Lenovo Chromebook 3 11" Review - A $169 Intel Laptop!

[@ccroy2001]

I just picked one up from Walmart! I've been using it a few hours. It's my 1st Chrome OS device. Super easy to set up if you have a Google account already. I like the keyboard, the speakers get loud enough to watch You Tube, It's definitely a TN panel so videos only look good at a certain angle. Remember though it's $169! I love that it works fine with my usb dock and I can use it as desktop with a monitor, keyboard, mouse, even my external speakers with 3.5mm jack. I just plugged it in and it all works! I tried an SD card with all my music and Google Play Music plays it fine. For the price it's kinda crazy what it can do.

[@ccroy2001]

Hi after registering the Lenovo Chromebook 3 I should note that somewhere in the registration process I saw that the device will receive updates until August 2026, not 2028. Other than that it's been great. I turned on Linux and installed the Gnome Software Center and it works just like Ubuntu via a gui once you install it from the terminal.

[@khigg40]

@Christine Roy - Can I use a 128 gb sd card?

[@ccroy2001]

@@khigg40 Yes. I just tried a 256gb SD Card. As of when I write this though Linux cannot access the SD Card or the usb ports (It runs in its own container). So if you have a file you want a Linux program to access you have to copy it from the sd card to the Linux folder on the built in drive. I believe it's Chrome OS itself that denies access. Anything that runs in Chrome can access the SD card. I keep all my music on the SD.

[@scottdunn2178]

@@ccroy2001 Probably a dumb question, but, I'm really aggravated with my Android updates and ruin how I like my mobile Twitter to work, so I thought of getting one of these to use for Twitter without having to go through Android, so would the automatic updates on this cause the same problem? Thanks

[@ccroy2001]

@@scottdunn2178 I hardly ever use Twitter on the Chromebook. Because it has a full version of Chrome I use it via the website not the Android app.

[@sumita6709]

Proud to have worked on significant chunk of this product. In the process, loved the light weight intel processors. Extremely versatile.

[@bev8200]

What do you think about the amd a6 model

[@curbsidetech]

Awesome review this is a great way to try a Chromebook for a little money! I bought Lenovo 100e 2nd gen to try now I'm hooked. Chromebooks are so easy to use. They can do more then I expected.

[@lemonjuice3551]

This guy is an excellent reviewer. Much appreciated 👌

[@ronbotex]

I bought one based on your recommendation. Thanks.

[@tykkimykk3028]

I did 2 😂😂😂

[@jimmymanning1408]

Am buying one next week

[@CEG3RD]

I just ordered one from Walmart. At this point the price has gone up, so I had to pay 168.00 for a refurbished one. I bought one based on very positive reviews from Chrome Unboxed and ETA Prime. Since the days of Lon's high praise of first gen Chromeboxes to his positive but not glowing praise for this Chromebook I think his expectations have gone up considerably in order to get praise. What did seal the deal for me is the amazing score of 85 running Speedometer benchmark. I recently bought and sold a similar, but older Dell educational type Chromebook that really shocked me with a score of 20. I've owned a number of cheap Chromebooks and boxes and none haa come close to 85. I have a 3rd gen HP Chromebox that scores 50 and it is plenty fast for normal use and never makes me wish it had more power. I have two 1st gen Asus Chromeboxes flashed with Mr. Chromebox's ROM and Cloudready I use every day and they only score 38. I didn't want to spend the money to get a really nice Chromebook, so this. If it really scores an 85 when I get it in a few days I'm going to pretty damn happy!

[@HotPocketsBoy]

damn. its 150 on amazon right now. brand new

[@boink800]

Thanks a lot. This video answered all of my questions about the device. It seems like to be a great deal, to finally replace my now unsupported Samsung Chromebook from 2012.

[@chaos.corner]

I was looking for information about the linux beta compatibility and you are the first place that has been able to confirm. Thanks.

[@T3CHGY007]

As of right now here in canada, Best Buy has this chromebook on sale for $99 Canadian! You can’t go wrong with that price!

[@lgude]

Really helpful review Lon. I appreciate your work and honesty. Recommend to my son for his kids. Well done.

[@HoshArt]

I hate that i cant update this chromebook anymore. It says update available but when I click on it, the check update will disappear

[@Jose_Jimenez]

Just bought one from BestBuy for $79. I already have a Samsung Chromebook 4 that I bought for $129, but this has a better screen, more ports, higher storage, and a better keyboard. As of today, I can't even fill my gas tank for $79. Thanks FJB.

