Dell has just launched a new affordable 11-inch laptop model, the i3162-0003BLU. The small blue notebook is marketed as travel companion, especially suited for the younger generation due to its vibrant, youthful color.
Review
Although not nearly as powerful as the i3169-0013GRY model I’ve reviewed earlier, the Dell i3162-0003BLU has the same characteristics as other laptops from the 3000-series, but with a more modest processor.
Be advised – this laptop will struggle with more advanced programs and heavy multitasking. However, should you get it to browse the internet while traveling or check emails and write documents, it will handle these tasks well. There’s no need to pay more if you plan to use it lightly on the road.
Performance
As I said earlier, the Dell i3162-0003BLU isn’t much of a powerhouse. Then again, it needn’t be – if used as intended. It’s powered by a dual core Intel Celeron N3060 processor, with a frequency range between 1.6 GHz and 2.48 GHz, 2 megabytes of cache and a TDP of just 6 Watts.
This processor scored only 1035 points in benchmark tests. Although not the slowest out there, it surely comes close. You’ll do just fine with editing files, browsing the Internet, streaming videos and writing emails, but that’s about as much as this processor will handle without beginning to stutter.
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System memory is rated at 4 gigabytes of DDR3L-1600 SDRAM. You can’t upgrade it further, as it’s maxed out. I think the 4 gigs are more than adequate for all intents and purposes. The RAM will handle moderate multitasking and modest size data sets, however deciding to edit photos or movie clips might prove to be more than what the CPU and RAM can handle.
Storage space is rather insufficient, as we’ve come to expect from these entry level, small laptops. The Dell i3162-0003BLU makes no exception from that rule. It has 32 gigabytes of available storage space on a eMMC drive. Although not as fast or sophisticated as a modern SSD, the installed drive will boot up Windows 10 in around 10-15 seconds and will aid the system with more demanding programs. It will offer an overall snappy feeling, despite the sluggish processor.
Also, to expand storage space, you could buy an extra microSD card and stick it the card reader as a semi-permanent additional drive. It’s reliable enough and you’ll easily triple or quadruple the available storage capacity cheaply.
Graphics and Display
With a 11.6-inch matte screen with HD display and a rather pleasing bezel width, the Dell i3162-0003BLU doesn’t feature an IPS display, so colors may seem somewhat dull and blue shifted.
As expected, the Dell comes with an integrated Intel HD video card, incapable of rendering modern games. It’s best not to buy this laptop if you plan on playing anything more than online flash games.
Interface Options
The Dell i3162-0003BLU is one USB port short i my opinion. You’ll be able to plug in a mouse, to charge a phone, and that’s it.
It would have been nice to have an additional free slot to maybe plug in an external hard drive or a LED light for nighttime typing. Anyway, here’s a list of available I/O ports:
- 1 x USB 3.0 port
- 1 x USB 2.0 port
- 1 x HDMI v1.4a
- 1 x Audio combo jack
- 1 x Micro SD card reader
- 1 x Noble lock security slot
Networking
Connecitivity is handled through a 802.11ac Dual Band 1×1 wireless card with built-in Bluetooth 4.0. You’ll be able to reach faster wireless transfer speeds with this new protocol.
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Battery Life and Portability
Battery life is stellar. The 32 Whr, 2-cell integrated battery will hold a charge for up to 9 and a half hours. It’s enough to get you through a full day’s worth of work without needing to plug it in. This is especially useful for travelers: less time spent near a wall socket means more time doing what you enjoy most. The Dell i3162-0003BLU gives immense freedom of movement thanks to its great battery life statistics, but also to its weight and size.
Weighing just 2.6 pounds, this blue colored notebook is so easy to carry around, the extra weight will likely go unnoticed. It’s thinness (0.78″) will also allow for more stuff to enter your backpack alongside it.
Final Words
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The Dell i3162-0003BLU, an affordable entry level laptop was designed for young travelers, those who want to note down their adventures on the go or for people who want to do some light work while journeying across the country. It’s also suited for young adults as school companions.
