Unless you are on the strictest of budgets or need the modern equivalent of a portable typewriter, the Chromebook 3’s main selling points—a bargain price, a comfortable keyboard, minimal weight, and long battery life—don’t quite make up for a screen that's well behind the times. Lenovo Chromebook C340-11 review: Budget-friendly 2-in-1 for school basics. And the iPad’s 10.2-inch Retina display is far more than twice as good, with a much higher 2,160-by-1,620-pixel resolution and only slightly less surface area than the Chromebook 3’s screen.Â. But for less than twice the Chromebook 3’s price, you could buy an Apple iPad, which is more than twice as good in nearly every respect.Â, From the outside, this Walmart-exclusive Chromebook 3 is actually quite stylish. A headphone/microphone combination jack is on the left side, as well as a microSD card reader. The Lenovo Chromebook C330 is an 11-inch convertible that has a lot in common with its competition. The 11.6-inch convertible is a sturdy, low-cost option for a student Chromebook. But doing so risks losing sight of why people seek an inexpensive point of access to the web in the first place. As a freelancer, he's written on topics as diverse as Borneo's rain forests, Middle Eastern airlines, and big data's role in presidential elections. Lenovo Chromebook 3 11" Review - A $169 Intel Laptop! The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is, in a way, exactly what I've wanted Apple and Microsoft (among others) to release. On the other hand, the cramped 11.6-inch display, with a less-than-full-HD resolution, should prompt you to take stock of your priorities. The screen is also dim and slightly fuzzy, with a backlight rated for just 250 nits of peak brightness and a native resolution of 1,366 by 768 pixels. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. This is … (Image credit: Future) If all you need is a machine to browse the internet, which is what Chromebooks are intended to do, the screen is the most important part of the device. Of course, most premium Chromebooks have screens that are 13 inches or larger. He got his start in technology journalism by reviewing the latest hard drives, keyboards, and much more for PCMag's sister site, Computer Shopper. It's by far the biggest weak point, in fact. While the iPad lasts for only about 7 hours, we used a significantly more demanding test for it (streaming high-resolution video at full screen brightness), so the results aren’t comparable.Â, It’s a bit unorthodox to compare the Lenovo Chromebook 3 with an iPad, which costs almost twice as much and has a tablet form factor, a different operating system, and no keyboard in the box. The onboard Wi-Fi connectivity is limited to 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2. The 11-inch-class Lenovo Chromebook 3 ($169.99) is proof that you can buy a well-built laptop with a long-lasting battery for less than $200. If you really are stuck with that spending ceiling for a laptop, you could do worse than this Chromebook. For an 11-incher, the Chromebook 3 is actually bulky, measuring 0.71 by 11.3 by 8.1 inches (HWD). In the charts below, the Pixelbook Go and the Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook both have more capable Intel Core processors, while the IdeaPad 3 Chromebook shares the same processor as the Chromebook 3. But neither of them is expensive by absolute standards relative to most laptops, and the two devices set out to accomplish similar goals. Fast, simple, and secure, the Chromebook 3 11 inch is powered by Intel ® processors and eMMC flash storage for rapid, smooth system response. The Chromebook 3 weighs just 2.42 pounds, less than many premium ultraportable Chromebooks. But neither of them is expensive by absolute standards relative to most laptops, and the two devices set out to accomplish similar goals. MacBook Pro vs. MacBook Air: Which 13-Inch Apple Laptop Is Best for 2020? Read Acer Chromebook Spin 13 Review That's a Lackluster Screen, Though The Chromebook 3’s 11.6-inch screen is by far its weakest feature. While the excellent Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a detachable Chromebook with a touch screen, it tops out at an approximately full HD resolution (1,920 by 1,200). Follow him on Twitter @, Best Malware Removal and Protection Software, The Best 2-in-1 Convertible and Hybrid Laptops for 2020. The 11-inch-class Lenovo Chromebook 3 ($169.99) is proof that you can buy a well-built laptop with a long-lasting battery for less than $200. Using it reminded me of how mobile computing used to be five or 10 years ago, before the advent of slim display bezels and screens with full HD or 4K resolutions.