• Dell Inspiron

We probably don't have to tell you that Dell makes some of the around, but did you know they are also some of the most affordable as well? If you know where to look, there’s a wide variety of Dell laptop deals to be found on the internet, with retailers ranging from Amazon to Walmart to Dell themselves offering low prices.Nevertheless, there are several different varieties of laptop from which to choose when shopping around for a new Dell. The Inspiron line ranges from entry- to mid-grade laptops, while the XPS delivers flagship-level power in attractive chassises. Then there’s Alienware, the Dell company that makes the – with dedicated graphics cards and beefy processors to boot.With so many options, it can be hard to pin down all the best Dell laptop deals in all of these categories and product lines.

To make it easier, we’ve taken care of the leg work for you, recording all of the top Dell laptop deals onto a single page. Read on to find the one that's right for you!Dell XPS 13.

HD webcam on top of the displayLike any other notebook maker with its leading product, Dell runs deals on its XPS 13 line rather frequently, just not as good or as often as, say, its mid-range Inspiron lineup. Being Dell's most sought-after laptop, though, it makes sense.With up to a 13.3-inch, 3K IPS touchscreen inside an 11-inch aluminum frame, Intel's latest Core i processors as well as Thunderbolt 3 and an SD card slot, the XPS 13 is ready for all kinds of work and play.Below, you'll find the best deals we could find on the XPS 13 in the UK, US and Australia. Just note that most XPS 13 deals listed are with entry-level specs, so check to make sure whether the version you want has the hardware you want inside, too.Read the full review:Dell XPS 15. Long-lasting batteryThe XPS 15 is, frankly, a larger XPS 13. However, that extra space inside the 14-inch frame (fitting a 15.6-inch version of that beautiful screen) allows for Nvidia's GTX 1050 mobile graphics chip.All else equal, this makes the XPS 15 even more suitable for professionals and players alike, though considerably less portable. And, of course, a larger screen asks for a larger price tag.Below are the best deals we could muster on the XPS 15 in the UK, US and Australia. We'll say it again: note that most XPS 15 deals listed are with entry-level specs, so check to make sure whether the version you want has the hardware you want inside, too.Read the full review:Dell Inspiron 11.

Multiple color optionsDell's best Windows-based answer to the Chromebook legion is the Inspiron 11. A tiny bit of power to inhabit such a tiny price, this laptop is ideal for students of basically all ages, but not for those in computing intense fields (i.e.

Animation, media editing, etc), and anyone seeking a cheap way to get online.Since this is nearly the least expensive laptop money can buy, deals on these are few and far in between.Below are the best deals we could muster on the Inspiron 11 in the UK, US and Australia. Note that most Inspiron 11 deals listed are with entry-level specs, so check to make sure whether the version you want has the hardware you want inside, too.Dell Inspiron 14. MaxxAudio enhanced speakersThis is one of Dell’s most entry-level laptops, but it has recently been retooled to make it feel like anything but. With expandable storage and an HD webcam, you’re looking at a fine companion for the college student or a suitable laptop for mom and dad.It won’t do much of any gaming, but its processor should stream movies at 720p just fine. As a family photo repository or a device for keeping in touch with the kids – or heck, writing that thesis – the Inspiron 14 is a consummate Chromebook challenger.Below are the best deals we could muster on the Inspiron 14 in the UK, US and Australia.

Note that most Inspiron 14 deals listed are with entry-level specs, so check to make sure whether the version you want has the hardware you want inside, too.Dell Inspiron 15. Built-in subwooferFor whatever reason, we’ve been told by Dell and other computer makers that people really dig huge laptops with legacy features. Hence, the Inspiron 15 7000 is among Dell’s most popular, so much so that there are always deals available for the device that clings onto what Apple has long forgotten: SD cards and DVDs.Of course, don't go expecting MacBook-like levels of performance here – not even close. But, if you still have a dear DVD collection, this may be the 15-inch laptop for you.Below are the best deals we could muster on the Inspiron 15 in the UK, US and Australia. Note that most Inspiron 15 deals listed are with entry-level specs, so check to make sure whether the version you want has the hardware you want inside, too.Read the full review:Dell Inspiron 13 7000. Windows Hello supportPerhaps you want a smaller, lighter and more varied experience (like we would).