[@leol9389]

watching and commenting via mine right now :) its good! snappy and the build (while unexciting and basic) is very well made and sturdy. Feels well made. Screen is a meh TN panel, but at the right viewing angle its not awful. Overall a good basic device for basic needs. For the price? I couldn't be upset.

[@Kennygrooms]

I'm convinced! Just ordered one from Walmart to replace my 4-year-old Acer C730e that's starting to get a little sluggish. I paid $10 more for the Acer! I think this Lenovo may be the cheapest Chromebook in history 👍 Update: Just got it. Wow! I can't believe it actually works!lol Actually, it works great! It's sort of like my old Acer...only lighter and faster with a better keyboard. Why would I ever pay more than a couple hundred bucks for a CB when this thing is so awesome! It even arrived fully charged!

[@leol9389]

enjoying mine as well! Shockingly great build, feels sturdy and well made and yes, the keyboard is really great. Happy chroming'!

[@sointu123]

Thanks! Very helpful review! Especially the tip regarding Libre Office was great! It would be nice if you made a step-by-step video on how to install Libre Office.

[@paulkramer1882]

just bought this for my birthday in January for 127$ total at Best Buy, i love it!

[@cylewaitforit]

Would love to see a round up of offline viewing in Netflix, Plex and the likes on Chrome OS.

[@GerardInandan]

This guy is so underrated.

[@gusdeleon3043]

Thanks for convincing me to get this later today!

[@redyeamans8113]

Thank you for this review. I'm sold on it at this price and for my needs.

[@tykkimykk3028]

Do your needs involve bed sheet tissue and lotion???

[@amadoiiilumabang7117]

Can you use microsoft word / powerpoint from this device? Is this advisable for school works? Thank you.

[@mjs28s]

Nice thing about the low cost Chromebooks is that with Chrome's remote desktop extension your Chromebook is whatever your PC or Mac is....assuming you aren't trying to game on it or something else that requires high speed screen refresh. I had a 15" CB with 2GB of ram and it worked great for using Chrome's remote desktop app to login to my machine at home and play around in VS Code, Sublime, and some other PC based desktop apps. Chrome remote desktop also survives reboots! That means if my computer is updated by force from Microsoft that when I go to tunnel back into it again it will simply come up with the Windows login screen. With the 15" screen that I had on the lowest end large screen CB I could find at the time, it was pretty much like being at home with the only thing impacting the remote connection would be whatever internet connect you are on. If you are a road dog, get a large screen, mid range CB and if you need windows or mac, get a lower end PC, if you don't already have a PC of whatever power, and just use the remote desktop tool and you have all your windows tools just about anywhere you go. Chrome RDT is 256bit encrypted.

[@cosmicheretic8129]

Thanks for reminding me about remote. I just ordered the 2020 Acer 315 from Walmart for $229 with a 15.6" IPS touch screen and 64gb. Should be great for remoting into my desktop!

[@davesmith5092]

I've got one, works just fine.

[@shaunj66]

Finally looks like a decent successor to my trusty Acer C720! Will be picking this one up!

[@casperd2100]

Hey, thanks for going into detail and showing stuff like steam to me. I never would have know that!

[@sonicjackalopeproductions3342]

I have been wanting to see if my personal (not work, because I have a whole audio editing studio machine for that) computing needs can actually live on chrome OS. I have an MS Surface that my job provides, and they pay for full G Suite access, Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Commons (yeah, the benefits are killer), as well as unlimited dropbox and OneDrive storage. So, most of my life is now done with cloud computing. I tried a Chromebook 2 that was $99 last fall, and it was interesting, but built before hardware was made to take advantage of Android OS fully as well as Linux. And, at 2GB of Ram and the WORST screen imaginable, just wasn't professional. The no-nonsense review here plus REAL numbers blew me away! Twice as fast as the Lenovo Duet (which I was thinking about because they put a lot of value for your money on that sucker), a more full keyboard and dual USB3 and USBC?? And Walmart has it at $170? I have an iPad, but that is mainly for software control of studio equipment and synthesizers. I do a lot of writing in my spare time, and you just cannot beat a REAL keyboard on a laptop frame. I think I may of found my new casual computer.

[@jothain]

I've been thinking about getting some Chromebook for simple curiosity to check some things out. This would be cheap and good option for that. I'm bit surprised too about that 4k possibility. I thought even these modern starting range Intel chips wouldn't be able to do it.

[@TheLucidLuxray]

You could try CloudReady on an old computer to get a feel for the platform, but keep in mind that it doesn’t have Android app support.

[@WhenItsHalfPastFive]

4k possibility? i didn't catch that in this video, what does that mean?

