View at Amazon in your region: amzn.to/3SeYB8U or alternate UK link: amzn.to/3HzLJ8j (my affiliate links). Double check the spec options match what I outline in the video and check this Chromebook's twin out: th-cam.com/video/mcS-Jaftbe0/w-d-xo.html Plugable dock on Amazon in your region: amzn.to/40leHQD (my affiliate link) UPDATE (DECEMBER 2024) - It appears that ChromeOS updates will now last until June 2033 (again!) - th-cam.com/users/shortsFjqUpV7w-pI UPDATE (SEPTEMBER 2024) - Google have extended the date up until which this Chromebook will receive ChromeOS updates from June 2033 (that I mention in the video) by 2 years to June 2035(!) Good news! ✨ Find/follow/support the channel: linktr.ee/mergedroid ✨ As mentioned in the video, the ebay UK item numbers referenced: * Grade B from Techsave2006: 225970202464 at £189.99 * Grade A from Techsave2006: 276297475721 at £199.99 * Brand new 256GB storage model with backlit keyboard from AO: 296188085353 at £226.40 after 20% off voucher JANPAY20 (voucher code ends today, 31/01/24).
I have the swedish version of the Lenovo Chromebook plus Flex 5i, feels like 5 is a lot differen I have speakers up front, and they actually sound great, my other chromebook sounds thin in comparsion even if you put it upside down to get the speakers up. Backlit keyboard, touchscreen, and fingerprint reader. Also came with a pen, and the swedish version has a real PCIE4 nvme drive at 256GB. I also have a older Acer Chromebook 714 (8GB, 4417u, and 128GB SSD). If I compare my older acer with the lenovo, I feel that the Lenovo's keyboard feels "mushroomy".. like older desktop keyboards felt before mechanical. Acer keyboard is really clicky and nice. The Acer has a gorilla glass touchpad that feels SO GOOD. I dont think Lenovos touchpad is bad in performance, works great, but it has a little more resistiance. The Acer is fully aluminium, so you expect it to weigh more than the Lenovo, but the Lenovo feels way heavier even if its as this alu on the screen, and rest plastic. The lenovo is a 2-in-1 so I can use it as a tablet, but I dont get full confidence by how the swivel mechanism feel, while the Acer, I have had it on my washingmachine once, and it shaked of the washing machine straight into a hard floor.. and the alu just got a little dent. But you can hardly see it. I am not sure the outcome with the Lenovo would be the same. Battery.. never got even close to the 10hours claimed, its more like 6 hours in real life, but 6 hours is still way more than I need without having a charger nearby :) The Acer is a bit old now, and gives me around 5 hours. The worst part is that the Lenovo has a really bad screen when it comes to color. Its got like 45% colorspace, so things like red looks more orange than red. If you dont need the screen for color editing, its ok, the colors feels warm, but if you have the Acer next to it, with same video you will see the colors are off. My ideal computer would be the Acer 714 externals with the performance of the Lenovo + and the speakers of lenovo :) THe Lenovo is really fast and nice to work with. Have it connected to my ultra wide screen without problem.
You're welcome, I'm glad the detail I go into is appreciated. Please do check out some more of the Chromebook content on the channel too and consider a sub if it looks good 👍
I purchased the 14IAN8 version of this model in February and agree this is a balanced appraisal of the features and specifications. So, I give this Chromebook 5 stars for build and features, but only 3 stars for the OS and available apps. Even allowing for the handful of productivity apps available through enabling Linux, this delightful little device is let down by the woeful selection of apps available from the WebStore or PlayStore. The most glaring problem is the absence of a multifunction email browser that can organise multiple MS exchange accounts. Gmail is OK for personal mail but doesn't cut it for business or corporate email accounts. It's a shame as the specs for this machine position it as having the potential for being a useful business tool. TBH you may as well buy the cheapest available Chromebook as the latest OS (121) still doesn't match the potential of the device.
