Dell Chromebook 11
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Note: The Dell Chromebook 11 (3120) is no longer available for purchase and reached its Auto Update Expiration in September 2021. This page is maintained for historical reference.
Dell designed the Chromebook 11-3120 primarily for educational institutions, prioritizing durability and portability over premium features. Released in 2015, this 11.6-inch Chromebook became a fixture in K-12 classrooms across North America thanks to its rugged construction, manageable weight, and notably long battery life. The Intel Celeron N2840 processor delivered enough performance for basic web browsing and educational applications, while the sealed, impact-resistant design helped the device survive the daily rigors of student use. At just 2.74 pounds, students could easily carry it between classes, and the claimed 10-hour battery meant it would last an entire school day without charging.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent battery life - nearly 9.5 hours in independent testing | Display contrast below average for its class (364:1) |
| Rugged construction designed for classroom abuse | Limited storage with only 9GB available after Chrome OS |
| Silent operation with minimal heat generation (max 33.9°C) | Non-upgradeable RAM limits long-term usefulness |
| Matte display eliminates glare in bright classrooms | Basic TN panel with modest viewing angles |
| Quality keyboard with good tactile feedback | Only one-year warranty despite education focus |
| Lightweight at 2.74 lbs for easy student transport | No touchscreen option available |
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Dell Chromebook 11 Comparison Chart
 Dell Chromebook 11 | Dell Chromebook 11 | Dell Chromebook 11 | Dell Chromebook 11 | |
| Price | List Price: $312.85 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $341.00 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $355.71 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $427.14 Amazon Prices: |
| Model number | 3120-1667 | XDGJH | DNCWYUE02S | DNCWY03TS |
| Performance Rating | 1.9 | 2.4 | 2.4 | 2.4 |
| Chromebook Plus | No | No | No | No |
| Processor | Dual-core 2.16 Ghz (max 2.58 Ghz) Intel Celeron N2840 | Dual-core 2.16 Ghz (max 2.58 Ghz) Intel Celeron N2840 | Dual-core 2.16 Ghz (max 2.58 Ghz) Intel Celeron N2840 | Dual-core 2.16 Ghz (max 2.58 Ghz) Intel Celeron N2840 |
| RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage | 16 GB eMMC | 16 GB eMMC | 16 GB eMMC | 16 GB eMMC |
| Screen Size | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" |
| Screen Resolution | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 |
| Screen Type | TN LCD | TN LCD | TN LCD | TN LCD |
| Touch Screen | No | No | No | Yes |
| Stylus / Pen | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 11.69 x 8.57 x 0.83 inches (296.93 x 217.68 x 21.08 mm) | 11.69 x 8.57 x 0.83 inches (296.93 x 217.68 x 21.08 mm) | 11.69 x 8.57 x 0.83 inches (296.93 x 217.68 x 21.08 mm) | 11.69 x 8.57 x 0.83 inches (296.93 x 217.68 x 21.08 mm) |
| Weight | 2.74 lbs (1.25 kg) | 2.74 lbs (1.25 kg) | 2.74 lbs (1.25 kg) | 2.74 lbs (1.25 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | No | No | No | No |
| Webcam | No Webcam | No Webcam | No Webcam | No Webcam |
| WiFi | Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 | Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 | Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 | Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 LE | 4.0 LE | 4.0 LE | 4.0 LE |
| Ethernet | No | No | No | No |
| Cellular Modem | No | No | No | No |
| HDMI | Full-Size HDMI | Full-Size HDMI | Full-Size HDMI | Full-Size HDMI |
| USB Ports | 1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3 | 1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3 | 1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3 | 1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3 |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No | No | No | No |
| Card Reader | SD | SD | SD | SD |
| Battery | 3 cell, 43 WHr, Lithium-ion | 3 cell, 43 WHr, Lithium-ion | 3 cell, 43 WHr, Lithium-ion | 3 cell, 43 WHr, Lithium-ion |
| Battery Life | 10.0 hours | 10.0 hours | 10.0 hours | 10.0 hours |
| Fanless | No | No | No | No |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | September, 2021 | September, 2021 | September, 2021 | September, 2021 |
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Inside the Dell Chromebook 11 (3120)
The Dell Chromebook 11-3120 represented Dell’s commitment to the education market during Chrome OS’s early growth phase in schools. Unlike consumer Chromebooks that prioritized thinness and aesthetics, the 3120 emphasized practical durability features that mattered in classroom environments. The rubberized edges and reinforced corners helped protect against drops and bumps, while the sealed keyboard prevented spills from reaching internal components. This education-first design philosophy made the 3120 a popular choice for school districts implementing one-to-one device programs.
Dell equipped the 3120 with an Intel Celeron N2840 Bay Trail processor running at 2.16GHz base with turbo up to 2.58GHz. While this dual-core chip was modest even by 2015 standards, it proved adequate for Chrome OS workloads. The integrated Intel HD Graphics handled basic graphics tasks without issue. Available in configurations with either 2GB or 4GB of DDR3L RAM, the device worked best with the 4GB option for smoother multitasking. The 16GB eMMC storage was typical for Chromebooks of this era, though users received only about 9GB of usable space after Chrome OS installation.
