In today's digitally-powered world, owning a reliable and efficient laptop is more than just a luxury – it's a necessity. Whether you're a student, a working professional, or just someone who enjoys browsing the internet, streaming movies, or playing games in their free time, having the right laptop can significantly enhance your experience.
Today, we're going to look at the Lenovo Flex 5 82B8000BUS Chromebook, a popular entry-level laptop with key specs including a 13.3-inch FHD Touch Display, 4GB RAM, 64GB of storage, and Intel UHD Graphics, all powered by an Intel Celeron N5205U processor and the efficient Chrome OS. With a very competitive price point today we're here to explore if this Chromebook is all it's cracked up to be or if you should be looking at other alternatives.
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Lenovo Flex 5 82B8000BUS Chromebook |
| Processor | Intel Celeron N5205U (dual-core, 1.9 GHz clock speed) |
| Graphics Card | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Display | 13.3-inch FHD Touch Display (1920 x 1080) |
| Memory | 4GB RAM |
| Storage | 64GB SSD |
| Keyboard | Full keyboard with 1.4mm key travel distance |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, 802.11ac WiFi, 2x USB Type-C ports, 1x USB Type-A port, audio jack, SD card reader |
| Webcam | Standard built-in webcam |
| Battery | Up to 10 hours of battery life |
Who's This Chromebook For?
The Lenovo Flex 5 82B8000BUS is an excellent fit for users who prioritize efficiency, portability, and seamless integration with Google's software suite.
This includes students, remote workers, and everyday consumers looking for a device to manage emails, create documents, browse the web, and consume media. Its lightweight design, versatile 2-in-1 feature, and ample battery life make it a practical choice for those always on the go or who prefer a compact device for home use.
However, this laptop will not cater to power users with higher computing demands such as 3D modeling, high-end gaming, or professional-level video editing.
Similarly, if you rely heavily on software that's not available or compatible with Chrome OS or you prefer a laptop with abundant local storage, this might not be the ideal choice. Essentially, the Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook is a commendable entry-level device that strikes a balance between performance, portability, and price, making it an appealing choice for a considerable user base. Much like the HP Chromebook 14a-na0226nr we recently had the chance to review.
Design, Display, and Keyboard
Sporting a sleek Graphite Grey color and weighing in at just under 3 pounds, the Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook is as stylish as it is portable.
This 2-in-1 laptop showcases a pleasing aesthetic that does not compromise on functionality. With dimensions of 12.2 x 8.43 x 0.67 inches, the laptop's compact design is perfect for those constantly on the move, while its 360-degree hinge allows for versatility in usage modes, transitioning smoothly between laptop, tent, stand, and tablet configurations.
The 13.3-inch FHD touchscreen display is one of the standout features of this model, and one of the reasons we fell in love with it. The screen resolution is impressive at 1920 x 1080 pixels, ensuring that visuals are crisp and clear. The narrow bezels reduce distractions, allowing for a more immersive viewing experience. Whether you're watching a movie, presenting a report, or just browsing the web, the quality of the display is quite good for a budget notebook.
For keyboard enthusiasts, the Lenovo Flex 5 doesn't skimp on comfort. The laptop provides an optimal typing experience with a full keyboard and 1.4mm key travel distance. However, the keyboard lacks backlighting, which may be a slight drawback for some. We can't say we're surprised, laptops that feature a backlit keyboard within this price range are few and far between if we're being perfectly honest.
Performance & Key Hardware
Powered by the Intel Celeron N5205U processor, the Lenovo Flex 5 82B8000BUS is well-equipped to handle everyday computing tasks.
This dual-core processor operates at a base frequency of 1.9GHz. Unlike other processors we've seen, this one does not feature a burst mode. However, while it may not have the processing power of more advanced CPUs, it offers a solid performance for general tasks such as browsing the web, checking emails, and using productivity software.
Moving on, the Lenovo Flex 5 comes with 4GB of DDR4 RAM, a memory type that is significantly faster and more power-efficient than its predecessor, DDR3.
While 4GB might not seem abundant, the Chrome OS is specifically designed to be lightweight and efficient, minimizing the memory load of the operating system itself. This leaves more RAM available for running applications and multitasking.
