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The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 has easily been my favorite Chromebook device since it launched. But for a few months now, I’ve been eyeing its more flexible sibling, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1. Since review units weren’t making the rounds, we went out and grabbed one ourselves to see if it lives up to the what Lenovo managed to deliver in their amazing Chromebook Plus from last year.
High-End DNA
Out of the box, the first thing you notice is how much this device feels like the beloved Chromebook Plus 14. It shares that same rigid, premium-feeling chassis and the gorgeous Navy colorway.
While it lacks a one-finger lift we always hope for in higher-end hardware, the build quality is undeniable. However, because it’s an Intel-based machine (Intel Core 3-N355) rather than ARM, it does pack some extra weight due to the fans and cooling requirements.
Port King
If there is one area where this 2-in-1 absolutely dunks on the clamshell model, it’s the I/O. If you hate dongles, this is your machine. With this chassis, you get:
- Two USB-C ports
- Two USB-A ports
- Full-size HDMI
- microSD card slot
Screen and Sound
The 14-inch 16:10 WUXGA (1920×1200) touch display is sharp and hits a respectable 300 nits. It’s not the OLED panel from the high-end clamshell, but it’s punchy and looks great for its class.
The audio, however, is where you’ll definitely notice a difference. Unlike the Dolby Atmos setup on the clamshell, this model uses Waves MaxxAudio. While upward-firing and loud enough for video calls, it lacks the low-end punch and richness we’ve grown accustomed to on the standard Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14.
The Value Play
At $579 MSRP, it’s a tough sell against the Lenovo’s clamshell when that’s on sale. But when this 2-in-1 drops to $429, it becomes one of the most enticing value propositions in the Chromebook Plus category at the moment. We’ll be getting a review together very soon, but my initial impressions of this device are quite good, and when it hits these sorts of prices, it becomes a very enticing purchase for sure!
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