Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus Model (14 inch, Gen 8, 2023): First Impressions
Вставка
- Опубліковано 10 лип 2024
- View at Amazon in your region: amzn.to/3SeYB8U or alternate UK link: amzn.to/3HzLJ8j (my affiliate links). Double check the spec options match what I outline in the video and check this Chromebook's twin out: • Lenovo 14e Chromebook ...
Plugable dock on Amazon in your region: amzn.to/40leHQD (my affiliate link)
TobenOne USB C hub video (containing product links): • Must Have Chromebook a...
✨ Find/follow/support the channel: linktr.ee/mergedroid ✨
In this video I’ll show you my initial impressions and thoughts on the 14 inch Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook with Intel’s Core i3-N305 processor, in this model line you can also see Chromebooks with the Intel N100 and Intel N200 processor as I explain. The model I have is also a Chromebook Plus model as I'll go into in the video.
Exact model in the review: 83BN001DUK Full spec at Lenovo: psref.lenovo.com/Search?kw=83... Specs for the product line: psref.lenovo.com/Product/Idea...
Other videos mentioned:
How to check the spec of any Lenovo in detail: • DON'T Buy a Lenovo Unt...
Acer Chromebook 314 (with similar spec): • Acer Chromebook 314 (2...
HP Chromebook 15a (with similar spec, inc. Chromebook Plus update): • HP Chromebook 15a: Che...
All model numbers in this range:
83BN0000US
83BN0001US
83BN0003AU
83BN0004MX
83BN0005MX
83BN0006MX
83BN000YUK
83BN0012SE
83BN0013EL
83BN0015FR
83BN0016AU
83BN0018AU
83BN001AUS
83BN001BMB
83BN001CMX
83BN001DUK
83BN001EUK
83BN001FIX
83BN001GIX
83BN001JFR
83BN001KHA
83BN001LHJ
83BN001MHJ
83BN001PHA
83BN001SMH
83BN001TIA
83BN001UMC
83BN001VUK
83BN001XMH
83BN001YMB
83BN0020MB
83BN0022SE
83BN0024IX
83BN0025MX
83BN0026CF
83BN0027UK
83BN0028UK
83BN0029UK
83BN002ATW
Intro music: Culture - Anno Domini Beats
Games featured = Real Racing 3 and Sonic CD
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:28 How I purchased, what I paid, available deals
01:20 Unboxing, device overview inc. weight, size, materials, build quality
02:25 Core specs and Chromebook Plus eligibility
02:41 Ports and connectivity inc. WIFI and Bluetooth
03:41 Bottom of Chromebook inc. grill for processor and speakers
04:13 Keyboard deck inc. typing and touchpad
04:54 The 14 inch screen inc. webcam
05:33 Performance inc. Chromebook Plus requirements and AUE Date
06:15 Alternative Chromebooks to consider
06:32 Use with dock and external monitors and peripherals
06:49 Battery life, charging tech and fans
#lenovo #chromebookplus #ideapad #slim3 #slim3i #chromebook #chromeOS #laptop #lenovochromebook #lenovolaptop - Наука та технологія
View at Amazon in your region: amzn.to/3SeYB8U or alternate UK link: amzn.to/3HzLJ8j (my affiliate links). Double check the spec options match what I outline in the video and check this Chromebook's twin out: ua-cam.com/video/mcS-Jaftbe0/v-deo.html
Plugable dock on Amazon in your region: amzn.to/40leHQD (my affiliate link)
✨ Find/follow/support the channel: linktr.ee/mergedroid ✨
As mentioned in the video, the ebay UK item numbers referenced:
* Grade B from Techsave2006: 225970202464 at £189.99
* Grade A from Techsave2006: 276297475721 at £199.99
* Brand new 256GB storage model with backlit keyboard from AO: 296188085353 at £226.40 after 20% off voucher JANPAY20 (voucher code ends today, 31/01/24).
