Lenovo 100e review
The Lenovo Lenovo 100e ranks as the #860 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 53. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #765-ranked features among 448 laptops. Consider the HP Chromebook x360 11 G3 EE or Asus ASUS Chromebook Flip C214, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Lenovo 100e is an affordable Chromebook that punches above its weight. With a price tag of $79, it's hard to find fault in this device. The MediaTek processor and 4GB RAM are sufficient for basic tasks like browsing, emailing, and streaming. While the storage is limited at 16GB, most users will be able to cloud-save their files. Overall, this Chromebook is a great value for those looking for a budget-friendly option for casual use.
Build
The Lenovo 100e's build is surprisingly sturdy for its price point. The plastic casing feels solid, with a grippy matte finish that resists fingerprints. The inside body has a brushed steel look that adds to the laptop's premium feel. Weighing in at 2.7 pounds and measuring an inch thick, it's not the thinnest Chromebook on the market but is still comfortable to carry around. Its compact size makes it perfect for students or those who want a no-frills device for basic tasks. The build quality justifies its affordable price tag, making it a great value for the money. For an improved build, Lenovo 300e Chromebook Gen 3 is worth considering.
Display
The 11.6-inch display on the Lenovo 100e is an HD panel with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. It's anti-glare, making it suitable for indoor use, but viewing angles are limited. The screen gets bright enough, and as long as you're looking at it straight on, it's fine. Overall, the display is sufficient for basic tasks like browsing, emailing, and streaming, but it may not impress with its quality or brightness. You might want to check out HP 470 G7, featuring an upgraded display for a superior experience.
Performance
The Lenovo 100e is a budget-friendly Chromebook that offers decent performance for its price. The quad-core MediaTek processor runs smoothly with multiple chrome tabs and apps open simultaneously. While the 16GB storage may seem limited, it's sufficient for most users who store their files in the cloud. Additionally, the device boots up quickly and has a 10-hour battery life, making it suitable for casual use such as browsing, streaming, and email checking. Overall, its performance is impressive considering its budget-friendly price tag of around $79. Take a look at Lenovo IdeaPad D330 - its improved performance sets a new standard.
Battery and Charging
The Lenovo 100e boasts an impressive 10-hour battery life, with minimal power consumption. I've used the device for several months and had to charge it only twice. The USB-C port is a convenient charging option, and the laptop's drop-proof design ensures reliability in various settings.
Connectivity
The Lenovo 100e boasts USB-C charging, a USB 3.0 port, HDMI port, and an SD card slot, making it convenient for connectivity. A headphone jack and Kensington lock are also included. Additionally, the device features Bluetooth 4.2 for connecting peripherals and has a 10 hour battery life, ensuring all-day use without worrying about recharging. It’s worth checking out Lenovo IdeaPad D330, delivering remarkable connectivity.
Features
The Lenovo 100e boasts an 11.6" HD display, quad-core MediaTek processor, 4GB RAM, and 16GB storage (expandable via SD card). It features a spill-resistant keyboard, drop-proof design, and USB-C charging. The battery life is up to 10 hours. Give Lenovo 300e Chromebook Gen 3 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled features.
Support and Maintenance
The Lenovo 100e is a solid choice for basic tasks, but its support and maintenance aspects are where it truly shines. The Chrome OS ensures seamless updates and security patches, with minimal downtime. Additionally, the device's simple design makes repairs and replacements straightforward. With a price point of $79, the cost of replacement or repair is negligible, making it an excellent option for schools, families, or individuals who want a hassle-free computing experience.
Pros
1. For $79, it's a no-brainer if you're looking to have a cheap device laying around the house to catch up on some emails, do some online shopping browsing or even some streaming.
2. You actually get some bang for your buck at this price point.
3. It's great for kids with its spill-resistant keyboard and mouse pad, and it's drop proof up to two and a half feet.
4. The battery life is 10 hours, which is the same as the $920 Google Pixelbook
5. It has Bluetooth 4.2 so you can connect your favorite pair of headphones or other peripherals.
6. Setting up is easy just log in using your Google credentials and if you don't have an account you can set one up in seconds.
7. The keyboard is alright with decent travel and each key has a grippy mat texture
8. It's great for basic tasks like emails, web searches, and Google Docs.
Cons
1. The storage is only 16GB, which sounds absurdly small but remember most of what you're saving or working on should be on the cloud.
2. The viewing angles on this 11.6 inch screen are not the greatest and possibly the only indication that this is indeed a budget device
3. The speakers sound pretty terrible but are certainly usable in a pinch
4. The built-in webcam is at 720p, which might be low for some users.
5. The microphone is not the greatest however for Google duo, Google's answer to Apple's FaceTime as well as some zoom and some Microsoft teams meetings it's more than sufficient
6. The mousepad is a little sticky and makes me crave Windows precision drivers
7. It doesn't flip around like other laptops, which might be a drawback for some users.
8. The keyboard shortcuts are not super intuitive but once you get used to them, they're fine.
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