I've had this Chromebook now for maybe a month, and I concur on everything you said... I normally will not buy a device without looking at a review , and I couldn't find one anywhere! But after looking at the specs, I just made the plunge and I am not sorry...I love it, and thanks for posting this video...I am looking forward to your review on this Chromebook!
Just purchased this Chromebook in Canada! I could not find a review for the slim 3i version anywhere, but I can confidently say I was blown away by the device's build quality! Well done Lenovo! I actually had no idea the screen was touchscreen until watching this review! It is a hint chunkier than my 3-year-old HP Chromebook, but trust me when I say this device feels premium. This device does not feel or give mediocre. Nothing about it feels cheap, the sound quality is also amazing!
Nice video - shame they didn't consider 16GB of memory - as I've said before on the Acer spin 714 video, some of us are pushing the 8GB to the limit (VScode, remote desktops, citrix, several chromeapps) and really would like to see more 16GB models or at least start to provide some ability to upgrade them. Still for me the Pixel Book Go Speakers and the slim lines of that model are my benchmark. This lenovo I thought looked on the visual side of it just dated design, so I'm going to take your word on the ridged design because wow that looked like a thick wedge of plastic to keep it that way. Also would be nice to see if that Lenovo was a flip design - not sure if you said it. As well as my Pixel book go , my daily work chromebook still is the asus CX5400 (edit - not cx4300 ) flip and I can quickly use up 8GB of that memory, just give me a 16GB flip.
Definitely agree. I am looking for something to replace my Pixelbook Go i5 which also has 16gb ram, and easy all day battery. Currently there isn't anything comparable.
I'm in the same boat. The 16gb CX5400 is doing well enough for me, and I'm very intrigued by the CX34, but upgradable RAM would give me a lot more options. Right now I basically just shop by "has 16gb for under $1000" and it has me seriously looking at other operating systems
I'm glad you made this video, expanding on your discussion in last week's revelatory podcast. This Chromebook[+] Slim 3i has me excited, since I'm in the market!
Thanks for the info! For me, Lenovo Chromebooks always represent good quality and exceptional durability. I wouldn't be able to say this without my personal experience. Once, I placed my Lenovo Chromebook on a shelf that was approximately 2 meters high, not realizing that there was something already there. As I moved away from the shelf, the laptop didn't sit securely and soon ended up on the floor. I was almost certain it was the end of the device, but to my surprise, nothing happened, and it's still working perfectly fine even today.
This review is excellent and part of why I bought it for my 7 year old kid with its strong rigid chassis. I just have to say I definitely made the right decision and can state, this held up to a drop and rolling down the stairs and hitting a wall in the worst way possible. Absolutely nothing happened to it and the top, bottom, hinges all are in perfect alignment. It's the best Chromebook for kids. I've even compared it with all CB at Best Buy, and nothing is as solid as this. It even has a better backlit keyboard than the HPs and Acer's. Totally worth it!
With the price of Chromebooks, seem too expensive that people would rather get normal laptop. What's the advantages of Chromebooks compare to normal ones?
You can get stuff with premium materials for like 400 bucks whereas a Windows do you need to pay $1,000 or more to get premium materials. Turns on really fast and has a very light OS. You can run Linux on it. You don't have to deal with windows updates. If you're looking for something and you only have a budget of a few hundred bucks, low end window stuff is among the worst stuff ever. I would much rather have a $200 Chromebook than a $200 Windows machine. Basically if you're using a Windows Ultrabook or something that's not going to get great gaming performance anyways, you might as well save 800 bucks and get a Chromebook for $500 instead. Unless you absolutely need the desktop version of office or something. You can get two in one tablets with the keyboard included for like under $300. That is impossible to find with Windows.
This feels like a "Flex 5" moment? When you originally disregard it and then it becomes one of the greatest chromebooks on the market when you look at it closer... In fact I'm still using the 2020 spec Flex 5 right now. Maybe soon it will be time to look out for CB+ machines? Exciting!
Not so sure about that. It only has a 45% NTSC display...AGAIN. The only thing that makes this special for now is the N305. That CPU will make this thing more relevant in6+ years from now in comparison ro any 12 or 13th gen i3 system. (As things look, just core count alone will make more of a difference than single core speed in the future).