Thank you. Like the details and the helpful links
You're welcome, I'm glad the detail I go into is appreciated. Please do check out some more of the Chromebook content on the channel too and consider a sub if it looks good 👍
I have the swedish version of the Lenovo Chromebook plus Flex 5i, feels like 5 is a lot differen I have speakers up front, and they actually sound great, my other chromebook sounds thin in comparsion even if you put it upside down to get the speakers up. Backlit keyboard, touchscreen, and fingerprint reader. Also came with a pen, and the swedish version has a real PCIE4 nvme drive at 256GB. I also have a older Acer Chromebook 714 (8GB, 4417u, and 128GB SSD). If I compare my older acer with the lenovo, I feel that the Lenovo's keyboard feels "mushroomy".. like older desktop keyboards felt before mechanical. Acer keyboard is really clicky and nice. The Acer has a gorilla glass touchpad that feels SO GOOD. I dont think Lenovos touchpad is bad in performance, works great, but it has a little more resistiance. The Acer is fully aluminium, so you expect it to weigh more than the Lenovo, but the Lenovo feels way heavier even if its as this alu on the screen, and rest plastic. The lenovo is a 2-in-1 so I can use it as a tablet, but I dont get full confidence by how the swivel mechanism feel, while the Acer, I have had it on my washingmachine once, and it shaked of the washing machine straight into a hard floor.. and the alu just got a little dent. But you can hardly see it. I am not sure the outcome with the Lenovo would be the same. Battery.. never got even close to the 10hours claimed, its more like 6 hours in real life, but 6 hours is still way more than I need without having a charger nearby :) The Acer is a bit old now, and gives me around 5 hours. The worst part is that the Lenovo has a really bad screen when it comes to color. Its got like 45% colorspace, so things like red looks more orange than red. If you dont need the screen for color editing, its ok, the colors feels warm, but if you have the Acer next to it, with same video you will see the colors are off. My ideal computer would be the Acer 714 externals with the performance of the Lenovo + and the speakers of lenovo :) THe Lenovo is really fast and nice to work with. Have it connected to my ultra wide screen without problem.
Both sound like great Chromebooks in their own right...if only you could combine the best features of both! Keeps it interesting!
Nice review, Thank you
Appreciate the comment and glad you like the video. Looking to buy a Chromebook at the moment or a happy owner?
@@MergeDroid I have an old chromebook, but its so slow, so looking whats out there
@@ashtonwoodturnings225 Great, I hope the Chromebook content on the channel will help you out. What model is your old/current Chromebook?
@@MergeDroid Idealpad 3 arm cpu 2021, But would like to get something a bit quicker to do banking on, though, i tend to use a arm M1 mac mini as my daily machine
@@ashtonwoodturnings225 MT8183 I guess? This Lenovo would certainly fit the bill of something a bit faster. You might also like to check out the Acer 314 with this same Core i3: ua-cam.com/video/9HFonlBjSAw/v-deo.html and hopefully tomorrow I'll publish my review of the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 - could be another to consider.
Nice review, i was looking at the new 314 and this. Which is your fave so far? Thanks for these videos, appreciate your unbiased opinion
Thanks, glad to hear they're useful. You know, I've been thinking the same thing - which do I prefer or would I recommend and why between the Acer 314 (ua-cam.com/video/9HFonlBjSAw/v-deo.html) and this Lenovo. I was using them side by side yesterday - I think I'll do a full video comparison if you can wait for that. If you compare the ports, build materials, the fact the Lenovo has the Chromebook Plus update, it might help you personally know if there are deal breakers with either. Also of course what you're seeing price wise for them.
@@MergeDroida comparison video would be great! For me the ports aren't such a big issue, more the display, speakers etc. good point with chrome plus but I suppose they have similar processes (if matching spec), thanks again!
@@d1noooooo Makes sense. The speakers are a bit mediocre on this Lenovo, as I mention in the video the placement of them really doesn't help. The comparison video is definitely one I plan to make, I can't promise quite how quick I'll be. Give me a shout if you have any queries on them in the mean time and I'll do my best to help.
I'm looking at this and the Asus cx34 plus. Which one has the best keyboard in your opinion? I'm going to be mainly using it for typing.
Al so they're both 270 pounds for the 8gb 256 versions! I just can't decide!
See the sections I show in this video and the CX34 review ua-cam.com/video/O6w07enZFw4/v-deo.html on the keyboards to get an idea of my views and the 'style' of them. It's a bit down to personal preference, if you like the 'clicky' feedback style of the Lenovo I think most people will prefer that. For the keyboards in particular also keep in my that all CX34 will have back-lit keyboards, but as I cover in this video not all Slim 3i (including my spec) will do.
