Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 3181

Updated on February 4, 2026

Overview

The Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 3181 2-in-1 was designed from the ground up for education environments. Released in late 2018, this convertible brought together Dell’s experience building rugged enterprise hardware with the simplicity of Chrome OS. While it won’t win any beauty contests with its chunky bezels and utilitarian styling, those design choices serve a purpose: protection and practicality for classroom use.

At its core sits an Intel Celeron N3060 processor paired with 4GB of RAM. This combination handles web browsing, Google Workspace applications, and light Android apps without issue, though demanding tasks can expose its limitations. The 64GB eMMC storage variant provides generous space for Chrome OS, while the fanless design means completely silent operation during lessons.

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Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 3181 Comparison Chart

	Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 3181	Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 3181
Price	List Price: $279.99 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: $299.99 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon
Model number	3181-2-in-1	3181-2-in-1
Perfomance 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	32 GB eMMC	64 GB eMMC
Screen Size	11.6"	11.6"
Screen Resolution	1366x768	1366x768
Screen Type	IPS	IPS
Touch Screen	Yes	Yes
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	11.96 x 8.18 x 0.82 inches (303.78 x 207.77 x 20.83 mm)	11.96 x 8.18 x 0.82 inches (303.78 x 207.77 x 20.83 mm)
Weight	3.16 lbs (1.44 kg)	3.16 lbs (1.44 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

Design and Build

Dell prioritized durability over aesthetics with the 3181 2-in-1. The rubberized edges and bumpers protect against the inevitable drops and bumps of daily student use. Those wide bezels around the 11.6-inch touchscreen? They double as grip areas when students use the device in tablet mode and provide impact protection for the display.

The 2-in-1 hinge enables four distinct usage modes. Traditional laptop mode works for typing-intensive tasks, while tablet mode flips the keyboard behind the screen. Stand mode props the display up for presentations or video watching, and tent mode saves desk space while keeping the screen visible. Each position locks firmly without wobbling, a detail that matters when students are shuffling between activities.

Build quality feels solid throughout. The base resists twisting under pressure, and the hinges maintain their tension after repeated use. At 3.16 pounds, the 3181 is heavier than consumer ultrabooks, but that weight reflects reinforced construction rather than poor design.

Display

The 11.6-inch IPS touchscreen delivers acceptable performance for its intended audience. Resolution sits at 1366x768, which provides adequate sharpness at this screen size for documents and web browsing. The IPS panel offers consistent viewing angles, important for collaborative work where students might gather around a single screen.

NotebookCheck measured average brightness at 218 nits with contrast ratios around 1014:1. These numbers mean indoor use works fine, but outdoor visibility suffers. The glossy finish compounds this by introducing reflections in bright environments. Color accuracy measured at ΔE 3.52 out of the box, acceptable for educational content though not suitable for creative work.

The touchscreen responds accurately to taps and swipes, with smooth scrolling through web pages and documents. Handwriting recognition works for basic notes, though a proper stylus (sold separately) improves precision for detailed work.

Performance

The Intel Celeron N3060 represents entry-level computing, and performance reflects that positioning. Chrome OS runs smoothly thanks to its lightweight design, and basic tasks feel responsive enough for classroom activities. Opening multiple browser tabs, running Google Docs, and streaming educational videos all work without significant slowdown.

Benchmark numbers tell the story clearly. NotebookCheck recorded an Octane V2 score of 7,341, which falls below ARM-based competitors using MediaTek processors. In practical terms, this means complex web applications and JavaScript-heavy sites can feel sluggish. The 4GB of RAM handles approximately 25 browser tabs before Chrome starts reloading background pages.

Android app support extends functionality beyond the browser. Light games like Asphalt 8 run playably, and productivity apps from the Play Store work as expected. Video editing using apps like PowerDirector functions for simple projects, though the Celeron processor limits what’s practical. During intensive tasks, the chassis warms noticeably since there’s no fan to dissipate heat.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The keyboard surprised reviewers with its quality. Keys offer firm feedback and good travel distance, important for developing typing skills. The loud click from each keypress confirms input, a feature that helps younger users build confidence in their typing. Layout follows standard Chromebook conventions with the top row dedicated to function keys.

No keyboard backlight limits usefulness in dim environments, a reasonable cost-cutting measure for devices primarily used in well-lit classrooms. Key spacing works well for adult hands, and students should find the layout comfortable for extended typing sessions.

The trackpad represents the device’s clearest weakness. Its narrow dimensions feel cramped compared to modern laptops, and the surface texture doesn’t provide clear tactile boundaries from the surrounding palm rests. Tracking accuracy works adequately for basic navigation, but precision tasks like selecting text can frustrate users. Most classroom deployments pair these Chromebooks with external mice, which sidesteps the issue entirely.

Connectivity

Port selection prioritizes practicality over modernity. Two USB 3.0 Type-A ports sit on the left edge, delivering faster transfer speeds than many competitors offered at this price point. HDMI output enables direct connection to classroom projectors and displays without dongles. A microSD card slot expands storage at roughly 20 MB/s transfer speeds, and the headphone jack accepts standard 3.5mm headsets.

Dell opted for a barrel-style charging connector rather than USB-C, which limits flexibility compared to newer Chromebooks. There is no built-in Ethernet port, though the USB 3.0 ports support a USB Ethernet adapter for wired networking. The 802.11ac Wi-Fi adapter maintains stable connections at typical classroom distances, and Bluetooth 4.2 handles wireless peripherals reliably.

A Kensington lock slot on the right edge addresses school security requirements, while dedicated volume buttons and power switch provide tactile controls when the device operates in tablet mode.

Battery Life

Battery performance stands out as the 3181’s strongest feature. The 42 WHr cell consistently delivers all-day operation under normal classroom workloads. NotebookCheck measured over 13 hours in their standardized testing, and real-world usage aligns with those figures. Students can leave chargers at home and trust the device will last through a full school day.

The combination of efficient Chrome OS, power-sipping Celeron processor, and no display backlighting demands produces these results. Video playback drains the battery faster, but even multimedia-heavy days typically leave charge to spare.

Who Was It For?

Dell positioned the Inspiron Chromebook 11 3181 2-in-1 squarely at educational institutions. Features like the rear-mounted status LED, controllable through Dell’s Activity Light Chrome extension, let students signal teachers without raising hands. The rugged construction addresses the practical reality of hardware shared among dozens of students. Teachers managing classrooms full of these devices may also encounter the Chromebook magnet trick, where students use magnets to trigger the lid sensor and put each other’s Chromebooks to sleep. Simplified Chrome OS management appeals to IT administrators who need to deploy and maintain hundreds of devices efficiently.

For individual consumers, the 3181 2-in-1 served as an affordable secondary device for couch browsing and light productivity. The convertible form factor added versatility for media consumption, and the reliable battery meant it could travel without charger anxiety.

Archive Note

This Chromebook reached its Auto Update Expiration date in June 2022, meaning it no longer receives Chrome OS updates or security patches. While the hardware may still function, Google’s security model depends on regular updates to protect users. We recommend considering current Chromebooks for new purchases.