This Chromebook Beats Pricier Windows Laptops – Here’s Why
▼ Summary
– The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is currently on sale for $600, offering solid performance and useful ChromeOS features for a budget-friendly work laptop.
– It features a comfortable keyboard with a drop-down hinge design and a spacious trackpad, though the touchscreen quality is subpar.
– The laptop has a sturdy aluminum chassis, decent port selection, and optimized speakers, but its thick bezels and dull display are notable drawbacks.
– Powered by an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB RAM, it handles multitasking well and includes useful AI tools like Notebook LM for document summarization.
– Battery life lasts around nine hours on Battery Saver mode, making it suitable for a full workday, though display-focused users may prefer alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus.
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus delivers impressive performance at an affordable price, making it a standout choice for budget-conscious professionals. Priced at just $600, this device outperforms many pricier Windows laptops while offering a comfortable typing experience and reliable hardware. Though it has some compromises, its strengths make it a compelling option for everyday productivity.
One of the key selling points is the keyboard, designed with a drop-down hinge that positions it at a slight angle. This ergonomic touch reduces strain during long typing sessions while keeping the wrist rest unobtrusive. The spacious trackpad ensures smooth navigation, though its centered placement might not suit everyone. Flanking the keyboard are dual 2W speakers tuned by Waves MaxxAudio, delivering surprisingly rich sound for a Chromebook, perfect for video calls or casual music streaming.
Build quality is another highlight. The aluminum chassis feels sturdy, and at 3.5 pounds, it’s portable without sacrificing durability. Port selection includes two Thunderbolt 4 inputs, USB-A, a microSD slot, and a headphone jack, offering solid connectivity for peripherals. However, the bottom-mounted heat vents can get uncomfortably warm, and the display, while decent, falls short in vibrancy. The 1920 x 1200 resolution is serviceable, but thick bezels and muted colors remind you this isn’t a premium panel.
Under the hood, the Intel Core i5-1334U processor and 8GB RAM handle multitasking with ease. Even with dozens of browser tabs, streaming videos, and productivity apps running, performance stays smooth. ChromeOS’s AI features, like Notebook LM, add unexpected value by summarizing documents or organizing research, tools that actually feel useful rather than gimmicky.
Setup is seamless thanks to Google Account integration, syncing apps, passwords, and even Bluetooth devices instantly. Battery life lasts around nine hours on a charge, enough for a full workday. While it won’t rival high-end laptops in display quality, the Flex 5i excels where it counts: delivering reliable performance at a fraction of the cost.
For those prioritizing affordability and functionality, this Chromebook is a smart buy. If screen quality is non-negotiable, alternatives like Samsung’s AMOLED-equipped Galaxy Chromebook might be worth the extra investment. But for most users, the Flex 5i strikes an ideal balance between price and capability.
Note: Recent U.S. tariffs on electronics imports could impact pricing, as many devices, including budget laptops, face higher costs due to supply chain adjustments. Shoppers may see gradual price increases as manufacturers adapt.
(Source: ZDNET)