Thanks Allan. Can the Outlook app via the Google Playstore help deliver what require for your email setup? Hopefully if not there are some further developments in apps or web based versions, I think it will come this way rather than as a core part of the OS. Oh and you should be able to update to v122 of ChromeOS now 👍
@@MergeDroid Unfortunately, MS have withdrawn support for Outlook in ChromeOS. I have installed Evolution (Linux app) and something I've now forgotten/uninstalled! Thank you for your straight talking reviews sans gush ;-)
@allanhildon thanks for the kind words, glad you're enjoying the channel. Re: Outlook, ah yes just seen the withdrawal of support message after installing. I'm glad you've found another option via the Linux support.
27/02/24 - Credit to @sndrs for making me aware on X (and I've posted over there too), but right now in the UK you can have this same model as a Grade B (it's actually the same seller and listing I purchased from) for just £151.99 after the 20% code 'LEAP20'! Search ebay UK for item no. 225970202464 Crazy value!
@@MergeDroid Idealpad 3 arm cpu 2021, But would like to get something a bit quicker to do banking on, though, i tend to use a arm M1 mac mini as my daily machine
@@ashtonwoodturnings225 MT8183 I guess? This Lenovo would certainly fit the bill of something a bit faster. You might also like to check out the Acer 314 with this same Core i3: th-cam.com/video/9HFonlBjSAw/w-d-xo.html and hopefully tomorrow I'll publish my review of the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 - could be another to consider.
Hi, the latest generation of the Lenovo Flex 3i is an excellent 12.2 inch convertible Chromebook, here's my video on it: th-cam.com/video/nc6RMm7Z9JQ/w-d-xo.html Drop me a comment on that video and let me know what you think or if you have any questions, hope it helps 👍Note - it's not a Chromebook Plus but that's only as the Intel N100 processor doesn't meet the spec. but is an excellent performer and means the Chromebook doesn't need fans.
Thanks, glad to hear they're useful. You know, I've been thinking the same thing - which do I prefer or would I recommend and why between the Acer 314 (th-cam.com/video/9HFonlBjSAw/w-d-xo.html) and this Lenovo. I was using them side by side yesterday - I think I'll do a full video comparison if you can wait for that. If you compare the ports, build materials, the fact the Lenovo has the Chromebook Plus update, it might help you personally know if there are deal breakers with either. Also of course what you're seeing price wise for them.
@@MergeDroida comparison video would be great! For me the ports aren't such a big issue, more the display, speakers etc. good point with chrome plus but I suppose they have similar processes (if matching spec), thanks again!
@@d1noooooo Makes sense. The speakers are a bit mediocre on this Lenovo, as I mention in the video the placement of them really doesn't help. The comparison video is definitely one I plan to make, I can't promise quite how quick I'll be. Give me a shout if you have any queries on them in the mean time and I'll do my best to help.
How do you actually fix the loosy touchpad? Do you need to bend those two metal hinges? I did find your 3 yo video of Lenovo fixing, but there were just loose screws
Hi, thanks for subscribing and sorry you're experiencing that with your Chromebook. I'd say if you can, just send it back for a refund/replacement. The touchpad looseness is not by design. Not sure if you've seen the near identical 14e Gen 3 Chromebook I unboxed recently (here - th-cam.com/video/LwHoa6mL-hM/w-d-xo.html) but the trackpad was 'firm' as you'd expect straight out the box. However, if you do want to try and adjust yours yes for me if was fixed with a gentle bending of the two hinges you see at 4:53 This was fairly straight forward if you have sensible tools to open up the Chromebook and are happy in doing so - also assuming it may invalidate the warranty.
Cheers. I actually felt I overpaid here, I've posted a few deals since on X where it dropped further (from various sellers). There's also the other common variation we have here in the UK with 256gb storage and the back-lit keyboard to watch out for. Are you looking to buy at the moment?
@@AxemanMessiah No problem, it's a good one to have shortlisted. You might want to take a look at some other Chromebook Plus models to see if any particularly appeal - th-cam.com/play/PLNSLoCmFMc8qm1a5XOh5p3JMh4S2qPm6U.html It may also be worth waiting for the next ebay voucher so you can combine that with some of the other ways to save I show in this video: th-cam.com/video/BMKaVNvh-hA/w-d-xo.html In the meantime please feel free to give me a follow on X as I often post Chromebook deals there.
