While the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook, Asus Chromebook Flip C436, and Lenovo Chromebook Duet stole the show at CES in January, I reminded everyone that month about the upcoming Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 as well: An entry-level to mid-range 2-in-1 Chromebook, depending on the configuration.
Lenovo hasn’t yet announced availability for the Flex 5 but two online retailers are already showing the price or taking orders.
Amazon, for example, will let you purchase the Core i3 model of the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 with 4 GB of memory, 64 GB of internal storage and the full-HD 13.3-inch touch display for $409.99.
I put one in my cart and the soonest delivery date was June 2, so if you choose this device now, you’ll have to wait a little bit before the order is fulfilled.
On paper, you’re getting some good hardware for the price, particularly since that Core i3 processor is a 10th-generation U-Series chipset. I can’t say I’m thrilled with the 4 GB of memory, but my Chrome OS computing needs are higher than most users.
B&H Photo Video is currently showing a lower-specified model as “coming soon” for 379.99. Everything about this version of the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is identical to the higher-priced model that Amazon is selling, save for the processor.
You’ll save $30 with this configuration and drop your Intel chipset to a 1.9 GHz Intel Celeron 5205U Dual-Core. If you want to save an additional $20, you can get the Celeron version with 32 GB of internal storage for $359.99.
Having not tested any device with this new dual-thread Celeron, I can’t yet speak to the performance difference between it and the Intel Core i3-10110U: The latter has a higher base frequency of 2.1 GHz and four threads so I’d guess around a 15 percent performance boost with the i3 model.
Both options share a 13.3-inch 1080p touch display, with 16:9 aspect ratio, one USB Type-A port, two USB Type-C ports, 4 GB of memory, 64 GB of storage, microSD card slot, have Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 on-board, and just under three pounds.
These 2-in-1 Chromebooks are also expected to get 10 hours of run-time on a charge, although real-world usage will skew that down a little. I can’t confirm a backlit keyboard on the Celeron model, but Amazon says the Core i3 unit does have a backlit keyboard.
I know the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 was overshadowed by other devices at CES, but many readers have been waiting for new options in the $350 to $450 price range. Your wait is almost over!
4 Comments
Kevin, this site indicates there will be at least 5 different builds for the Flex 5:
https://laptopmedia.com/series/lenovo-chromebook-flex-5-13/
Is that what you’re hearing?
That looks right based on the official Lenovo product documentation: https://psref.lenovo.com/Product/IdeaPad/IdeaPad_Flex_5_CB_13IML05 Note, however, that model availability will vary by reigion.
On late evening, May 22, Amazon was showing free prime delivery on the Lenovo flex 5 chromebook 13″ for May 24. Could it depend on closest warehouse with stock?
I’m in the middle finding my wife a Chromebook for her teaching needs and the flex 5 sounds like a good fit. But with only 4gb of ram has me concerned (right now she’s using my hp x360 Chromebook with 8gb ram and really liking it). Having seen the refurbished pixelbook go at bestbuy I’m tempted to pull the trigger on it. Basically is the flex 5 worth waiting for, or is the go a better buy at $530?