As a budget laptop shopper, you've got to be willing to make some sacrifices in pursuit of the best value, especially when searching in the $300 to $500 range. Dell’s Inspiron 3000 series, however, has proven itself to be an exception to the rule, offering quality budget notebooks at value prices. Like the 15-inch Dell Inspiron 15 3000 (3505) we reviewed earlier this year, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 (3511) checks many of the boxes we look for in a good budget laptop—including a large 15.6-inch display, an easy-to-swallow $323 asking price, and Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 11. Aspects of the display betray the laptop's budget roots, but it's a decent deal for the money if you decidedly want a Windows machine over a Chromebook.
Well-Equipped and Well-Built
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 (3511) comes equipped with 4GB of RAM, 128GB of solid-state drive storage, an integrated Intel UHD graphics chip, and an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor. It wades in the shallow end of the graphics pool and comes with half the memory we’d expect of a decent laptop, but the processor is still a step up from the basement-dwelling Celeron CPU used in even cheaper laptops. Our entry-level test configuration is available at $323, but there are configurations available that include up to 12GB of RAM, an Iris Xe graphics solution, and up to 512GB of storage if you’re willing to spend some extra coin. (Here's how to choose the best laptop CPU).
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(Photo: Molly Flores)
The 3511 model doesn’t look much different from the 3505, but that’s not a bad thing. The laptop chassis is well-built and solid, and the carbon-black color gives the machine a sophisticated, clean facade. At 3.8 pounds, it’s on the lighter side of the 15-inch laptop scale, though there are even lighter alternatives, like the 15-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 4.The 3511 measures in at 0.7 by 14.1 by 9.2 inches (HWD), so it’s about average for its weight class. It may be wide, but it's hardly unwieldy.
It’s worth noting Dell’s sustainability efforts have made their way to laptops as well. The company says it incorporates the use of post-consumer recycled plastics into its laptops, though it’s unclear how much has gone into the laptop itself, and where. The packaging tray and packing materials, meanwhile, are made almost entirely of recycled paper.
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(Photo: Molly Flores)
The capable chassis and design impress for a budget laptop, but the wins don’t stop there. The keyboard is quite comfortable, with just the slightest bit of feedback while typing. You also get a dedicated number pad, and the entire board is even spill-resistant, a welcome addition that I did not put to the test. The buttonless touch pad is wide, and there’s plenty of space on either side to rest your hands comfortably without any accidental contact.
More Pixels, But Not Brighter Ones
One major difference between this model and the previous 3505 model is the 1,920-by-1,080-pixel display. The full-HD, 15.6-inch anti-glare screen is an upgrade from the 1,280-by-720-pixel resolution of its predecessor and another feather in the cap of this capable budget machine. There is no touch-screen option, but it’s not something you’d expect in this price range anyway. Unfortunately, the screen brightness isn’t that bright, registering a maximum of 261 nits in our testing. That means that despite the higher resolution compared with its predecessor, the laptop still makes images and video look dim.
(Photo: Molly Flores)
The speakers, located underneath the machine, are loud and clear for a laptop of this caliber, though hitting maximum volume actually makes the chassis vibrate. As for the quality, it’s fair; tinny, but not unbearably so.
The Inspiron 15 3000 does come packed with ports, though the omission of a USB-C port is disappointing. On the right side, you’ll find an SD card slot, a USB 2.0 port, and an audio jack (a combo-style headphone/mic).
(Photo: Molly Flores)
The left side includes two USB 3.2 ports (Type-A), an HDMI 1.4 port, and the power-adapter connector.
(Photo: Molly Flores)
On the software side, the main attraction is Windows 11, Microsoft’s newest operating system. The Inspiron 15 3000 comes with Windows 11 S, a version of Windows that locks users to the Microsoft Store for app downloads. This can, thankfully, be easily reversed with a few clicks within the Microsoft Store app, bringing you to full Windows 11. There’s not much bloatware to be found on the computer, aside from a McAfee antivirus app.
Testing the Inspiron 15 3000: Bit of a Budget Brawler?
The Inspiron 15 3000 has handled well thus far, but how does it stack up to its competition in our benchmark tests? To see, we compared the laptop's results with those of four other budget-priced systems reviewed in 2021: the VivoBook 15 and Laptop L410 from Asus, the HP Laptop 14-dq2020nr, and the MSI Modern 14. Despite some differences in memory, all of these laptops hover in the $300-to-$600 range and share similar CPU and GPU setups. (See how we test laptops).
