This $499 Lenovo Chromebook Plus will make you rethink spending a lot on laptops

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i is certainly one of a number of new Chromebook Plus fashions, priced at slightly below $500.
• Because of its versatile hinge design and sharp-looking show, it is a improbable machine for digital content material creators.
• Simply do not anticipate probably 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 technology 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. Nonetheless, I wish to convey consideration to one of many extra area of interest choices of the bunch, one which I might argue is healthier than the generic fashions when put into the arms of the right person. 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 fitted to photographers and content material creators due to a number of options. First, you could 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 screen as it might output a decision of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels.

The truth is, amongst this new Chromebook Plus commonplace, the IdeaPad Flex 5i has one of many higher shows. And secondly, Google has outfitted this machine with the brand new Magic Eraser modifying instrument. I break down every thing under.

Magic Eraser may be very helpful as a result of it might intelligently take away objects (together with photobombers) in a picture, after which substitute them with the encircling setting. 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I discovered outdated photos from my beginner pictures days and determined to edit them. I used to be stunned by simply how efficient Magic Eraser was at cleansing up photographs; All I needed to do was draw a circle round an object to eliminate it. The method is made simpler due to the attractive, 14-inch touchscreen of the IdeaPad.

Additionally: Lenovo’s new ThinkBook Plus is probably the most attention-grabbing 2-in-1 laptop computer I’ve used all 12 months

It is a extra tedious activity on Google Pixel telephones due to the smaller actual property. What’s extra, you’ll discover an SD card reader port among the many inputs on the aspect so you’ll be able to instantly add photos from a DSLR digital camera to the pc.

Even in the event you’re not a photographer, I might nonetheless extremely suggest the IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus as a result of it is nice at being each a piece and leisure laptop computer. I simply needed 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 snug as a result of the keyboard and touchpad proportions are close to splendid for me; One would not take up extra space than it must. If you happen to learn my assessment of the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34, you may be taught that I wasn’t a fan of the smaller keyboard. The empty area may’ve been used extra successfully for a cushty expertise. With Lenovo’s Chromebook, I am glad to say this drawback would not exist. The backlit keyboard stretches practically finish to finish, solely leaving just a little little bit of room for the audio system.

Additionally: This Chromebook has the longest-lasting battery life I’ve examined, and it isn’t even shut

Whereas we’re on the subject, I observed that the audio coming from the IdeaPad’s audio system sounds nice when voices are the first focus. I used to be genuinely stunned by how fantastic a singer’s voice sounded popping out of them. It definitely helps that the Chromebook Plus sequence options AI enhancements to video requires larger readability. That stated, the total leisure expertise was not excellent — the audio system did lack bass, leading to shallow-sounding music.

Design-wise, I discover the plastic development 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 word 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 this moment’s requirements, however when in comparison with different Chromebook Plus fashions, it is without doubt one of the chunkier choices.

I examined the IdeaPad Flex 5i’s battery life by enjoying a repeatedly operating 720p video at 50 % 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 in the event you use the pc for extra reasonable workloads.

Additionally: This Acer laptop computer stands out as the most reasonably priced solution to have an Nvidia 40 Collection GPU

I ought to warn you that this laptop computer can run just a little heat. The IdeaPad Flex 5i comes outfitted 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 suggest selecting up the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus as a result of I see it as one of many higher fashions of its technology. It comes with a great-looking display screen, first rate efficiency, and a number of options that make it a good selection for a piece machine. Inside the coming months, the laptop computer will develop into even higher when Google releases new AI-powered instruments. Considered one of which even will help enhance short-form written content material.

You should purchase the IdeaPad Flex 5i on Greatest Purchase for $500. If you happen to’re open to alternate options, I might argue that the Chromebook Plus CM34 Flip from ASUS might be thought-about a improbable second choice because it shares among the similar options, however sports activities a greater processor.