The Core I5-powered Lenovo Ideapad Gaming Chromebook: A new line of Chromebooks focused squarely on gamers was announced last month by Google and three different manufacturers. Products by Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo are included. Although each device has its advantages, the Acer Chromebook 516 GE currently appears to be the best option in terms of CPU and overall spec-to-price ratio.
When it first came out, Lenovo’s gaming Chromebook was a 12th Gen Intel Core i3 model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of eMMC storage. While the Acer Chromebook 516 GE, with its beefier Core i5, offers more raw power, this model’s $399 starting price more than makes up for its lack of raw power.
The Core i3 Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook is currently unavailable at its exclusive retailer Walmart, but it is a fantastic value when it is in stock.
When the Lenovo Gaming Chromebook was unveiled, it was confirmed to be available in a Core i5 variant, which is fantastic news because the Core i5’s Iris Xe graphics are far more potent than the Core i3’s built-in UHD graphics.
It took almost a month, but Lenovo’s website now sells the improved Core i5 version. There is, however, a major catch. In other words, the cost.
The only model of the three with a 144Hz display is the ASUS 16-inch Gaming Chromebook, which also has an 11th-generation Core i5 processor. While its $699 price tag is reasonable, the Acer Chromebook 516 GE’s even lower $649 price tag and newer 12th Gen Intel Core i5 provide even more bang for the buck.
It also employs a P-series CPU, which, with its 12 cores and 16 threads, should be far more powerful than the regular U-series Intel Core i5, which only has 10 cores and 12 threads.
However, with an MSRP of $799, Lenovo has priced itself out of the market for the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook, which is powered by that later CPU and is still more than powerful enough to handle cloud gaming and even Steam titles.
For comparison, the Acer, which is clearly superior, costs only $100 less. However, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Lenovo will make the Core i5 Gaming Chromebook available at other stores at more fair pricing.
Sometimes Lenovo’s own website may show Chromebooks priced more than they actually are, but perhaps this will change in time for a holiday deal. This Chromebook would be a good buy if it were $699, but at $800, it’s a bit out of my price range. Read on to learn more about the features of the brand new Core i5 Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook.
Chromebook Specifications for Gamers: Lenovo Ideapad
A device with Chrome OS with Intel Core i5-1235U processor and 8GB of RAM
IPS 350nits Anti-glare, 120Hz, 100% sRGB, TÜV Low Blue Light, a 16-inch, 2560 x 1600 resolution, a 256GB solid-state drive, an aluminum top, a full-high-definition camera with a shutter for private video calling, and more.
2 x USB-C
Wi-Fi 6/Bluetooth 5.1 stereo speakers (2W x 4) with Waves MaxxAudio 2 x USB-A microSD audio jack.
If you’re a gamer, you’ll appreciate this model’s higher storage capacity provided by a genuine SSD, but I still don’t think it’s worth the exorbitant asking price. Despite the fact that the more potent Lenovo is OK, I believe that you would be better served by purchasing the Acer.
That’s just my two cents, and, as I mentioned, I expect to see some discounts on this one, which may make me rethink my recommendation. To accompany the IdeaPad, Lenovo is selling a gaming package for $868 that includes a mouse and a headset. Following is a URL where you may view both ads.