Hi does this come in 11 or 12 inch if not can you recommend the best small chromeboom plus. Thanks
Hi, the latest generation of the Lenovo Flex 3i is an excellent 12.2 inch convertible Chromebook, here's my video on it: ua-cam.com/video/nc6RMm7Z9JQ/v-deo.html Drop me a comment on that video and let me know what you think or if you have any questions, hope it helps 👍Note - it's not a Chromebook Plus but that's only as the Intel N100 processor doesn't meet the spec. but is an excellent performer and means the Chromebook doesn't need fans.
💙
Glad you're liking it!
27/02/24 - Credit to @sndrs for making me aware on X (and I've posted over there too), but right now in the UK you can have this same model as a Grade B (it's actually the same seller and listing I purchased from) for just £151.99 after the 20% code 'LEAP20'! Search ebay UK for item no. 225970202464 Crazy value!
I purchased the 14IAN8 version of this model in February and agree this is a balanced appraisal of the features and specifications. So, I give this Chromebook 5 stars for build and features, but only 3 stars for the OS and available apps. Even allowing for the handful of productivity apps available through enabling Linux, this delightful little device is let down by the woeful selection of apps available from the WebStore or PlayStore. The most glaring problem is the absence of a multifunction email browser that can organise multiple MS exchange accounts. Gmail is OK for personal mail but doesn't cut it for business or corporate email accounts. It's a shame as the specs for this machine position it as having the potential for being a useful business tool.
TBH you may as well buy the cheapest available Chromebook as the latest OS (121) still doesn't match the potential of the device.
Thanks Allan. Can the Outlook app via the Google Playstore help deliver what require for your email setup? Hopefully if not there are some further developments in apps or web based versions, I think it will come this way rather than as a core part of the OS. Oh and you should be able to update to v122 of ChromeOS now 👍
@@MergeDroid Unfortunately, MS have withdrawn support for Outlook in ChromeOS. I have installed Evolution (Linux app) and something I've now forgotten/uninstalled!
Thank you for your straight talking reviews sans gush ;-)
@allanhildon thanks for the kind words, glad you're enjoying the channel. Re: Outlook, ah yes just seen the withdrawal of support message after installing. I'm glad you've found another option via the Linux support.
Sorry man, you got no clue what you're talking about. The 1368x768 res model is not Chromebook Plus, Plus needs to have 1080p. You've shoed specs for Slim 3i, not Slim 3i Plus
Huh? I clearly tell you the model variant I have has a FHD IPS screen, see 4:54 and you can see by the box and lid of the Chromebook it's branded as Chromebook Plus.
Are you talking about 5:05 ? I am showing you the full list of models within this 8th Gen IdeaPad Slim 3i product line and pointing out that there are some model options that just have HD displays, those will not qualify to be Chromebook Plus as you're aware, I certainly don't claim that they are. As I also mention in the video there are other models in this range with processors like the N100 and N200 that don't qualify them to be Chromebook Plus as well as other spec variations like the webcam too . I also give you a run through of all of the requirements for a Chromebook Plus at 5:33
Right. Ok. You’re right. Just confusing to users that title says Chromebook Plus when what you’re showing are all versions of 3i.
@foxcryptoboss thanks. I focus on the model I'm reviewing, but I try to always show all model options in the range to explain to everyone the fact that there are differences to watch out for - good and bad, usually more the latter unfortunately. Please do check out some more of my other videos for this same approach too. I think I do differentiate the actual model from the options available, explaining they are options to watch for.
How is battery life on this model?
Hi again Dan, see 6:49 and since using it more, obviously with the Core i3-N305 in my case, it's as expected, fine to get into a second day of general use but if pushing it gaming etc, running the screen at full brightness I'll want to charge the same day. I think if you're taking it easy you'll get close to the 10hr mark.
@@MergeDroidthank u, and the keyboard? I’m hearing negatives about it. Any further thoughts with more use?
@@daniel30000i no real complaints there, whilst not my personal favourite keyboard ever, it's well built and gives a consistent typing experience. It's fairly clicky as you can hear and with what I describe as medium key travel, with some feedback. As with any keyboard the feel of it may take a bit of getting used to depending on what you're coming from / used to typing on and your preferences for key travel/responsiveness may vary. Certainly not a bad keyboard though and there's no problem with flex etc in the keyboard deck. I think this one is built fairly solid and to with stand a bit of abuse due to this - ua-cam.com/video/mcS-Jaftbe0/v-deo.html