I Tested A $500 Chromebook Plus - Better Than Windows in 2024?

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Today I'm taking a look at the $500 Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus and seeing if Chromebooks are still worth it in 2024.
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[@nickc1957]

I got myself a Chromebook (not Plus) a while ago, and I must say I was impressed with it. It can't do everything I need it to do, but for a casual web browsing machine, it's really good!

[@kwoknation]

they're surprisingly good for their price!

[@jtstevenson81]

I migrated from Windows to Chrome OS in 2017 and I have never looked back. No more purchasing anti-virus software, no more performing malware scans or wasting time on updates. Chrome OS takes care of all of that for me without me even noticing. And I still have not found anything that I used to do on Windows that I cannot do just as efficiently, if not more so, on Chrome OS. I think as more and more people realize how much Chrome OS has matured since it came out back 2011, more people will start making the jump as well.

[@matthews4159]

Originally Chromebooks were just a browser which ran web based Google applications however these days Chromebooks run Android applications and Linux as well and these require much more RAM and processing power which explains the need for Chromebook Plus.......

[@CalvinIrby01]

I went ChromeOS years ago. Has been the best decision for my tech ology life. No more problems!

[@kwoknation]

nice! that's great to hear

[@biddutbaranbarua7244]

Can you do most works of a laptop? Googe docs and everything?

[@jtstevenson81]

Same! I migrated from Windows to Chrome OS in 2017 and I have never looked back. No more purchasing anti-virus software, no more performing malware scans or wasting time on updates. Chrome OS takes care of all of that for me without me even noticing. And I still have not found anything that I used to do on Windows that I cannot do just as efficiently, if not more so, on Chrome OS. I think as more and more people realize how much Chrome OS has matured since in came out back 2011, more people will start making the jump as well.

[@andrewjohn2124]

I went the Linux route. Linux Mint on an i5 with 8 gb of Ram beats any Chromebook

[@bocchitherock-ob2bl]

​@@jtstevenson81you don't need an antivirus even on Windows. antiviruses are a waste of resources and money. i actually want to disable Defender so bad but i can't because Microsoft. all operating systems are "safe" if you don't actually download random cracks or scripts from the internet and update regularly!!! but yeah, as a web browser (jk i love chromebooks), i mean web-based OS, chromeOS is the safest.

[@thesoze1]

I have the the same Chromebook Plus but the one you reviewed has a fingerprint reader and different labels on the keys...where did you get this?

[@gustavoc1190]

Where did you buy this from in Canada ? Great review !

[@csimmons7959]

I went high-end chromebook (Samsung Galaxy Chromebook) and I love it. There was an adjustment period in learning how to use it. I'm able to to do video with apps like LumaFusion. I just bought a Luna controller for games and it's pretty smooth. ChromeOS just seems to improve everyday.

[@thisisa]

6:00 the lowercase letters are on all Chromebooks no matter the brand and the extra symbols is because you received a Canadian French keyboard layout (maybe meant to be sold in Quebec)

[@mrbasalt8553]

You can change the launcher key to be caps lock or another similar key from a list.

[@john-ze7eu]

Just need something for my mom to check occasional email (if her phone or tablet is down), but mostly for printing the occasional document (yes, I know she can do this from her phone and tablet, but she's 75....she wants some type of computer). Chromebook be fine for this?? Thanks in advance

[@malcontent510]

I've ran my consulting business on a Chromebook for nearly a decade. I recently upgraded to an Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (i5/8gb/256gb/stylus) - it's great.

[@theflyingscott1]

Snap! I run my GIS consulting business using an Acer Spin 713 and it's still going strong! The reason I love it so much is that I use it like a tablet as well. It is so flexible, fast and reliable compared to a Windows laptop. And it is just so much better than the iPad Pro I tried to use. iPad was dumped quickly.

[@lafamillecarrington]

You are also guaranteed software updates for an extended period - 10 years in theory, more than 8 years in practice. I haven't noticed any problems with the trackpad - although I haven't used other trackpads recently. I also bought a Penoval USI 2.0 pen for drawing and taking notes, which is great.

[@jtstevenson81]

Totally agree on the updates. I use an Asus CX5601, and it is scheduled to receive updates until June 2032. Great choice on the Penoval by the way. I also recommend trying the Logitech Pen for Chromebook. It's a nice thick pen which is yellow and silver in color and feels great to write with.

[@fasn279]

I use my chromebook for simple stuff such as email, applying for jobs and viewing content (youtube etc) it's enough for most things just not video editing!