Â. Best Chromebook for 2021: Acer, HP, Asus, Lenovo and more compared. Using it reminded me of how mobile computing used to be five or 10 years ago, before the advent of slim display bezels and screens with full HD or 4K resolutions. This two-tone color scheme would look tacky on an expensive laptop, but here I think it works quite well. Lenovo has listed a new model under its budget lineup of laptops, the 11-inch Lenovo Chromebook 3.. Not only is the Flex 3 sturdy and good-looking, but it’s also without unnecessary heft and size. The most obvious is typing. A graduate of Middlebury College, Tom also has a master's journalism degree from New York University. Tom is PCMag's San Francisco-based news reporter. The performance differences look similar on the CrXPRT test, which tests everyday muscle in a standalone app installed via the Chrome app store instead of in a browser window. The 11-inch-class Lenovo Chromebook 3 ($169.99) is proof that you can buy a well-built laptop with a long-lasting battery for less than $200. Compare that with the opposite end of the Chromebook spectrum, the Google Pixelbook Go, a premium ultraportable with a much larger 13.3-inch display but not much more footprint, measuring 0.5 by 12.2 by 8.1 inches. The Chromebook 3 actually offers a decent typing experience, with sturdy key switches and satisfying click feedback. Otherwise, the iPad is a better fit for the types of tasks for which people usually use bargain-basement Chromebooks. The IdeaPad 3 comes with a non-backlit keyboard in the standard Chrome OS layout. The Chromebook 3’s 11.6-inch screen is by far its weakest feature. Comparing the Chromebook 3 with other Chromebooks on browser-based benchmarks like WebXPRT and JetStream helps illustrate performance differences. But even though an iPad offers more bang for your buck, there are still a few reasons why you might want to buy the Chromebook instead. And the iPad lacks a physical keyboard entirely (though you can buy one to supplement the tablet, of course). The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook has some pretty epic borders around its 11-inch touch-capable display. The lower chin, in particular, is enormous. The Lenovo Flex 11 Chromebook is a durable 2-in-1 with enough processing power to handle multitasking for homework and research. Slick Ultraportables Face Off: 2020 Apple MacBook Air vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3, High-End Mac Showdown: Apple iMac vs. Apple MacBook Pro, Apple: A Privacy Cover For Your MacBook's Camera Can Actually Damage the Display, Report: Apple to Launch a Cheaper ARM MacBook Air, Purism Launches Librem 14 Security-Focused Linux Laptop, ARM-Based Macs Won't Support Boot Camp, Apple Confirms, Acer Debuts a 360Hz Gaming Monitor, Predator Laptop and Desktop Revisions, AMD to Power More Chromebooks With Ryzen, Athlon '3000 C-Series' Chips, HP Preps Business Laptops and Desktops With AMD Ryzen Chips, The Best External Hard Drives and SSDs for Mac in 2021, First Ryzen 5000 Mobile Benchmarks: With 'Zen 3,' AMD Pumps Up Its Laptop-CPU Muscle, Decent build quality and keyboard for the money, Low-quality, low-res screen with big bezels. If you plan to use your laptop like a 21st-century typewriter, with a single Google Docs window displayed on the screen all day long as you write the next great American novel, the Chromebook 3 is actually an appropriate tool for the job. Not bad, but not iPad. Plus, the iPad has touch support. Unless you are on the strictest of budgets or need the modern equivalent of a portable typewriter, the Chromebook 3’s main selling points—a bargain price, a comfortable keyboard, minimal weight, and long battery life—don’t quite make up for a screen that's well behind the times.Â, If you are looking specifically for the Chrome operating system and willing to spend a bit more, the Editors’ Choice-winning Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a good option in the under-$300 category. You’re unlikely to find a touch screen comparable with the iPad’s resolution on a Chromebook that costs $300 or even $500. Its screen is bland, though, and the keyboard is … (It's just 32GB.)Â. Rosetta Stone Promo Code DISPLAY: 11.6”, HD (1366 x 768), TN ... ASUS TUF Dash F15 (FX516) review … But the chassis feels solid and remarkably light. If you've got less than $200 to spend on a laptop for a child or as a secondary machine, Lenovo's Chromebook 3 is an acceptable option, though its small, low-quality display leaves much to be desired. Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac. So, you can bring this Chromebook … How to install Office apps on a Chromebook: Open the Google Play Store and search for the apps you want to install.. Or you can click on any of these links to download a specific app: Microsoft Outlook, … The 11-inch-class Lenovo Chromebook 3 ($169.99) is proof that you can buy a well-built laptop with a long-lasting battery for less than $200. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. As a freelancer, he's written on topics as diverse as Borneo's rain forests, Middle Eastern airlines, and big data's role in presidential elections. A graduate of Middlebury College, Tom also has a master's journalism degree from New York University. Slick Ultraportables Face Off: 2020 Apple MacBook Air vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3, High-End Mac Showdown: Apple iMac vs. Apple MacBook Pro, Apple: A Privacy Cover For Your MacBook's Camera Can Actually Damage the Display, Report: Apple to Launch a Cheaper ARM MacBook Air, Purism Launches Librem 14 Security-Focused Linux Laptop, ARM-Based Macs Won't Support Boot Camp, Apple Confirms, Acer Debuts a 360Hz Gaming Monitor, Predator Laptop and Desktop Revisions, HP Tips New Pavilion Laptops Starting at $579, AMD to Power More Chromebooks With Ryzen, Athlon '3000 C-Series' Chips, The Best External Hard Drives and SSDs for Mac in 2021, First Ryzen 5000 Mobile Benchmarks: With 'Zen 3,' AMD Pumps Up Its Laptop-CPU Muscle, Decent build quality and keyboard for the money, Low-quality, low-res screen with big bezels. It simulates a host of work and play activities of the kind you might do on a Chromebook (editing pictures, doing homework, watching movies). You’re unlikely to find a touch screen comparable with the iPad’s resolution on a Chromebook that costs $300 or even $500. If all you need is a machine to browse the internet, which is what Chromebooks are intended to do, the screen is the most important part of the device. Luckily, the Chromebook 3 is equipped with plenty of ports for you to connect a wired external mouse and headphones. In our test, which involves playing a locally stored video with Wi-Fi turned off and the screen at 50 percent brightness, the laptop managed to stay powered up for nearly 19 hours. There’s also a 720p webcam mounted above the display, which offers decent video quality, albeit with slightly washed-out colors. On the other hand, the cramped 11.6-inch display, with a less-than-full-HD resolution, should prompt you to take stock of your priorities. But doing so risks losing sight of why people seek an inexpensive point of access to the web in the first place. The Chromebook 3’s 11.6-inch screen is by far its weakest feature. The Chromebook 3 takes about 10 seconds to boot up. #CommissionsEarned See all Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Chromebook 11 configurations. If you've got less than $200 to spend on a laptop for a child or as a secondary machine, Lenovo's Chromebook 3 is an acceptable option, though its small, low-quality display leaves much to be desired. Both of these standards are a generation behind the cutting edge (802.11ax and Bluetooth 5), but they’re entirely acceptable for an extreme budget laptop like this one. That said, that Celeron is not nearly as powerful as an Intel Core i3 or Core i5 processor, the classes of chip found in many Chromebooks that cost $500 and up. The 11-inch-class Lenovo Chromebook 3 ($169.99) is proof that you can buy a well-built laptop with a long-lasting battery for less than $200. But for less than twice the Chromebook 3’s price, you could buy an Apple iPad, which is more than twice as good in nearly every respect. The latter will come in handy for adding some extra local storage capacity if you need more than what the Chromebook 3's cramped flash-memory-based boot drive can give. The Chromebook 3 weighs just 2.42 pounds, less than many premium ultraportable Chromebooks.Â. It’s a bit unorthodox to compare the Lenovo Chromebook 3 with an iPad, which costs almost twice as much and has a tablet form factor, a different operating system, and no keyboard in the box. The entire laptop measures 0.7 by 11.4 by 8.2 … If you are looking specifically for the Chrome operating system and willing to spend a bit more, the Editors’ Choice-winning Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a good option in the under-$300 category. The latter will come in handy for adding some extra local storage capacity if you need more than what the Chromebook 3's cramped flash-memory-based boot drive can give. If you’re doing typical Chromebook activities like watching videos or browsing the web, things for which the screen is the most important component, the Chromebook 3 is clearly deficient. Two-minute review. As a tablet, it’s similar in functionality and price to the iPad. The Chromebook 3 actually offers a decent typing experience, with sturdy key switches and satisfying click feedback. Unless you're stuck strictly under $200 for your device, it’s hard to recommend the Chromebook 3 when two such capable devices are waiting just one rung up the budget ladder. Compare that with the opposite end of the Chromebook spectrum, the Google Pixelbook Go, a premium ultraportable with a much larger 13.3-inch display but not much more footprint, measuring 0.5 by 12.2 by 8.1 inches. Otherwise, the iPad is a better fit for the types of tasks for which people usually use bargain-basement Chromebooks. MacBook Pro vs. MacBook Air: Which 13-Inch Apple Laptop Is Best for 2020? The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook is the latest 2-in-1 laptop hybrid to hit the market, but where others lack software support or sacrifice portability by loading up on … But should you? Now, the Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook display, rated at an HD resolution of 1,366 x 768 pixels and at 11.6-inches, is undeniably this laptop's weak point. Customer reviews Lenovo Chromebook 3 11 11.6" Laptop Computer for Business Student, AMD A6-9220C up to 2.7GHz, 4GB LPDDR4 RAM, 32GB eMMC, 2x2 AC WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, Webcam, … I got this Chromebook for my daughter so she can do remote learning and was an early Christmas gift. Plus, the iPad has touch support. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. As a tablet, it’s similar in functionality and price to the iPad. The onboard Wi-Fi connectivity is limited to 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2. Apple MacBook Pro vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3: Which 13-Inch Premium Laptop Is Tops? PCMag is obsessed with culture and tech, offering smart, spirited coverage of the products and innovations that shape our connected lives and the digital trends that keep us talking. Source: Lon.TV Walmart is currently offering a decent Chromebook for only $169! The performance differences look similar on the CrXPRT test, which tests everyday muscle in a standalone app installed via the Chrome app store instead of in a browser window. It simulates a host of work and play activities of the kind you might do on a Chromebook (editing pictures, doing homework, watching movies). You get two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports and two USB Type-C ports, one each on either side of the laptop. In the charts below, the Pixelbook Go and the Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook both have more capable Intel Core processors, while the IdeaPad 3 Chromebook shares the same processor as the Chromebook 3.Â. If you plan to use your laptop like a 21st-century typewriter, with a single Google Docs window displayed on the screen all day long as you write the next great American novel, the Chromebook 3 is actually an appropriate tool for the job. It performs significantly better on synthetic benchmark tests than ARM-based processors like the one in the Chromebook Duet, which make up a sizable portion of the processors in extreme budget Chromebooks. The touchpad, however, is unforgivably clumsy, requiring significant pressure from a fingertip just to get the cursor moving. Performance from the Chromebook 3’s Intel Celeron N4020 processor and 4GB of memory is adequate by Chromebook standards. But should you? PCMag PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis, LLC and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. The colorful Google Chrome logo is set into the upper right corner of the display lid, and a striped pattern fills the space below it and contrasts nicely with the solid Onyx Black color that makes up the rest of the lid. The latest release Lenovo Flex 3 is a 2-in-1 Chromebook with a 360-degree rotating flip-and-fold 11.6-inch high definition touch display, quad core MediaTek MT8173C processor, 32GB … Cash-cramped students who can get by with Chrome OS, and shoppers seeking a secondary, nightstand-side laptop, might put it on the shortlist. For an 11-incher, the Chromebook 3 is actually bulky, measuring 0.71 by 11.3 by 8.1 inches (HWD). But should you? Not so with the attractive, solidly built Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Chromebook ($249.99). The most obvious is typing. Its only real shortfall is the lack of key backlighting, though that's not a realistic feature to expect at this price. Audio output is also marginal, with the Chromebook 3’s downward-firing speakers offering a decent top level of volume but megaphone-like quality. Notebookcheck reviews the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 11IGL05. It performs significantly better on synthetic benchmark tests than ARM-based processors like the one in the Chromebook Duet, which make up a sizable portion of the processors in extreme budget Chromebooks.Â, That said, that Celeron is not nearly as powerful as an Intel Core i3 or Core i5 processor, the classes of chip found in many Chromebooks that cost $500 and up. It suffers from ho-hum performance, but it does include a complementing keyboard in the box. I found it to be a very capable device for the … It’s more straightforward to compare the Chromebook 3 to another budget Chromebook that has a higher-quality screen. They’re platforms for consuming content on the modern internet, from video conferencing to playing games to taking advantage of the extensive Google and Apple app ecosystems. And the iPad lacks a physical keyboard entirely (though you can buy one to supplement the tablet, of course). Follow him on Twitter @, The Best 2-in-1 Convertible and Hybrid Laptops for 2020. This compact and affordable convertible laptop is built for pupils and students and is especially interesting because of its … From the outside, this Walmart-exclusive Chromebook 3 is actually quite stylish. (It's just 32GB.). Lenovo Chromebook Duet review: Redefining the small and cheap tablet It’s an excellent Chromebook at a truly incredible price. It weighs only 2.47lbs / 1.12kg and is smaller than a sheet of A4 paper. The touchpad, however, is unforgivably clumsy, requiring significant pressure from a fingertip just to get the cursor moving. This two-tone color scheme would look tacky on an expensive laptop, but here I think it works quite well.