Dell Vostro 3500

A 15.6 inch Dell for everyday office work, with a number pad

The Dell Vostro 3500 is Dell’s 15.6 inch laptop for small businesses, built on Intel’s 11th generation processors. It gives you a big screen, a full keyboard with a number pad and a wired network port for less than a Latitude. We have it in two configurations: a Core i3-1115G4 with 4GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, and a Core i7-1165G7 with 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD and a Full HD screen. Both ship with Ubuntu Linux.

It is part of our range of business laptops.

What you get

Core i3 or Core i7, 11th generation

The Core i3-1115G4 is a two-core, four-thread chip that boosts up to 4.1GHz. It handles email, browser-based systems, documents and point of sale work without fuss. The Core i7-1165G7 has four cores and eight threads and boosts up to 4.7GHz, so it copes far better with large spreadsheets, many open tabs, a video call running next to other apps, and light photo editing.

Memory and storage

The Core i3 version has 4GB of RAM. That is enough for one or two tasks at a time, but it will feel tight if you keep lots of browser tabs open. The Core i7 version has 8GB, which suits a normal office day. Memory can be added later, so a 4GB machine does not have to stay at 4GB. Ask us what fits before you buy a module. Both versions use NVMe SSDs, 256GB on the Core i3 and 512GB on the Core i7, so start-up and file opening are quick.

15.6 inch screen and number pad

The Core i7 version has a 1920 x 1080 Full HD anti-glare screen. Dell also sold the Vostro 3500 with a lower resolution HD panel, and our listing for the Core i3 version does not confirm which panel it has, so ask us before you order if screen sharpness matters to you. The keyboard is full size with a dedicated number pad, which saves time on data entry.

Ports for a normal office

Spec listings for this model show two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, one USB 2.0 port, HDMI 1.4 for a monitor or projector, a wired Ethernet port, an SD card reader and a headset jack. Some units also have a USB-C data port, so ask us if you need one. The Ethernet port is handy in offices with cabled networks or weak Wi-Fi.

Wireless and webcam

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built in, and there is an HD webcam with a microphone for Teams, Zoom and Google Meet.

Size and weight

It is about 364mm wide and under 20mm thick. Published weights for the 11th Gen model range from about 1.78kg to 1.98kg depending on configuration. Think of it as a desk laptop you can carry to meetings, not one for daily commuting.

Who it suits

The Core i3 version suits reception desks, school offices, cashiers and staff whose work is mostly email and one business system. The Core i7 version suits accountants, managers and anyone who runs several apps at once. Teams already using Ubuntu, and developers who want Linux out of the box, will find it ready to use. If you need Windows on day one, or you travel every day and want something lighter, look at the options below.

Operating system

The Vostro 3500 ships with Ubuntu Linux. Ubuntu is free, gets regular security updates, and runs LibreOffice, Chrome, Firefox, Zoom and most web-based business systems well. If you would rather have Windows, we install Windows 11 on it before delivery. Tell us when you order.

How it compares

The Dell Vostro 3510 is the next 15.6 inch Vostro, with the same 11th Gen chips and a Core i5 option in between. The Dell Vostro 3530 moves to 13th Gen processors and a smoother 120Hz screen. If you want Dell’s business line with Wi-Fi 6 and USB-C charging, the Dell Latitude 3520 is the step up. Comparing brands? The HP ProBook 450 G10 is a newer 15.6 inch alternative with a number pad.

Full product details are on Dell’s official site.

Looking after it

Use a surge protector or a UPS where power cuts are common, because a surge on return can damage the charger and the board. Keep the vents clear by working on a hard surface rather than a bed or sofa. If the laptop sits plugged in at a desk most of the day, Dell’s BIOS has a battery charge setting that stops charging below full, which helps the battery last longer. Clean the keyboard with a soft brush and the screen with a dry microfibre cloth.

Works well with

Add the Dell KM3322W keyboard and mouse for a full desk setup, or the Dell WM126 wireless mouse on its own. The UGREEN Metallic Foldable Laptop Stand lifts the screen to eye level for long days at a desk.

Frequently asked questions

Which processors are available?

An 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 with 4GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, or an 11th Gen Core i7-1165G7 with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD.

Is 4GB of RAM enough?

For email, documents and one business system, yes. For heavy multitasking, choose the Core i7 version or plan to add memory.

Does it have a number pad?

Yes. The keyboard has a full number pad.

Does it come with Windows?

It ships with Ubuntu Linux. If you prefer Windows, we install Windows 11 before delivery. Tell us when you order.

Does it have an Ethernet port?

Yes. It has a built-in RJ45 Ethernet port.

Can I connect a monitor or projector?

Yes, through the HDMI port.

Is the screen Full HD?

The Core i7 version is Full HD. Ask us to confirm the panel on the Core i3 version before you order.

Buying from Encom Digital

Everything we sell is genuine Dell. Prices on this page exclude VAT, and every order comes with a KRA-compliant VAT invoice, which your accounts team will need if you are buying for a company.

We offer same-day delivery within Nairobi and deliver to the rest of Kenya. You can pay by M-Pesa, card or bank transfer. If you are fitting out an office, a school or an NGO, ask us for bulk and corporate pricing.

Call or WhatsApp us on +254 714 962 072, email us, or visit us at Rehema House, 4th Floor, Standard Street, Nairobi, Monday to Saturday, 8AM to 6PM.