In that case, this version of the Inspiron might be your scene.It's slick, lightweight, and offers several ways to use it – just like the XPS 13 2-in-1 (save for the immensely powerful hardware and beautiful screen). Though, for most folks, what's inside this hybrid laptop is just fine.Below are the best deals we could muster on the Inspiron 13 2-in-1 in the UK, US and Australia. Note that most Inspiron 13 2-in-1 deals listed are with entry-level specs, so check to make sure whether the version you want has the hardware you want inside, too.Read the full review:Dell Inspiron 15 Gaming. AffordableFor those seeking a gaming laptop without putting a dent in their life savings, the Dell Inspiron 15 Gaming might be your best bet. It's essentially a souped-up version of the standard 15-incher, but with far stronger graphics.Of course, don't go expecting Alienware 15-level performance here. But what this Inspiron offers should be enough for fine 1080p gaming at moderate settings. So, it's no wonder why folks are interested in saving even more on it.Below are the best deals we could muster on the Inspiron 15 Gaming in the UK, US and Australia.

Note that most Inspiron 15 Gaming deals listed are with entry-level specs, so check to make sure whether the version you want has the hardware you want inside, too.Read the hands-on review:Alienware 13. Impressive graphics and performanceDell's Alienware brand of gaming laptops looks better than ever today, though sadly it seems to be pricier than ever as well. For example, the starting Alienware 13 model comes with an HD screen at 1,366 x 768 resolution.Luckily the component options quickly scale up from there, but of course so does the pricing. With an absolutely beautiful OLED display on the table, we'll take whatever deal we can get.Below are the best deals we could muster on the Alienware 13 in the UK, US and Australia.

Note that most Alienware 13 deals listed are with entry-level specs, so check to make sure whether the version you want has the hardware you want inside, too.Alienware 15. PortableThose seeking the newest Nvidia graphics behind screens fine-tuned for gaming are well-treated by Dell’s Alienware brand. Notoriously pricey, any deal you can get on Alienware hardware is worth considering if you want a gaming laptop not just with powerful components but strong style and support.The Alienware 15 simply expands upon Dell's fresh new design, bringing with it access to Nvidia's mid-tier GTX 1070 mobile graphics for even more power. This model also comes starting with an FHD (1,920 x 1,080) screen – phew!These are the best deals we could find on the Alienware 15 in the UK, US and Australia.

Note that most Alienware 15 deals listed are with entry-level specs, so check to make sure whether the version you want has the hardware you want inside, too. Now, these are the – bar none.

ThinkstockOnce wildly expensive and inaccessible but to the very rich, computers today are one of the most ubiquitous technologies worldwide. Though many personal computers in the early 1970s were much cheaper, the most basic model of an HP 3000 sold for $95,000 in 1972, the equivalent of slightly over half a million in today’s dollars.Today, a brand-new computer costs just a few hundred dollars and has capabilities that in 1972 were in the realm of science fiction.The advent of the personal computer is one of the most important technological developments of the last century. In the early 1970s, the technology improved to the point that personal computers no longer needed to be the size of a car to function.

Not all personal computers released in the early 1970s cost as much as the HP 3000. In fact, many became accessible to the public in both cost and size, offering consumers a product that could fit within a small room and a typical budget.As the computer transitioned from a technical marvel to household staple, a number of landmark devices came on the market throughout the years that set the bar higher for the generation of PCs that would follow. These computers, which include 1977’s Apple II, 1980’s Commodore VIC-20, 1981’s IBM PC, were extremely popular at the time of their release. The Commodore 64, which was released in 1982, would eventually sell about 20 million units to become the best-selling personal computer of all time.24/7 Wall Street identified the price of a specific computer representative of each year between 2016 and 1971 - the year the first personal computer was released.More: Are these the worst cities to live in? Study looks at quality of life across the U.S. 1971.

Notable computer: Kenbak I. Price tag: $750.

