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00:00:00 – 00:14:02
Lon Seiben's review of the Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook highlights its affordability and versatility, emphasizing its dual functionality as a laptop and tablet. Running on Chrome OS with support for Android and Linux apps, the entry-level model priced at around $349 features an Intel n100 processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage. It boasts a 12.2-inch 1920×1200 IPS touchscreen display and weighs 2.76 pounds with a solid plastic build.
The Chromebook offers several features, including a well-functioning trackpad, stereo speakers suitable for calls and podcasts, and a wide array of ports such as USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a Micro SD card slot. It operates silently, thanks to its fanless design, providing 8 to 10 hours of battery life, and performs well in web browsing and media playback. While it doesn't support HD streaming on Android apps for services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, it compensates through browser use for better quality and plays Android games effectively.
Performance benchmarks indicate snappy responsiveness for web browsing and app usage, with scores comparable to older low-end i5 chips. However, the 4GB RAM is a limiting factor, suggesting that 8GB would enhance performance. The device also supports Linux applications, adding to its versatility.
The review concludes by discussing the Chromebook's update policy, highlighting it will receive updates until June 2031. Post this date, although the device will continue to function, it won't get further operating system updates. Overall, Seiben recommends the Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook as a strong, budget-friendly secondary device, particularly noting the low-maintenance aspect of Chrome OS.
00:00:00
In this segment, Lon Seiben reviews the Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook, emphasizing its affordability and versatility. The device functions as a laptop and tablet, running Chrome OS with support for Android apps and Linux. Priced around $349 (possibly less), the entry-level model features an Intel n100 processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage. It sports a 12.2-inch 1920×1200 IPS display with a 300-nit brightness, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and a touch screen. Weighing 2.76 pounds, it has a plastic build but feels solid. Additional features include a 720p webcam with a physical shutter for privacy, a well-spaced keyboard without backlighting, and a sturdy, flexible hinge for different use modes.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker details the features and port selection of a laptop. The laptop lacks biometric login options like fingerprint or facial recognition but allows a PIN code setup. The trackpad is highlighted as a positive feature, especially given the laptop’s price. It has stereo speakers suitable for calls and podcasts but less ideal for music. The port selection includes a full service Gen 2 USB-C port supporting 4K display output at 60 hertz, 10 Gbps data transfer, and power input, allowing single-cable docking station use. There are also USB-A ports, a headphone/microphone jack, a Micro SD card slot for storage expansion, a power switch, a volume rocker, an HDMI port supporting dual 4K displays, and a Kensington lock slot for security. The laptop provides 8 to 10 hours of battery life, operates silently due to a fanless design using efficient Intel chips, and performs well in web browsing tasks.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the reviewer discusses the performance and various features of a low-end Intel chip-powered device. They highlight its snappy responsiveness, especially during web browsing, and the improved performance compared to typical lower-end Intel chips. The device offers versatility by functioning as both a laptop and a 12-inch tablet, although it lacks a specific pen for tasks like artwork.
The reviewer tested media playback, noting that 1080p 60fps YouTube videos played smoothly without dropped frames. The device also scored well on the BrowserBench Speedometer benchmark test. Additionally, it supports running Android apps from the Google Play Store, which benefit from the tablet mode. However, some compatibility issues arise due to the Intel hardware, such as games targeting ARM chips crashing.
They mention a limitation with streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, where HD content is not supported on Android versions for Chromebooks, recommending browser use instead for better quality. Despite these caveats, many Android games run well, exemplified by the game “Horizon Chase.”
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the presenter demonstrates the capabilities of a device in running various applications and games. It performs well with Android apps and game streaming, aided by its built-in Wi-Fi 6. The Bluetooth Xbox controller works seamlessly, confirming smooth gaming experiences including cloud gaming without lag. Benchmark tests show impressive results, comparable to older low-end i5 chips, despite the device being silent and fanless. Emulation for certain older games also runs smoothly. However, the device’s 4GB RAM is a limiting factor; it could perform even better with 8GB. The device also supports Linux, enabling the use of command-line apps and native graphical applications like LibreOffice. Despite limited storage and RAM, the device offers substantial value, making it a strong contender as a budget-friendly secondary machine. The presenter also notes the low-maintenance advantage of Chrome OS for tech support purposes.
00:12:00
In this segment of the video, the presenter discusses the expiration date for Chromebooks, which is when they will no longer receive updates, including security updates. The specific Chromebook being reviewed will receive updates until June 2031, eight years from the video recording date. The presenter emphasizes that after this date, the Chromebook will still function but will not get any further operating system updates. This expiration date is fixed, so buying the device second-hand will reduce the remaining update period accordingly. The presenter concludes by recommending the Chromebook and thanking the channel’s supporters, encouraging viewers to contribute and subscribe for more content.