I used to have a flex 5 but the ribbon cables started degrading (screen didn't work well) so replaced with a duet 5 hated that not great for lap use and that broke after milk got into it don't ask how now looking at either this or Cx34
I have both a MacBook Pro M2 and a cheap 14 HP Chromebook, and I find myself reaching for the Chromebook more and more, the touch screen etc makes it great editing PDFs etc. don’t get me wrong the Chromebook quality is no where near the MacBook but it was thousands of $$ cheaper
I struggle with the devs in the company I'm at who have/want powerful MacBooks and yet do everything remote to their office Linux/Windows desktops or they are running a browser to access their stuff. I've migrated myself off my 'desire' for Macs years ago. There's only only a couple of apps (insta360 editor (though I do it on the phone, and export to capcut web video editing), and the sticky label creator (lol)) that still get my mac desktop on standby. The google Pixelbook Go was a quality design that I thought would continue to inspire that new level of design of Chromebooks, I'm still waiting since this Lenovo sadly doesn't look that different from the average laptop.
Don’t get me wrong purchasing the MacBook was only cause of the 20 hour battery life, for auditing it’s unreal. Besides that they are highly overpriced lol.
...if only it had a fingerprint reader it would be perfect (right Joe?). Also, is this a clamshell or a convertible? The performance & the "feel" sound exciting nonetheless.
I tried it and it's not slim and it's heavy. All your reviews should try these laptops on your lap. Some of us actually use the laptop on the lap, which means the thighs, including wearing shorts in summer. Many now have sharp edges and corners and even protrusions to prevent them from moving on a desk, which is not a lap.
I had bought a Lenovo Flex 5 for studying on the go, but then picked up an old Pixelbook from eBay that I'd got for a great bargain - and yes, i can understand what you mean about the pleasant intangibles when something is put together very thoughtfully. Same thing with my old Pixel slate and Spin 713 at home. Now i want a slim 3i 😅🥹
We are completely spoiled for options at $499 and lower, so benchmarks do matter. Maybe bios-mod it to boot linux vs windows vs chromeos, to compare geekbench scores.
I want a chromebook with lots of features. Example; Can be operated on external (large) monitor with primary screen switch off, can watch videos while reading comments (floating). Got suggestion?
I was wondering which one he would prefer if purchasing the Acer 714 or the Lenovo Slim 3i? I would lean towards the Acer but I have not seen Robby this excited in a while.
@cswan77 the acer has the power I need. I don't about Robby. The only thing I hate about the acer is the speakers. They are just horrible. I have had popping and crackling from mine till they both went out. Other than that it is great. I actually use it for video editing. I do hope it gets the plus software updates. But that's just me being hopeful.
Great video, again. Question, i wonder how popular Chromebooks actually are,apart from the Education sector? . I have 2 and love em and they don't seem too popular here. (Ireland) Thanks
Too bad that MOST of these devices are not sold in germany so... (Lenovo does not even list any Chromebooks on their german website, nor can you buy the N305 Slim 3 here).
I still don't know what he means by Chromebook Plus. ” there's something about it that makes you want to pick it up and use it." That's way too vague man.
That's easy: it means they gonna get even more money for you wallet. . Is a PLUS for them and a MINUS for you. PLUS and PRO have been used so loosely that they don't always have extra value anymore. Is just a word to justify a rise in prices, but not necessarily on the same proportion of value (advances in hardware and software). Well, that's how I perceive things.
Hello, I've been watching your videos and I appreciate all the information, informative and entertaining. Thank you so much. I have a question which budget Chromebook plus model do you recommend in 11, 12, 13, and 14 inch models touchscreen and lit keyboard a must. A two in one would be nice non-detachable. My max budget is 400 USD but cheaper would be great. need 8 gb of memory for some gaming and DJ Apps I will be running a controller that is compatible. I really appreciate your help. Thank you for helping me in advance. Love your channel.
I have a chromebook acer 314 touchscreen. I am sorry to say that this presentation has told me anything that make me think this lenovo chromebook is any different or better than my cheaper acer.