Inflation adjusted price: $4,659Deemed to be the first personal computer by the Boston Computer Museum, the Kenbak I looks nothing like modern computers. The Kenback I was designed as an educational machine to teach students how to write programs. Courtesy of HP1972.

Notable computer: HP 3000. Price tag: $95,000.

Inflation adjusted price: $571,791Hewlett-Packard's 3000 was the company's first foray into smaller business computers. The original 3000 was generally considered a failure, but the company would go on to make 20 different versions of the 3000 through 1993. 1973.

Notable computer: Wang 2200. Price tag: $3,500. Inflation adjusted price: $19,832With the introduction of the Wang 2200, Wang Laboratories successfully transitioned from calculator manufacturer to computer company. 1974. Notable computer: Scelbi-8H. Price tag: $440. Inflation adjusted price: $2,245The Scelbi was initially advertised in the back of an amateur radio magazine in 1974.

The product would only sell about 200 units and was discontinued before the end of the decade. 1975. Notable computer: IBM 5100 Portable Computer. Price tag: $8,975. Inflation adjusted price: $41,970At about 50 pounds, IBM's 5100 Portable Computer was hardly portable by today's standards. A decade earlier, a computer with the same processing capacity would weigh about half a ton. EMMANUEL DUNAND, AFP/Getty Images1976.

Notable computer: Apple I. Price tag: $667. Inflation adjusted price: $2,949The Apple I was the first product sold by Apple.

It was originally designed for computer hobbyists who could make use of its bare circuit board. After Steve Jobs added a keyboard and display to its design, the Apple I was sold as a consumer product for $666.66. It was replaced by the more user-friendly Apple II the following year. 1977. Notable computer: Apple II.

Price tag: $1,298. Inflation adjusted price: $5,389In 1977, the world was introduced to a personal computer that dramatically improved on the Apple I.

Notably, the Apple II provided the entire personal computer package. It was pre-assembled, rather than in a kit. It is considered by many the first widely successful PC.More: What are the worst companies to work for? New report analyzes employee reviews 1978. Notable computer: IBM 5110. Price tag: $9,875. Inflation adjusted price: $38,105The IBM 5110 was designed to be an affordable machine to assist businesses with accounting and reporting.

Despite the company's hopes, the computer never achieved mainstream success. Incidentally, 1978 was the year computers were first installed in the White House. Staffers in the president's home were given access to Hewlett-Packard's far more expensive HP 3000.

1979. Notable computer: Heathkit H-89. Price tag: $1,595. Inflation adjusted price: $5,527Even after pre-assembled machines such as the Apple II were being sold, many still bought personal computers sold as kits. Like many kits at the time, buyers of the H-89 needed to put together and even solder some components. 1980. Notable computer: Commodore VIC-20.

Price tag: $299. Inflation adjusted price: $913Though it would not be released until January the following year, the Commodore VIC-20 was announced in June 1980. Once released, the Commodore was extremely popular and the company struggled to produce the VIC-20 fast enough to meet demand. The machine was also the first computer to ever sell more than a million units. Associated Press1981.

Notable computer: IBM Personal Computer 5150. Price tag: $1,565. Inflation adjusted price: $4,332The PC 5150 was IBM's most successful attempt at a personal computer at the time and was used as the basis for most computers that followed. The basic unit sold for $1,565, and the full model for $3,000. 1982. Notable computer: Commodore 64.

Price tag: $595. Inflation adjusted price: $1,551It may surprise some to learn that the best selling personal computer in history is not an Apple or an IBM, but rather a Commodore. The now-defunct Commodore International, which had also built the VIC-20, introduced the 64 in 1982, which was widely loved for its gameplay capability and state of the art sound chip. The Commodore 64 sold roughly 20 million units during its run.More: Can you afford that new vehicle? 25 most expensive car models to insure 1983. Notable computer: Apple Lisa. Price tag: $9,995.

Inflation adjusted price: $25,247The Apple Lisa was one of the first commercially available personal computers with a graphical user interface. However, the Lisa's high cost ultimately doomed its chances of success. The machine was inspired by the nearly decade old Xerox Alto, which also had a graphical user interface though was never made commercially available. Thinkstock1984. Notable computer: Apple Macintosh. Price tag: $2,495.

