Just picked up this model on Amazon for $299 with the 8GB RAM and nVME 128GB. What a fantastic unit coming from an Acer C302 Flip. A bit heavier, but what is not talked about enough is the spectacular backlit keyboard, and the very comfortable palm rests. The palm rests have such an interesting texture. Very nice Chromebook. Can't believe the quality developments over the yearsa as this is my 3rd Chromebook. I tend to follow "last year's" chromebook releases. Acer C720--->Dell Chromebook 13----> Asus C302 ------> Lenovo Flex 5i
Saw this at Costco in August for $100 off! ($450). Didn’t hesitate and bought it! The 11th gen i3, 128gb nvme2 ssd, and 8gb is screaming fast. I use it for work (medical software). After 6 weeks I can highly recommend it.
Love mine as well. I am on bi-pap and had issues running the Oscar ( CPAP reporting) app on my ASUS windows 10 laptop, runs flawlessly on this chromebook.
@@bypinkerton892 No problem with overheating. Fan does kick in periodically if watching a youtube video. While it is noticeable, it is not that obnoxious compared to some other PCs I've used. Main thing I don't like is the screen is just not that crisp and bright for my aging eyes. The other thing is that I have to print a lot at work to specialty printers. Chromebooks were great for my work when Google CloudPrint was available, but the lag with PaperCut Mobility Print makes it unusable. So I now use a Lenovo Slim 7 Windows 11. Still use Chrome and Google Drive extensively, but had to have the better screen and better printing. But for the money, this Chromebook is very fast. You will be shocked it is an 11th gen Core i3...feels much faster.
Thanks.... I just bought it New for $200 to use in our Housing Cooperative... I was worried after reading some comments - but I now think it will be fine for us.... Thanks for answering....
Just bought the Lenovo Thinkpad C13 yoga Chromebook and I absolutely love it. This flex 5i is similar in terms of features. Mine came with 4GB and 32GB of storage with a stylus and fingerprint scanner to boot....Thanks for your review!!
I bought the Flex5 earlier this year based on your review. 128GB/8GB 10th Gen Core i3 from Amazon for $424. Octane runs in 45,000 area. Awesome purchase, thanks!. This one should be even better but that price is a bit high yet.
I have this one and I love it. The specs, touch screen and google play store installed, you can’t go wrong. I was gonna expand the storage but with 128gb I don’t need to. Amazon $380.00
If you're unfamiliar with Lenovo's naming convention....The _Flex_ stands for a "low-end convertible 2-in-1" and the _i_ stands for "Intel chip". Now this might not be the best thing in Windows (they also have a Flex 5i which isn't great), but definitely a good thing in a Chromebook. Having said that, using a 250 nit, 40% P3 Color display on an expensive $550 Chromebook is completely unacceptable and a serious rip-off. *400 nit 70% P3 Display should be the **_standard_** by now* like on the "Acer Spin 713". Because even cheaper windows laptops like $499 HP Pavilion 14 I got for my son's school have a 400 nit display just so you guys know.
Look the amd version in my opinion is actually good , I mean for the money I get a 2 in 1 that can run red dead redemption 2 at near around 30 fps then bruh I am more then happy 😂
I bought the Flex 5 last year on your recommendation. Definitely compare the sound of the old and new models. Compared to the downward firing speakers in my Asus laptop the Flex 5 sound noticeably louder/clearer watching YT. I wish all laptops had upward firing speakers.
Thank you for your advice. I got the Lenovo Flex 5i 2021 Chromebook based on your review and I am currently really satisfied. Everything you said regarding the keyboard and speakers is true.
Been using this model for about 2 months now, miles better than the Samsung Chromebook Plus v1 I was using, can't believe how quick it moves compared to that. My only complaint at the start was, the taller screen on the Samsung was better for reading, but I've gotten used to it now.
You really need to check your review of the Flex 5 before you review this one. Because here you suggested you didn't much like the keyboard on the Flex 5. But in the review you actually said, "I was shocked how much I liked this keyboard", and you went on to say that you preferred typing on it to typing on the Pixelbook Go. That is substantially different from what you said here. Also, the Flex 5 had a 300 nits panel. I'm sure the specs they've shared are wrong, and your eyes are right, and that is a 300 nits panel on Flex 5i.
I like this review. It's fair and honest. You really manage to impart a very candid review and opinions that I can formulate a realistic view of the device. Thank you. Ps. Do people really care about fingerprints on a laptop? Seriously? I just wish they'd get rid of the super glossy screens so you don't get that glare from, well, everything.
