Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 3181

Updated on February 5, 2026

Note: This product has been discontinued. It is no longer available for purchase new. The information below is kept for historical reference.

The Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 3181 was a budget-oriented Chromebook designed primarily for students and basic users who needed a reliable machine for everyday browsing and light productivity. Powered by the Intel Celeron N3060 processor with 4GB of RAM, this 11.6-inch notebook prioritized long battery life and silent operation over display quality or build materials. Released in the mid-2010s as part of Dell’s education-focused Chromebook lineup, the 3181 earned a reputation as a functional workhorse for basic computing tasks, though reviewers consistently noted that the cheap construction and poor TN display limited its appeal. With its Auto Update Expiration date of June 2022 now passed, this Chromebook no longer receives Chrome OS updates or security patches, making it primarily of historical interest to those curious about budget Chromebooks from this era.

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Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 3181 Comparison Chart

	Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 3181	Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 3181
Price	List Price: $199.99 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: $219.99 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon
Model number	3181	3181
Performance Rating	2.4	2.4
Chromebook Plus	No	No
Processor	Dual-core 1.60 Ghz (max 2.48 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N3060	Dual-core 1.60 Ghz (max 2.48 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N3060
RAM	4 GB	4 GB
Internal Storage	16 GB eMMC	32 GB eMMC
Screen Size	11.6"	11.6"
Screen Resolution	1366x768	1366x768
Screen Type	TN LED-backlit	TN LED-backlit
Touch Screen	No	No
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	11.94 x 8.11 x 0.81 inches (303.28 x 205.99 x 20.57 mm)	11.94 x 8.11 x 0.81 inches (303.28 x 205.99 x 20.57 mm)
Weight	3.08 lbs (1.4 kg)	3.08 lbs (1.4 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No	No
Webcam	1280x720	1280x720
WiFi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265)	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.2	Bluetooth 4.2
Ethernet	No	No
Cellular Modem	No	No
HDMI	Full-Size HDMI	Full-Size HDMI
USB Ports	2 USB 3	2 USB 3
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No
Card Reader	microSD Card Reader	microSD Card Reader
Battery	3 cell, 42 WHr, Lithium-ion	3 cell, 42 WHr, Lithium-ion
Battery Life	10.0 hours	10.0 hours
Fanless	Yes	Yes
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2022	June, 2022

A Look Back at the Dell Chromebook 11 3181

The Dell Chromebook 11 3181 took a strictly utilitarian approach to Chromebook design, prioritizing cost reduction over aesthetics or premium materials. The textured polycarbonate chassis was immediately recognizable as a budget device, with NotebookCheck noting that “the first thing that will likely catch the eye is the cheap case.” The reviewer observed noticeable flex in both the lid and keyboard deck when pressure was applied, though the device remained structurally sound for normal use. At 3.08 pounds and 0.81 inches thick, the Chromebook 11 3181 was reasonably portable for students carrying it between classes, though it felt heavier than its compact dimensions might suggest.

The 11.6-inch TN display was perhaps the most criticized aspect of the device. NotebookCheck measured an impressive 1206:1 contrast ratio and 300 nits of brightness, which would have been respectable numbers for a budget device. However, the fundamental limitations of TN panel technology meant that “the 11.6-inch TN panel is rather ugly when compared to even the most basic IPS alternatives.” Colors appeared washed out even when viewing the screen head-on, and the viewing angles were particularly problematic, with colors inverting at approximately 30 degrees off-center. The matte finish at least reduced glare, and the panel exhibited no PWM flickering while delivering fast response times, making it suitable for basic text work and web browsing.

Connectivity options were adequate for a budget Chromebook of its generation. Dell equipped the 3181 with two USB 3.0 Type-A ports (which could support a USB Ethernet adapter for wired networking), a full-size HDMI port for connecting to external displays, a microSD card slot for storage expansion, and 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi with Bluetooth 4.2. The port placement received some criticism, with reviewers noting that all ports were concentrated on one side of the device. The microSD card reader performed poorly, with NotebookCheck measuring transfer speeds of only 12.5 MB/s, which was significantly slower than competing devices. The lack of USB Type-C ports meant users were stuck with the proprietary charging connector, which was already becoming outdated when this device launched.

