Hybrid laptops have become extremely popular in recent times, especially after Lenovo’s launch of the innovative IdeaPad Yoga series. Recently, Dell has launched a budget-friendly version of the Yoga called Inspiron 11 3000. But does this hybrid laptop have what it takes to be the perfect 2-in-1 device?
Reports highlight that PC sales are on a decline, a trend expected to continue throughout upcoming years. Some would conclude that laptop sales are on a decline because consumers are seeking more convenient alternatives like tablets. Perhaps then it’s no surprise that PC manufacturers are offering versatile hybrids that can easily transition from laptops to tablets.
The Lenovo Yoga line was one of the first set of laptops to offer a compelling hybrid design to consumers, due to its flexible hinge. The Dell Inspiron 11 3000 is one of the most recent alternatives to the Yoga and it wins big due to its affordable price and compact design.
Design and Display
At just 3 lbs, the ultra-flexible Inspiron 11 3000 is easy to carry around and boasts a sleek design that users will be proud to display whether at school or in the office. Note, however, that the device feels far more comfortable as a laptop than a tablet as is usually the case with hybrid laptops.
Though it’s made of plastic, the laptop features a sleek silver hue which results in a more premium aluminum appearance and feel. For a laptop under $500, it definitely doesn’t look cheap. It also boasts a water-resistant keyboard that protects your device in the case of spills.
Dell’s laptop-tablet hybrid features an 11.6-inch IPS touchscreen with 1,366×768 resolution which results in sharp images and colors. The wide screen offers perfect viewing angles crucial for presentations or the consumption of entertainment. Like the Yoga hybrids, this device also folds 360 degrees into a tablet and offers several usage modes including tent and stand.
Its sub $500 price tag, however, comes at a cost. Like many other budget-friendly PCs, this Dell laptop offers relatively basic specs which can perform most tasks but may need to be configured to satisfy power-hungry PC users.
Hardware and Performance
Dell’s new hybrid series offers various configurations to consumers. The most basic configuration features a dual-core Intel Celeron processor coupled with Intel HD Graphics, 4GB of memory and a 500GB 5,400rpm hard drive.
At a slightly higher cost, consumers can secure a better performance by choosing a quad-core Intel Pentium N3530 processor. With this type of CPU, you’ll be able to surf the Internet, play games and perform most tasks without hiccups. However, the device may freeze on occasion if users attempt to multitask too much.
Seek a device with more high-end specs for a better performance. If on the other hand you want a device to perform tasks related to home office, online browsing and social media, this sleek hybrid should be able to do the job.
Battery Life, Software and Connections
Inspiron 11 3000 offers an impressive performance in terms of battery life especially when you consider its price and specs. It lasts an estimated 8 hours during video playback. With proper management of the system, you might even be able to clock more hours without running out of power.
The device runs Windows 8.1 and offers many connection options that consumers will appreciate from 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi to Bluetooth 4.0, as well as three USB ports. The hybrid laptop also features an HDMI port and a SD card slot – essential features for transferring HD content from your laptop to HDTV or expanding your laptop’s storage capacity.
The Verdict
Overall, the Dell Inspiron 11 3000 performs well as easily from a full-time laptop and part-time tablet, and like the Yoga series, the transition from laptop to tablet is easy. It’s aesthetically appealing with a great price tag and impressive battery life, but if you like running multiple programs, you may want to look elsewhere.
Dell Inspiron 11 3000: Hybrid Laptop that"s Budget Friendly
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