This $499 Lenovo Chromebook Plus will make you reconsider spending so much on laptops

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i is considered one of a number of new Chromebook Plus fashions, priced at just below $500.
• Because of its versatile hinge design and sharp-looking show, it is a incredible 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 gadget. Nevertheless, I need to convey consideration to one of many extra area of interest choices of the bunch, one which I’d argue is healthier than the generic fashions when put into the palms of the proper 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’ve 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 might output a decision of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels.

The truth is, amongst this new Chromebook Plus normal, the IdeaPad Flex 5i has one of many higher shows. And secondly, Google has geared up this machine with the brand new Magic Eraser enhancing device. I break down all the things beneath.

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 encompassing setting. It permits for fast, on-the-fly enhancing. That is precisely what I did testing out the IdeaPad Flex 5i.

I discovered previous photos from my newbie pictures days and determined to edit them. I used to be stunned by simply how efficient Magic Eraser was at cleansing up photos; All I needed to do was draw a circle round an object to do away with it. The method is made simpler because of the beautiful, 14-inch touchscreen of the IdeaPad.

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

It is a extra tedious job on Google Pixel telephones due to the smaller actual property. What’s extra, you will see that an SD card reader port among the many inputs on the aspect so you may straight add photos from a DSLR digicam to the pc.

Even if you happen to’re not a photographer, I’d 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 gadget 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 does not take up more room than it must. When you learn my overview of the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34, you will study that I wasn’t a fan of the smaller keyboard. The empty area might’ve been used extra successfully for a cushty expertise. With Lenovo’s Chromebook, I am comfortable to say this drawback does not exist. The backlit keyboard stretches practically finish to finish, solely leaving a bit of 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 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 actually helps that the Chromebook Plus sequence options AI enhancements to video requires larger 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 undoubtedly 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 in the present day’s requirements, however when in comparison with different Chromebook Plus fashions, it is likely one of the chunkier choices.

I examined the IdeaPad Flex 5i’s battery life by taking part in 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 gadget did not final that lengthy, however eight hours is an honest quantity, particularly if you happen to use the pc for extra average workloads.

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

I ought to warn you that this laptop computer can run a bit of 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 a substitute, the bottom-firing air flow port probably restricts correct airflow, making issues toastier than they need to be.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

I extremely suggest choosing 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, first rate efficiency, and a number of options that make it a good selection for a piece machine. Throughout the coming months, the laptop computer will develop into even higher when Google releases new AI-powered instruments. One in all which even may also 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’d argue that the Chromebook Plus CM34 Flip from ASUS could be thought-about a incredible second choice because it shares a few of the identical options, however sports activities a greater processor.