[@kwoknation]

yea agreed! great value for light laptop work

[@danielhedlund]

We run our entire business with Chromebooks. We have Google Workspace as our main system and basically every system we use is web based, so Chromebooks is just perfect! We don't use anything regarding Microsoft office, because we don't need it and I don't like problems! Never any problems with our Chromebooks! I as a business leader also have a Mac mini mainly for film editing. Otherwise it wouldn't be necessary.

[@kwoknation]

that sounds like a good choice & very cost effective if it works, especially if all your systems are web-based

[@actionsub]

NOW if I could just convince OUR IT guy of the wisdom of this decision...

[@HungryzStuff]

My brother has had a chromebook for about 8 years now It was a viable machine is 2016, but its not too powerful now Is also fan less so it gets really hot too

[@ajwalker4416]

I have an HP Chromebook (14-inch touchscreen but I don't remember the rest of the specs) that got me through school a few years ago and is still going strong. No issues. I'd go Chrome OS completely if I wasn't a gamer and don't want to switch to consoles. I don't really need Windows for anything in my daily life except Steam runs on Windows. I keep hearing rumors about a Steam client being close to coming to ChromeOS and as soon as it does, bye-bye Windows 😁

[@-Jka-]

With my Chromebook(s) - They work with the DJI Mic2 to use it as web mic , I do video editing using capcut (though it can get a bit choppy) , coding with vscode in developer mode to remote servers, manage access to remote desktops using remmina and Terminal. I know that I can switch between my ChromeOS and ChromeFlex devices and I'll get my same Chrome PWAs sync'd up. I can use my Google drive for storing common app files. I can use rsync to sync my linux home directory and 'MyFiles' directory now and then... I can powerwash the chromebook to clean it... Apart from heavy video editing it works really well, and if you get something like the Lenovo duet 3 you can still use your same PWAs when in tablet mode.

[@kwoknation]

yea! light video editing works (not the most optimal) but if the rest of your workflow is supported on ChromeOS, no reason a Chromebook can’t work for you

[@vterpko]

They didn't split enter key. It's just that you've got ISO layout instead of ANSI. They usually come in both variations depending on the region.

[@tytownsend8219]

Still using my Galaxy chromebook 2 and it still does everything I need it to do.

[@GodUchihaTempest]

i got this one and urm crap for gaming kinda expected it but had too try it shame thou as it costs like 500 but its great for watching content on shame that most off the games via google play just either work or dont for me yet too try steam wish me luck

[@NELSONG12]

Interesting, it seems perfect for what I do. Thanx

[@asdfasdffdcd]

Chromebook user here. Very satisfied with the mac like experience.

[@thesoze1]

I didn't like the "Mac" experience, Chromebook is just easier and better at the fraction of the price

[@DanielCobblestone]

Testing Cloud Gaming would be amazing

[@n019n]

my chromebook is really bad; it can't even run two tabs. i only use it for watching videos you should have mentioned linux though, you can run a bunch of things using that. i tried to get vs code but i never figured it out.

[@gibblesfx]

The keyboard is probably the French/Canadian keyboard. If you can, sometimes you can get different layouts with better enter key. The search key can also be remapped in the Chromebook settings.

[@kwoknation]

Ooh yea it might be the French Canadian keys, and good to know about the Launcher key! I’ll try remapping that

[@AlexEarMusic]

I am currently on the hunt or my next laptop, since my ultrabook just dies two days ago, while being out of warranty. Being forced to use a Chromebook from 6 years ago made me reconcider what I should get. While not being fast, it is usable, if you have some patience. I was even able to do my day job with it, since we work with the Google Suite and my tasks are all in Google and Meta Ads. Slack works through the browser. With Linux I could actually utilize libre office to write papers and essays or use the office 365 online services. Windows is mostlz clunky and cumbersome to use imo and I want to stay as far away from Apple as possible. This video helped me a lot. Thank you!

[@AndrewTSq]

I have this, aswell as a Acer 714. The keyboard on the Acer feels like a mechanical keyboard, the Lenovo feels like a mushroom. The Acer chromebook has a gorilla glass touchpad that feels so good, while the Lenovos touchpad have a little too much resistance for me.The Acer is fully aluminium. So go for Acer next time :) edit : can add that the Lenovo chromebook is way better than my work pc lenovo.

[@sepandarmoeeni9299]

honest review, ty.

[@thisisa]

Really well made video

[@jonasolofsson4128]

While I am a bit jealous of my girlfriends macbook air, my Acer Spin 715 does it's job for a heck of a lot cheaper. When i bought the chromebook I had an android phone, and I think they worked really well togheter, being able to send messages and what not. Now I have an iphone and even though I kind of want an macbook because of design and build quality, it's really not worth the price considering I only do basic things. That works so well on chromebooks, and in some cases even better than on a PC or mac.

[@tikigodsrule2317]

Best chromebok for dictation?