I am reviewing Chromebooks precisely because I have a 2.5 year old Acer 314 that has a track pad that is pure garbage. Been struggling with it for over a year, now. This is my second Acer Chromebook. The first one worked fine but was no longer supported. Am hoping to find a Chromebook that is built better where the hardware is reliable.
A Chromebook Plus-certified Chromebook has to fulfil five core criteria. Here's the list. Its core processor must be a 12th Gen Intel Core chipset, an AMD Ryzen 7000, or a newer equivalent. It must have at least 8GB RAM.
Google has to be the one that incentivizes innovation for chromebooks or at least improves them by making them, there has never been a successful case in which a 3rd party manufacturer moves an os forward instead of the main manufacturer and you think they (goggle) learned that from Android with their strained relationship with samsung. Sooner or later issues such as screens that have low brightness ( 250 knits) by compassion some smartwatches have more than that, pricing is another issue, etc..
If not for the small eMMC storage and rather dim 300 NITS screen, this might have been a great contender. I realize it's not high end here, however Chromebooks need to move past these lower brightness displays and meager storage options.
Does anyone know if this is the same unit as the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i? Because on the Google website listing the eligible Plus models, they list BOTH the Lenovo Slim 3i Chromebook 14" and also the IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook (14", 8).
Its really weird. I have the same but windows device with n100 processor and passive cooling and its THIN - the one in the video looks completely different from my device (it doesnt even have numerical keyboard)
I am sure this is a fine device, but unless it's under $350 I see no reason to buy this over several other devices in particular this HP............. HP - 14" 2-in-1 Wide Ultra XGA Touch-Screen Chromebook - Intel Core i3 - 8GB Memory - 128GB SSD - Mineral Silver which is on sale at Best Buy for $449 with much better metal aluminum build quality, better top firing speakers, one of the best Chromebook keyboards, glass track pad, 12th gen Intel i3 processor, very good XGA display and more. There is not much to think about this is a better device in every way for not much more. This Lenovo looks like a fairly well spec'd Chromebook for school mates. The HP is professional looking and sleek.
Not up to "Robbie Standard" IMHO; 4 minutes of fluffy at the start that you can skip. That then tainted my view of the rest. Shame, usually enjoy alot of his reviews 🥴
I bought IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus based on this recommendation. I had $500 CDN to spend and I wish I wouldn't have. The bluetooth sucks! Maybe it's an isolated case and Lenovo support can fix this.
You're too chatty. You keep talking as if your intuition or your sense of specialness in devices is central to your reviews. Maybe most of your viewers like this, but don't you think it's a bit much to go on and on and on like this? Try being rational and detail-oriented instead of emotional. Maybe if this is what you want to do, you should just go all the way and turn into an iJustine, catering to girls and women who are REALLY into pretty things!
I've had this Chromebook now for maybe a month, and I concur on everything you said... I normally will not buy a device without looking at a review , and I couldn't find one anywhere! But after looking at the specs, I just made the plunge and I am not sorry...I love it, and thanks for posting this video...I am looking forward to your review on this Chromebook!
Thanks for making these videos year after year. I've made purchases based partially on your videos and reviews.
Just purchased this Chromebook in Canada! I could not find a review for the slim 3i version anywhere, but I can confidently say I was blown away by the device's build quality! Well done Lenovo! I actually had no idea the screen was touchscreen until watching this review! It is a hint chunkier than my 3-year-old HP Chromebook, but trust me when I say this device feels premium. This device does not feel or give mediocre. Nothing about it feels cheap, the sound quality is also amazing!
Nice video - shame they didn't consider 16GB of memory - as I've said before on the Acer spin 714 video, some of us are pushing the 8GB to the limit (VScode, remote desktops, citrix, several chromeapps) and really would like to see more 16GB models or at least start to provide some ability to upgrade them. Still for me the Pixel Book Go Speakers and the slim lines of that model are my benchmark. This lenovo I thought looked on the visual side of it just dated design, so I'm going to take your word on the ridged design because wow that looked like a thick wedge of plastic to keep it that way. Also would be nice to see if that Lenovo was a flip design - not sure if you said it. As well as my Pixel book go , my daily work chromebook still is the asus CX5400 (edit - not cx4300 ) flip and I can quickly use up 8GB of that memory, just give me a 16GB flip.