[@TheChameleon2008]

@@WhenItsHalfPastFive means you can do 4k at 60hz for external monitor

[@mollies13]

No chromebook has a hard time to be playing 4k you get buffering

[@nrg753]

Thanks Lon, always really enjoy your reviews 👌

[@deadringr]

This Chromebook is on sale for like $70 on Best Buy right now and I recently picked it up I won't post a link though because I don't think that's allowed

[@shaydee215]

Just bought one for 89.99 hope I like it

[@licha2254]

did you like it?

[@CandidlyCheri78]

Don't use ups... day 7 and it still didn't come... should've just picked it up from Walmart... As soon as it comes, I will make a detailed video...

[@drinsey143]

Just got one on Amazon deal of the day for my 9 yr old and your review got me all types if existed 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽🤗🤗🤗

[@JeepsCafe]

Excellent review and it will serve well for my childs school work.

[@zerocal76]

My jaw dropped when I saw the price tag. Getting real close to a decent browsing/light use computer in the double digit range! #Imgettingold lol Thanks Lon! Might pick this up just for the hell of it bc its so cheap =P

[@firstname3219]

$94 at bestbuy right now. Would it still be worth it?

[@zerocal76]

@@firstname3219 No! The N4020 CPU is slow, too slow even for Chrome OS or the Chrome broswer. I've tried it in store. You're better off spending at least $350-400 for a laptop nowadays or about $200 for a good used one. I wouldn't go below 150 used, everything below 150, 175 is old junk.

[@firstname3219]

@@zerocal76 Thanks for the advice. What about a Raspberry pi 4 8GB?

[@zerocal76]

@@firstname3219 That R Pi 4 won't run W10 that well, even overclocked. Its an amazing little thing but weak. It should run Ubuntu fine and if you've never used Ubuntu its fine for really basic stuff like web browsing, youtube, light doc stuff like Word. Whats your budget for a device and what do u need to do w it? i'll recommend somethin

[@noavgjoseph]

Just picked one up at Best buy for $79 awesome

[@kennethwilliams8647]

I just got two! Found this video trying to figure them out for my kids.

[@BenAyesu]

@@kennethwilliams8647 Just bought 2 as well

[@cpt.jacksparrow6162]

@@BenAyesu was it for 79$? or 99$ as it shows on their website?

[@BenAyesu]

@@cpt.jacksparrow6162 I got it for 99

[@al-kwaku3832]

I'm looking for a laptop to start teaching online English classes, would you recommend this? That's will be the main use of the laptop and to occasionally write. I've watched dozens of reviews for different laptops but still am unsure!

[@aravindmohan4474]

Excellent reviews sir. 💚

[@RashadSims-bh3zz]

Holy shit 2028 I'm definitely getting this for sure that's all I wanted to know

[@TheMrjonv]

Thank you very much for this video. Very informative and thorough!

[@nickv4073]

I really hate to give up my Acer C710 which is almost 8 years old and still works perfectly. However, it hasn't had updates for 3 years now and Netflix and some of my banking sites won't run anymore with the outdated browser. This looks like a good replacement. Just ordered one from Walmart for $169.00 I hope it lasts for 8 years as well.

[@d.av.s2798]

Great video! I just purchased this Chromebook and I have been using it for the past week. I installed Linux Beta apps as well. So far is running extremely well; specially for the price. I checked the Auto Update Policy on the device and it says that it will receive updates and security updates until June 2026. I don't know if Google will change that date later on with a software update. Thanks for the video!

[@leol9389]

it is possible! not uncommon for certain models to be extended with update support.

[@UtubeAdviser]

I got it 2 days ago during the Bestbuy July Black Friday special for only $79 dollars! I’m super happy with it

[@Gransonec]

I just bought the 14-inch 64 GB version, from Walmart, for $89. It just came yesterday and, so far, I'm not hating it.

[@dave4shmups]

Great review Lon! What do you use Nano for in Linux?

[@LonSeidman]

I use it for text editing, one of the first Unix utilities I used when I first got online back in 1994!

[@christophercerny6943]

I was able to buy one in-store today for $169.

[@LeeHanDSOME_BoyNextDoor]

I've never had a Chromebook so I don't know if this is normal but I just got my Lenovo Chromebook 3 and I've barely been using it for half an hour but the left side of the chromebook both at the bottom and top of the keys is already becoming hot. It's not just a bit warm but it's pretty hot, I would rate it like a 7 (and it's only been about half an hour so it might even become hotter). Is this normal or should I contact Lenovo about it?

