Dell · 2024
Dell Vostro 16 5640
A boring Vostro that ships with Ubuntu pre-installed in EMEA, runs on Raptor Lake-U Refresh so it dodges the Meteor Lake IPU6 webcam mess, and has slotted DDR5.
from € 799 $749 RRP
Check price on AmazonShown in EURUSD, switch with the currency toggle in the header. This is an indicative RRP, not a live price.
As an Amazon Associate (US, NL, DE, UK programs), qualifying purchases via these affiliate links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Other markets not yet enrolled. How we make money. Verified 2026-05-20.
- Best for office and web work study basic everyday use programming
- Linux: out of box
Scorecard
Mean of six category scores, 0 to 10. Compiled from public sources. How we rate.
Strongest on value, weakest on speed.
- Battery 6/10
- Display 5/10
- Build 5/10
- Keyboard 6/10
- Speed 4/10
- Value 7/10
Worth knowing
Stands out
- Linux runs out of the box
- RAM is user-upgradeable
Watch for
- Dim 250-nit screen, weak in bright light
Linux
Excellent · Best on ubuntu LTS. Confidence: high · How we score
Linux compatibility, per distro
- Ubuntu LTS Out of the box
- Wi-Fi : works
- Bluetooth : works
- Fingerprint : needs tweak
- Webcam : works
- Audio : works
- Suspend : works
04 LTS pre-installed in EMEA, and Canonical lists it as certified. Same Raptor Lake-U Refresh as the Inspiron 16 5640, so no IPU6 webcam, no NVIDIA driver, no Meteor Lake suspend quirks.
Ubuntu certified: Vostro 16 5640 (Core 5 120U) →Show full report
driver, no Meteor Lake suspend quirks. Plain UVC camera, Intel Wi-Fi, Goodix fingerprint that fprintd handles once the firmware lands. Slotted SO-DIMM DDR5, so RAM is upgradable later. The closest thing in this database to a no-effort Linux laptop from a mainstream OEM in the budget tier.
See the broader picture in the Linux compatibility hub, the full compatibility matrix, and the buying guides.
Specs
| CPU | Intel Core 7 150U |
|---|---|
| GPU | Intel Graphics (integrated) |
| RAM | 16 GB (upgradeable) |
| Storage | 512 GB |
| Screen | 16" 1920x1200 @ 60Hz, 250 nitsbest kept indoors |
| Weight | 1.92 kgaverage weight |
| Battery | 54 Wh, around 9 h real-world |
Common questions
- Does the Dell Vostro 16 5640 work with Linux?
- Yes, on a clean install it works with no tweaking (verified on Ubuntu LTS). Dell sells this chassis with Ubuntu 22.04 LTS pre-installed in EMEA, and Canonical lists it as certified.
- What does the Dell Vostro 16 5640 cost?
- RRP is about 749 USD (799 EUR in the EU); street price is often lower.
- How heavy is the Dell Vostro 16 5640?
- 1.92 kg (4.23 lb). That's average weight.
- What's the battery life like?
- A 54 Wh pack, around 9 hours real-world mixed use. We score battery 6/10.
- Can I upgrade the RAM or storage?
- RAM is on SODIMM slots, so you can swap it later. Storage starts at 512 GB on this configuration.
- Which operating systems are supported?
- Ships with Windows. It also runs Linux; see the Linux block above for per-distro detail.
Ready to buy the Dell Vostro 16 5640?
Prices are indicative. How we make money.
from € 799 $749 RRP
Check price on AmazonShown in EURUSD, switch with the currency toggle in the header. This is an indicative RRP, not a live price.
As an Amazon Associate (US, NL, DE, UK programs), qualifying purchases via these affiliate links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Other markets not yet enrolled. How we make money. Verified 2026-05-20.
