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It was just this weekend that we discovered Lenovo’s refreshed E-series Chromebook lineup. While it didn’t appear that any models were available in North America, a listing has popped up in Lenovo’s store for the 2nd Gen Chromebook 500e and you can already secure yours for a very impressive $339.
In case you missed it, the 2nd Generations E-series devices look to be identical to their predecessors with the exception of a processor upgrade but that is a big deal. The Gemini Lake chipsets from Intel, based on our limited hands-on at CES, should boast at least a 15-20% boost in power but Lenovo has launched the first model for a mere $40 more than the Apollo Lake counterpart.
The 500e Chromebook is the top of the rung model in the EDU lineup featuring a 360-degree design, rugged specs and a much-desired garaged stylus. The original model offers up an 8GB/64GB variant and I trust that Lenovo will follow suit with the 2nd gen device but for now, here’s the model available for purchase today.
Lenovo 500e Chromebook 2nd Gen
- Chrome OS
- Intel Celeron N4100 quad-core processor (Gemini Lake)
- 4 GB LPDDR4 2400 MHz
- 32 GB eMMc
- Intel UHD 600 Graphics
- 720p front-facing camera/ 5MP world-facing camera
- garaged EMR stylus
- Android Apps/Linux Apps
- reinforced hinges and ports
- drop tested to 29.5″
- spill-resistant keyboard
- 2 x USB-C/ 2 x USB-A
- MicroSD card slot
Again, nothing new except the processor but the 500e is one of the best rugged Chromebooks on the market and the slight price increase is definitely digestible when you consider the performance boost as well as the End of Life of the new model which is June of 2025.
I suspect Lenovo is ready to get this one out there before schools start finalizing their budgets for next year. We’ll be looking to get our hands on the 2nd Gen 500e ASAP to let you know how it stacks up among its peers from other OEMs.
Lenovo 500e Chromebook 2nd Gen