[@Pajaro95076]

Aloha - I purchased the Lenovo - Chromebook 3 11" Chromebook - AMD A6 - 4GB Memory - 32GB eMMC Flash Memory - Onyx Black. The question I have is I could not find the "Linux (Bata)" Setting menu. Even went to the "Developers" settings session and could not find the toggle button to turn-on Linux (Bata). Therefore, I could not get a Linux Terminal to view. I notice you did mention this feature on this video. Did Google OS turn this feature off for this Lenovo model??? Appreciate any answers to my issue. I even called Best Buy Geek and they could not help me other than replace this model with another Lenovo - Chromebook 3 11" Chromebook - AMD A6 - 4GB Memory - 32GB eMMC Flash Memory - Onyx Black. Any help to my questions would be greatly appreciated....

[@cesar_145]

Excelent review. Thanks for Sharing. You got a new suscriber

[@christianreus96]

I bought it last week it works nice, but I'm trying to install steam and I can't. I get an error about missing libs. How did you do install it?

[@mollies13]

its a chromebook your gaming on steam will definitely lag on you and you could probably get 15fps roblox minecraft pubg would be 9fps. CS go 6fps

[@poocheeko]

Just a small suggestion, but when you do android hardware reviews can you test mobile games as well? PUBG and Fartnite are what people care about the most but I’m curious how mobage games (ie...FGO) run. They can be very system hogs as well so a benchmark would be nice to see if they are playable on chrome books.

[@sonicjackalopeproductions3342]

Actually, most people do not care about what PUBG even is. Some of us work for a living. And, with a bargain basement computer, you have to temper expectations

[@gasawayelizabeth9683]

So did you have buy an adapter to connect to a bigger screen/tv due to most tv/ monitors have hdmi and usb

[@ctamarack5229]

picked up two of these at bestbuy for 79$ each

[@James_Knott]

Last August, I bought the 64 GB version for $100 CDN (~$75 US). One thing I don't like is the password is the same as used for the Google account. Other than that, it seems OK.

[@crow2272]

Does this work well with a external SSD drive? Will the SSD actually read?

[@jalilgangan2748]

Is this a good laptop for online schooling like research papers and online math classes

[@leol9389]

for sure.

[@yumpinkchocolate]

Hi Lon, how do I disable the flip lid to boot up ChromeOS feature? Thank u

[@mauro2383]

Is the USB-C compatible with thunderbolt 3 by any chance?, thank you

[@WolfKenneth]

So how does it compare to used Thinkpad in this price range?

[@bhanupoudel]

Hi, your video is really useful. Can we use offline accounting software like tally.ERP 9 on Chrome OS.

[@SpaceJazz3K]

Great commodity laptop like netbooks were supposed to be. If only it had a nice IPS display. Makes me reconsider paying multiples of this price for a new laptop.

[@darncodemonkey]

just bought this at Micro Center for 100$. we'll see how it does but specs wise it looks good for the price.

[@mayanksingh12]

Linux & Android softwares work on this Chromebook?

[@eeenyc5959]

I just bought one but it won't turn on...a new one...not refurbished...from Amazon...needed a light netbook ...to carry around Nd not just use my better laptop.

[@baylor3894]

I have the same tablet how long is it supported

[@OoOJordanaOoO]

I haven’t bought a laptop in probably 10 years. Do you have to buy additional virus protection on chromebooks ? I remember apple products coming with stock protection, so I was wondering if other computers have changed to match apple’s built in protection.

[@LonSeidman]

No virus protection necessary- Google takes care of that for you

[@tyrgoossens]

I don't much care for ChromeOS, but if someone managed to shoehorn a Xubuntu install on this it might be a cool little machine.

[@The2808erik]

Just get a Lenovo T440P. They are in the same price range used. It has more CPU power, ram, storage, everything is upgradeable (even the keyboard, trackpad and screen) and you can install any OS on it you want, even Mac OS.

[@Ronny999x]

You all think its a great price... But Intel can put a 8 Core Atom in a 85 Dollar Smartphone... But in this notebook only a Dual core... We need more competition in the cheap notebook space that's for sure...

[@madmax2069]

@Jorn Navarre there have been x86 based phones and tablets. Lenovo k80 is a x86 based phone using an Intel CPU Asus had a few x86 based phones which used Intel CPUs. There's been a few x86 based tablets that use Intel CPUs. But none of them are 8 cores tho, I do believe they maxed out at 4 cores. Atom CPUs I do believe maxed out at 4 cores Edit, nope I'm wrong about the Atom topping out at 4 cores. There are server versions of the Atom CPU that top out at 24 cores.