Typically, one of the first benchmark tests we run is UL's PCMark 10. The wide-ranging benchmark suite simulates a variety of Windows programs to give an overall performance score for office workflows and the like. Unfortunately, budget laptops normally don't have enough memory to run the tests properly, so we couldn't quantify performance for a comparison as we normally would.
However, the Inspiron 15 3000 did manage to place some numbers on the board, scoring 3,818 on the PCMark 10 overall test. A number between 4,000 and 5,000 is what we look for here in a solid mainstream machine. It doesn't quite stick the landing, but it doesn't land too far off either. The PCMark 10 Storage Test, on the other hand, was a no-go and would not run. We also left out our usual PugetBench for Photoshop benchmark, which doesn't run properly on systems with less than 8GB of memory.
Our comparison starts in earnest with our HandBrake 1.4 benchmark test. HandBrake 1.4 is an open-source video transcoder for converting multimedia files to different resolutions and formats. Because it's such a CPU-hungry task, we don't expect high numbers from budget laptops, which typically use weaker processors with fewer cores.
The Inspiron 15 3000 didn't do that well here, coming second to last, with only the MSI Modern 14 doing worse. Of course, the chances of doing any serious multimedia work on a budget laptop are unlikely.
The next test on our list is Cinebench R23, the multi-core benchmark meant to exercise all of a processor's cores and threads. The Inspiron's Intel Core i3-1115G4 chip does well enough but is bested by the HP Laptop 14's Intel Core i3-1125G4. The Asus VivoBook 15 sat on the bench for this test, as Cinebench would not run on the hardware.
Rounding out the productivity tests is the Geekbench benchmark, another CPU stress test meant to simulate real-world applications. The HP Laptop 14's processor helps it nab the top spot here, but the Dell still manages to best most of the competition.
Integrated graphics chips have come a long way, but graphics tests are still difficult to run on budget laptops due to weak GPUs and a lack of memory. Still, we were able to run one 3DMark benchmark to completion.
The Inspiron 15 3000 did fairly well here, coming out on top of its budget competition, while the Asus VivoBook 15 didn't even make the grade. Night Raid is the more modest of the two test workloads, suitable for laptops with integrated graphics. Time Spy, the more demanding of the two, would not run on any laptop in our comparison group.
The Inspiron 15 3000 also was the only laptop of the bunch that successfully ran GFXBench 5.0, another graphics stress test that runs low-level routines like texturing, and high-level tasks like game-like image rendering to gauge GPU performance. While the other budget laptops came up short, the Dell managed 15 frames per second (fps) during the 1440p Aztec Ruins test but more than doubled its frame rate during the 1080p Car Chase test. While not a gaming laptop by any means, the Dell might manage some undemanding games at 1080p at 30fps, as long as they're not too graphics-intensive.
Adequate Battery Life
For our battery test, we play a locally stored copy of the open-source Blender movie Tears of Steelon a loop at 50% brightness and at 100% volume, along with a few other battery-testing tweaks. If the laptop doesn't have enough space to store a copy, we'll play the movie off of a drive. We also disconnect the Wi-Fi entirely, putting the laptop on Airplane mode.
The Inspiron 15 3000's battery came up short against the competition, but not too badly, keeping pace with most of the other laptop picks—with the exception of the HP Laptop 14-dq2020nr.
Finally, we turn our attention to the screen and use Datacolor's SpyderX Elite calibrator tools to measure display performance. We test screen-brightness output levels at 50% and 100% brightness, as well as measure gamut settings for the three most relevant color spaces for laptop users: the sRGB, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3 standards.
(Photo: Molly Flores)
In this final test, the Inspiron shined the brightest, even if just slightly. Results were neck-and-neck across the board, but none reached the 500-nit level that the brightest premium laptops are capable of.
Money Well-Spent
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 (3511) is a solid, if unremarkable, 15-inch budget laptop. It improves on many of the issues we had with the previous 3505 model, and with the inclusion of Windows 11, the 3511 is already a step above its competition. The lack of a USB-C port, the subpar speakers, and the dim display are drawbacks to factor in, but it's still one of the better 15-inch budget laptops on the market, especially when you consider it's under $400.
Dell Inspiron 15 3000 (3511)
3.5
(Opens in a new window)
See It$659.99 at Dell(Opens in a new window)Base Configuration Price $323.00
Pros
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Comes with Windows 11
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Large 15-inch full HD display
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Solid build
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Affordable
View More
Cons
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No USB Type-C ports
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Low maximum screen brightness
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Weak speakers
The Bottom Line
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 (3511) excels as a budget laptop that can handle day-to-day tasks and some very light gaming, and it even comes with Windows 11—all for under $400.
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FAQs
Is Dell Inspiron 3511 good laptop? ›
It's really nice good Laptop, it's efficient and fast enough.
Is Dell Inspiron 15 3000 good or bad? ›The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is okay for business use. It feels decently well-built, with a thin and light design that makes it easy to carry around for business trips. Its Intel 11th Gen CPU can handle most productivity tasks like web browsing, text formatting, spreadsheets, and presentations.
How long will a Dell Inspiron 15 3000 last? ›Tech Specs
You can expect up to 4 - 6 hours of run time with this Dell Inspiron 15-3000 battery when new, depending on your energy use.
There's also the advantage of the laptop's lift hinge so that the device can be raised to an ergonomic angle, making it easier to type for extended periods of time. It's those kinds of thoughtful features that makes the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 one of the best laptops for college if you're on a budget.
Can a Dell Inspiron 15 3000 run Windows 11? ›The Windows 11 can run all Inspiron 3000 series. Which means your Inspiron also meets the minimum requirements for the new Windows.
What is the best Dell laptop right now? ›- Best Dell Laptop Overall: Dell XPS 13.
- Best Dell Portable Business Workstation: Dell Precision 5470.
- Best Dell Gaming Laptop: Dell Alienware x17 R2.
- Best Budget Dell Gaming Laptop: Dell G15.
- Best Value Dell Laptop: Dell Inspiron 16.
Dell: Dell laptops can last about three to five years. HP: HP computers can last for as long as six years.
What are the disadvantages of Dell laptop? ›The cons of Dell laptops
Some of the budget models have low build quality. Many people have reported that their laptop broke down within a year after buying it, leading to expensive repairs and replacements, which they could have avoided if they had chosen another brand.
While its top-of-the-line laptops are reliable and well-built, the lower-end models are less durable. Though a lot depends on the model and your usage, Dell's stylish notebooks should last at least two to three years without issues. Considering their prices, Dell laptops do provide good value for money.
Does Dell Inspiron 15 overheat? ›Your Dell computer can overheat because of insufficient air flow due to dust or debris blocking the air vents, exhaust ports, or a clogged fan. An overheating computer can intermittently restart, shutdown, or experience performance issues. Eventually excessive heat can damage the internal components.
Is Dell 3511 touch screen? ›
Dell Inspiron 15 3511 15.6” FHD Touchscreen Laptop, 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7, 16GB Memory, 1TB HDD Hard Drive, Windows 11 Home, Black.
Why is my Dell laptop dying so fast? ›Your laptop might be running too many programs and background services. Close some of the programs and services you're using to reduce the load on your CPU. Closing some of those tabs on your browser window(s) will help too. Open Task Manager by right-clicking on the Windows start menu.
Which series of Dell laptop is best for students? ›Dell strongly recommends XPS and Inspiron laptops for college students.
How many GB is good for a laptop for college? ›Here's what our experts recommend for a number of activities: School: For most college students, 8GB of RAM is plenty. However, students who process a lot of data should consider at least 16GB of RAM. Work: 8GB of RAM is fine for daily productivity.
How much better is Windows 11 than 10? ›Windows 11 is snappier than Windows 10, but the differences are small in real-world use. The various optimizations in Windows 11 help it to run faster on weaker laptops, but you're not giving up a ton of performance with Windows 10.
Why is my new Dell Inspiron so slow? ›Unused applications running in the background. Outdated drivers for devices such as chipset, BIOS, docking stations, and so on. Outdated or corrupt operating system files. Current computer configuration does not meet the requirements for high-end applications or games.
Can 16GB RAM run Windows 11? ›RAM: 4 gigabytes (GB) or greater. Storage: 64 GB* or greater available storage is required to install Windows 11. Extra storage space might be required to download updates and enable specific features.
Is Dell Inspiron best? ›The Dell Inspiron 15 is a fantastic choice if you're looking for something that delivers great performance for day-to-day tasks while also being affordable.
Which Dell laptop is best 2022? ›DELL Inspiron Core i5 11th Gen - (16 GB/512 GB SSD/Windows 10/2 GB Graphics) Inspiron 5410 2 in 1 Lapt... DELL Vostro Core i5 11th Gen - (8 GB/512 GB SSD/Windows 10/2 GB Graphics) Vostro 3400 Thin and Light L... DELL Core i5 12th Gen - (8 GB/512 GB SSD/Windows 11 Home/2 GB Graphics) New Inspiron 15 Laptop Thin an...
Is Lenovo or Dell better? ›In comparison between Lenovo VS Dell, overall, Dell laptops are a good option in terms of price, but when it comes to other factors like innovation, battery life, and specifications, then Lenovo laptops top the list. Aside from being rated as the best laptop by most people, Lenovo laptops offer great value for money.
Can a Dell laptop last 10 years? ›
Most experts estimate a laptop's lifespan to be three to five years. It may survive longer than that, but its utility will be limited as the components become less capable of running advanced applications.
Should I buy a new computer now or wait? ›In short, if you can wait six months to a year to start your next build, you'll find your high-end choices greatly expanded. Of course that isn't all that helpful if you need a new PC right now. If you just can't wait, you'll still see some amazing performance compared to a desktop from just a few years ago.
Can a laptop last 10 years? ›You can expect a laptop to last four to five years, though Apple laptops have a longer life expectancy. No matter how well you care for a laptop, don't expect to use it for more than about 10 years due to software issues. Here are seven of the key signs it's time to upgrade to a new laptop.
Are HP better than Dell? ›Their laptops can be more expensive, but they have more unique features. Comparing Dell laptops to HP ones, we see that HP models provide better performance. And there is the reason for that. HP produces laptops with improved multi-tasking, as they are quite popular among designers.
Why is Dell better than HP? ›It is clear that Dell laptops are the superior option when it comes to performance and reliability. HP laptops have excellent build quality, but their performance lags behind that of Dell laptops. In addition, HP's customer service is not as good as Dell's.
What are the advantages of buying a Dell laptop? ›Advantages and Applications
Dell laptops are very popular because of their high quality and affordable price. They have a wide range of models, from the most basic to the top-of-the line ones. The best thing about them is that they can be customised according to your needs and preferences.
Oddly enough, brands that have recently touted their heightened durability seem to be at the top of the list – with Dell showing a 26 percent failure rate, Lenovo a 25 percent failure rate and HP at 22 percent.
Is Dell XPS better or Inspiron? ›XPS is viewed as the premium lifestyle range, and so is therefore designed for those with a big budget looking for a powerful and stylish productivity laptop. Meanwhile, Dell Inspiron laptops are aimed at the lower-end of the market with more affordable price points.
Which series is better Latitude or Inspiron? ›And so, the short answer is: Latitudes are best for remote workers and those who travel for business. Inspirons are designed for “home” use, but that nebulous description does open Inspirons to a wider number of uses than Latitudes. More on that later.
Does Dell Inspiron have heating issues? ›Your Dell computer can overheat because of insufficient air flow due to dust or debris blocking the air vents, exhaust ports, or a clogged fan. An overheating computer can intermittently restart, shutdown, or experience performance issues. Eventually excessive heat can damage the internal components.
Why does my Dell Inspiron 15 3000 fan run constantly? ›
If you notice the computer fan running constantly and making an abnormal or loud noise, this might indicate that the computer is not running as efficiently as possible, and/or clogged air vents. It is important to keep dust from accumulating in your computer and ensure adequate ventilation to help reduce heat.
Can Dell Inspiron overcharge? ›Can a Dell battery be "Overcharged"? No, Dell laptops are designed to stop charging the battery when it reaches full charge. Once the battery is fully charged, the Dell laptop will continue to use power from the AC adapter.
What year is Dell Inspiron 15 3511? ›2021 Newest Dell Inspiron 15 3511 Laptop, 15.6" FHD Screen, 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 Quad-Core Processor, 32GB RAM, 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Webcam, Windows 10 Home, Black.
What is the rate of Dell 3511? ›Dell Inspiron 3511 Laptop (11th Gen Core i5/ 8GB/ 512GB SSD/ Win10/ 2GB Graph) price in India starts from ₹59,490. It is available at lowest price on Croma in India as on Jan 15, 2023.
Is Dell Inspiron 3511 compatible with Windows 11? ›Your Inspiron 15 3511 supports the following operating systems: Windows 11 Home, 64-bit.
Do Dell laptops break easily? ›then parts do tend to snap off depending on where and how your computer fell. Just by sitting, Dell computers don't typically break unless something dramatic happens to it. No they're not the most sturdy but they won't break after a couple drops. They can be finicky.
What reduces lifespan of laptop? ›The buildup of heat and dust, disregard for warning signals, liquid spill, and careless handling of laptops among others have been known to be the primary causes that shorten a laptop's lifespan.
Is it OK to use laptop while charging? ›You can use a laptop while it's charging without causing any damage or shortening its lifespan. If you plug in a laptop that is not fully charged you may notice that it heats up while you are using it; however, don't worry, this is normal and won't cause any damage to your laptop.
Which budget Dell laptop is best for students? ›- Dell XPS 13 (9315) A surprisingly affordable 'premium' Windows laptop. ...
- Dell Inspiron 14. The best budget laptop. ...
- Surface Laptop Go 2. An excellent budget laptops for students. ...
- Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3. A Chromebook 2-in-1 that won't break the bank. ...
- HP Victus 15. ...
- Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Laptop. ...
- Microsoft Surface Go 3.
- Asus Chromebook Flip CX5.
- Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3.
- HP Pavilion Aero 13.
- Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2.
- Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3.
- Lenovo ThinkBook 13S.
- HP Victus 15.
- HP Pavilion Plus 14.
How many GB do I really need on my laptop? ›
For anyone looking for the bare computing essentials, 4GB of laptop RAM should be sufficient. If you want your PC to be able to flawlessly accomplish more demanding tasks at once, such as gaming, graphic design, and programming, you should have at least 8GB of laptop RAM.
Is 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD enough for programming? ›Yes its more than enough, if you want code (only code) then its more than enough, It will load your apps quickly. SSD will speed up your compiling time.
How many GB of SSD do I need? ›Choose storage capacity
It differs a lot if you just want to install your operating system on the SDD or if you actually want to work from the drive. 250GB: operating system, entertainment, and backups. 500GB: entertainment and business use. 1TB: business use, gaming, and photography.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 (3511) excels as a budget laptop that can handle day-to-day tasks and some very light gaming, and it even comes with Windows 11—all for under $400.
When was Dell Inspiron 15 3511 launched? ›Dell Inspiron 15 3511 (2021) Price (29 Jan 2023) Specification & Reviews ।
Is Dell Inspiron 3511 touchscreen? ›Dell Inspiron 15 3511 15.6” FHD Touchscreen Laptop, 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7, 16GB Memory, 1TB HDD Hard Drive, Windows 11 Home, Black.
Is Dell Inspiron 3511 good for programming? ›Is the laptop Dell Inspiron i3 11th generation suitable for computer programming? Yes, it's fine, really any computer made in the last 10 - 15 years is fine.
Does Dell Inspiron 3511 have graphics card? ›This 15.6 in laptop comes with Windows Operating System installed. The processor in Dell Inspiron 3511 Laptop is 11th Gen Intel Core i5 with Intel Integrated Graphics Card.
Can you upgrade RAM on Dell Inspiron 15 3511? ›The Laptop has 2 Slots to install memory, already with 8GB standard memory installed. For best Inspiron 15 3511 Laptop performance use the maximum amount of 64GB, fill all the slots with the max allowed memory per slot for your Laptop.
Does Dell 3511 have fingerprint sensor? ›NOTE The fingerprint reader is located on the power button. NOTE The fingerprint reader is an optional offering. The following table provides the specifications of fingerprint reader of Inspiron 15 3511.
What is the rate of Dell laptop 3511? ›
Dell Inspiron 3511 Laptop (11th Gen Core i5/ 8GB/ 1TB 256GB SSD/ Win10/ 2GB Graph) price in India starts from ₹65,990. It is available at lowest price on Croma in India as on Jan 24, 2023.
Does Dell 3511 have backlit keyboard? ›...
Keyboard.
| Description | Values |
|---|---|
| Keyboard type | Standard keyboard White backlight keyboard |
| Keyboard layout | QWERTY |
It is clear that Dell laptops are the superior option when it comes to performance and reliability. HP laptops have excellent build quality, but their performance lags behind that of Dell laptops. In addition, HP's customer service is not as good as Dell's.
Is 4 GB RAM laptop enough for programming? ›A laptop with 4GB of RAM should suffice. However, application or software developers who need to run virtual machines, emulators and IDEs to compile massive projects will need more RAM. A laptop with at least 8GB of RAM is ideal.
Is 8 GB RAM good? ›If you want to play games or watch movies without lag, you'll need at least 4GB of RAM. But a higher number will always make your computer run more smoothly, so 8GB is more than enough for everyday tasks. RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of memory that allows your computer to store data temporarily.
Is Dell Inspiron 15 3000 good for Photoshop? ›With less than the 8GB of RAM required to fully run Adobe Photoshop, the Inspiron 15 3000 isn't much good for snappy photo editing, either. It couldn't finish our Photoshop benchmark.