@@AxemanMessiah Check out my recent posts today on X/Twitter and the Community section of my profile here on TH-cam, a couple of Chromebook deals that might interest you. Feel free to drop any questions/comments over on the videos for those models and I'll do my best to respond as usual 👍
I'm looking at this and the Asus cx34 plus. Which one has the best keyboard in your opinion? I'm going to be mainly using it for typing. Al so they're both 270 pounds for the 8gb 256 versions! I just can't decide!
See the sections I show in this video and the CX34 review th-cam.com/video/O6w07enZFw4/w-d-xo.html on the keyboards to get an idea of my views and the 'style' of them. It's a bit down to personal preference, if you like the 'clicky' feedback style of the Lenovo I think most people will prefer that. For the keyboards in particular also keep in my that all CX34 will have back-lit keyboards, but as I cover in this video not all Slim 3i (including my spec) will do.
I've used it with Fortnite for example and yes all smooth and display is nice, I don't have any exact stats - more dependant on your internet connection really. Have you been using it on a lower powered Chromebook?
@@MergeDroid No long time ago when i had a 4gb lenovo chromebook but wondering if 8gb will make a difference in the streaming experience when we talk about cloud gaming
@Asadc1995 yeah I mean that plus the modern Intel Core i3-N305 processor, pretty decent screen etc all help with the load and experience but Internet connection is key. Check out some of my other recent reviews of 8GB Chromebooks, I always show a bit of some gaming (some local Android games too, but even they will have a cloud element). Only the emulators are really truly local to the device I guess.
Sorry man, you got no clue what you're talking about. The 1368x768 res model is not Chromebook Plus, Plus needs to have 1080p. You've shoed specs for Slim 3i, not Slim 3i Plus
Huh? I clearly tell you the model variant I have has a FHD IPS screen, see 4:54 and you can see by the box and lid of the Chromebook it's branded as Chromebook Plus. Are you talking about 5:05 ? I am showing you the full list of models within this 8th Gen IdeaPad Slim 3i product line and pointing out that there are some model options that just have HD displays, those will not qualify to be Chromebook Plus as you're aware, I certainly don't claim that they are. As I also mention in the video there are other models in this range with processors like the N100 and N200 that don't qualify them to be Chromebook Plus as well as other spec variations like the webcam too . I also give you a run through of all of the requirements for a Chromebook Plus at 5:33
@foxcryptoboss thanks. I focus on the model I'm reviewing, but I try to always show all model options in the range to explain to everyone the fact that there are differences to watch out for - good and bad, usually more the latter unfortunately. Please do check out some more of my other videos for this same approach too. I think I do differentiate the actual model from the options available, explaining they are options to watch for.
Hi again Dan, see 6:49 and since using it more, obviously with the Core i3-N305 in my case, it's as expected, fine to get into a second day of general use but if pushing it gaming etc, running the screen at full brightness I'll want to charge the same day. I think if you're taking it easy you'll get close to the 10hr mark.
@@daniel30000i no real complaints there, whilst not my personal favourite keyboard ever, it's well built and gives a consistent typing experience. It's fairly clicky as you can hear and with what I describe as medium key travel, with some feedback. As with any keyboard the feel of it may take a bit of getting used to depending on what you're coming from / used to typing on and your preferences for key travel/responsiveness may vary. Certainly not a bad keyboard though and there's no problem with flex etc in the keyboard deck. I think this one is built fairly solid and to with stand a bit of abuse due to this - th-cam.com/video/mcS-Jaftbe0/w-d-xo.html
View at Amazon in your region: amzn.to/3SeYB8U or alternate UK link: amzn.to/3HzLJ8j (my affiliate links). Double check the spec options match what I outline in the video and check this Chromebook's twin out: th-cam.com/video/mcS-Jaftbe0/w-d-xo.html
Plugable dock on Amazon in your region: amzn.to/40leHQD (my affiliate link)
UPDATE (DECEMBER 2024) - It appears that ChromeOS updates will now last until June 2033 (again!) - th-cam.com/users/shortsFjqUpV7w-pI
UPDATE (SEPTEMBER 2024) - Google have extended the date up until which this Chromebook will receive ChromeOS updates from June 2033 (that I mention in the video) by 2 years to June 2035(!) Good news!