We bought a Windows Flex 5i and a Chromebook Flex 5i, Robby is right, this is a sound purchase. The on-board graphics chips in both of these devices are the Iris graphics chips. It's the first on board graphics chip capable of running Street Fighter 5 that I have ever used. The Windows versions has twice the amount of ram but the Chromebook runs laps around Windows usability. The Win Flex5i is impressive as well and has 10 cores. I have never seen the processor cap out. The Chromebooks was very impressive at running Linux apps like Android Studio and VSCODE. It was the fastest I have ever seen a Chromebook load Android Studio, which is a fairly resource intensive app.
I pulled the trigger and ordered one after finding out what a Chromebook can do on my Samsung Chromebook 4. I'd wait on the 2022 model, but it went to a 14 inch, and the price is probably going to go up a bit. My guess is that the 11th gen processor is going to do just fine for the next couple of years. Comparing these chromebooks to an Android tablet, I just hated the wait times of the tablets and no keyboard. I still love my Lenovo S340 15 inch I7 laptop, but wanted something portable that I could also use while resting on a couch or bed. Your review was the one that got me looking at the Flex 5i, I'm just sorry I didn't get it this past April when it was $299 at Costco. Thanks again for your outstanding video review, I sure learned a lot.
We got last year's Flex 5 on your recommendation for $425 after everything and it is good. But recently the right hinge failed and the screen above it cracked when we attempted to close it. Well, we checked on Amazon and we got the Flex 5i for $318 after everything. This seemed to be the best for the money Chromebook. Hopefully the hinges are better.
Will you be doing a unboxing/review of the new Lenovo Duet5 soon? I see the current Lenovo Duet is selling for -$200 currently so I assume the new Duet will be arriving soon. I do really like my current Duet, but the new Duet with the new screen (size and type) my fit my needs better if it handles being out in the sunny days. Appreciate your videos, much thanks.
Really sweet review, detailed and yet entertaining. But you sure you didn't touch your hair before fondling the thingy? That hair shiny...nice...and shiny...
Thanks for the review w/i3, you had mentioned that USI pen was included, but when looking at the Lenovo site, I do not see that it is included in the box. Just wanted to make sure I'm not missing something
Google "lenovo chromebook flex 5 hinge problem" which is a common issue for last year's Flex 5. Camera also prone to die for no reason. Both happened to me less than 1 year of purchase.
So I got the HP one from Costco because it was like 249 more to test Chromebook since it's my first one. But wanted the Lenovo one... Maybe I'll go change it out.
Originally ordered the Flex 5 from Amazon(credit your review), but the third party retailer sent me the wrong model, so I sent it back and got a refund(paid around $360). By the time I got credited, Amazon had tagged the Flex 5i as an "Amazon's Choice" item at only $375, so I got the newer model(i3, 8GB RAM, 64GB). It's a fantastic little device for the money. Checks all the major boxes. I mean, the extra $15 would be worth it for the extra year of Google updates alone, never mind the faster processor and improved speakers. Wish the screen was a touch brighter for outdoor use and, honestly, going from a 15.6" old Acer, it's been a little bit of an adjustment and a 14" display would probably be the sweet spot. But I'm very happy with the device I'm typing on now. Solid backlit keyboard, too, btw.
I didn't realize people use their devices outside so much. Why? What would be the application that would be the cause for using it outside in direct sunlight? Just curious
@@fredericocorrea9814 I live in an apartment in Florida that faces the east. If I wanna go outside on the patio and have some coffee or a cold beverage and get some stuff done on my device in the morning, it's gonna be a struggle. The other windows in my apartment also face the east, so even if you're working inside near a window and the blinds aren't drawn, it feels like it's not quite bright enough. Great device, though, for the money.
I took a good long look at the Pentium 7505 version of this Chromebook, but ultimately decided to pass because of the 32GB storage. I’ll likely pick up one of the last year model Flex 5 and call it good enough.
I bought one of these from Costco a few weeks ago but ended up returning it. I had an audio issue that I could not figure out how to solve. Occasionally while playing a RU-vid video or any other thing that had sound, no sound would come out of the speakers. I checked if it was on mute I checked the volume I checked all sorts of things but nothing seemed to make the sound come out. The only way I could get the sound to start again is by closing the lid for five seconds and then opening it. At that point the sound would happen again. That was very frustrating so because of Costco‘s great return policy I returned it.