Inflation adjusted price: $6,042The Macintosh is considered to be the first commercially successful computer to have a graphical user interface. Users could navigate by clicking through images with a mouse as opposed to the text-based commands used in earlier computers. Apple's TV ad evoked George Orwell's dystopian novel 1984 and positioned Macintosh as a savior from the market dominance IBM had established by selling more than 2 million of its PCs. 1985. Notable computer: Commodore Amiga 1000.

Price tag: $1,295. Inflation adjusted price: $3,028The Amiga 1000 was the world's first multimedia computer.

It could run multiple tasks at once, and its superior graphics, sound, and video capabilities made it a favorite amongst graphic designers. The Amiga 1000 launch party also attracted artists and included the likes of Andy Warhol, Debbie Harry, and musical group Blondie. 1986. Notable computer: Compaq Portable II. Price tag: $3,499.

Inflation adjusted price: $8,032The Compaq Portable II, though markedly lighter than its predecessors, is hardly portable by today's standards. Despite the machine's relatively small 9-inch monitor, it weighed 26 pounds and did not pack as neatly as modern laptops. 1987. Notable computer: Commodore Amiga 500. Price tag: $700.

Inflation adjusted price: $1,550Like some of its predecessors, including the Commodore 64, the Commodore Amiga is one of the most popular computers in history, selling more than 6 million units. The Amiga was relatively affordable and was also the first commercially available machine capable of animation and graphic design work.More: Broad appeal: McDonald's, Walmart top list of 25 most popular stores in America 1988. Notable computer: NeXT Cube. Price tag: $6,500. Inflation adjusted price: $13,824Just three years after being forced out of Apple, Steve Jobs introduced the NeXT with his new company, Cube. NeXT was eventually bought by Apple and the Cube's operating system served as the foundation for Apple's Mac OS. 1989.

Notable computer: Macintosh Portable M5120. Price tag: $7,300. Inflation adjusted price: $14,811Apple's first portable Macintosh computer, the Portable M5120 had a crisper display and more processing power than most laptops available at the time. While it was designed to be the first portable Apple computer, people were known to already carry Macintosh desktops under their arms or in carrying cases while traveling. At 16 pounds, the laptop weighed almost as much as the desktop that preceded it. 1990. Notable computer: Poqet PC.

Price tag: $1,995. Inflation adjusted price: $3,840At the time of its release, the Poqet PC was the smallest computer on the market.

It was powered by just two AA batteries and had innovative power management software that could make the batteries last for several weeks. 1991. Notable computer: Apple Macintosh PowerBook. Price tag: $2,299. Inflation adjusted price: $4,247Apple's first attempt at a portable laptop computer in 1989 resulted in the Macintosh Portable, which at 16 pounds nearly weighed as much as the desktop that had preceded it. The PowerBook, however, weighed about 6 pounds and had all the processing power of the Portable. The PowerBook was also cheaper, and its keyboard position was considered an ergonomic innovation.

Courtesy of IBM1992. Notable computer: IBM ThinkPad.

Price tag: $2,375. Inflation adjusted price: $4,259The ThinkPad utilized the PenPoint Operating System.

In addition to a traditional keyboard system, users could touch the screen with a stylus to operate their computers. The ThinkPad was named with former IBM President Thomas J. In mind, who coined the company's motto 'Think.' 1993. Notable computer: Apple Newton MessagePad. Price tag: $700. Inflation adjusted price: $1,219The Apple Newton MessagePad was one of the first Personal Digital Assistants and a precursor to many of today's smartphones.

The device's flawed handwriting recognition software, however, led to poor sales and ultimately the product's discontinuation in 1998. Courtesy of Gateway1995. Notable computer: Gateway Solo 2000. Price tag: $3,499. Inflation adjusted price: $5,776By 1995, many laptops were running on Intel Pentium processors, had built-in CD-ROM drives, operating Windows 95, and were gaining notoriety. The Gateway Solo 2000 was one such popular model. 1996.

