In part of refreshing its 11-inch 3000 Inspiron models, Dell wanted to launch a couple of new editions that ran a faster, newer CPU processor, offered new wonderful bright color options, and of course nice competitive price tag. Also helpful is the 2-in-1 adaptability that comes along with the new Dell Inspiron 11 3000 series. In particular, the 3179 is an amazingly low-priced option for anyone needing a solid notebook.

At just $349 to start, this is an adorable 2-in-1. With a price like that, we are expected to understand some drawbacks to the product, but I can initially say, these little guys are what Dell would consider a lower-end option that performs just right. Since Dell is consistently on a winning streak lately, with anything from high-performing monsters, such as the XPS 15 9560, the affably favored ultrabook- the XPS 13, or a more regular laptop, like the Inspiron 7000 series, it was easy to have an initial first impression be positive when looking at these 2-in-1 Inspiron models.

The Inspiron 11 3179 2-in-1 is most like an Inspiron 11 3000 model in the lower configuration range, in that it maintains a similar design, with the exception of that flip-around screen of course. Dell’s 11.6-inch screen features a rather average LED-backlit touch display, with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels; a good enough offering for such a small little display. One thing that will be noticeable right away, however, is the difference felt once this notebook is opened up and worked on. It of course has everything a laptop should have, but downfalls like a “bummer trackpad” isn’t always fun.

Luckily, the keyboard is said to be quite decent, and ports are plentiful, which is always nice for anyone who wants to get different types of work done on a low-end machine. I/O options include 1 USB 3.0, 2 USB 2.0s, 1 HDMI port, 1 Audio Combo jack, and a microSD card reader. Believe it or not, there’s actually a pretty stellar processor in here, a 7th generation dual core Intel M3-7Y30, said to keep up with a mobile i3 CPU, benchmark wise. It also does a good job of running the chip without consuming a ton of power, one of the no-nonsense ideals that make portable mobile devices extra portable. It includes 4GB of DDR3 RAM, and 500GB of storage, no SSD. This could be limited for some, but enough to store all your favorite photos and media. Graphics are okay, including an Intel HD graphics 615 video card. This continues the thought that this laptop is cool for HD video streaming, and 4K content, but don’t expect it to work for hardcore gaming needs.

This machine doesn’t sacrifice functionality just to be minimalistic and affordable- both good things you can thank Dell for keeping tabs on. Some low-priced laptops are just drab no matter what angle you look at them. These Inspiron 2-in-1s are designed nicely, with up to 8 hours of battery life to boot. For a nice Dell laptop, 8 hours of browsing the web, editing documents, and saving some photos is just the right about of cushion you can expect with the Inspiron 11 3179 2-in-1.