However, heavy multitasking and running resource-intensive applications might still cause some performance limitations. If that's your case you might want to consider a higher-end Chromebook, such as the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 CX5400FMA-DN388T-S.
In terms of storage, the 82B8000BUS is equipped with a 64GB SSD. Solid State Drives are preferred over traditional HDDs due to their lack of moving parts, resulting in faster data access times and less chance of mechanical failure. While the storage capacity might appear limited, the design philosophy of Chromebooks emphasizes cloud-based storage solutions, relying on Google Drive for storing files and documents.
The graphics on the Flex 5 are handled by the integrated Intel UHD Graphics. Intel UHD Graphics is sufficient for general usage like video playback, light gaming, and basic photo editing, but it will certainly struggle with more graphically demanding tasks like 3D modeling or high-end gaming.
In essence, the Lenovo Flex 5 offers decent performance given its entry-level status. Its design philosophy prioritizes efficiency, portability, and integration with Google's ecosystem, making it an excellent choice for users whose computing needs align with these aspects.
What Are People Saying?
Overall, customers are highly appreciative of the Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook's robust features and bargain price point - especially at its current discounted price -. Users frequently highlight its sleek design, sharp display, and impressive battery life.
Its seamless integration with Google's suite of applications and the versatility of its 2-in-1 design also garner significant praise. The laptop's performance is generally deemed sufficient for day-to-day tasks, and many users admire the machine's lightweight nature and portability.
However, some customers voice concerns about the limited local storage, although this is often mitigated by the laptop's orientation towards cloud storage. A few customers also note the absence of a backlit keyboard, stating it can be a minor inconvenience when typing in low-light conditions.
Overall, the Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook's ratings and reviews paint a picture of a device that delivers on its promises, providing an efficient, reliable, and user-friendly experience. This has also been our experience with the Chromebook. One of a device that's well equipped for basic tasks but should be ignored amongst power users.
Connectivity, Webcam, and Battery Life
Connectivity options on the Lenovo Flex 5 82B8000BUS are fairly generous. It offers Bluetooth and 802.11ac WiFi for wireless connections (WiFi 5 as they've renamed it last year), ensuring you can always stay connected.
The laptop also features 2 USB Type-C ports, 1 USB Type-A port, an audio jack, and a microSD card reader. The absence of an HDMI port might be a drawback for some, but it can be overcome with a suitable adapter.
Additionally, the fact that it comes with a microSD card reader means you can easily use it to upgrade the storage using this port as a sort of external storage unit that's always connected to the laptop.
The built-in webcam is satisfactory for standard video conferencing needs, and the device also boasts two user-facing stereo speakers for enhanced audio. We're not going to lie, quality isn't great but it gets the job done if you barely have any video conferencing needs.
Lastly, when it comes down to battery life, you can expect roughly 7 to 8 hours under mixed usage. If you're a moderate user and don't fancy having the brightness set at the maximum then you could even get away with 9 hours. As we always say in this case; your mileage may vary. In any case, battery life is pretty good.
Special Features
One of the most appealing aspects of the Lenovo Flex 5 is the special anti-glare coating on the display. This feature can significantly reduce the strain on your eyes, especially if you're using the laptop for prolonged periods. Furthermore, the touchscreen capability makes interaction with the device more intuitive and efficient.
The Lenovo digital pen, sold separately, can be used to write, click, or drag files right on the screen, adding another level of versatility.
Wrapping Things Up: Should You Buy?
The Lenovo Flex 5 82B8000BUS stands as a commendable entry-level laptop that doesn't compromise on essential features.
While it might not offer the robust performance of a high-end machine, it covers all the bases for regular use, offering a reliable, versatile, and efficient experience at a very reasonable price point.
Whether you're a student attending virtual classes, a professional needing to stay connected and productive, or a casual user enjoying online entertainment, the Lenovo Flex 5 is an excellent choice.
Ultimately, the Flex 5 is a solid investment for anyone looking for a laptop that can handle their everyday tasks with ease, while also providing the flexibility of a tablet when needed.