Performance expectations needed to be calibrated appropriately for this budget device. The dual-core Intel Celeron N3060 processor handled basic web browsing, Google Docs, email, and video streaming adequately, but struggled with heavy multitasking or demanding Chrome extensions. NotebookCheck found that “the CPU is fine for basic browsing and simple office work but will quickly meet its limits with more complex tasks like photo editing and spreadsheet computations.” The 4GB of RAM was sufficient for typical browsing patterns with a reasonable number of tabs open, though power users routinely encountered slowdowns. The eMMC storage, available in 16GB or 32GB configurations, provided adequate Chrome OS boot times, though the limited capacity meant users needed to rely heavily on cloud storage.

What Reviewers Said About the Dell Chromebook 11 3181

NotebookCheck’s Assessment

NotebookCheck awarded the Dell Chromebook 11 3181 a score of 77%, praising its exceptional battery life while noting the cheap construction and poor display as significant limitations. Their extensive testing revealed that the device achieved nearly 13.5 hours of battery life during their Wi-Fi web browsing test, which was genuinely impressive for any laptop at this price point. The fanless design ensured completely silent operation while maintaining excellent thermal management, with surface temperatures staying between 30-35°C even under load.

However, reviewer Sam Medley was unsparing in criticism of the device’s compromises. The keyboard received particular attention for its spongy feel and key clatter, while the touchpad was described as cheap-feeling with an overly stiff click mechanism. The color accuracy testing revealed a DeltaE of 10.9, indicating significant deviation from accurate color reproduction. Their ultimate verdict was clear: “There’s little reason to consider the Chromebook 11 3181 when its 2-in-1 brother can be had for a mere $50 more.” The Dell Chromebook 11 3181 2-in-1 variant offered an IPS touchscreen and more durable construction for only a modest price premium.

CoolSmartphone’s Perspective

CoolSmartphone reviewed the 2-in-1 variant extensively, providing insights that apply broadly to the 3181 family. Reviewer Garry Clark noted that the device was “designed with education needs firmly at the forefront, prioritizing durability and functionality over sleek aesthetics.” The ruggedized construction with protective rubber edges served a practical purpose for impact protection in classroom environments, even if it didn’t win any design awards. Clark found that performance-wise, “this Chromebook when compared to previous entry-level Chromebooks, runs rings around them.”

The keyboard received high praise for its firm travel and tactile feedback, though Clark noted that “the keys produce a very loud click” which could be disruptive in quiet environments. The trackpad was less favorably received, described as requiring excessive force to click and offering poor tracking. At £289.99 for the 2-in-1 variant in the UK market, Clark considered it solid value for students and teachers, concluding “I have been pretty impressed by the Dell Chromebook 11 2-in-1” despite its limitations.

Historical Perspective

The Dell Chromebook 11 3181 delivered exactly what budget-conscious education buyers needed in the mid-2010s: exceptional battery life and silent operation at a rock-bottom price. While the Intel Celeron N3060 processor limited the machine to basic tasks, it handled web browsing, Google Workspace, email, and video streaming without significant complaint. The fanless design ensured completely silent operation, making it ideal for quiet study environments, libraries, or shared classrooms where laptop noise could be distracting.

Students, educators, and families who prioritized all-day battery life and low cost over display quality or build materials found the Dell Chromebook 11 3181 a functional choice during its active years. The device served its intended purpose as a basic web-focused computing appliance, even if it couldn’t compete with more expensive Chromebooks on user experience or longevity. For those who needed more than the bare minimum, the 2-in-1 variant with its IPS touchscreen represented a meaningful upgrade for relatively modest additional cost.

With the Auto Update Expiration date of June 2022 now in the past, the Dell Chromebook 11 3181 has reached the end of its supported life. The device will continue to function for basic tasks, but it no longer receives Chrome OS updates or security patches, making it unsuitable for environments requiring up-to-date security. For anyone seeking a Chromebook today, newer models with later AUE dates and improved processors represent significantly better investments. The Dell Chromebook 11 3181 remains a notable example of just how affordable functional computing could be during this period of Chromebook evolution, and it served countless students adequately during its supported lifetime.

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