Dell's new Inspiron 2-in-1s beef up with Intel's latest 8th Gen Core processors

Dell is kicking off IFA 2018 with a bang, introducing a refresh to its Inspiron 2-in-1 line. Not only do the updated PCs now feature Intel's new 8th Gen Core U processors, but they do so with improved thermals, new webcam tech, and Amazon Alexa on board.

Leading the pack is the Inspiron 7000 2-in-1 series, which comes in 13-, 15- and 17-inch sizes. Up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM is available, and PCIe NVME SSDs come standard on this year's models. You also have the option of throwing in Intel Optane Memory to speed things up. The 15- and 17-inch versions also support NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics.

The display features Dell's CinemaColor tech, which is designed to make the picture looks as crisp and colorful as possible. Meanwhile, you'll also have the option to configure models with UHD resolution IPS panels. Flanking each display on the 15- and 13-inch models is a three-sided narrow border that shrinks the device's footprint and makes the screen pop.

Rounding things out is a new, miniaturized four-element lens webcam, which Dell says "offers improved performance" and should greatly reduce noise and increase quality in low-light situations. Windows Hello is also on board for quick authentication, as is a fingerprint reader embedded in the power button. Used in combination with support for Windows 10's Modern Standby, and you can wake your PC and log in with instant-on speeds.

The PCs are designated as "Amazon Alexa enabled," with support for the digital assistant set to arrive sometime this fall. And, of course, Dell's Active Pen is supported so you can take notes on the go. As far as power is concerned, the 7000 series sports power delivery and display support over one cable with USB-C.

The latest Inspiron 7000 2-in-1s will be available on October 2 at a starting price of $879.99.

Inspiron 5000

Along with the 7000 series, Dell's Inspiron 5000 2-in-1s are also seeing a refresh with improved thermals and Intel's 8th Gen U-series processors. Two versions of the 14-inch laptop are available, both of which feature optional GeForce MX130 graphics.

Alexa will be available here as well, along with Modern Standby, Windows Hello, and an integrated fingerprint reader. Configurable with up to 16GB of RAM and additional optional Intel Optane memory, the Inspiron 5000 series also includes a wide range of storage options up to 1TB.

The Inspiron 5000 series will launch on October 2 at a starting price of $459.99.

Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl