5.0 out of 5 stars My first Chromebook and so far Loving it!

M.P. · April 13, 2019

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } So on a whim a financially smarter individual would have ignored, I recently purchased the Dell Inspiron 14 2in1 Chromebook. This is my first personal computer in years (not counting a Windows 8 tablet a few years back). This is also my first time experiencing a Chromebook. I’ll be honest here: I had some reservations about buying a Chromebook over Windows or Apple.In the end after ready other reviews and watching youtube videos of various offerings I looked at two primary deciding factors: 1. Can I do what I want to do with a Chromebook? and 2. What is it I want to be able to do? I want to get back into writing...Chromebooks lets me use Google Docs. It isn’t Word, but that’s fine. And I wanted to be able to use internet. Chromebooks are primarily web based. And so far it is really responsive and faster than any of my previous computers or even the computers I use at work. Looking at my previous usage of computers I realized that even were I to get a Windows PC or a Macbook, the usage itself would not change drastically. I’d use it for writing and internet.I wanted a Chromebook that would have a good screen and build with a backlit keyboard that could function as both a laptop and an oversized tablet for drawing. The Dell Inspiron 14 chromebook fit the bill in regards to those features. So I zeroed in and did my research and bought one.Ease of UseSetting up this Chromebook was really easy. Finding my wifi password took longer than the overall setup of this computer. After powering it on, basically it just wanted my Google username and password and then it walked me through setting up my internet connection and gave me the option of viewing tutorials or a tour of features.The mouse is responsive and has many ease of use gesture options available. The keyboard feels great and I love that it is backlit so that I can work in darker settings.There is no sleep option though closing the lid seems to put it to sleep. And shutting down is quick as is starting it up; just takes a few seconds and using the Smart Lock feature I can unlock it with my phone.DesignNot much for me to say here. It is solidly built, a little heavier than some of the other Chromebooks I looked at, but is very pleasant looking. It has a microSD slot, two USB-C ports, either one of which can be used for charging the laptop. It has one USB port and place to plug in headphones. The monitor can fold backwards to become a tablet; since it is a bit on the heavy side you will probably want to lay it down on your lap or use it in tent mode. The built in speakers are downward facing but audio is loud and clear. Beneath the computer’s base on the right side is a stylus that works wonderfully; I really liked discovering that my Samsung Note 8’s S-pen works on this screen and this computer’s stylus works on the Note 8.There aren’t function keys on the keyboard, at least not labeled though there are shortcuts to them and you can, I believe, change the behavior of the number keys to perform same as function keys.As a writer I was surprised at first to find that there is no caps lock key, but I soon learned that ALT + SEARCH key turns on caps and a simple SHIFT press turns it back off.Screen and AudioThe screen is very vivid and bright, full HD. And as I said earlier, despite having the built in speakers under the base of the computer sound is clear and easy to hear.ConclusionAll-in-all I am very pleased with this purchase. At $545 at time of purchase it definitely on the more expensive side of Chromebooks. However, this seems justified in excellent build quality; it feels premium to me. If you are looking for a great Chromebook and are not against having much of your work/usage take place online and saved in the cloud, I would definitely recommend this computer.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great piece of technology!

G.M. · March 17, 2025

I just got this Chromebook today but I am totally loving it! It was super easy to set up, update its operating system, and activate all of my accounts. Not bad for a 73 year old person! Two-part verification on bank accounts, etc. worked great and so far I am super pleased! The tech folks who recommended it to me were spot on! Thank you to them both!

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Nice Chromebook - Might Be Worth It vs. Cheapo Models

m. · July 18, 2020

I have used Chromebooks for the past 5 years or so, and have owned 3 different models. The previous two were very inexpensive Asus models, which I thought were good for the price.This is a different level of Chromebook, and improves on "budget" models in a number of ways. Of course, it costs almost twice as much, but depending on your needs it might be worth it.Here's what I'm liking about this model most:Solid construction: My previous cheap Chromebooks had a cheap, plasticy feel. This thing is solid metal, which makes me a little more confident in it lasting longer (the previous two died after being dropped from a short height, and having a TINY bit of water get on it.) This Dell is MUCH heavier though because of this, but I don't mind that because I'm not traveling with it much.Nicer screen: The biggest weakness of my previous two Asus Chromebooks was the screen: they were very washed out, limited viewing angle, muted colors, tiny (11-inch), etc. This screen is much nicer, brighter, better colors, etc. I had always been fine with my 11-inch screens for most tasks, but the 15-inch is really nice to have. Of course, this screen isn't at the level of my MacBook's, but for the price, it seems nice.Touchscreen/Tablet Mode: This wasn't a must-have feature for me, but it has been nice. When doing certain tasks (like when my kids are doing "learning" software), or watching a movie, flipping it into the tablet mode is nice. There's even a smartly stowed stylus. The touch screen is good, not great. I have to touch twice to register a tap sometimes, but it's not too bad.Here's what's okay:Performance is good. It seems to do better with video calls than my previous Chromebooks. I can't say I see a HUGE different with any particular task, but I also don't tax the system that much probably. Battery life also seems fine. The ports are also good. USB-C is definitely nice to have, especially since the charger can go on either side of the laptop now!Here is what I'm not liking as much so far:Trackpad: The trackpad is actually not as nice, functionality wise, as my cheapo Asus Chromebooks. It's not quite as sensitive, the click is louder, and it requires more pressure. I actually had to return the first one I ordered because the trackpad was loose/rattly. I will say, the trackpad does feel a little more "heavy" or "solid" overall, at least. So, it's not bad, just wish it was a little better.Keyboard: The keyboard is fine, and I like that it's backlit - never had that on my cheapo Chromebooks I'm a little worried about the space bar, though - it occasionally feels like there's something sticking underneath it, or that depressing it is not as "smooth" as it should be. This comes and goes. Hopefully it goes permanently at some point.Overall, I feel like the upgrades you get with this Chromebook are probably worth the extra couple hundred bucks. A cheapo Chromebook is still fine for some tasks, but the larger/nice screen, solid construction and touchscreen functionality are certainly nice to have. I would have given it 5-stars across the board if not for the trackpad and the troubling space bar, but maybe those issues will fade.