The Lenovo Chromebook Slim 3 is the one to get, starting at just $139 right now

When shopping for a laptop under $250, you usually have to brace yourself for disappointment. In this price bracket, you typically run into dim, washed-out screens, creaky plastic hinges, and processors that struggle more than a few tabs. But every once in a while, a deal comes along that can still manage to surprise you.

Right now, Best Buy is offering massive discounts on two different configurations of the Lenovo IdeaPad Chromebook Slim 3. You can grab the touchscreen model for just $208.99 (normally $399) or opt for the non-touch version for a wild $139 (normally $319). For these prices, it is almost too good to pass up.

Why this device is a hidden gem

When we reviewed the Slim 3, it quickly became one of our favorite budget surprises. Despite the low price tag, Lenovo managed to deliver a build quality that feels rigid and solid. It has smooth lines, upward-firing speakers, a built-in webcam privacy shutter, and a surprisingly comfortable keyboard that punches well above its weight class.

But the real star of the show is the screen. If you opt for the touchscreen model, you are getting a 14-inch, 1080p IPS display that delivers 300 nits of brightness. Finding a punchy, vibrant, 300-nit IPS panel in a $200 laptop is incredibly rare. If you choose the non-touch model that is currently just $139, you’re still getting a solid 1080p resolution display (at 250 nits), which is miles ahead of the terrible 768p TN panels that usually plague this price segment.

Managing expectations

At $139 or $208, you do need to understand that this isn’t a heavy-duty workhorse. Inside, both models are powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. It isn’t going to win any speed races, and if you try to open 30 tabs while running heavy Android apps, you will feel it slow down.

However, for what this device is meant for – browsing the web, watching YouTube, managing email, or tackling schoolwork – it is a perfectly competent machine. Plus, that MediaTek chip is incredibly efficient. Lenovo touts up to 13.5 hours of battery life on a single charge, meaning you can easily leave the charger at home for the day.

It’s also worth noting that this device will continue to get automatic software and security updates from Google until June 2033. Getting a laptop for under $150 that is guaranteed to stay secure and up-to-date for another 7 years at this point adds immense value to the overall package.