Had the same issue initially but started using it before I checked for any updates. After installing the updates, I have not had any issues and am going right at two weeks.
Your reviews are awesome buddy. Would you recommend me best chromebook under 200-400dollors. Or should I wait till 2022 to get new models. Please I need your suggestions.
I got the Flex 5i Chromebook as a Christmas Gift. i set it up and downloaded apps. its kinda bad for games, and what i didnt like about it is that it has a fan. the fan turns on when i load a game. yesterday i was watching a live stream, and it completely turned off. its fully charged but still no turn ons.
I could really get by with just a Chromebook if there were any good video editing software available. Can you recommend any and possibly do a video tutorial?
How would you compare the pentium 7505 to the intel i3 . How much faster is it if the i3 has about 5800 on octane what is the pentium. Also I don't know much about octane but what does it measures exactly?
I feel like I've been ruined by Apple Silicon. I don't mean to be a fanboy, I really don't! But whenever I hear a processor is MediaTek or Intel i3,5,7 I just stop listening because I know that it's not going to have the greatest battery, will need fans, will run hot, (and if MT or i3) will be underpowered. Anyone else? I'm happy to have my mind changed. Talk to me
I would not order any expensive Chromebook until alder lake comes out .. their will be some very good mobile processors options will alder lake with a good GPU
I have just bought the Lenovo Flex 5i Intel 10th gen i5 8GB ram model!! here in the UK..... for £449, If this is a costco exclusive.... it could be a while before its here in the UK?
Seems very strange that this has better speakers, keyboard and CPU (last one is obvious), yet Lenovo is doing a terrible job marketing it. If you could make a brief comparison video between the 5 and 5i, that would be awesome
Ya know I am looking to buy a chromebook and I dont know what to get. I kind of have it narrowed down to the Acer spin 514/713, and lenovo flex 5. Runners up the Asus cx5/c434. I'm stumped. It has to have that 360 degree hinge.
One of the thing's Chromebooks need to do better is good & louder speakers. I recently bought the Asus C434 flip very much with the idea of using it as a media consumption device. It's a beautiful device but the sound output is way, way, way too quiet. Even if i hook up a bluetooth speaker or a set of headphones it's way too quiet. I have 2 other chromebooks and they aren't loud enough either. I've gone back to my Samsung Galaxy S6 lite tablet for media consumption - it's at least twice as loud as any Chromebook i've used.. Why are Chromebooks so quiet?
G'day from Oz Thanks for your great review. I'm by no means IT proficient, so I have a question for those of you who are. I have narrowed down my choice to two versions of Flex 5i Chromebook, with 8G Ram and 256 HD SSD. My options are a Core i3 Gen 11 processor or a Core i5 Gen 10 processor? They are both exactly the same price. I can also pay around another USD100 and get a Core i5 Gen 11 processor? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers Andrew
Need your help, stuck between this one and the samsung chromebook 2 is. I get discount on Samsung $70 off and have $100 voucher which would bring it to $530 + tax, or do I go pick this flex up for $549 from costco?
@@mheermance been working government IT contracts for a couple decades now. Earlier on in my career it was mentioned to look in Lenovo for laptops as they were way cheaper than everyone else. It came back as a No due to the region in which most of its parts and software came from. Haven't kept up if anything changed since. Just always stayed away lol
Saw a lot of comments on the flex 5 CB saying that the hinges weren't well connected on both sides and that they would break easily. Any indication that this one is built the same way?
It's the same unless Lenovo made some internal reinforcement. The right hinge pin does no pass all the way through the hinge to support the screen. I open it as if it's made of egg shells and hope it lasts.
Ok I don't get this, why do chromebooks get released with older gen processors at premium prices... if I were in the market for a chrome book I'd just buy a windows laptop and just put chrome os on it... 64gb? Shouldn't be a thing...
I'd try to talk you out of it. But, I didn't need one. And yet I own one now haha. It's a great little device. At 200? Even better. I believe I picked mine up at around 260 or so
199 is a great price ! I love mine for using next to my work computer. It's no speed demon, but it isn't so bad either. I'm happy with it. I purchased an 8th Gen iPad about 5 months ago and was using that, but went back to my Duet. It is easier to use and navigate. Wish I hadn't wasted my money on the iPad. 😔
@@Stephen_A. Totally with you. As long as people pick up a Duet knowing the limitations, it's bound to be a great experience. It's so easy to carry around that I almost always have it with me if I'm on the go. It's an incredible secondary device for me. I do most of my light gaming, emails, etc, on it