[@thisisa]

for 3:30 isn't there also Photopea

[@haybail7618]

i would like to see a video on the nice little niz keyboard you got there 🙂

[@kwoknation]

ooh I love that keyboard haha

[@haybail7618]

@@kwoknation fun fact: I wrote this message on a topre keyboard haha (hhkb hybrid). rubber dome capacitive keyboards are great, I love them too

[@giancarlogrande98]

For me, people that buy chromebooks does not notice things like a not so great trackpad or a not so great keyboard. They are usually people who never used a surface or a macbook. I own a chromebook (an Asus which has a pretty good 120hz screen) and i'm loving the experience. You also forget to talk about the linux environment, which gives chrome OS the possibiity to use apps made for PC. Good video btw :)

[@clickratio]

A few comments on keyboards: 1/ the split key on the left shift is just the keyboard being in ISO layout instead of ANSI. 2/ The legends being lower case is a google requirement 3/ i assume u bought it in Canada, the keyboard is likely whats called a Canadian MUI, so those symbols are for multiple language/icons

[@zigzag00]

Toronto represent 💪

[@guitarstella1]

does it have dark mode

[@kwoknation]

yes!

[@art-tb3um]

As I got older and stopped gaming. I realized that almost everything I ever did was in chrome and google. Been using my samsung chromebook more than my HP omen laptop. I think my next purchase is going to be a premium chromebook

[@Angya_Channel]

what about steam?

[@nanashi2622]

Now the only question is, how hard is it to install Linux in this Chromebook?

[@JeffK.-kv6et]

are chromebooks good for college students

[@HypeXesk]

A 2018 or later premium laptop of old will do wonders with Linux in it :)

[@alpacamale2909]

Who enables caps lock that much that they need a dedicated 2u key? imo caps lock should be another Enter key and caps lock should be enabled by double tapping either of the shift keys.

[@kwoknation]

I use caps lock even for something like typing a postal code 🤷‍♂️ definitely more than I need the Launcher

[@alpacamale2909]

I used to use it for typing one letter all caps even but then I got used to shift for that.@@kwoknation

[@henriwolbrink]

Dual boot with Linux Mint is all I need.

[@tubeslats]

Chromebooks are the Honda Civic's of computers. That is a good thing!

[@loucipher7782]

if only Chrome OS allow you to install Android and Linux apps

[@superangrybrit]

What a weird keyboard layout. It is the first time seeing this. I have used CSA/ACNOR, Canadian multilingual and french canadian layout, Apple cf layout and I've never see this one. 🤔

[@kwoknation]

yeah right! looks really strange

[@dominirican7403]

500 bucks is expensive for what it offers. Think about it, 300 bucks more, you get itself a Mac air used

[@matthews4159]

All.... Chromebooks now have 10 years of support,,, updated every month . Chrome plus means i3 CPU , 8GB ram, 128 GB internal storage Chromebooks originally had 2GB then 4GB ,,,maybe 8GB plus is the next ?

[@anthonybacia194]

if you are mostly working or doing stuff under the web and if its OK for you to use Google Docs rather than MS office, then Chromebooks is a no brainier choice

[@TheCosmicRealm3]

I prefer a chromebook over Windows any day. The learning curve on chromebook is so very minimal. You can do just about everything you can on Windows. I'm still rocking the Samsung chromebook Fiesta Red myself.

[@ian_r125]

Now its just a normal laptop. I bet it gets hot too

[@HypeXesk]

linux on a old (2018 or above but lower works fine too) premium laptop goes wild and if cheap is your style it also works great on old thinkpads

[@dawoodwilliams3652]

your mistake is buying a mid range Chromebook Plus model and then make build quality comparisons with high Windows and Mac devices, such as you did with the track pad, obviously a higher end Chromebook is going to have the more premium hardware features.

[@kwoknation]

yea! I did caveat that I was comparing it to high end Windows/Mac devices

[@harshvraj]

We all and from where Android tv began and where is it now, ☠️

[@theflyingscott1]

Looks like a french keyboard. Weird. Thats why it looks messy. I had a spanish one which looked even worse. Are you in France or Canada?

[@eelco9547]

I want to buy a Chromebook because I don't need a high spec laptop and I hate Windows (virussen, always trouble with updating).

[@kwoknation]

it’s a good choice if your workflow fits into ChromeOS!

[@ZimmMr]

I want the gaming video!

[@mw7967]

If your budget is only $500, you cannot go wrong with a chrome book. Actually, at this price point, it's the only device I can recommend next to a budget ipad. I would never buy a Windows PC, at this price point but similarly, I could never justify a $800-$1000 chrome book. Chrome books are hard to beat, when you consider price, performance and software longevity.

