When people hear laptops, the majority of them will most likely either think of Windows laptops or Apple MacBooks. For years now, however, these haven’t been the only choices in the market. In fact, the education sector has recently been dominated by notebooks running Google’s Chrome OS. Chromebooks have traditionally been seen as underpowered machines, but that hasn’t been the case for quite a while now. Admittedly, some manufacturers have gone overboard and crammed every feature imaginable, which also resulted in skyrocketing prices. With the new IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook Gen 8, Lenovo is going back to the roots to offer mobile productivity on the most mobile platform of all: the Web.
Designer: Lenovo
Truth be told, you don’t need too much processing power to run Google’s Chrome OS, at least not if you stick to the basic web apps and experiences. Chrome OS has definitely outgrown its humble beginnings and can now support a lot more software, from Android apps to Linux. Some are even capable of playing games from Steam, depending on the setup. That said, not everyone needs all that power, especially when it comes to using the computer for more serious work like study and, well, work. Fortunately, Chromebooks are streamlined exactly for that kind of use, removing unnecessary layers of software to help you focus on the work and content that matters the most.
For that purpose, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook Gen 8 utilizes the latest Intel N-series processor, which is the chip maker’s power-efficient line. Similar to Lenovo’s Yoga brand, the IdeaPad Flex features a 360-degree hinge that transforms the laptop into a table and anything in between, giving you the freedom to use it how you want it, whether it’s for work or for play. The 12-inch 1920×1200 touch screen has plenty of room for apps and content, and its TÜV Rheinland low blue light certification ensures that your eyes stay healthy when you have to use it for hours on end.
Lenovo also leaves plenty of room for buyers to decide just how much they want to spend on the eighth-gen IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook. You can have the keyboard backlit, for example, to help with typing in darker places. Or you can add an HD or FHD webcam that comes with a physical shutter. Whichever options you go for, you won’t be wanting in features that will keep you productive at home, in the office, or on the go.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook Gen 8 launches on May 2023 with a starting price of $349.99, easily making it one of the more accessible Chromebooks in the market. Given its price and build, this device would have benefited a lot from more sustainable materials, like recycled aluminum or plastics. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case, at least not yet, but we look forward to Lenovo making strides in this direction in the months ahead.
