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Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook

Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5i discounted down to $299.99 (Updated)

Remember that Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5i that I reviewed back in September? I found it to be a great mid-level Chromebook thanks to the 11th-generation Intel Core i3, 8 GB of memory, and a reasonably good 1080p touchscreen. Even with an average screen brightness of 250 nits, I thought it was worth the price. Today I see that Costco has the exact same configuration for $250 off the MSRP. You can get a Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5i discounted down to $299.99

Two things to note here. First, it appears that Costco is discounting the convertible Chromebook by $200, not $250. That’s because it already shaved $50 off of Lenovo’s MSRP. Second, even though Costco calls it the Flex 5, this is the Flex 5i based on the model name. It’s literally the exact same device I reviewed last year.

Just to verify the specifications, here they are:

CPUDual-core (four-threads) Intel Core i3-1115G4 CPU (3.0 GHz / 4.1 GHz)
GPUIntel Integrated UHD Graphics
Display13.3-inch IPS 1920 x 1080 display, anti-glare finish,
16:9 aspect ratio, 250 nits brightness
Memory8 GB DDR4x-3733 MHz memory
Storage128GB SSD M.2 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe,
microSD card slot for expansion
Connectivity802.11ax (2×2) WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1
InputSpill-resistant backlit keyboard, Mylar trackpad
720p webcam with physical privacy shutter
Ports1 USB Type-A 3.2 (Gen 1), 2 USB Type-C 3.2 (Gen 1)
supporting PD 3.0, data and DisplayPort 1.4,
headphone/microphone combo jack
Battery51 WHr, expected run-time up to 10 hours
Weight2.97 pounds
SoftwareChrome OS automatic updates through June 2029

What did I say about this portable package in my Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook review?

There really aren’t any major “gotchas” here. The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook is a solid device with great performance, a workday’s worth of battery life, and a nice combination of display, keyboard, and trackpad. It has all of the ports most users would want.

About the only gripe I can come up with is the 720p camera. I appreciate the privacy shutter but I’d appreciate a 1080p sensor even more. It’s fine and usable, just not impressive.

Everything else really is though. So if you want better performance than a high-end Chromebook from just a few short years ago and have to have a convertible Chromebook, you should strongly consider the Lenovo Flex 5i.

Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook

Simply put, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook in this configuration easily offers enough performance for any basic, entry-level usage. And then some with the solid processor, 8 GB of memory, and 128 GB of speedy NVMe storage.

For $299.99, this device is a steal for anyone with a Chromebook budget under $400. No, you don’t get premium build materials or a super bright display. But you’re getting a lot for your money and Chrome OS software updates through June 2029.

Updated on March 19, 2022, to reflect an additional $50 off the price from the March 12th publication.

author avatar
Kevin C. Tofel
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