Springing for a lightweight laptop can be useful for many reasons: Traveling, getting away from your work computer, or even as a means of getting your kids their own computer so they stop stealing your devices. But good hardware can be pricey. So we’re highlighting this 11” Lenovo Chromebook 3- AMD A6 deal — now on sale for $97 at Best Buy (it’s usually $219) because not only is it super cheap, it’s apparently pretty great for everyday use. But it may not be for everyone. Here’s what to know before you buy.
Lenovo – Chromebook 3 11″ Chromebook – AMD A6 – 4GB Memory – 32GB eMMC Flash Memory – Onyx Black
$219.00 $97.00
The Chromebook 3 11″ runs on Chrome OS, boots up in seconds, updates automatically and is protected by built-in virus protection. It boasts an AMD A6 processor with up to 10 hours of battery time.
What reviewers say about the Lenovo Chromebook: PC Mag says this laptop “is proof that you can buy a well-built laptop with a long-lasting battery for less than $200.” But it is limited by the Chrome OS and small display, which may only be a good fit for some: “Cash-cramped students who can get by with Chrome OS, and shoppers seeking a secondary, nightstand-side laptop, might put it on the shortlist.” And despite the Lenovo Chromebook’s simplicity, Expert Reviews says “you could argue that what matters more is Chrome OS’s minuscule start-up times, hassle-free upgrades, baked-in security and overall ease of use.”
Reviewers at Best Buy echo these sentiments, with many folks praising its ease-of-use. “I use it to take notes in my classes and open documents so it does all that with ease,” says one reviewer. Another reviewer writes the Lenovo laptop is “Exceptionally fast for the price … it compares very well to other, more expensive Chromebooks.” Its battery life is solid, with many reviews claiming it stays charged for several hours.
Other things to consider: The 11.6” display may be a little small for some users and its resolution is not quite HD-quality at 720p. And again, the Chrome OS is mostly for browsing. “Don’t expect to do much more than you can on a mid-range budget phone, because that’s basically what a Chromebook is,” writes one reviewer. And if you’re getting it for your kids, one reviewer warns it’s not much of a gaming computer — “Roblox is available but it doesn’t run great at all. At any rate, he’s now using his laptop for nothing more than YouTube while still hoarding mine for Roblox. Lesson learned.”
The 11” Lenovo Chromebook 3 – AMD A6 is now on sale for $97 at Best Buy (It’s usually $219).
About this column: Since you’re here, let me introduce myself: I’m Maddy Perkins, deputy commerce editor for MarketWatch picks. I’m a big online shopper who loves a good deal — particularly when it comes to cool kitchen gadgets, electronics, fashion and beauty products. I’ll be here a few times a week to share the best deals I can find online with you. Have anything you’d like me to hunt down? Write me at [email protected]. Cheers!
