While the display isn't necessarily amazing, the accompanying speakers are pretty good, with speakers from SkullCandy, and software enhancement with WaveMaxx 4.0. The Inspiron 13z has a 13.3-inch 1,366-by-768 resolution display, which is the common resolution in this size, and offers a high enough resolution to enjoy videos at 720p or to tile windows side-by-side for multitasking. The full-size keyboard features chiclet-style keys with rounded corners, and aside from arrow-buttons that have been shrunken down to half-size, the keyboard has a standard layout.

In our hands-on testing the trackpad was smooth and responsive, and worked whether mousing with one finger or performing gestures such as two-finger scrolling or pinch-zooming. Built into the palmrest, and sharing the same brushed metal surface, is a multitouch trackpad with separate right and left mouse buttons. The Inspiron 13z features a two-tone color scheme, with a dark grey lid and palmrest surrounded with a band of silvery-white aluminum. We just wish that Dell didn't bog down an otherwise stylish design with needless port covers and unwanted software. Though not quite an ultrabook thanks to a few unchecked boxes on Intel's specification list-it's a tad too thick, and it lacks the flash cache needed for speedy boot times-it's still a decent portable performer. The Dell Inspiron 13z is a stylish looking ultraportable, with a clear design identity and reasonable price.

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