Dell Chromebook 3120 evaluate: the best gadget in your research – however you’ll need to use it with a mouse

Dell Chromebook 3120: Two-minute evaluate

The Dell Chromebook 3120 is a small however robust laptop computer designed to resist the pains of pupil life.

Its compact and rounded design is definitely totally different. The softer materials round its edges assist shield it from impacts, making the Chromebook 3120 more durable than many others on this subject.

Not solely is it extra rugged than the most effective Chromebook constructions, it’s additionally simpler to restore, because of its top-mounted keyboard and captive screws that preserve the assorted supplies collectively.

The worth paid for this toughness, nevertheless, is the large bezel across the display screen, which reduces the show dimension by a disappointing quantity. Not less than it options screws in every nook, which once more ought to assist with servicing.

There are solely 4 ports on the Chromebook 3120: two USB-C, one USB-A, and a headset jack. The sort-C ports are situated on both facet, which improves versatility, and each help charging and exterior show connections.

The efficiency of the Chromebook 3120 is respectable, dealing with the kinds of duties college students demand of their laptops fairly nicely. It could additionally deal with HD video streaming and even mild gaming, although nowhere close to in addition to most of the finest laptops, so mood expectations.

Dell Chromebook 3120 (64GB) at Finest Purchase for $452.52

The show is sharp and vibrant sufficient to take pleasure in such content material, though its lack of brightness could cause some visibility points, particularly when viewing darker scenes. It’s additionally slightly too reflective at instances.

I used to be happy to see that even the non-convertible mannequin of the Chromebook 3120 encompasses a touchscreen, which could be helpful for navigation, though it’s not easy sufficient for devoted illustrators and handwriters.

The keyboard structure is nice, with loads of house between keys to make typing snug. Nonetheless, presses continuously did not register after I used it, which was irritating. Worse, although, was the touchpad, which is just too small and imprecise for correct and easy navigation.

Battery life, alternatively, is as much as anticipated requirements. It lasted near 11 hours after I performed a film on a steady loop, which eclipses a lot of its rivals, though there are others that may endure for longer.

Contemplating its price range pricing, the Dell Chromebook 3120 is a worthwhile proposition. Due to its sturdiness, portability, and efficiency, it actually shines as a examine companion—however I might advocate pairing it with an exterior mouse to eschew the wayward touchpad.

Dell Chromebook 3120 evaluate: Worth & availability

Begins from $179.99 / £369.68 (about AU$350)Accessible nowReasonable value

The Dell Chromebook 3120 begins from $179.99 / £369.68 (about AU$350) and is out there now. It may be configured with 4GB or 8GB of RAM, and a 2-in-1 model can also be out there, with a show made with Gorilla Glass.

It is a improbable value for a Chromebook of this spec, making it top-of-the-line pupil laptops round because of its efficiency and touchscreen performance.

When you’re searching for one thing even cheaper, the Asus Chromebook CX1505 is a superb different. It doesn’t have a troublesome exterior or a compact kind just like the Chromebook 3120, but it surely has respectable efficiency and an ideal show.

In the meantime, the Acer Chromebook Spin 312 is without doubt one of the finest pupil Chromebooks in our view, because of its really convertible nature and vigorous efficiency.

Dell Chromebook 3120 evaluate: Specs

These are the specs for the Dell Chromebook 3120:

Dell Chromebook 3120 evaluate: Design

Rugged constructionCompact formLarge display screen bezel

The Dell Chromebook 3120 has an uncommon outer shell for a laptop computer these days. It has rounded edges coated in a soft-touch materials, virtually as if it has been fitted with a bumper case. This makes it look extra like top-of-the-line rugged laptops than a price range Chromebook, and Dell claims it’s as sturdy as these extra sturdy units. In response to Dell, the Chromebook 3120 can face up to 30-inch drops onto metal and 48-inch drops onto plywood, one thing that’ll in all probability matter if that is going for use by a toddler.

Consistent with the sturdy chassis, the lid can also be reassuringly stable, with no wobble to it in any respect. What’s extra, it’s additionally very versatile – even the non-hybrid variant can nonetheless recline all the way in which again to 180 levels, making it very amenable to numerous setups.

Regardless of all this ruggedness, the Chromebook 3120 could be very compact, making it very simple to hold round. It’s heavier than you may count on, however to not an onerous extent.

One other benefit of the design of the Chromebook 3120 is the truth that it’s simple to take care of. It encompasses a top-mounted keyboard and a captive screw within the chassis that preserve its numerous supplies collectively, each of which make the Chromebook 3120 readily repairable.

One of many worst facets of its design, nevertheless, is the large bezel across the show. Little doubt this helps with sturdiness in addition to repairability (there are simply accessible screws in every nook), but it surely severely compromises the already small actual property.

There aren’t many ports on the Chromebook 3120, however they’re correctly chosen. There are two USB-C ports, which ought to assist the gadget to remain related for longer, and each settle for charging and exterior monitor connections.

What’s extra, they’re situated on both facet to enhance versatility. The one different ports on the Chromebook 3120 are a USB-A and a headset jack, each situated on the left, however these are the subsequent two interfaces I might’ve chosen to incorporate on a Chromebook.

The keys have a slight however noticeable texture to them that feels easy but tactile. There are some helpful shortcuts on the highest row, however there aren’t as many as you’ll discover on different Chromebooks – even these the identical dimension because the Chromebook 3120.

Dell Chromebook 3120 evaluate: Efficiency

Good all-round performanceReflective displayPoor touchpad