Lenovo 300e Chromebook Gen 3 review
The Lenovo Lenovo 300e Chromebook Gen 3 ranks as the #841 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 57. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #764-ranked features among 447 laptops. Consider the HP 14 or HP Pavilion x360 11, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Lenovo 300e Chromebook Gen 3 is a decent buy, even in 2023. This rugged convertible comes with a garage USI pen and 32GB storage. The AMD 3015c processor and 4GB RAM provide smooth performance for most tasks. Battery life is good, lasting up to two days of average use. The 11.6" IPS screen is bright enough for indoor use. While it's not the lightest at 1.31kg, its ABS build feels tough and durable. Considering its price point, it's a great value for those seeking an education-focused Chromebook that can withstand classroom use.
Build
The Lenovo 300E Gen 3 Chromebook boasts a rugged build that's perfect for the classroom or outdoor use. The all-plastic ABS construction is surprisingly robust and can withstand minor bumps and drops. Rubber bumpers on the edges provide extra protection, giving it a sturdy feel. Weighing in at around 1.31 kg, it's not the lightest option but still feels well-put-together. The textured finish gives it a tactile quality, although it may not improve grip significantly. Overall, the build quality is impressive for its price point and makes this Chromebook a great value for those seeking a reliable device. Huawei MateBook D 15 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded build.
Display
The Lenovo 300E Chromebook Gen 3 features an 11.6-inch IPS HD screen with a claimed brightness of 250 nits. While the bezels are noticeable, they're not detrimental to the overall experience. The screen itself is bright and suitable for indoor use. It's the same display found in the 6th gen Lenovo Flex 3 IO, which has its own strengths. Overall, the display is a solid aspect of this Chromebook, even if it doesn't set any records for brightness or resolution. For an improved display, Intel NUC X15 is worth considering.
Performance
The Lenovo 300E Chromebook Gen 3 delivers decent performance with its AMD 3015c processor. While it may not be the most powerful option, it handles everyday tasks with ease and light gaming like Roblox is also manageable. Benchmark tests suggest a Celeron N4500 might be a better choice, but in real-world usage, I couldn't notice significant differences compared to other Chromebooks with the same processor. Overall, the 300E Gen 3 provides satisfactory performance for its price point, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and feature-rich Chromebook. You might want to check out Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3, featuring an upgraded performance for a superior experience.
Battery and Charging
The Lenovo 300e Chromebook Gen 3 offers decent battery life, lasting up to two days with average use. The manufacturer claims 10.8 hours on the Google Power Load Test. The device's rechargeable USI pen is also convenient, charging quickly at 60 seconds to reach 95% and 4 minutes to 100%. A 65W charger comes included, helping this model recharge faster than others in its class, with an 80% charge achieved in just one hour.
Connectivity
The Lenovo 300E Chromebook Gen 3 features two USB-C ports, one full-size USB-A port, an HDMI connection, and a micro SD card slot. The USI stylus is conveniently garage-rechargeable, while the power button has a built-in LED indicator and a volume rocker. If you're after top-notch connectivity, consider Lenovo 10w.
Features
The Lenovo 300E Chromebook Gen 3 boasts a rugged design, perfect for students or those who want a durable device. It comes with a rechargeable USI stylus and has a 11.6-inch IPS HD screen with a claimed brightness of 250 nits. The Chromebook features two cameras, including a world-facing camera that can record in 1080p, and an HDMI port for connectivity. With a weight of 1.31 kg, it's not the lightest but feels well-built. It’s worth checking out Lenovo IdeaPad D330, delivering remarkable features.
Support and Maintenance
The Lenovo 300E Chromebook Gen 3 offers decent support and maintenance, considering its age. Updates to Chrome OS will run through June 2029, providing a sufficient lifespan. The device also comes with a 65W charger, which is convenient for recharging and can be used with other laptops or devices that require extra power. Overall, the Lenovo 300E Gen 3 provides reliable support and maintenance for its users.
Pros
1. The build quality is great, with an all-plastic ABS build that feels tough and well-made.
2. The rechargeable USI stylus pen is great to have, and the fact that it's garage in the Chromebook makes it convenient and easy to use.
3. The performance of the AMD 3015c processor is decent for most normal tasks, and the battery life is good, lasting up to 10.8 hours according to Lenovo's tests.
4. The 11.6-inch IPS HD screen is bright enough for indoor use, although the bezels might be a bit large.
Cons
1. The weight of the Chromebook is around 1.31 kg (2.89 pounds), which is not the lightest.
2. The speakers are not the best in terms of quality, but they do feel loud enough.
3. The Celeron N4500 processor might be a better option for some users, although benchmark tests suggest that there may not be a huge real-world difference compared to the AMD 3015c processor.
4. Some users might find the keyboard and trackpad to be just okay, although they are still very well-made.
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