When choosing my “Chromebook of the year” in 2020, the popular Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 was strongly in the running. At its $409.99 full price, I felt it was a good value for the cost. And while there’s now a newer model that I recently reviewed, it will set you back $539.99 unless you find a sale. Heck, even finding inventory of the 2021 model is difficult. So today’s one-day deal on Amazon for the 2020 Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 at $299 is worth a look.
Even though this is last year’s model, it’s very similar to the 2021 version. The 2020 Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 looks almost identical to this year’s version. You get the same great 1080p touchscreen display, the same number of ports (with USB Type-C on both sides), and the same strong but lightweight build material.
The main difference is that the 2020 Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 uses a 10th-generation Intel Core i3, while the new one bumps you up to a noticeably higher-performing 11th-generation Core i3. That doesn’t mean last year’s Flex 5 is slow by any means; it’s actually a good performer, especially for the price.
Here’s a rundown of all the specs for the currently on-sale 2-in-1 Chromebook Flex 5:
| CPU | Dual-core Intel Core i3-10110U Processor (2.1 GHz / 4.1GHz) |
| GPU | Intel Integrated UHD Graphics |
| Display | 13.3-inch IPS 1920 x 1080 touchscreen, 16:9 aspect ratio, 250 nits brightness |
| Memory | 4 GB DDR4-2600MHz memory |
| Storage | 64 GB eMMC 5.1, microSD card slot for expansion |
| Connectivity | WiFi6 (802.11ax, 2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Input | Spill-resistant backlit keyboard, USI stylus (optional) support, 720p webcam with physical privacy shutter |
| Ports | 1 USB Type-A, 2 USB Type-C, headphone/microphone combo jack |
| Battery | 51 WHr, expected run-time up to 10 hours |
| Weight | 2.97 pounds |
| Software | Chrome OS automatic updates through 2028 |
Honestly, I had very few complaints when I used the Flex 5 a year ago.
Sure, I would personally prefer 8 GB of memory, but that’s just me. And there is an 8 GB configuration available; it’s just not priced nearly this low.
The only caution I could offer is some reader reports of broken hinges over time on their Flex 5. It’s not something I’ve experienced but it is worth a mention.
Simply put, if you’re looking for either an entry-level or even a mid-range Chromebook, I don’t think you can go wrong with this $299 deal. Just make sure you do it today if you’re interested because this is a one-day deal.
