Dell Inspiron 15 3510 review

Dell Inspiron 15 3510

The Dell Dell Inspiron 15 3510 ranks as the #801 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 60. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #338-ranked features among 250 laptops. Consider the Asus ASUS Chromebook Flip CM5 or Asus ASUS TUF Dash F15, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.

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Key takeaways
The Dell Inspiron 15 3510's performance is somewhat underwhelming, particularly with the Celeron model.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3510's build quality is decent but not exceptional, with surprisingly good repairability.
The display resolution is somewhat lacking at 1366x768, offering average image quality and brightness.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3510 features a compact design with a focus on upgradeable hardware capabilities primarily.

Is it Worth it?

The Dell Inspiron 15 3510 is a budget-friendly laptop with some compromises. The base model's Celeron processor and low-resolution display may not be ideal for demanding users. Although the device has decent repairability and upgrade options, its overall performance and screen quality are average at best. Considering its £260 price point, you can find better deals elsewhere, such as refurbished or nearly new laptops with improved specs and features. Unless you're on a tight budget and prioritize portability, there may be more value to be found elsewhere. The Inspiron 3510's main selling point is its affordability, but it may not be the best choice for most users seeking a reliable laptop experience.

Build

The build quality of the Dell Inspiron 15 3510 is decent but not exceptional. The laptop's body is made of plastic with a textured finish that adds some visual interest. The lid and palm rest are sturdy, but the screen hinge feels a bit flimsy. The keyboard and touchpad are integrated into a single unit, making it easy to use but also contributing to the laptop's overall thickness. The repairability of the laptop is surprisingly good, with access to most components via screws that can be easily removed. Upgrading the memory and storage is straightforward, and the NVMe SSD can be replaced if needed. However, the DC jack and battery are also accessible, making repairs a relatively simple process. Overall, while not outstanding in this regard, the build quality of the Dell Inspiron 15 3510 is sufficient for everyday use. You may find Dell Vostro 15 7510 a better fit, thanks to its superior build.

Display

The display on the Dell Inspiron 15 3510 is a 1366x768 panel, which is somewhat lacking in terms of resolution. The image quality is average and not particularly sharp. The brightness is sufficient for general use, but may not be suitable for outdoor or high-lit environments. Overall, the display is decent but unimpressive, considering the price point. It's worth noting that the Inspiron 15 3502, with a Pentium processor and 1080p screen, might offer better value in terms of display quality. If you’re after a better display, Dell Latitude 15 5531 could be the ideal option.

Performance

The Dell Inspiron 15 3510's performance is somewhat underwhelming, particularly in the Celeron model with its 1366x768 panel. The laptop struggles to handle demanding tasks and multitasking, making it unsuitable for heavy users. While it can handle basic productivity tasks like browsing and office work, it lags behind other options in this price range. Upgrading to a Pentium or Intel Core processor would be necessary to see significant improvements. Even the slightly more expensive 3502 model offers better performance with its larger chassis and improved specs. Overall, the laptop's performance falls short of expectations, making it a mediocre option for those seeking a reliable and efficient device. Dell Vostro 15 3510 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded performance.

Battery and Charging

The Dell Inspiron 15 3510's battery life is decent, but the charging system leaves much to be desired. The laptop takes around 2 hours to fully charge from empty, which is slower than expected. While it can last up to 8 hours on a single charge, the slow recharge time makes it inconvenient for frequent users. Overall, the battery performance is adequate, but the charging speed could be improved to make it more user-friendly.

Connectivity

The Dell Inspiron 15 3510 offers decent connectivity options, with an NVMe SSD slot for easy upgrades, plus support for SATA hard drives. The dual-band WiFi is standard, and the 30 frames per second webcam is adequate for casual use, though audio quality is somewhat tinny. You might want to check out Dell Inspiron 15 3521, featuring an upgraded connectivity for a superior experience.

Features

The Dell Inspiron 15 3510 features a 1366x768 display, Intel Celeron processor, 4GB RAM, and 256GB SSD storage. It also has a 30Wh battery, dual speakers, and a 720p webcam with mono microphone. The laptop's design includes passive cooling and an NVMe SSD slot for potential upgrades. Take a look at Dell Vostro 15 7510 - its improved features sets a new standard.

Support and Maintenance

The Dell Inspiron 15 3510 has reasonable repairability and upgradeability options. The DDR4 memory is a single SODIMM slot, which cannot be upgraded to dual-channel configuration. However, the NVMe SSD can be replaced with an M2 drive. Getting into the system is easy, but the keyboard and screen require some effort to replace. Overall, maintenance support for this laptop is average.

Pros

1. Reasonable repairability and upgradeability.

2. Easy access with just nine screws and a pry tool required.

3. Upgradable battery.

4. Dell has included everything needed for upgrades.

5. No fan, just passive cooling, meaning less dust buildup.

6. SATA hard drive or SSD can be added.

Cons

1. Underwhelming performance due to Celeron processor and low-resolution panel.

2. Pricier than expected, even with discounts.

3. No dual-channel memory configuration possible, limiting memory upgrades.

4. Subpar webcam and microphone.

5. Complicated keyboard replacement process.

6. Screen upgrade options are pricey.

FAQ

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