Lenovo 100E Chromebook review and user guide covering specs, performance, features, and tips for students, teachers, and everyday users.
Introduction
Looking for a reliable, no-nonsense laptop that doesn’t break the bank? The Lenovo 100E Chromebook might just be your new best friend. It’s compact, sturdy, and built with everyday users in mind — especially students. In this review and guide, we’ll walk you through every nook and cranny of this budget-friendly Chromebook.
Why Choose a Chromebook?
If you’re tired of slow boot times, clunky updates, and the constant threat of viruses, Chromebooks offer a refreshing alternative. They’re quick, lightweight, and thrive in the cloud. Plus, they’re generally easier on your wallet.
What Makes Lenovo 100E Stand Out?
The Lenovo 100E is one of those underdog devices that punches above its weight. It’s built tough, has a surprisingly good battery life, and performs well for its price. Let’s dive into the details and see what makes it tick.
Unboxing the Lenovo 100E Chromebook
First Impressions
Pulling this little guy out of the box, you’re immediately met with a no-frills, rugged design. It’s clearly built to withstand the chaos of backpacks, classrooms, and coffee spills.
What’s in the Box?
Inside the box, you’ll find:
The Lenovo 100E Chromebook
A compact USB-C charger
Some basic paperwork and warranty info
Design and Build Quality
Rugged Build for Students
The 100E is MIL-STD-810G certified. Translation? It’s made to handle drops, spills, and pressure. Lenovo definitely had students in mind when crafting this tank of a Chromebook.
Portability and Weight
Weighing just about 2.7 pounds and measuring under an inch thick, this Chromebook is perfect for tossing into a backpack or carrying between classes.
Keyboard and Trackpad Comfort
Typing feels decent, with responsive keys that offer enough feedback. The trackpad isn’t premium, but it gets the job done without frustration.
Display and Visual Experience
Screen Size and Resolution
You get an 11.6-inch HD screen (1366×768 resolution). It’s not retina-sharp, but for typing, reading, and YouTube, it’s totally fine.
Indoor and Outdoor Viewing
Brightness is decent indoors but struggles under direct sunlight. If you’re a student working outside, you might find yourself squinting.
Performance and Speed
Processor and RAM Overview
Under the hood, you’re working with a MediaTek MT8173C processor and 4GB of RAM. Don’t expect miracles, but for web browsing, docs, and streaming, it performs reliably.
Real-World Usage Experience
Boots in under 10 seconds, apps open smoothly, and browsing with 5–7 tabs feels pretty snappy. It’s clearly optimized for ChromeOS.
Multitasking and App Performance
If you go beyond 8 tabs or try running heavy apps, it starts to hiccup. But hey — it’s a Chromebook, not a gaming rig.
Battery Life and Charging
All-Day Battery Claim Tested
Lenovo promises up to 10 hours, and it delivers. In real-world use, you’ll get 8–9 hours easily with mixed tasks. That’s a full school day plus homework.
Charging Time and USB-C Port
Charging is handled via a USB-C port and takes about 2 hours to go from 0% to full. Super convenient and future-proof.
Operating System and ChromeOS Features
ChromeOS Perks
ChromeOS is lightweight, intuitive, and updates automatically in the background. No driver downloads or software headaches here.
Google Play Store Access
Yes, you can download Android apps directly. That means you can run apps like Microsoft Word, Netflix, and Spotify — all from the Play Store.
Connectivity and Ports
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Wi-Fi performance is solid, with support for 802.11ac. Bluetooth 4.2 works fine for headphones and mice.
USB, HDMI, and Audio Ports
You get:
2x USB ports (Type-A and Type-C)
HDMI output (a nice surprise!)
A headphone/mic combo jack
Audio and Webcam Quality
Speakers and Microphone
Speakers are loud enough for a small room but can sound a bit tinny. The mic is average — good enough for Google Meet.
Webcam for Video Calls
The 720p camera is just okay. Don’t expect HD glory, but it’ll do for Zoom calls and classroom meetings.
Educational Use Case
Perfect for Students and Teachers
This is where the 100E shines. It boots fast, handles Google Docs like a champ, and works seamlessly with educational tools.
Integration with Google Classroom
Thanks to ChromeOS, it integrates beautifully with Google Classroom, making assignment submissions and collaboration a breeze.
Security Features
Auto-Updates and Protection
ChromeOS auto-updates every few weeks with the latest patches and features — silently and efficiently.
Built-in Virus Protection
No need for third-party antivirus software. Chromebooks come with layers of protection, sandboxing, and verified boot.
Tips and Tricks for Using the Lenovo 100E
Keyboard Shortcuts
Master shortcuts like:
Ctrl + T to open a new tab
Ctrl + Shift + Q (twice) to log out
Alt + [/ to snap windows
They’ll save you loads of time.
Best Apps to Install
Here are a few essential downloads:
- Evernote or Google Keep for notes
- Zoom for video calls
- Kahoot! for interactive learning
- Canva for design projects
Pros and Cons Summary
What You’ll Love
- Long battery life
- Rugged and drop-resistant
- Access to Android apps
- Affordable price tag
What Could Be Better
- Display brightness
- Limited performance for multitasking
- Basic speakers
Conclusion
The Lenovo 100E Chromebook is a reliable workhorse — not flashy, but dependable and built to last. Whether you’re a student jumping between classes or someone who just needs a fuss-free laptop for everyday use, this little machine fits the bill. It’s affordable, functional, and backed by the simplicity of ChromeOS. What more could you really ask for in a budget device?
FAQs
Is the Lenovo 100E good for gaming?
It’s not built for heavy gaming, but it can handle light Android games like Among Us or Crossy Road smoothly.
Can I use Microsoft Office on this Chromebook?
Yes! You can use the web versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, or download them as Android apps from the Play Store.
Is the Lenovo 100E good for Zoom or video conferencing?
Yes, it performs well for basic video calls and meetings, though don’t expect studio-level camera quality.
Does the Lenovo 100E have touchscreen?
No, the standard version does not come with a touchscreen. Some upgraded models might, so check the specs before buying.
How do I reset the Lenovo 100E Chromebook?
Easy — go to Settings > Advanced > Reset settings > Powerwash. Follow the prompts, and you’re good to go!
