For developers and technical professionals seeking a high-performance mobile workstation without premium pricing, Dell's Back to School sales event presents a compelling opportunity. Several configurations of the Dell 16 Plus – a larger sibling to ZDNET's Editors' Choice-winning Dell 14 Plus – are now discounted by up to $450.

Article illustration 1

Image: Dell 16 Plus laptop (Credit: Dell/ZDNET)

The standout deals include:

  • Base Model (Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, 2.5K non-touch display): $750 (Save $400, approx. 35% off)
  • Mid-Tier (Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, 2.5K touchscreen): $1,000 (Save $450)
  • High-End (Intel Core Ultra 9 288V, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD): $1,250

Derived from the critically acclaimed Dell 14 Plus, the 16-inch variant inherits its sibling's strengths tailored for technical users:

  • Performance for Heavy Workloads: Intel Core Ultra 7 and Ultra 9 processors provide the horsepower needed for coding, virtualization, data analysis, and complex multitasking without slowdowns.
  • Enhanced Productivity Display: The spacious 16-inch screen (available in touch and non-touch 2.5K variants) offers ample real estate for multiple windows, IDE panels, or documentation.
  • Professional Build Quality: A primarily aluminum construction ensures durability for daily commuting or office use, while the comfortable chiclet keyboard facilitates extended typing sessions.

ZDNET's hands-on experience with the 14 Plus model suggests the 16 Plus delivers reliable, long-lasting performance ideal for office environments or remote development work. While varying by configuration, the current discounts represent the most significant price drops observed for this model line to date. These are time-limited offers within Dell's Back to School event, making them a timely consideration for professionals upgrading their primary development or engineering machine. The combination of a large display, potent Intel Ultra processors, and robust build at these discounted price points positions the Dell 16 Plus as a serious contender for developers prioritizing screen space and processing power.