Definitely agree. I am looking for something to replace my Pixelbook Go i5 which also has 16gb ram, and easy all day battery. Currently there isn't anything comparable.
I'm in the same boat. The 16gb CX5400 is doing well enough for me, and I'm very intrigued by the CX34, but upgradable RAM would give me a lot more options. Right now I basically just shop by "has 16gb for under $1000" and it has me seriously looking at other operating systems
@@zarinloosli5338 - thanks for making me check my order number on my asus :) I've got the CX 5400 - but 8GB model.
I'm glad you made this video, expanding on your discussion in last week's revelatory podcast. This Chromebook[+] Slim 3i has me excited, since I'm in the market!
Thanks for the info! For me, Lenovo Chromebooks always represent good quality and exceptional durability. I wouldn't be able to say this without my personal experience. Once, I placed my Lenovo Chromebook on a shelf that was approximately 2 meters high, not realizing that there was something already there. As I moved away from the shelf, the laptop didn't sit securely and soon ended up on the floor. I was almost certain it was the end of the device, but to my surprise, nothing happened, and it's still working perfectly fine even today.
This review is excellent and part of why I bought it for my 7 year old kid with its strong rigid chassis. I just have to say I definitely made the right decision and can state, this held up to a drop and rolling down the stairs and hitting a wall in the worst way possible. Absolutely nothing happened to it and the top, bottom, hinges all are in perfect alignment. It's the best Chromebook for kids. I've even compared it with all CB at Best Buy, and nothing is as solid as this. It even has a better backlit keyboard than the HPs and Acer's. Totally worth it!
Definitely a shout out to the Pixelbook Go - I am still using mine every day, and it's still great.
ChromeOS for the win! Such an amazing Operating System!!!
a Chromebook that only has 1x USB-C cannot be "plus"
With the price of Chromebooks, seem too expensive that people would rather get normal laptop. What's the advantages of Chromebooks compare to normal ones?
You can get stuff with premium materials for like 400 bucks whereas a Windows do you need to pay $1,000 or more to get premium materials. Turns on really fast and has a very light OS. You can run Linux on it. You don't have to deal with windows updates.
If you're looking for something and you only have a budget of a few hundred bucks, low end window stuff is among the worst stuff ever. I would much rather have a $200 Chromebook than a $200 Windows machine.
Basically if you're using a Windows Ultrabook or something that's not going to get great gaming performance anyways, you might as well save 800 bucks and get a Chromebook for $500 instead. Unless you absolutely need the desktop version of office or something.
You can get two in one tablets with the keyboard included for like under $300. That is impossible to find with Windows.
This is the first time I've heard about Chromebook+ and I am indeed excited!
Google tried to use that in the past.
Its basically just a designator for performance classes.
e.g. like Turbo or Sport in cars.
I read on your site iirc, that Lenovo might be releasing another chromebook in the coming months with the Mediatek kompanio chip to target students.
This feels like a "Flex 5" moment? When you originally disregard it and then it becomes one of the greatest chromebooks on the market when you look at it closer... In fact I'm still using the 2020 spec Flex 5 right now. Maybe soon it will be time to look out for CB+ machines? Exciting!
Not so sure about that.
It only has a 45% NTSC display...AGAIN.
The only thing that makes this special for now is the N305. That CPU will make this thing more relevant in6+ years from now in comparison ro any 12 or 13th gen i3 system.
(As things look, just core count alone will make more of a difference than single core speed in the future).
I used to have a flex 5 but the ribbon cables started degrading (screen didn't work well) so replaced with a duet 5 hated that not great for lap use and that broke after milk got into it don't ask how now looking at either this or Cx34
It looks similar to the Lenovo Chromebook Flex.. the improvement is a sure thing since it is a newer model.
The rumored chromebook that is coming from Lenovo that is coming with the mediatek chipset tends to be an impeccable one.
