I suddenly remember using Dell computers all the way back in grade school. Dell laptops were the absolute most steady and classroom-friendly models around, and that proceeds right up to this day with a small, sturdy arrangement of Chromebooks that got a much-appreciated upgrade this past spring.
Dell released 3 new Chromebooks this year went for the education space: 2 clamshells in the 3100 and 3400 and a 2-in-1 version of the 3100. A 2-in-1’s adaptable structure enables it to be used in a far more extensive range of environments, which is the reason I prefer it for most Chromebooks — yet I particularly appreciate them for students. This unassuming little Chromebook is made for book bags and school desks, yet notwithstanding for someone who’s currently 10 years out of high school — I’m so old now! — the 3100 2-in-1 is an incredible little Chromebook with a whole lot of potential under that unassuming grey lid.
Dell Chromebook 3100 2-in-1
Draw, type, or tap your approach to better learning
Dell’s most recent Chromebook 2-in-1 is durable as all get-out and prepared to take your use and misuse while offering a solid workflow and higher storage alternatives.
The Good
- 64GB models available at launch
- Durable and adaptable
- 2 USB-C and USB-A ports
- Spill-resistant keyboard
- Great battery with faster charger
The Bad
- Little bit bulkier
- Looks boring
- More expensive than competing models
Operating System | Chrome OS |
Display | 11.6 inches (1366 x 768) Gorilla Glass NBT Touchscreen |
Processor | Intel Celeron N4000 |
Memory | 4GB-8GB LPDDR3 |
Storage | 32GB-64GB eMMc |
Expandable Storage | microSD card |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11ac Bluetooth 5.0 |
Ports | 2x USB-C USB 3.1 Gen 1 2x USB-A USB 3.1 Gen 1 Headphone / microphone combo jack |
Battery | Li-Ion 42Wh (10 hours) 65W USB-C AC adapter |
Dimensions | 304 x 208 x 21.5 mm (11.96″ x 8.19″ x 0.85″) |
Weight | 1.41 Kg (3.10 lbs) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810G tested Spill-resistant keyboard Rubber edge bumpers |
AUE Date | June 2025 |
What’s Ready for the Classroom
The Dell Chromebook 3100 2-in-1 is 100% equipped towards the classroom, with rubberized edges — including a raised elastic ring around the screen lid to avoid any harm if a kid hammers the lid shut excessively generally — reinforced ports, and a simple to expel bottom cover should a school’s IT department need to swap out broken parts. Dell realizes precisely how hard kids are on technology, and so it constructs a Chromebook that’s more or less life-proof for everyone.
The screen here is similarly as splendid as the ASUS C214, with extraordinary accuracy for my taps, swipes, and zooms. The 2-in-1 structure factor has an simple-to-use touchscreen, and when I demonstrated the 3100 to an artist friend, they promptly began sketching out classic cartoon characters with effortlessly in Google Keep and Chrome Canvas. And I zoomed through a few rounds of Tri-Peaks in Microsoft Solitaire Collection without having to undo an errant move or tap.
The keyboard here is spill-safe and “pick resistant” — in light of the fact that kids will attempt to pry out keyboard keys, clearly — with a resilience that’s supposed to withstand up to 12 ounces of liquid. The keys are a touch smaller than most, with a slightly bigger gap between keys to help young typers to maintain a accidentally hitting adjacent keys and it was wonderful to type on during my 2-hour flights.
What needs more study time
The 3100 2-in-1 belongs to a similar equipment stage as the ASUS Chromebook Flip C214and a few different models like the Lenovo 300e Chromebook second Gen, and has a similar smooth presentation, however the Dell 3100 is the biggest physically of the 11.6-inch models I’ve seen up until this point, noticeably longer more extensive and longer than the C214. The edges and edges on the 3100 2-in-1 are increasingly adjusted, which makes it a small piece simpler to get your fingers around the top to open, yet in addition makes it feel chubby now and again.
There are little subtleties on the 3100 that are pleasant —, for example, the elastic that rings the edge of the screen bezels — yet different subtleties nearly appear like mistakes more than intentional decisions. When I initially got the 3100, the recessed power button made me think that the button hadn’t lined up quite right appropriately during assembly. After getting the second one with a moreover recessed power button, I realized that no, the power button is recessed intentionally, likely to avoid accidental presses.
Additionally, as someone who charged this laptop in her bedroom at her parents’ house for 7 days, the LED notification light is far greater and brighter than most Chromebooks that cross my desk. I suggest either shutting the Chromebook off completely so it doesn’t blink at you all night or concealing the Chromebook inside a laptop sleeve so the light is hidden.
Should You Buy it?
With a strong keyboard, great battery life with a significantly more noteworthy charger, and the Dell durability we knew and trust, there’s a reason this Chromebook took runner-up in our Best Chromebooks for Students roundup. I wish the estimating was somewhat more competitive — especially for the 4GB/32GB models that are $30-$80 more costly than the ASUS and Lenovo variations.
Considering how regularly Dell runs sales on its website, however, the estimating might just level out when you go to purchase, and for some, Dell’s durability and extra USB-A port may well be worth the upgrade. Dell likewise takes the advantage of being the only new-gen Education Chromebook with a $419 64GB model accessible, which is the one I exceptionally suggest purchasing given that this Chromebook will get support until June 2025. 6 years is quite a while to skate by on 32GB of storage.
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