✨ Find/follow/support the channel: linktr.ee/mergedroid ✨
As mentioned in the video, the ebay UK item numbers referenced:
* Grade B from Techsave2006: 225970202464 at £189.99
* Grade A from Techsave2006: 276297475721 at £199.99
* Brand new 256GB storage model with backlit keyboard from AO: 296188085353 at £226.40 after 20% off voucher JANPAY20 (voucher code ends today, 31/01/24).
I have the swedish version of the Lenovo Chromebook plus Flex 5i, feels like 5 is a lot differen I have speakers up front, and they actually sound great, my other chromebook sounds thin in comparsion even if you put it upside down to get the speakers up. Backlit keyboard, touchscreen, and fingerprint reader. Also came with a pen, and the swedish version has a real PCIE4 nvme drive at 256GB. I also have a older Acer Chromebook 714 (8GB, 4417u, and 128GB SSD). If I compare my older acer with the lenovo, I feel that the Lenovo's keyboard feels "mushroomy".. like older desktop keyboards felt before mechanical. Acer keyboard is really clicky and nice. The Acer has a gorilla glass touchpad that feels SO GOOD. I dont think Lenovos touchpad is bad in performance, works great, but it has a little more resistiance. The Acer is fully aluminium, so you expect it to weigh more than the Lenovo, but the Lenovo feels way heavier even if its as this alu on the screen, and rest plastic. The lenovo is a 2-in-1 so I can use it as a tablet, but I dont get full confidence by how the swivel mechanism feel, while the Acer, I have had it on my washingmachine once, and it shaked of the washing machine straight into a hard floor.. and the alu just got a little dent. But you can hardly see it. I am not sure the outcome with the Lenovo would be the same. Battery.. never got even close to the 10hours claimed, its more like 6 hours in real life, but 6 hours is still way more than I need without having a charger nearby :) The Acer is a bit old now, and gives me around 5 hours. The worst part is that the Lenovo has a really bad screen when it comes to color. Its got like 45% colorspace, so things like red looks more orange than red. If you dont need the screen for color editing, its ok, the colors feels warm, but if you have the Acer next to it, with same video you will see the colors are off. My ideal computer would be the Acer 714 externals with the performance of the Lenovo + and the speakers of lenovo :) THe Lenovo is really fast and nice to work with. Have it connected to my ultra wide screen without problem.
Both sound like great Chromebooks in their own right...if only you could combine the best features of both! Keeps it interesting!
Thank you. Like the details and the helpful links
You're welcome, I'm glad the detail I go into is appreciated. Please do check out some more of the Chromebook content on the channel too and consider a sub if it looks good 👍
I purchased the 14IAN8 version of this model in February and agree this is a balanced appraisal of the features and specifications. So, I give this Chromebook 5 stars for build and features, but only 3 stars for the OS and available apps. Even allowing for the handful of productivity apps available through enabling Linux, this delightful little device is let down by the woeful selection of apps available from the WebStore or PlayStore. The most glaring problem is the absence of a multifunction email browser that can organise multiple MS exchange accounts. Gmail is OK for personal mail but doesn't cut it for business or corporate email accounts. It's a shame as the specs for this machine position it as having the potential for being a useful business tool.
TBH you may as well buy the cheapest available Chromebook as the latest OS (121) still doesn't match the potential of the device.
Thanks Allan. Can the Outlook app via the Google Playstore help deliver what require for your email setup? Hopefully if not there are some further developments in apps or web based versions, I think it will come this way rather than as a core part of the OS. Oh and you should be able to update to v122 of ChromeOS now 👍
@@MergeDroid Unfortunately, MS have withdrawn support for Outlook in ChromeOS. I have installed Evolution (Linux app) and something I've now forgotten/uninstalled!
Thank you for your straight talking reviews sans gush ;-)
@allanhildon thanks for the kind words, glad you're enjoying the channel. Re: Outlook, ah yes just seen the withdrawal of support message after installing. I'm glad you've found another option via the Linux support.
27/02/24 - Credit to @sndrs for making me aware on X (and I've posted over there too), but right now in the UK you can have this same model as a Grade B (it's actually the same seller and listing I purchased from) for just £151.99 after the 20% code 'LEAP20'! Search ebay UK for item no. 225970202464 Crazy value!
