Last year I got the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Chromebook with TN 720p display for test drive. It certainly gave me the “entry-level” feel of the device, but this was to be expected based on the specifications and the $ 250 price tag. Now it seems that Lenovo is ready to refresh this model. Welcome to the updated Lenovo IdeaPad 3 CB Chromebook, which replaces last year’s Intel Celeron with a MediaTek MT8183 chipset and offers 1080p touchscreen options.
I noticed this new model on Lenovo’s PSREF website with an announcement date of April 19, which happens to be today. The official name and number of the model is Lenovo IdeaPad 3 CB 14M836.
There is no price information, but based on specifications and configurations, I would assume that this will be between 250 and 350 USD. It seems that a wide range of countries will see this device based on the source site.
Here’s a look at what this 14-inch Chromebook will look like:
I immediately noticed a lack of USB ports on the right side, which is quite limiting. Indeed, you only get a pair of ports on the left.
Lenovo includes the 720p webcam privacy trigger that I appreciate. The US models will be available in two color variants: Artic Gray and Abyss Blue.
As for the rest of the hardware specifications for the US models, they are not very different from last year’s smaller IdeaPad 3:
| CPU | MediaTek MT8183 octa-core processor (4 x A73 @ 2 GHz / 4 x A53 @ 2 GHz) |
| GPU | GPU ARM Mali G72 |
| Display | 14-inch FullHD anti-glare TN panel (1920 x 1080) brightness up to 220 nits, non-touch, aspect ratio 16: 9 OR 14-inch FullHD IPS panel (1920 x 1080) with brightness up to 300 nits, touch support, 16: 9 aspect ratio |
| Memory | 4 GB LPDDR4 1866MHz |
| Storage | 32 or 64 GB eMMC 5.1, microSD card slot for storage expansion |
| Connectivity | 802.11 and Wi-Fi (2 x 2), Bluetooth 4.2 |
| entry | Illuminated keyboard, multi-touch touchpad with Mylar surface without buttons, 720p webcam |
| Ports | 1 USB Type-C 2.0 (with PD 2.0 and DP 1.1a), 1 USB type A 2.0, headphone / microphone jack, lock slot, 2 2W speakers |
| Battery | 42 WHr, expected service life of up to 16 hours, 45W USB-C charger |
| Weight | 2.87 pounds |
| Software | Chrome operating system update expired: TBD |
USB 2.0 ports are a bit disappointing (as is the slower memory compared to last year’s model), but this may be due to the MediaTek processor. By the way, that CPU doesn’t use too much juice, which should help battery life. And he is agitated enough for typical daily tasks.
Regardless of whether the price is where I expect it to be, I could see Lenovo moving many of these devices. Definitely need decent level Chromebooks for students and everyday users, who just need to connect to the internet.