ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i is one in every of a number of new Chromebook Plus fashions, priced at just below $500.
- Due to its versatile hinge design and sharp-looking show, it is a unbelievable machine for digital content material creators.
- Simply do not anticipate essentially the most immersive-sounding audio system and well-ventilated design with this mid-range system.
Again in early October, Google introduced its Chromebook Plus line – a brand new era of laptops sporting extra highly effective {hardware} and higher shows in comparison with older fashions. Every entry is nice at being an on a regular basis machine. Nevertheless, I need to convey consideration to one of many extra area of interest choices of the bunch, one which I might argue is best than the generic fashions when put into the arms of the right consumer. And that laptop computer is the IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus from Lenovo.
Additionally: I examined Google’s new Chromebook Plus and the generative AI options blew me away
Lenovo’s laptop computer is finest suited to photographers and content material creators due to a number of options. First, you might have the 14-inch touchscreen show that may be flipped a full 180 levels, turning the Chromebook right into a pill. Pictures look nice on the display as it may possibly output a decision of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels.
Actually, amongst this new Chromebook Plus customary, the IdeaPad Flex 5i has one of many higher shows. And secondly, Google has geared up this machine with the brand new Magic Eraser modifying device. I break down every little thing beneath.
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Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
Lenovo’s IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus stands out amongst its era by being an affordable, 2-in-1 Chromebook sporting good efficiency.
Magic Eraser could be very useful as a result of it may possibly intelligently take away objects (together with photobombers) in a picture, after which change them with the encompassing atmosphere. It permits for fast, on-the-fly modifying. That is precisely what I did testing out the IdeaPad Flex 5i.
I discovered outdated photos from my novice pictures days and determined to edit them. I used to be shocked by simply how efficient Magic Eraser was at cleansing up photos; All I needed to do was draw a circle round an object to eliminate it. The method is made simpler because of the beautiful, 14-inch touchscreen of the IdeaPad.
Additionally: Lenovo’s new ThinkBook Plus is essentially the most attention-grabbing 2-in-1 laptop computer I’ve used all yr
It is a extra tedious process on Google Pixel telephones due to the smaller actual property. What’s extra, one can find an SD card reader port among the many inputs on the aspect so you’ll be able to instantly add photos from a DSLR digicam to the pc.
Even when you’re not a photographer, I might nonetheless extremely advocate the IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus as a result of it is nice at being each a piece and leisure laptop computer. I simply wished to say the pictures angle because it’s one thing this machine can do higher than the opposite methods I’ve examined — particularly for lower than $500.
Typing on the laptop computer is kind of comfy as a result of the keyboard and touchpad proportions are close to very best for me; One would not take up extra space than it must. When you learn my evaluation of the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34, you will be taught that I wasn’t a fan of the smaller keyboard. The empty area may’ve been used extra successfully for a snug expertise. With Lenovo’s Chromebook, I am joyful to say this drawback would not exist. The backlit keyboard stretches almost finish to finish, solely leaving slightly little bit of room for the audio system.
Additionally: This Chromebook has the longest-lasting battery life I’ve examined, and it is not even shut
Whereas we’re on the subject, I seen that the audio coming from the IdeaPad’s audio system sounds nice when voices are the first focus. I used to be genuinely shocked by how fantastic a singer’s voice sounded popping out of them. It actually helps that the Chromebook Plus collection options AI enhancements to video requires better readability. That mentioned, the total leisure expertise was not excellent — the audio system did lack bass, leading to shallow-sounding music.
Design-wise, I discover the plastic building of Lenovo’s 2-in-1 Chromebook to be a tad flimsy. You positively really feel it when typing on the keyboard or pushing into the wristrest; there’s some give there. Do observe the pc is not completely fragile because the again of the touchscreen is protected by aluminum. And regardless of being made out of largely plastic, the IdeaPad Flex 5i is comparatively heavy, clocking in at round 3.5 kilos. That is nonetheless pretty light-weight by right now’s requirements, however when in comparison with different Chromebook Plus fashions, it is among the chunkier choices.
I examined the IdeaPad Flex 5i’s battery life by enjoying a constantly working 720p video at 50 p.c brightness to simulate a full day’s work. The laptop computer lasted about eight hours, decrease than Google’s reported run time of 10 hours straight. It’s disappointing the machine did not final that lengthy, however eight hours is an honest quantity, particularly when you use the pc for extra average workloads.
Additionally: This Acer laptop computer often is the most inexpensive method to have an Nvidia 40 Sequence GPU
I ought to warn you that this laptop computer can run slightly heat. The IdeaPad Flex 5i comes geared up with a thirteenth Gen Intel Core i3-1315U processor. Its efficiency will not make the {hardware} run sizzling by itself. As an alternative, the bottom-firing air flow port seemingly restricts correct airflow, making issues toastier than they need to be.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
I extremely advocate choosing up the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus as a result of I see it as one of many higher fashions of its era. It comes with a great-looking display, respectable efficiency, and a number of options that make it a sensible choice for a piece machine. Inside the coming months, the laptop computer will turn into even higher when Google releases new AI-powered instruments. Considered one of which even may help enhance short-form written content material.
You should buy the IdeaPad Flex 5i on Greatest Purchase for $500. When you’re open to options, I might argue that the Chromebook Plus CM34 Flip from ASUS could be thought-about a unbelievable second possibility because it shares a number of the identical options, however sports activities a greater processor.