Notable computer: Gateway Solo 2100. Price tag: $4,149. Inflation adjusted price: $6,653In the early days of laptop computing, computers were referred to by the number of spindles they had - that is, the number of built-in storage drives. The Gateway Solo 2100 was the first three-spindle computer. It had built-in hard disk, floppy disk, and CD-ROM drives.More: 25 richest cities in America: Does your metro area make the list? 1997. Notable computer: Dell Dimension XPS H266.

Price tag: $3,979. Inflation adjusted price: $6,237Intel introduced the second generation of its popular Pentium processor in 1997, the Pentium II. The Dell Dimension XPS H266 was one of the first PCs to feature the new chip, and it was available for a starting price just under $4,000, the equivalent of about $6,200 today. Courtesy of Gateway2000. Notable computer: Gateway Performance 1500. Price tag: $3,089. Inflation adjusted price: $4,513The first computers with Pentium 4 processors became available in 2000.

The Gateway Performance 1500 was one of the most popular of the inaugural Pentium 4 computers. 2001. Notable computer: Apple Titanium PowerBook G4. Price tag: $3,499. Inflation adjusted price: $4,971In the history of Apple, 2001 was an important year. The company opened its first 25 Apple stores and released the Titanium PowerBook G4 to widespread acclaim.

2002. Rotis sans serif light font. Notable computer: Toshiba Satellite 1955.

Dell Inspiron

Price tag: $2,499. Inflation adjusted price: $3,495With its Pentium 4 processing power and detachable keyboard, the Toshiba Satellite 1955 was one of many advanced notebooks that heralded the public adoption of laptop computing.More: Cost of living: The purchasing power of a dollar in every state 2003. Notable computer: Apple Power Mac G5.

Price tag: $1,999. Inflation adjusted price: $2,733At the time of its release, the Power Mac G5 was the most powerful Macintosh computer. It was the first personal computer to utilize 64-bit processing, allowing users to run tasks twice as fast as was possible with 32-bit architecture, the standard at the time.

2004. Notable computer: Sony VAIO PCV-V200G. Price tag: $1,699. Inflation adjusted price: $2,263The Sony VAIO was an all-in-one system - a fully functional PC in an LCD monitor with TV capabilities. It was marketed as a space-saving multimedia desktop, ideal for college students. The machine was introduced in 2004, the last year in which desktop computers outsold laptops.

IBM2005. Notable computer: Lenovo ThinkPad X41. Price tag: $2,249.

Inflation adjusted price: $2,897Lenovo purchased IBM's personal computing unit in 2005. The unit included the ThinkPad X41, whose security features and pen touch technology made it one of the year's most popular computers. Lenovo's investment has ultimately proven sound, and the company today is the global leader in worldwide PC shipments. 2006. Notable computer: Dell XPS M1710. Price tag: $2,845.

Inflation adjusted price: $3,550In March 2006, Dell bought high-end gaming machine manufacturer Alienware. That same year, Dell sold the XPS M1710, which was one of the best-rated gaming notebooks of the year. 2007. Notable computer: iPhone 1. Price tag: $599. Inflation adjusted price: $727Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone in January 2007.

Apple has since sold more than 1 billion of its eleven generations of iPhones and is on track to sell far more. By combining a web browser, music player, and cell phone with an innovative user interface, the iPhone sparked a smartphone revolution that continues to change how consumers and technology interact. Jeff Chiu, AP2008. Notable computer: MacBook Air. Price tag: $1,599. Inflation adjusted price: $1,868The increasing efficiency of computer chips allowed manufacturers to produce lighter and smaller machines, and the introduction of the MacBook Air in 2008 marked a transition to a new era.

The first version could be purchased with a solid-state hard drive - the first mass-market computer to run exclusively with this technology - and weighed just 3 pounds. 2009.

Notable computer: HP 2140 Mini-Note. Price tag: $499. Inflation adjusted price: $585Computer manufacturer Hewlett-Packard was the industry leader in global PC sales in 2009.

It built many of the most popular PCs of the year, including the HP 2140 Mini-Note. 2010. Notable computer: iPad. Price tag: $499. Inflation adjusted price: $576Tablet sales amounted to less than 2 million units in the year before the iPad's release. When the iPad was released in 2010, tablet sales shot up to 19.7 million. By 2016, tablet sales reached 207.1 million.