Nice review, Thank you
Appreciate the comment and glad you like the video. Looking to buy a Chromebook at the moment or a happy owner?
@@MergeDroid I have an old chromebook, but its so slow, so looking whats out there
@@ashtonwoodturnings225 Great, I hope the Chromebook content on the channel will help you out. What model is your old/current Chromebook?
@@MergeDroid Idealpad 3 arm cpu 2021, But would like to get something a bit quicker to do banking on, though, i tend to use a arm M1 mac mini as my daily machine
@@ashtonwoodturnings225 MT8183 I guess? This Lenovo would certainly fit the bill of something a bit faster. You might also like to check out the Acer 314 with this same Core i3: th-cam.com/video/9HFonlBjSAw/w-d-xo.html and hopefully tomorrow I'll publish my review of the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 - could be another to consider.
Hi does this come in 11 or 12 inch if not can you recommend the best small chromeboom plus. Thanks
Hi, the latest generation of the Lenovo Flex 3i is an excellent 12.2 inch convertible Chromebook, here's my video on it: th-cam.com/video/nc6RMm7Z9JQ/w-d-xo.html Drop me a comment on that video and let me know what you think or if you have any questions, hope it helps 👍Note - it's not a Chromebook Plus but that's only as the Intel N100 processor doesn't meet the spec. but is an excellent performer and means the Chromebook doesn't need fans.
Nice review, i was looking at the new 314 and this. Which is your fave so far? Thanks for these videos, appreciate your unbiased opinion
Thanks, glad to hear they're useful. You know, I've been thinking the same thing - which do I prefer or would I recommend and why between the Acer 314 (th-cam.com/video/9HFonlBjSAw/w-d-xo.html) and this Lenovo. I was using them side by side yesterday - I think I'll do a full video comparison if you can wait for that. If you compare the ports, build materials, the fact the Lenovo has the Chromebook Plus update, it might help you personally know if there are deal breakers with either. Also of course what you're seeing price wise for them.
@@MergeDroida comparison video would be great! For me the ports aren't such a big issue, more the display, speakers etc. good point with chrome plus but I suppose they have similar processes (if matching spec), thanks again!
@@d1noooooo Makes sense. The speakers are a bit mediocre on this Lenovo, as I mention in the video the placement of them really doesn't help. The comparison video is definitely one I plan to make, I can't promise quite how quick I'll be. Give me a shout if you have any queries on them in the mean time and I'll do my best to help.
How do you actually fix the loosy touchpad? Do you need to bend those two metal hinges? I did find your 3 yo video of Lenovo fixing, but there were just loose screws
Hi, thanks for subscribing and sorry you're experiencing that with your Chromebook. I'd say if you can, just send it back for a refund/replacement. The touchpad looseness is not by design. Not sure if you've seen the near identical 14e Gen 3 Chromebook I unboxed recently (here - th-cam.com/video/LwHoa6mL-hM/w-d-xo.html) but the trackpad was 'firm' as you'd expect straight out the box.
However, if you do want to try and adjust yours yes for me if was fixed with a gentle bending of the two hinges you see at 4:53 This was fairly straight forward if you have sensible tools to open up the Chromebook and are happy in doing so - also assuming it may invalidate the warranty.
@@MergeDroid yes, I can confirm that it works. No more play. thanks
@deniskfender brilliant, glad you're sorted! I really wish these loose touch pads weren't a thing in 2024! At least this one is easy to work on.
Nice one, £200 is a steal. Its still £225 for renewed used condition 5 months since your post.
Cheers. I actually felt I overpaid here, I've posted a few deals since on X where it dropped further (from various sellers). There's also the other common variation we have here in the UK with 256gb storage and the back-lit keyboard to watch out for. Are you looking to buy at the moment?
@@MergeDroid Yes! I am in the market for a chroembook, it doesn't have to be this model. Icheers
@@AxemanMessiah No problem, it's a good one to have shortlisted. You might want to take a look at some other Chromebook Plus models to see if any particularly appeal - th-cam.com/play/PLNSLoCmFMc8qm1a5XOh5p3JMh4S2qPm6U.html It may also be worth waiting for the next ebay voucher so you can combine that with some of the other ways to save I show in this video: th-cam.com/video/BMKaVNvh-hA/w-d-xo.html In the meantime please feel free to give me a follow on X as I often post Chromebook deals there.
