Dell Chromebook 13 review

Perhaps high-end Chromebooks were inevitable, but it looks like the systems like the Chromebook Pixel have started a new trend. Although many Chromebooks still offer budget hardware to run Chrome OS – a largely cloud-based operating system – manufacturers are starting to take things to the next level by offering specs and features you might find on a Windows machine.

Chromebooks are ready to be taken seriously in the business world, and the Dell Chromebook 13 joins the Chromebook Pixel and HP Chromebook 13 in making that point.

It features an FHD screen, more memory, and more processing power than one might expect, or arguably need, from an average Chromebook. However, the Dell Chromebook 13 is designed to work in a fast-paced business or IT setting.

Perhaps it's overpowered, but the growing popularity of Chromebooks in recent years begs for some kind of upgrade, if for no other reason than to stand out from the previous generation. The Dell Chromebook 13 does just this, distinguishing itself in much the same way a BMW does in a parking lot full of Hondas.

Although it shares the same minimalistic focus on light productivity and web browsing as other Chromebooks, the high-resolution screen and spiffy internals indicate that Chromebooks are moving toward a higher class of computing

Design:

If it weren't for the colored logo on the lid, one might not be able to tell that it's a Chromebook at first glance, and that might be the point. The black carbon fiber cover and magnesium alloy chassis suggest there are high-end components inside.

It's a very attractive notebook that fits in perfectly with Dell's other business-class machines. It's a classy setup that lets users be productive without necessarily breaking the bank.

Although, there are more powerful models available, the one I tested here is the base model with a 1.5Ghz Intel Celeron processor, 4GB of memory, and a 16GB solid state drive, which puts it in the same class as most other Chromebooks. However, the premium frame and 1080p screen basically doubles the price to $613 (about £484, AU$969).

That's still enough power to efficiently run Chrome OS, since it relies heavily on the cloud for storage and running apps. The internal storage is supplemented with a microSD slot and two USB ports (one of which is USB 3.0).

Upgrading to Business Class:

The Dell Chromebook 13's matte FHD 13-inch screen has excellent viewing angles and works reasonably well in sunny conditions. It also sports a backlit keyboard, which makes it convenient to work with in darkened rooms.

With everything, including the long-lasting battery, taken into consideration, we have a well-balanced and compact notebook that's ideal for both work and life. However, it does feel a little heavy for its size (3.23 pounds).

That said, it is about the same as the Chromebook Pixel (3.3 pounds) and is likely due to the metal chassis and size. By comparison, the HP Chromebook 13, made from aluminum, beats out both systems at 2.86 pounds.

Spec:

Here is the Dell Chromebook 13 configuration sent to techradar for review:

• CPU: 1.7Ghz Intel Celeron 3215U (dual-core, 2MB cache)
• Graphics: Intel HD Graphics GT1
• RAM: 4GB DDR3L
• Screen: 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 Matte FHD LCD
• Storage: 16GB M2.NGFF Solid State Drive, MicroSD slot
• Optical drive: N/A
• Ports: 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, HDMI, headphone and microphone combo jack
• Connectivity: Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 802.11AC, Bluetooth 4.0
• Camera: Built-in 720p HD video camera
• Weight: 3.23 pounds
• Size: 12.93 x 9.03 x 0.84 inches (W x D x H)

Performance:

The Dell Chromebook 13 is designed with business use in mind, but it's balanced enough to for both work and entertainment. I spent much of the time using it to look up information, check email, read documents, browse Amazon, listen to Google Music and watch streaming video from YouTube and Netflix.

As stated earlier, web pages and images loaded quickly, even when bringing up a wall of animated gifs on giphy, although I had to adjust the Chrome browser's settings to read text comfortably.

The Chromebook's physical weight becomes more noticeable over time, especially when continually picking it up to quickly check something and putting it away again – like when looking up characters while watching Game of Thrones.

Benchmarks:

Here's how the Dell Chromebook 13 performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

• Octane: 13,795
• Mozilla Kraken: 2,139.6ms
• Battery Life (techradar movie test): 14 hours and 30 minutes

The Dell Chromebook 13's Celeron processor offers some impressive performance. The system scored well in both the Octane and Mozilla Kraken JavaScript benchmarks.

Final verdict :

-The Dell Chromebook 13 is a great looking little notebook that, at first glance, is almost indistinguishable from other brands of business class systems. It offers strong performance and is ready for both work and play. However, its weight is noticeable after an extended period of time, and you pick up a competing system such as the HP Chromebook 13, which offers some better features, for roughly the same amount of money.