Chromebooks are among the most straightforward computers to use, but manufacturers often struggle to perfect them.
An ideal Chromebook should be affordable, fast, durable, and offer a full day of battery life.
Many models have come close mto eeting some of these requirements while missing others.
Recent HP and Acer Chromebooks provide good performance and battery life but still feel like budget laptops.
On the other hand, the Chromebook Pixel delivers premium design and speed but costs more than a MacBook or a Windows Ultrabook.
Most Windows laptop brands now include at least one Chromebook in their range, and Dell has joined them.
The Dell Chromebook 11, designed mainly for schools, is also available to the public for $299 on Dell’s website. It might just be the best Chromebook you can buy.
The Chromebook 11 has all the features I need in a Chromebook: a modern Intel processor, 4GB of RAM, an SD card slot, USB ports, an HDMI port, and a battery that lasts all day.
The 11.6-inch screen is smaller than the Toshiba’s or HP’s Chromebook 14 displays.
Its 1366×768 resolution doesn’t compare to Samsung’s upcoming 1080p Chromebook 2, but it works well for this size.
Viewing angles and brightness are average and could be better. I prefer the matte finish on the Acer C720 over the glossy surface on Dell’s model.
My main issue isn’t the screen’s performance—it’s good for web browsing, videos, and photos—but the thick 0.75-inch bezel around it.
Dell could have included a 12-inch display without increasing the size.
Dell’s laptop designs have varied, but the Chromebook 11 is one of its better ones. It has a sleek design, slightly heavy but portable at 2.9 pounds. It doesn’t mimic a MacBook or look cheap.
The dark-gray lid (called “Foggy Night” by Dell) resists fingerprints, and the rubber matte finish on the keyboard area feels comfortable.
Unlike Acer or Toshiba models, the build quality is solid, with tight seams and minimal flex.
Many Chromebooks use cheap materials to cut costs, but Dell took a different approach. The Chromebook 11 uses plastic in a way that shows it can be done well.
Dell Chromebook: A Solid Notebook for Everyday Use
The Dell Chromebook has an attractive design and avoids copying the MacBook’s look.
For notebooks under $300, a good typing experience is rare, but Dell’s keyboard stands out.
The keys are well-spaced, offer comfortable travel, and have a pleasant subtle texture. Typing felt natural and quick, though backlighting is noticeably absent.
The trackpad also performs impressively. It’s large, responsive, and supports multi-touch gestures seamlessly.
Unlike Acer’s trackpad, Dell’s doesn’t produce a hollow click sound, showcasing its superior build quality.
The Chromebook 11’s combination of an Intel processor and 4GB of RAM delivers smooth performance on Chrome OS.
It handled multiple tabs, HD video playback, and writing tasks effortlessly. (Dell also offers a 2GB RAM version for $20 less, but the 4GB model is worth the investment.)
The device stays cool during use, though its fans frequently turn on and off. While this isn’t noticeable in noisy environments or with music playing, it can disrupt quiet moments.
Despite its limitations, Chrome OS has matured into a reliable platform for most everyday tasks. It falls short of heavy image and video editing or hardcore gaming but excels at everything else.
With an external mouse, keyboard, and monitor, the Chromebook 11 functions well as b laptop and a desktop.
Chromebook 11: Battery Life and Performance
The Chromebook 11 delivers better battery life compared to other Chromebooks.
However, it becomes almost unusable without an internet connection, requiring you to rely on cloud storage.
With only 16GB of storage, there’s limited space for media. Chrome OS still struggles with multi-window management, often making it feel like you’re always working inside a web browser. For $300, though, it might meet the expectations of many users.
While good build quality and fast performance are valuable, they don’t matter if the battery drains quickly.
In such cases, a more affordable Pixel might be a better choice. However, the Dell excels with its impressive battery performance.
During a battery test, it lasted an astounding 10 hours and 18 minutes, outperforming the C720, HP Chromebook 14, and most Windows laptops.
In everyday use, it provided over eight hours without requiring a charge. It truly offers all-day performance without the bulk of a more prominent 14-inch display.
| Category | Details |
| Dell Chromebook 11 | |
| Price | $299 |
| Pros | Quick performance |
| Pros | Strong and durable |
| Pros | Long battery life |
| Cons | A bit heavy |
| Cons | Screen quality is average |
| Cons | Fans are loud |
Dell Chromebook 11: A Game-Changer
The Chromebook 11 is the first device to meet all the essential requirements.
Chrome OS has existed for several years, but earlier Chromebooks always came with significant compromises.
Despite this, I have previously recommended Chromebooks — I appreciated Acer’s C720 last year.
However, Dell’s Chromebook stands out. It delivers fast performance, long battery life, a solid keyboard and trackpad, and excellent build quality, all for under $300. It is the first Chromebook to excel in every critical area.
While not flawless, it performs well across the board, which is epreciselywhat a Chromebook needs.
Though slightly more expensive than the Acer, it offers better value. Plus, unlike the Acer C720 with 4GB RAM, the Dell is readily available, which is hard to find.
For most users, a Chromebook serves as a secondary device or their first computer from parents. I enjoy using one for focused tasks like writing and managing emails.
Dell’s Chromebook fits these roles perfectly. It’s more compact and portable than HP or Toshiba models, and its long battery life eliminates the need to stay near a power source.
While Dell targets the education market, savvy buyers will recognize it as the top Chromebook available now, regardless of their age or schooling.
There’s a new leader in the Chromebook market, and it proudly wears the Dell logo.