The iPad combined the most popular features of the iPhone on a 9 inch screen, and gave a platform to thousands of new programs and applications. 2011. Notable computer: Acer Chromebook.

Price tag: $349. Inflation adjusted price: $3902011 marked the release of Google's Chrome OS as well as the first laptop to run on the operating system, the Chromebook.

One of the first Chromebooks, built by Acer to provide just basic functionality, cost just $349. Matthew Lloyd, Getty Images2012. Notable computer: Apple iPad (third generation). Price tag: $499. Inflation adjusted price: $547Although the iPad had been around for more than a year by 2012, sales of the device reached truly astronomical levels that year. Apple sold more than 50 million units that year.

PC World rated the third generation iPad as the second best product of 2012, in part because it offered significant upgrades to the previous versions, including a high-resolution Retina display. 2013. Notable computer: Toshiba Satellite C55D.

Price tag: $330. Inflation adjusted price: $356The Toshiba Satellite C55D is a budget laptop. For just $330, consumers can browse the Internet, watch movies, and check email. It was one of the best-selling laptops of 2013. Courtesy of Lenovo2014. Notable computer: Lenovo ThinkPad X240. Price tag: $1,555.

Inflation adjusted price: $1,653A long way from the 1994 ThinkPad 775CD, recognized as the first laptop with a CD-ROM drive, the ThinkPad X240 is notable for its numerous USB and VGA ports. The X240 is also the lightest ThinkPad to date and has an innovative dual battery system that ensures a longer charge.

2014 was the final year in which desktops and notebooks outsold tablet computers. 2015.

Notable computer: MacBook. Price tag: $1,299. Inflation adjusted price: $1,379After being discontinued for four years, the MacBook was reintroduced in 2015. The newest MacBook is thinner than its predecessors and has a higher pixel density meant to enhance the images on its screen. 2015 was the first year in which tablets outsold desktops and laptops. Courtesy of Lenovo2016.

Notable computer: Lenovo Yoga 900S. Price tag: $1,099. Inflation adjusted price: $1,152PC vendors continued to introduce lighter and thinner laptops to the marketplace in 2016, while still making improvements in processing power, battery life, and screen display. One popular consumer trend that remained strong in 2016 was the 2-in-1 convertible laptop, which allows users to flip their laptop screens 360 degrees to convert their devices into a tablet. The thinnest convertible laptop at the time of its release in 2016 was the Lenovo Yoga 900S, which packs up to 10.5 hours of battery life and 256 GB of solid-state storage in just 0.5 inches of thickness. In 2017, the Asus Zenbook Flip S became the world's thinnest convertible, at just 0.4 inches. Detailed findingsThe early desktop computers of the late 70s and 80s provided a tiny fraction of the graphics, storage, and processing capabilities of the devices we have today - and at several times the cost.

However, for the time, these machines represented a massive improvement in the way people processed data, conducted business, and interacted with the world.The 90s were also full of milestones in technology, in particular the widespread use of the internet. Computers built to be easy and accessible, such as the iMac in 1998, provided American families with a portal to the world.There were even more changes in the world of personal computing in the last 15 years. The number of available devices rose, and the increasing quality of components allowed manufacturers to make smaller and lighter devices capable of much more.In 2005, laptops outsold PCs in the United States for the first time. The iPhone’s introduction in 2007 marked the beginning of an era in which computing became truly mobile. Other handheld devices such as the iPad offered yet another option. And for the first time in 2015, more tablets were sold than all laptops and desktop computers combined.

MethodologyTo estimate the cost of a computer in a given year, 24/7 Wall St. Identified the price of a specific computer representative of each year between 1971 and 2016. Computers were considered representative if they were released that year and held an important place in the history of computing. A computer may be chosen as representative for a number of other reasons.

A chosen computer may have been the best-selling model of the year or contain a significant technological development of that year, such as an innovation in processing power. Computers were only ever used for the year of their release, even if their sales or popularity reached a peak the following year. The parameter of 1971 was set in accordance with the release of the first ever personal computer.24/7 Wall Street is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news and commentary. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.