Day one of CES 2020 is underway and Lenovo has now announced another new Chromebook dubbed the Flex 5, slotting neatly into the more power-focused end of the market. The new gadget isn’t the most forward-thinking when it comes to design, featuring aluminum only in its top cover. But that cost-reducing feature is offset by key characteristics that should make it a solid choice for users across the board.
Not only is the Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook a 13-inch 2-in-1 laptop weighing in at under three pounds. Lenovo also built its sleek, thin-bezel gadget around a water-resistant backlit keyboard. So this gadget should be relatively easy to use over long periods and as well as in the dark — without concerns that users might spill their drink on it.
Top-firing speakers have been included as well as two USB Type-C ports, one USB standard port, an audio jack, and an SD slot for extra storage.
The gadget offers up full universal stylus support complete with pressure sensitivity but it doesn’t ship with one.
Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook Is Project Athena Certified
Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook is also among the more powerful devices available, setting aside its entry-level price tag. The company went out of its way to ensure it meets the exacting standards laid out by Intel’s Project Athena. That means that the 10-hour battery life should be with real-world use rather than mostly speculative.
It also means users can expect to get the most out of the devices’ up to 8GB of DDR4 RAM and up to 128GB of true SSD storage. That’s backing up 10th-generation Intel Core chipsets up to an Intel Core i5-10210U. While the IPS touchscreen is only rated at a Full HD resolution, the power on offer for those who might need it makes this an exceptionally high-value device.
Specs
For those who need a more direct rundown of the specs, Lenovo has provided at least a few extra details. The performance here, even at the entry-level, should equate to a device that can both get serious work done and allow for a great entertainment experience. But details about the available chipsets at the lower end of the spectrum have not been specified.
| Display | 13.3’’ FHD IPS, touch screen 300 nits |
| Processor | Up to 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-10210U |
| Graphics | Intel Integrated Graphics |
| RAM | 4GB, 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage | eMMC: 32G / 64G SSD: 128G |
| Cameras | Front: 720p webcam |
| Audio | 2 x 2W Stereo Speakers |
| Charging | Up to 10 hours usage |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi: 802.11ac |
| Inputs/Outputs | 1 x microSD 2 x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type C 1 x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type A 1 x 3.5mm Audio Jack |
| OS | Chrome OS |
| Colors | Platinum Grey |
| Dimensions | Length: 12.2 in (310 mm) Width: 8.4 in (214 mm) Height: 0.67 in (17 mm) |
| Weight | 2.97lbs; 1.35kg |
Pricing and availability
Lenovo hasn’t offered up any details regarding availability outside of the North America sales region. But the Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook should become available for purchase as early as late June of this year, following its announcement at CES 2020.
Pricing is fairly affordable too, with consideration for the form factor and performance detailed by the company. Lenovo expects the 13-inch premium Chromebook to start out at an MSRP of just $359.99.