[@LelouchLamperouge235]

So is the combination of chrome os and x86 why some of those harder to run android games dont work or is it purely because of hardware power ?

[@LonSeidman]

My guess is that it's likely the game is optimized for ARM and whatever translations Google has in place in their compilers for it to run on Intel aren't working correctly.

[@nj8078]

can you watch youtube,netflix or twitch in 1080p?

[@danlol9885]

Yea you can it's possible

[@tinaalderson3733]

Can it be hooked up to a printer

[@scottlewis2653]

Hearing some rumours about a new 2 in 1 laptop by lenovo which will have a mediatek chip, any updates about it?

[@LonSeidman]

I didn’t see a new Chromebook at CES but they do have an interesting two in one that will be on tonight’s wrap up video.

[@melissadokos1081]

Does it have a slot for a card reader ?

[@RobertShaverOfAustin]

Will a USB wired mouse work with it? Will a USB external drive work with it?

[@mdluk199]

I'm pretty sure they will

[@gS-kt2ff]

Immensely useful. Thanks a lot.

[@2beJT]

This thing is $80 today at Best Buy.

[@daveforgot127]

Thank you can you buy looking for transportation andfound something thank you

[@jayadithyanalajala9604]

When is Lenovo legion 5 review comes out....waiting for it...

[@chandlr7857]

Do you think it could run minecraft and morowind(its a rpg from the early 2000s)

[@DamianS78]

it's been 9 months but no, minecraft could but it runs really bad on this device, and morrowind doesn't have linux support and stuff like wi ne would hurt it's performance a lot here

[@frankq1157]

CODM has trouble running on a 8GBs of ram lol but thanks for that answer I was curious about it

[@gardenershq]

Just been watching some gaming computer reviews ($1000 plus), wish they had two usb C ports and a microSD port!

[@JoseCastillo-yp3hn]

question can windows use this computer

[@DREQON2005]

I wonder if I could do steam gaming on here

[@zacharyneyhart7298]

I just bought one!

[@miket6700]

A kensington lock slot for a $169 device... the lock will probably cost more

[@Nev1812]

Are locks even useful anymore?

[@sonicjackalopeproductions3342]

But, a lot of offices and schools still have entire rooms set up for them. This is meant to fit into a larger infrastructure. As a former public school teacher: Yes. Lock. Everything. Down.

[@ashanticaesar5753]

Is this good for editing KZbin videos just wondering

[@Sandra-bm2nd]

No

[@2pJGS.K.SJGBOOGIE]

Is this good for in home studio

[@Scruffybirdd]

Can it play games

[@not.raf_]

Can u play games on it

[@billwiesen3231]

Have it, love it. Can someone tell me if plugged in when fully charged does it switch to using only power coming from the charger and stop charging the battery?

[@user-1billlon]

I just picked one up form ikea and it’s cool but in fact it’s 4gb but acts like 8gb

[@bluefiredemon448]

Good for stadia?

[@jalee6587]

It's $329 at Walmart on your link!!!

[@John-fj8bt]

It been a month since the review

[@oneordinarycitizen]

$94 at Best Buy now.

[@lilianarodriguez4189]

como puedo activar el teclado ilumidado en este exactamente

[@a.arroy08]

Getting it today

[@kaynebyrne1806]

Can you play minecraft on it or among us or any decent games

[@michaelmatallana5845]

Since there is no headphone jack

[@stephengosling9744]

no headphone jack?

[@Daimon12820]

3:22 there's headphone jack

[@jj1234346]

how would you rate this verse the Duet???

[@leol9389]

the duet is better in terms of display and overall look/build I'd say. But the celeron 4020 processor is speedier than the mediatek that comes in the duet. ALbeit, the mediatek performs better with play store apps. Depends on your needs.

[@charliedubb7672]

Thanks for this review. Getting one today

[@nepashas]

please share your user experience impression. Does this chromebook cope with your real user's work routine well? Thnx in advance

[@charliedubb7672]

@@nepashas I ended up getting the Acer 315. $179..... Bigger screen and very smooth. I don't regret my decision at all. As a matter of fact I recommend the acer 315 over this Lenovo. As for everyday use it's perfect. Screen does really well with glares and web browsing is very smooth. The only reason the Lenovo 3 has alot of Chromebooks beat is because of the 4k.

[@rjtrisurfer]

Does it have a GPS chip?

[@sonicjackalopeproductions3342]

At this price, it will not. Most laptops do not, even on the high end

[@amitminz1]

Sir, i want to different location to save plex metadata so that my 120gb ssd (c drive) can breath. Can you help me and guide me. I can not able to find any video for new version.

[@ironmantran]

great job !