Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 (3181) 2-in-1 Review

Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 (3181) 2-in-1 Review

When you’re want to a high-powered laptop that you simply can believe for the foremost arduous of tasks, like video and photo editing, it’s hard to imagine how a Chromebook, especially a low-end one which will only set you back $250 (about £190, AU$350), could be useful for love or money aside from playing mobile games, Internet browsing and streaming movies on Netflix.

Review Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 (3181) 2-in-1 Review

After spending a touch of your time with Dell’s small but fierce Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1, however, performing some minor productivity tasks and spending the time on games, we’re beginning to see the appeal of those laptop alternatives. That’s saying something considering that this particular Chromebook isn’t precisely the most high-powered on the market.

Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11

Spec Sheet:

Here is that the Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 (3181) 2-in-1 configuration sent to TechRadar for review:

CPU: 1.6GHz Intel Celeron N3060 (dual-core, 2MB cache, up to 2.48 GHz)Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 400RAM: 4GB LPDDR3 (1,600MHz)Screen: 11.6-inch HD (1,366 x 768) TrueLife LED Touch IPSStorage: 64GB eMMCPorts: 2 x USB 3.1, 1 x HDMI 2.0, Micro SD card reader, audio jack, Noble lock slotConnectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2Camera: HD webcam (1,280 x 720)Weight: 3.17 pounds (1.44 kg)Size: 11.96 x 8.18 x 0.82 inches (303.8 x 207.9 x 20.75mm; W x D x H)

Price and availability

Since the Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1 is so stripped down, it doesn’t accompany tons of customization options–only two. One comes with 32GB eMMC storage and therefore the other with 64GB, listed on the Dell site as $280 and $300, respectively. At the time of writing, they’re both discounted to an equivalent price: $250.

And while this laptop is out there in its 64GB configuration within the UK at £319, it's unfortunately unavailable in Australia, where Dell only offers the 3185, a 2-n-1 loaded with Windows 10 and an AMD A9-9420e processor. The 3185 comes in two configurations: the cheaper (AU$600) comes with 4GB RAM and a 500GB disk drive, and therefore the costlier model (AU$700) features an 8GB RAM and 128GB eMMC storage.

Design

One of the most reasons to shop for the Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1 is its compact body. At 11.96 x 8.18 x 0.82 inches, this Chromebook is so small you’d be hard-pressed to not find an area spacious enough during which to stow it. For its size, however, it's surprisingly heavy at 3.17 pounds and not as slim as we might like.

To say that it’s a beautiful device could be a touch of a stretch, what thereupon glossy, bizarrely reflective lid that creates it look more sort of a toy than a functional tool for adults. Yet, it isn’t unattractive either. We do like its textured keyboard deck with rubberized fringes and all-black look also as its rounded edges.

The membrane keyboard is decent with deep enough travel, enough spacing between keys, and keys that aren’t too stiff. As is that the laptop’s trackpad, which is responsive enough for scrolling and tapping, although if you're a trackpad presser, you would possibly find it a tad too stiff. The speaker is loud considering the dimensions of the Chromebook, but the sound is tinny, there’s almost no bass, and therefore the soundstage is extremely minimal.

Beset by large bezels, the Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1 only offers a 1,366 x 768 display, wasting a touch of prime land. However, this display may be a touchscreen, and boasts an evening light option that you simply can adjust from cool to warm and schedule at a selected time.

The 360-degree hinge is tight enough to carry different modes or set-ups, but not too tight that you’ve needed to apply undue pressure to flip. This design allows four different use modes: the classic laptop design, tablet mode, tent mode and therefore the stand set-up. Note that the keyboard automatically disengages while it’s within the last three modes.

There is an honest number of obtainable ports for a laptop of its size. Unfortunately, there's no USB-C, which is disappointing as that seems to be the direction most new devices are moving towards lately.

Perhaps the simplest thing about this Chromebook’s design is that it’s alleged to be rugged. That is, it’s made to be splash- and impact-resistant, making it ideal for teenagers, travelers, and users who are, let’s just say, more carefree