Dell has unveiled its latest Chromebook, one aimed at business users. But with a dream specification sheet it’s almost certain to appeal to regular consumers too.
This 13.3-inch Chromebook features a full HD IPS display, fifth-gen Intel processors and a swathe of nifty extras, including a backlit keyboard. Dell designed it with the needs of businesses in mind.
Leveraging expertise from both the software and hardware sides of the company, Dell say their aim was to create the world’s first premium, professional-grade Chromebook. It was designed and constructed ‘to meet the needs of the mobile workforce’.
But in making a device that businesses want to Dell has also crafted a near-perfect, no-compromise Chromebook for everyone.
This is the mid-range Chromebook you have been dreaming of.
Dell Chromebook 13 Specs
Display
The Dell Chromebook 13 features a 13.3-inch IPS display that pushes a full-HD resolution of 1920 x 1080.
A touch panel option protected by industry standard Gorilla Glass is also available but does increase the overall weight of the device.
Build and Quality
The Dell Chromebook 13 is built using premium parts.
Taking cues from the Alienware line of gaming laptops, Dell has gifted the Chromebook 13 with some high-grade touches. The lid cover is made from a carbon fibre weave, the main base is aluminium, and the palm rest around the glass trackpad is made from a magnesium alloy.
Features that may sound ‘the norm’ on other laptops, but are rare to find in a Chromebook.
Processor, RAM & Storage
The Dell Chromebook 13 is available in several configurations, all based around 5th generation Intel ‘Broadwell’ processors.
Starting at $399, the lowest priced model offers buyers:
- Intel Celeron 3205U (dual-core, 1.5GHz)
- 16GB solid-state storage (not eMMC flash)
- 2GB RAM
- Intel HD Graphics GT1
- 12 hour battery
The $529 model packs a faster processor and twice the memory:
- Intel i3-5005U (2.0GHz)
- 16GB SSD
- 4GB RAM
- Intel HD Graphics GT2
- 12 hour battery
The $799 version ups the performance considerably and maxes out the RAM:
- Intel i5-5300U (2.9GHz)
- 32GB SSD
- 8GB RAM
- Intel HD Graphics GT2
- 12 hour battery
In a press call Dell also mention that the all version can be configured although the RAM is soldered on to the motherboard.
Other Features
The 720p front-facing webcam and dual-array microphones lend the device perfect mobile conferencing capabilities.
Ports include:
- 1x USB 3.0
- 1x USB 2.0
- HDMI out
- MicroSD card slot
- dual-antennae 802.11ac Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth 4.0 LE
At just half an inch thick at its thinnest end, and weighing only slightly over 3 pounds, the device has portability in mind — important for workers and sofa-surfers alike!
Business Minded
The simplistic nature of Chrome OS appeals to regular Joes’ and educators alike. But business sometimes have complex requirements, from management and deployment strategies to the odd bit of legacy, Windows-only software to run.
Dell has been able to expand the software capabilities of Chrome OS by using its own internal resources, covering everything from virtualization solutions running Dell Wyse vWorkspace (accessible though Dell’s vWorkspace Conenctor app), works with the Dell KACE management console and adds in support for a robust VPN solution in Dell SonicWALL Mobile Connect.
Available September
In a world of $169 Chromebooks that are every bit as capable as Dell’s new offering (albeit not as fast or as flash) it may sound weird to welcome a true mid-range Chromebook.
But it fills a gap: businesses need devices that don’t just do what they need, but are able to withstand doing it.
To do in the office what it’s done in the classroom, Google needs its hardware partners to be making devices like this.
With 12 hours of battery life, a screen people will want to look at and extras like a backlit keyboard, the Dell Chromebook 13 rockets to the top of the recommendation tree for anyone needing something “more” than the currently available Chrome devices but without spending big on a Pixel.
And better yet you will be able to buy it, not just businesses.
The Dell Chromebook 13 will be available starting September 17 in the US and Canada sold through the Dell.com website. Product link can be found here.