The Dell Latitude 3340 is a budget-friendly laptop offering reliable performance with its 4th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB RAM, and 256GB HDD. Designed for students and remote workers, this 13.3-inch device includes an HD webcam for video calls. In this 2,000+ word review, we analyze its performance in 2024, upgrade potential, and suitability for basic computing needs.
Table of Contents
Technical Specifications
| Processor | 4th Gen Intel Core i5-4300U (Dual-Core, 1.9GHz Base, 2.9GHz Turbo) |
| RAM | 4GB DDR3L 1600MHz (Upgradable to 8GB) |
| Storage | 256GB HDD (5400 RPM) |
| Display | 13.3-inch HD (1366x768) Anti-Glare |
| Webcam | 720p HD with Microphone |
| Battery | 3-Cell 42WHr (Up to 5 Hours) |
| Weight | 1.7 kg (3.75 lbs) |
*SSD upgrade recommended for better performance
Performance in 2024: Can It Handle Modern Tasks?
Everyday Use Cases
The Intel Core i5-4300U handles basic tasks adequately:
- Web browsing (5-10 Chrome tabs)
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)
- 720p video streaming
- Zoom/Google Meet calls
Limitation: Struggles with 4K streaming and heavy multitasking
Design: Durable Budget Build
Features a reinforced plastic chassis with:
- Spill-resistant keyboard
- 180-degree hinge
- Rubberized base for grip
Weighs 3.75 lbs – heavier than modern ultrabooks but durable for its price range.
Display: Basic HD Panel
The 13.3-inch HD display offers:
- 1366x768 resolution
- Anti-glare coating
- 160-degree viewing angles
Note: Not suitable for photo/video editing due to 45% NTSC color coverage
Webcam: 720p HD Quality
The built-in webcam performs adequately for:
- Zoom/Teams meetings
- Online classes
- Basic video recording
Tip: Use external lighting for better image quality
Upgrade Guide: Boost Performance
1. SSD Upgrade (Highly Recommended)
Replace HDD with a 256GB SATA SSD (~$25) for 3x faster boot times
2. RAM Upgrade
Add 4GB DDR3L stick ($15) for smoother multitasking
3. Linux Installation
Use lightweight distros like Lubuntu for better performance
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable (under $150 refurbished)
- Easy to repair/upgrade
- Durable build quality
Cons
- Low-resolution display
- HDD slows performance
- Short battery life
Top Alternatives
1. Lenovo ThinkPad T440
Better keyboard but heavier (4.1 lbs)
2. HP ProBook 430 G3
Lighter design but weaker CPU
Final Verdict
The Dell Latitude 3340 is best suited for:
- Students needing a durable budget laptop
- Secondary device for basic computing
- Linux enthusiasts (after SSD upgrade)
Rating: 3.9/5 – A practical choice under $200 with upgrades
FAQs
Can it run Windows 11?
No – Requires 8th Gen CPU or newer. Use Windows 10 or Linux.
How to improve performance?
Add SSD (+$25) and upgrade RAM (+$15).