Â, Touching the outside of the Chromebook 3 brings its budget roots to light, though. But should you? Its only real shortfall is the lack of key backlighting, though that's not a realistic feature to expect at this price. You’ll need to step up to the level of the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook (starting at a grand) or the Google Pixelbook Go (starting at $649) for this level of quality. Touching the outside of the Chromebook 3 brings its budget roots to light, though. Thanks to its modest processing needs and a dim display backlight that doesn’t consume much power, the Chromebook 3’s relatively skimpy three-cell, 42Whr battery can last for an extraordinarily long time when the laptop is unplugged. It's wide enough that there are no weirdly compressed keys a la the Lenovo Chromebook Duet … The Chromebook Flex 3i is about the same size as most other Chromebooks or Windows laptops based around an 11.6-inch panel, but thicker than many. It has a smaller 11-inch display, capable but low … I am happy to report everything is working great, smooth, easy to use, and is comfortable. A headphone/microphone combination jack is on the left side, as well as a microSD card reader. Performance from the Chromebook 3’s Intel Celeron N4020 processor and 4GB of memory is adequate by Chromebook standards. During my testing, I occasionally experienced slowdowns and sluggishness when navigating resource-intensive websites like YouTube, but overall the machine was perfectly usable. Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook review: An affordable 2-in-1 for school or work An excellent Chromebook value if you can look past some screen and speaker issues. Cash-cramped students who can get by with Chrome OS, and shoppers seeking a secondary, nightstand-side laptop, might put it on the shortlist. The material feels rather cheap, and it attracts oodles of fingerprints after just a few minutes of handling. They’re platforms for consuming content on the modern internet, from video conferencing to playing games to taking advantage of the extensive Google and Apple app ecosystems.Â, It’s more straightforward to compare the Chromebook 3 to another budget Chromebook that has a higher-quality screen. Tom is PCMag's San Francisco-based news reporter. Apple MacBook Pro vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3: Which 13-Inch Premium Laptop Is Tops? Of course, most premium Chromebooks have screens that are 13 inches or larger. There’s also a 720p webcam mounted above the display, which offers decent video quality, albeit with slightly washed-out colors. More Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Chromebook 11 configurations - 35 laptops. This … You’ll need to step up to the level of the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook (starting at a grand) or the Google Pixelbook Go (starting at $649) for this level of quality. Audio output is also marginal, with the Chromebook 3’s downward-firing speakers offering a decent top level of volume but megaphone-like quality.Â, Luckily, the Chromebook 3 is equipped with plenty of ports for you to connect a wired external mouse and headphones. The Chromebook 3 takes about 10 seconds to boot up.Â, Comparing the Chromebook 3 with other Chromebooks on browser-based benchmarks like WebXPRT and JetStream helps illustrate performance differences. In our test, which involves playing a locally stored video with Wi-Fi turned off and the screen at 50 percent brightness, the laptop managed to stay powered up for nearly 19 hours. You get two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports and two USB Type-C ports, one each on either side of the laptop. If you really are stuck with that spending ceiling for a laptop, you could do worse than this Chromebook. But even though an iPad offers more bang for your buck, there are still a few reasons why you might want to buy the Chromebook instead. The Chromebook 3’s lackluster screen quality is the best argument for why you should roughly double your budget and get an iPad or a more capable laptop instead. Unless you're stuck strictly under $200 for your device, it’s hard to recommend the Chromebook 3 when two such capable devices are waiting just one rung up the budget ladder. Some budget Chromebooks are clearly cheap-looking, with ugly styling and questionable build quality. Weighing at just 11.2 kg, the Chromebook features an 11.6-inch HD display, Intel … While the excellent Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a detachable Chromebook with a touch screen, it tops out at an approximately full HD resolution (1,920 by 1,200). Not bad, but not iPad.