@@AxemanMessiah Check out my recent posts today on X/Twitter and the Community section of my profile here on TH-cam, a couple of Chromebook deals that might interest you. Feel free to drop any questions/comments over on the videos for those models and I'll do my best to respond as usual 👍
I'm looking at this and the Asus cx34 plus. Which one has the best keyboard in your opinion? I'm going to be mainly using it for typing.
Al so they're both 270 pounds for the 8gb 256 versions! I just can't decide!
See the sections I show in this video and the CX34 review th-cam.com/video/O6w07enZFw4/w-d-xo.html on the keyboards to get an idea of my views and the 'style' of them. It's a bit down to personal preference, if you like the 'clicky' feedback style of the Lenovo I think most people will prefer that. For the keyboards in particular also keep in my that all CX34 will have back-lit keyboards, but as I cover in this video not all Slim 3i (including my spec) will do.
How is the 8gb version with geforce now cloud based gaming?
I've used it with Fortnite for example and yes all smooth and display is nice, I don't have any exact stats - more dependant on your internet connection really. Have you been using it on a lower powered Chromebook?
@@MergeDroid No long time ago when i had a 4gb lenovo chromebook but wondering if 8gb will make a difference in the streaming experience when we talk about cloud gaming
@Asadc1995 yeah I mean that plus the modern Intel Core i3-N305 processor, pretty decent screen etc all help with the load and experience but Internet connection is key. Check out some of my other recent reviews of 8GB Chromebooks, I always show a bit of some gaming (some local Android games too, but even they will have a cloud element). Only the emulators are really truly local to the device I guess.
@@MergeDroid Really do you notice delay even with 60hz screen?
@Asadc1995 it doesn't bother me / I don't notice, but you could look at one of the gaming Chromebooks released with higher refresh displays?
Sorry man, you got no clue what you're talking about. The 1368x768 res model is not Chromebook Plus, Plus needs to have 1080p. You've shoed specs for Slim 3i, not Slim 3i Plus
Huh? I clearly tell you the model variant I have has a FHD IPS screen, see 4:54 and you can see by the box and lid of the Chromebook it's branded as Chromebook Plus.
Are you talking about 5:05 ? I am showing you the full list of models within this 8th Gen IdeaPad Slim 3i product line and pointing out that there are some model options that just have HD displays, those will not qualify to be Chromebook Plus as you're aware, I certainly don't claim that they are. As I also mention in the video there are other models in this range with processors like the N100 and N200 that don't qualify them to be Chromebook Plus as well as other spec variations like the webcam too . I also give you a run through of all of the requirements for a Chromebook Plus at 5:33
Right. Ok. You’re right. Just confusing to users that title says Chromebook Plus when what you’re showing are all versions of 3i.
@foxcryptoboss thanks. I focus on the model I'm reviewing, but I try to always show all model options in the range to explain to everyone the fact that there are differences to watch out for - good and bad, usually more the latter unfortunately. Please do check out some more of my other videos for this same approach too. I think I do differentiate the actual model from the options available, explaining they are options to watch for.
💙
Glad you're liking it!
How is battery life on this model?
Hi again Dan, see 6:49 and since using it more, obviously with the Core i3-N305 in my case, it's as expected, fine to get into a second day of general use but if pushing it gaming etc, running the screen at full brightness I'll want to charge the same day. I think if you're taking it easy you'll get close to the 10hr mark.
@@MergeDroidthank u, and the keyboard? I’m hearing negatives about it. Any further thoughts with more use?
@@daniel30000i no real complaints there, whilst not my personal favourite keyboard ever, it's well built and gives a consistent typing experience. It's fairly clicky as you can hear and with what I describe as medium key travel, with some feedback. As with any keyboard the feel of it may take a bit of getting used to depending on what you're coming from / used to typing on and your preferences for key travel/responsiveness may vary. Certainly not a bad keyboard though and there's no problem with flex etc in the keyboard deck. I think this one is built fairly solid and to with stand a bit of abuse due to this - th-cam.com/video/mcS-Jaftbe0/w-d-xo.html