[@theremixsong.4712]

Missing Linux?

[@user-sk4gj3ji3o]

Version 14

[@LuisRodriguez-xl6wi]

I do not agree with your review at all. You do not give a Link for the Chromebook and when I searched for the one you sugest...it becomes very difficult to find it ever since there are many variations of the same model for similar prices. ALSO...the Lap Top you sugest has very bad reviews in Amazon. The Lap Top you sugest is an old model (2022) and not 2024.

[@timothyjholloway]

You didn't really substantiate some of the things you said. You gave an opinion but you were very unconvincing, seeming to depend mostly on people trusting your opinion even if they don't know you or have an opinion on your opinion. I can complain loudly about Google and ChromeOS, mostly because Google feels free to screw up and introduce bugs that its users can do nothing but complain about. If I've disabled Google Play (Android), the icon persists now. I used to be able to disable it, which felt like a bit of a hassle as when I uninstall an app, it should disappear. If I click on this icon, it'll install Google Play immediately. Actually, that's misleading: If I click on it, it'll take about 10 minutes to install, if I agree to the terms. I've heard Windows 11 plays ads in the operating system and puts apps not on your computer in the Start menu, as if trying to get you to click on them and install them. If you're Canadian, you'll know that adding just 8GB of RAM to a MacBook costs $250 CAD, which is appalling. That's how much my current Chromebook, an Asus Flip C234 (C214 with 64GB storage instead of 32GB) with 4GB of RAM cost. And this thing just works. I've had it for two years without any problems other than the right click menu automatically selecting options like new tab/window depending on where on the screen the mouse pointer is. I removed a couple of added options on the menu from extensions after months of frustration with this, and now it only happens in the middle of the furthest left position of the screen, and only to refresh the tab. Why would I buy a MacBook? Faster? Oh yeah! But no touchscreen. Motherboard has moisture sensors but there's no spill-resistant keyboard. My Chromebook meets military standards meant to withstand drops up to 120 cm and has the spill-resistant keyboard. It has a touchscreen. And while this screen is low-resolution, it's not like the pixels suddenly start showing their ugliness like the did on the classic MacBook Air when the Pros got Retina displays. If I don't need Windows or a MacBook, why wouldn't I use a Chromebook? Oh, and I don't have to worry about buying a nice laptop and Linux not running properly on it. Everything works. I don't think you gave much thought to your review, even as much thought as I've given to this comment. I'll avoid your channel from now on.

[@creditrazer981]

Chromebooks have come a LONG way, since inception. I suggest going with the more "Premium" models to get all the leverage that Chromebook can provide. The $600+ range are generally very good. Plus if you factor what $600 would offer you on the Windows or Apple side, the chromebook is way superior. I know i have used Windows, Mac, and Chrome, and for the price, nothing can compare if being honest!

[@Mohammed_x]

i mean for 500$ it's not good for me

[@kwoknation]

there’s some decent Windows options for $500 now

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

Good thing about Chromebooks is they get heavily discounted brand new heavily. Probably find this for $349 at best buy every other month But I have seen some good cheap windows options. Lenovo IdeaPad duet 5i Windows version is a surface pro clone with 12th Gen i3, 8 gb of ram. It was on sale for $200 or less open box at best buy with keyboard, and stylus in box. Only downside is 128 GB with no SD card slot. See if Best Buy still has that

[@NguyenTran-eq2wg]

$500 is a bit steep though 🤔

[@kwoknation]

it is a bit pricy for a chromebook!

[@Issa-vc6yf]

this machine is very bad with using office and photoshop

[@kwoknation]

it’s definitely less optimized, but I wouldn’t say it’s horrible with the updated ChromeOS and web apps

[@tdotcom]

Great video, perfect overview. That looks like a good device. Re: screens, apps and gaming. I bought the Asus CX34 Flip Vibe and it is a wonderful high quality 14" touch screen with 1920x1200 WUXGA, plus IPS and incredible viewing angles plus Harmon Kardon speakers. Top class screen and sound on an inexpensive device. It's a gaming laptop so also offers "wasd" keys highlighted and 144hz refresh when plugged in. It looks incredible with Steam games I tried- available via Chrome OS Linux implementation. You missed the fact that Adobe and Microsoft apps do work great in browsers or as web apps or android apps. In fact, Photoshop Online is a killer and Lightroom android is really good on Chromebook. As a web only MS365 subscriber I can vouch that MS apps work fine in browsers. Other than that BIG THANKS for a great overview of the potential of Chromebooks. And yes, as you suggested, I still use my Macbook Pro when I'm in a hurry (typing on familiar keyboard) or need to use full version of Photoshop or DaVinci Resolve or other powerful media apps.