I have both a MacBook Pro M2 and a cheap 14 HP Chromebook, and I find myself reaching for the Chromebook more and more, the touch screen etc makes it great editing PDFs etc. don’t get me wrong the Chromebook quality is no where near the MacBook but it was thousands of $$ cheaper
I struggle with the devs in the company I'm at who have/want powerful MacBooks and yet do everything remote to their office Linux/Windows desktops or they are running a browser to access their stuff. I've migrated myself off my 'desire' for Macs years ago. There's only only a couple of apps (insta360 editor (though I do it on the phone, and export to capcut web video editing), and the sticky label creator (lol)) that still get my mac desktop on standby. The google Pixelbook Go was a quality design that I thought would continue to inspire that new level of design of Chromebooks, I'm still waiting since this Lenovo sadly doesn't look that different from the average laptop.
Don’t get me wrong purchasing the MacBook was only cause of the 20 hour battery life, for auditing it’s unreal. Besides that they are highly overpriced lol.
...if only it had a fingerprint reader it would be perfect (right Joe?). Also, is this a clamshell or a convertible? The performance & the "feel" sound exciting nonetheless.
clamshell.
as usual the dim screen is a real weakness. What's so hard to spec a 500cd backlight?
Interesting looking forward to see more videos on chromebook plus
I tried it and it's not slim and it's heavy. All your reviews should try these laptops on your lap. Some of us actually use the laptop on the lap, which means the thighs, including wearing shorts in summer. Many now have sharp edges and corners and even protrusions to prevent them from moving on a desk, which is not a lap.
How big is the charger and can it work with anker foldable chargers
I had bought a Lenovo Flex 5 for studying on the go, but then picked up an old Pixelbook from eBay that I'd got for a great bargain - and yes, i can understand what you mean about the pleasant intangibles when something is put together very thoughtfully. Same thing with my old Pixel slate and Spin 713 at home.
Now i want a slim 3i 😅🥹
We are completely spoiled for options at $499 and lower, so benchmarks do matter. Maybe bios-mod it to boot linux vs windows vs chromeos, to compare geekbench scores.
I want a chromebook with lots of features. Example; Can be operated on external (large) monitor with primary screen switch off, can watch videos while reading comments (floating). Got suggestion?
Did you mention the sound quality?
Do you think the 2023 Acer spin 714 with the 13gen i5 will geat updated to a chromebook plus?
exactly what I was thinking
@@-Jka- I hope it does.
I was wondering which one he would prefer if purchasing the Acer 714 or the Lenovo Slim 3i? I would lean towards the Acer but I have not seen Robby this excited in a while.
@cswan77 the acer has the power I need. I don't about Robby. The only thing I hate about the acer is the speakers. They are just horrible. I have had popping and crackling from mine till they both went out. Other than that it is great. I actually use it for video editing. I do hope it gets the plus software updates. But that's just me being hopeful.
My Lenovo Duet 5 got the Plus update!!!!
Great video, again.
Question, i wonder how popular Chromebooks actually are,apart from the Education sector? . I have 2 and love em and they don't seem too popular here. (Ireland)
Thanks
Too bad that MOST of these devices are not sold in germany so...
(Lenovo does not even list any Chromebooks on their german website, nor can you buy the N305 Slim 3 here).
Indeed, here in Europe it seems that Lenovo chromebooks are very hard to find.
Another great video!
I still don't know what he means by Chromebook Plus. ” there's something about it that makes you want to pick it up and use it." That's way too vague man.
That's easy: it means they gonna get even more money for you wallet. . Is a PLUS for them and a MINUS for you.
PLUS and PRO have been used so loosely that they don't always have extra value anymore. Is just a word to justify a rise in prices, but not necessarily on the same proportion of value (advances in hardware and software).
Well, that's how I perceive things.
We have plus sized "models", so why not have "plus" Chromebooks?
Hello, I've been watching your videos and I appreciate all the information, informative and entertaining. Thank you so much. I have a question which budget Chromebook plus model do you recommend in 11, 12, 13, and 14 inch models touchscreen and lit keyboard a must. A two in one would be nice non-detachable. My max budget is 400 USD but cheaper would be great. need 8 gb of memory for some gaming and DJ Apps I will be running a controller that is compatible. I really appreciate your help. Thank you for helping me in advance. Love your channel.
I have a chromebook acer 314 touchscreen. I am sorry to say that this presentation has told me anything that make me think this lenovo chromebook is any different or better than my cheaper acer.
