For the less tech-savvy out there, opting to use a Chromebook or tablet instead of a cheap laptop or desktop PC can remove a lot of headaches. The same is also true if you end up being tech support for those users. Lenovo decided it would try to cater for all these users with one device, and so today we get the Lenovo Flex 11 Chromebook.
It's more than just a typical Chromebook, though, as the Flex naming suggests. Lenovo is offering a device with an 11.6-inch touch screen and four modes (laptop, tablet, watch, and tent) thanks to a 360-degree hinge. You can therefore use it as both a laptop and a tablet, or set it up for viewing media.
Inside you'll find a 2.1GHz quad-core ARM processor, 4GB DDR3 RAM, 32GB eMMC storage, a 720p webcam, and 802.11 a/g/n/ac wireless. The display is an 11.6-inch 1,366-by-768 IPS antiglare multitouch panel. It weighs in at 3lbs (1.35kg) and Lenovo claims 10 hours of battery life based on the Google Chrome Power_LoadTest battery run down test.
As this is a Chromebook that's design to change modes, Lenovo added a number of durability features. They include a water-resistant keyboard, sealed touchpad, reinforced ports, and the Flex 11 is drop resistant to 29.5-inches (75cm). As for those reinforced ports, your get USB-C, USB 3.0, HDMI, a combo mic/audio jack, and SD card reader.
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At $279, it's around $100 more expensive than the equivalent 11.6-inch Chromebooks already on the market. However, they don't typically have a touch screen or the ability to morph into a tablet format. They usually only ship with 16GB of storage and a slower processor, so you gain on those fronts too for the extra cash.
The Flex 11 will become available before the end of the month. As it runs Chrome, you'll have full access to the Google Play Store, but Lenovo is making a big deal of how this Chromebook can "seamlessly" run Skype, Evernote, Slack, and a wealth of games, HD movies, and whatever else you care to throw at it.
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