.

The Precision 7770 also brings commercial-friendly advancements professionals need like ECC memory, Intel vPro management extensions and tamper-proof hardware security aligned with NIST standards. Rugged MIL-SPEC 801H testing ensures parts like the aluminum chassis, backlit keyboard, dual coolings fans and vibrant Full HD display handle shock, vibration, dust and other environmental challenges in stride.

Configuring a Precision 7770 brings countless options with high margins — particularly for memory (up to 128GB), multiple SSD bays permitting 8TB+ storage pools, and dedicated RTX graphics. Factor in global support services, and this mobile workstation makes sense for architects, engineers, data scientists and similar roles requiring workstation-grade power mated with enterprise-grade quality controls.

Naturally high-end proficiency demands big budgets; over $4K once the likes of Xeon chips, ample RAM, NVMe storage arrays and smart card readers get specified. But for professionals willing to pay for premium mobility and reliability, the Precision 7770 checks all boxes.

What to Consider Before Buying a 17-Inch Dell Laptop

How important is battery runtime on a single charge? 17-inch gaming/workstation models range between 2~5 hours mixed usage depending on specs.
What specific ports like Ethernet, media readers or Thunderbolt 4 might you require? Count and confirm outlets.
Do you prefer touch displays? Many (but not all) 17-inch Consumer/Commercial Dell models offer 10+ point multi-touch.
Will you run intensive programs for extended intervals? If so, prioritize high-bandwidth RAM, SSD speed, next-gen processors.
What warranty length makes sense given anticipated deployment challenges? Accidental damage useful too.
How much does total loadout weight factor given your carry frequency? 17-inch Dell models start around 6 pounds.

The Bottom Line

With abundant screen space enabling easier multitasking and immersion that retains reasonable mobility compared to desktops, Dell‘s 17-inch laptop family hits a portable productivity sweet spot. Across gaming rigs, mobile workstations and premium ultrabooks, Dell‘s plus-sized portables combine desktop-style component power aligned with gorgeous displays and feature sets catering to virtually any need. Just be realistic regarding use case priorities before committing since these desktop replacements trade battery runtime, peak portability and value versus smaller equivalents. Those willing to accept such compromises gain so much in return.