Dell New Inspiron 11 Chromebook review
The laptop market has been evolving rapidly, with manufacturers striving to provide innovative devices that cater to the diverse needs of consumers. Dell, a renowned name in the industry, stepped into the Chromebook arena with the 2019 New Inspiron 11, aiming to offer a seamless blend of performance and portability.
Design and Build Quality
Dell has maintained its commitment to sleek design with the Inspiron 11 Chromebook. The laptop boasts a slim and lightweight profile, making it an ideal companion for users on the go. The exterior is crafted from durable materials that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the overall sturdiness of the device. The matte finish on the lid gives it a premium look, while the compact form factor ensures easy handling.
Opening the lid reveals a chiclet-style keyboard with well-spaced keys, providing a comfortable typing experience. The trackpad is responsive, supporting multi-touch gestures for efficient navigation. The 11.6-inch display is surrounded by thin bezels, maximizing the screen-to-body ratio. While the build quality is commendable, it's worth noting that the chassis is predominantly plastic, which helps keep the weight down but might not exude the same premium feel as some metal-bodied counterparts.
Display Quality
The Dell 2019 New Inspiron 11 Chromebook features an 11.6-inch HD display that delivers vibrant colors and sharp images. The resolution is adequate for the size, ensuring a crisp viewing experience for everyday tasks, web browsing, and media consumption. The anti-glare coating minimizes reflections, making it satisfactory for use in various Brighting conditions. While the display might not be a standout feature, it meets the expectations for a budget-friendly Chromebook, providing a satisfactory visual experience.
Performance and Hardware
Equipped with an Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM, the Inspiron 11 Chromebook is designed to handle everyday computing tasks with ease. Whether you're working on documents, browsing the web, or streaming content, the device exhibits smooth performance. The 32GB eMMC storage might seem limiting, but Chromebooks leverage cloud storage, and the lightweight nature of Chrome OS ensures efficient use of available space.
The Chrome OS, known for its simplicity and speed, complements the hardware configuration, resulting in quick boot times and responsive operation. The laptop's energy efficiency ensures prolonged battery life, making it suitable for users who prioritize mobility and extended use without frequent recharging.
Connectivity and Ports
Despite its compact form factor, the Dell Inspiron 11 Chromebook doesn't compromise on connectivity options. It features USB Type-C and Type-A ports, allowing users to connect a variety of peripherals and accessories. The inclusion of an SD card slot provides additional storage expansion options, addressing the potential limitations of the onboard storage. The laptop also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, facilitating seamless integration into the user's digital ecosystem.
Software and User Experience
Running on Chrome OS, the Inspiron 11 provides a user-friendly and straightforward experience. The Chromebook is optimized for online tasks, leveraging Google's suite of applications and services. The integration with Google Drive ensures easy access to documents and files from various devices, promoting a cloud-centric workflow. The Chrome OS app store offers a growing selection of applications, expanding the device's functionality beyond web-based activities.
The absence of traditional desktop applications may be a limitation for users heavily reliant on specific software, but for those accustomed to the cloud-centric approach, the Chromebook offers a streamlined and efficient computing experience.
Multimedia and Audio Quality
The Inspiron 11 Chromebook features stereo speakers that deliver clear audio for multimedia consumption. While the audio quality is satisfactory for casual use, audiophiles may find it lacking in depth and bass. The 720p webcam ensures decent video quality for online meetings and video calls, contributing to the overall versatility of the device.
Portability and Battery Life
One of the key strengths of the Inspiron 11 Chromebook is its portability. Weighing in at just under 3 pounds and with a slim profile, it's a lightweight companion for users on the move. The compact size makes it easy to slip into a backpack or carry underarm, catering to students, professionals, and anyone requiring a portable computing solution.
The battery life of the Inspiron 11 is impressive, providing all-day usage on a single charge. The energy-efficient components and Chrome OS optimization contribute to an extended runtime, reducing the need for frequent charging. This makes the Chromebook an excellent choice for users who prioritize mobility and need a reliable device for on-the-go productivity.
The Dell 2019 New Inspiron 11 Chromebook excels in delivering a reliable and portable computing experience at an affordable price point. While it may not boast high-end specifications, it caters to the needs of users who value portability, efficiency, and simplicity. The combination of a sleek design, responsive performance, and an optimized operating system positions this Chromebook as a viable option for students, professionals, and casual users seeking a budget-friendly and reliable device. Dell has successfully ventured into the Chromebook market with the Inspiron 11, offering a compelling solution for those embracing the cloud-centric future of computing.