While the Dell Inspiron 17R's general performance is a little low, graphics performance is where it gets owned. The Inspiron 17R has no discrete graphics card; it relies on the integrated HD 4000 graphics from Intel. Most desktop replacement-size laptops have discrete graphics cards (because, really, what else are you going to put in a 17-inch laptop?), and that makes a huge difference when it comes to graphics performance.
In our Crysis 2 graphics tests, the Inspiron 17R managed frame rates of between 13.8 (high-quality settings, 1366 by 768 pixel resolution) and 32.7 (low-quality settings, 800 by 600 pixel resolution) frames per second. By comparison, the last three laptops we tested in the desktop replacement category averaged frame rates of between 70.7 and 96.6 fps on the same tests. That's right--other desktop replacements are five times faster than the 17R at higher-quality settings. Also, it should be noted that the 1366 by 768 pixel resolution isn't the highest resolution that the other laptops can reach--they all sport 1080p screens. It's just the 17R that's limited by its 1600 by 900 pixel screen.
On a positive note, the Inspiron 17R does have slightly better battery life than do most of its competitors. In our battery life tests it managed to eke out 3 hours, 42 minutes, which isn't great, but isn't awful for the desktop replacement category. The last three laptops we tested in the category averaged 3 hours, 39 minutes, and the category leader (the Origin EON17-S) achieved only 2 hours, 33 minutes.
The Dell Inspiron 17R isn't super-stylish, but it's also not bad-looking for a cheap desktop-replacement-size laptop. Our review model features rounded corners, plastic accents, and a switchable lid, like some other Dell laptops we've recently looked at. The lid features a silver brushed aluminum plate with a shiny finish, but if you flick a switch at the back of the computer the plate snaps out. You can then replace the plate with one of a different color or texture (for around $30 on Dell's website). This is a nice touch if you like to change up your laptop style every once in a while.