I am reviewing Chromebooks precisely because I have a 2.5 year old Acer 314 that has a track pad that is pure garbage. Been struggling with it for over a year, now. This is my second Acer Chromebook. The first one worked fine but was no longer supported. Am hoping to find a Chromebook that is built better where the hardware is reliable.
Will any current devices be considered “Chromebook Plus” if they meet the hardware standards?
blabla skip to 4:30
A Chromebook Plus-certified Chromebook has to fulfil five core criteria. Here's the list. Its core processor must be a 12th Gen Intel Core chipset, an AMD Ryzen 7000, or a newer equivalent. It must have at least 8GB RAM.
Google has to be the one that incentivizes innovation for chromebooks or at least improves them by making them, there has never been a successful case in which a 3rd party manufacturer moves an os forward instead of the main manufacturer and you think they (goggle) learned that from Android with their strained relationship with samsung. Sooner or later issues such as screens that have low brightness ( 250 knits) by compassion some smartwatches have more than that, pricing is another issue, etc..
If not for the small eMMC storage and rather dim 300 NITS screen, this might have been a great contender. I realize it's not high end here, however Chromebooks need to move past these lower brightness displays and meager storage options.
Indeed, but at least it's 300+ nits rather than ~250 nits, as they've consistently reported on as being perpetrated by some other brands.
Dim screens have been a Lenovo thing since forever, unfortunately.
If I had to guess, a Chromebook Plus is just the usual but Google makes sure it doesn't have an SD card slot.
Does anyone know if this is the same unit as the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i? Because on the Google website listing the eligible Plus models, they list BOTH the Lenovo Slim 3i Chromebook 14" and also the IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook (14", 8).
Yes, this is the ideapad slim 3i device from the Lenovo website. I do not see a Lenovo Slim 3i listed anymore
It's called a Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i
Its really weird. I have the same but windows device with n100 processor and passive cooling and its THIN - the one in the video looks completely different from my device (it doesnt even have numerical keyboard)
Love it
Great looking device, whoever wins one is lucky 😊
Can u suggest where can I sell my chromebook in India with nice price
Many Thanks.
I am sure this is a fine device, but unless it's under $350 I see no reason to buy this over several other devices in particular this HP............. HP - 14" 2-in-1 Wide Ultra XGA Touch-Screen Chromebook - Intel Core i3 - 8GB Memory - 128GB SSD - Mineral Silver which is on sale at Best Buy for $449 with much better metal aluminum build quality, better top firing speakers, one of the best Chromebook keyboards, glass track pad, 12th gen Intel i3 processor, very good XGA display and more. There is not much to think about this is a better device in every way for not much more. This Lenovo looks like a fairly well spec'd Chromebook for school mates. The HP is professional looking and sleek.
Not up to "Robbie Standard" IMHO; 4 minutes of fluffy at the start that you can skip. That then tainted my view of the rest. Shame, usually enjoy alot of his reviews 🥴
Four extra minutes because that was a "plus" review.
😮is it touch screen?
So it’s like Intel EVO?
The mid range version
Price
£250
Core i3 ?
I know this make a trigger but over 300 $ chromebooks not worth to buy.why spend 1000usd just for email and small task
what is this:called
I bought IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus based on this recommendation. I had $500 CDN to spend and I wish I wouldn't have. The bluetooth sucks! Maybe it's an isolated case and Lenovo support can fix this.
My school uses these
i i i i iwaiting for it so long.
God bless Chromebook
Üründen çok seni görüyoruz, ürünü daha çok göstermen hiç fena olmayacak
He’s really obsessed by keyboard. Sounds almost like a fetichism 😂
Did you notice the sexy back lit keys?
@@watchmanonthewall14 😂 and the rigid no flex chassis
@@jonhh6918 And that chassis felt "substantial".
You're too chatty. You keep talking as if your intuition or your sense of specialness in devices is central to your reviews. Maybe most of your viewers like this, but don't you think it's a bit much to go on and on and on like this? Try being rational and detail-oriented instead of emotional. Maybe if this is what you want to do, you should just go all the way and turn into an iJustine, catering to girls and women who are REALLY into pretty things!