The 11.6-inch display used a TN LCD panel with 1366x768 resolution - the standard for budget Chromebooks at the time. The matte finish proved genuinely useful in classroom settings, eliminating the reflections that glossy screens create under fluorescent lighting. NotebookCheck’s testing measured the display at 258 cd/m² brightness and a contrast ratio of 364:1, both below average for the category. Viewing angles were limited, as expected from a TN panel, but for the device’s intended use case of single-student, straight-on viewing, this was rarely problematic.
What Professional Reviewers Found
Professional testing of the Dell Chromebook 11-3120 revealed a device that excelled at its intended purpose despite obvious limitations in display quality and processing power.
NotebookCheck’s comprehensive review by Sascha Mölck awarded the device an 81% score, praising its reliability and battery performance while acknowledging the mediocre display. Their testing measured excellent thermals with a maximum surface temperature of just 33.9°C under load - the Chromebook remained comfortable to use on a lap even during extended sessions. Power consumption ranged from 3-4.6W at idle to 9.6-10.2W under load, contributing to the impressive battery endurance.
The NotebookCheck review particularly highlighted the keyboard quality: “The keys have adequate travel and precise pressure points. Typing works well.” For a device intended for student writing and research, this was essential praise. Like other education Chromebooks, wired networking required a USB Ethernet adapter. The reviewer concluded that “apart from the screen, the laptop does not have any real points of criticism, and Dell’s Chromebook is overall successful.”
Battery life testing showed exceptional endurance. NotebookCheck recorded 9 hours and 26 minutes of continuous Wi-Fi web browsing, approaching Dell’s 10-hour claim. This real-world performance meant students could genuinely use the device throughout a school day without seeking a charger - a meaningful advantage over competing devices that required midday charging.
Browser performance benchmarks showed the Celeron N2840 scoring 8,229 points on Octane V2, which was competitive for education-tier Chromebooks in 2015. While not suitable for power users, this performance level handled typical classroom tasks like Google Docs, educational web apps, and research browsing without frustrating delays.
What This Chromebook Did Well
The Dell Chromebook 11-3120 earned its place in countless classrooms by doing a few things very well. Its rugged construction genuinely withstood student handling - the reinforced design wasn’t just marketing, but reflected Dell’s experience building laptops for enterprise and education environments. Schools appreciated that devices returned from students with dents and scratches but still functioned properly.
The silent operation was another practical benefit. With no fan noise whatsoever, classrooms full of Chromebooks remained quiet environments for learning. Combined with minimal heat generation, students could use the devices on desks or laps without discomfort or distraction.
For school IT departments, the straightforward manageability through Google Admin Console made fleet deployment and policy enforcement simple. The standard Chrome OS update schedule kept devices secure, and the relatively low per-unit cost made large deployments financially feasible for public school budgets.
The Historical Context
The Dell Chromebook 11-3120 arrived during a pivotal moment for Chrome OS adoption in education. Between 2014 and 2016, Chromebooks transformed from a curiosity into the dominant computing platform in American K-12 schools. The combination of low upfront costs, centralized management, automatic updates, and built-in security made Chromebooks ideal for education deployments. Dell’s 3120 captured a meaningful share of this growing market.
By the time Chrome OS support ended in September 2021, the 3120 had served its intended lifespan. Many education devices continued in use after the AUE date, though without security updates. Schools transitioning from 3120 fleets typically moved to newer Dell education Chromebooks or competing devices from Lenovo, HP, and Acer that offered updated processors and longer support windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dell Chromebook 11 (3120) still safe to use?
The Dell Chromebook 11-3120 reached its Auto Update Expiration in September 2021. While the device still functions, it no longer receives security updates from Google. For general web browsing at home, it may still be usable with caution, but we recommend replacing it with a supported device for any sensitive use like banking, email, or work.
Can I upgrade the RAM or storage on the Dell Chromebook 11 (3120)?
No, both the RAM and eMMC storage on the Dell Chromebook 11-3120 are soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. If you need more capability, you’ll need to replace the device entirely. For storage expansion, you can use the SD card slot for additional file storage, though this won’t improve system performance.
How long did the Dell Chromebook 11 (3120) battery actually last?
Independent testing by NotebookCheck measured 9 hours and 26 minutes of continuous Wi-Fi browsing, which closely matched Dell’s 10-hour claim. Real-world usage with mixed activities typically delivered 7-9 hours, which was exceptional for Chromebooks of this era and genuinely lasted a full school day.
What processor does the Dell Chromebook 11 (3120) have?
The Dell Chromebook 11-3120 uses an Intel Celeron N2840 processor (Bay Trail architecture). This dual-core chip runs at 2.16GHz base frequency with burst speeds up to 2.58GHz. While basic by modern standards, it provided adequate performance for Chrome OS educational tasks when the device was current.
Was the Dell Chromebook 11 (3120) designed for schools?
Yes, Dell specifically designed the Chromebook 11-3120 for education environments. It featured rubberized edges, reinforced corners, a sealed keyboard resistant to spills, and a matte display to reduce glare from classroom lighting. These durability features, combined with long battery life and easy manageability through Google Admin Console, made it popular with school IT departments.
What can I do with an old Dell Chromebook 11 (3120)?
An expired Dell Chromebook 11-3120 can still be useful for offline tasks, as a dedicated video playback device, or for children’s educational games that don’t require internet connectivity. Tech-savvy users sometimes install Linux distributions like GalliumOS to extend the device’s useful life. However, for secure online activities, we recommend replacing it with a current Chromebook that still receives updates.