• out of stock

Lenovo 14" IdeaPad Flex 5i 2-in-1 Chromebook i5 8/512GB $497 + Delivery ($0 C&C/ In-Store/ OnePass/ to Metro) @ Officeworks

590

Similar to yesterdays JB Hi Fi expired deal on the (previous model) Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" FHD Chromebook (512GB) [Intel i5] for $499 that could use their AfterPay30 -$30 deal.
[ Shared by Munki Kundi https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/835921 ]

Office works doesnt list the RRP or even their original price (though Google suggests 48% off Officeworks previous price), but rrp at Hardly Normal is showing $1299 and Officeworks yesterday before they changed the base price to $899 showed $1229 -$730 diccount. So I thnk rrp is about $1250, so this is at least 50% off.
I even asked Lenovo, they can't tell you rrp on an item they no longer have in stock… which seems wonderous.


Specs from Officeworks website:

14" IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200.
12th Generation Intel Core i5 processor.
8 GB of RAM.
512 GB SSD storage capacity.
Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics processor.
Connections via WiFi, Bluetooth 5.1, 1 x Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB 3.2, 2 x USB-C, and 1 x 3.5 mm.
12 month warranty.
Up to 10 hours battery life.
ChromeOS operating system.
720p HD integrated webcam.
Stone Blue design.

Experience ultimate versatility with the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i. Its innovative 360° drop-down hinge lets you easily switch between typing and viewing modes, while the 12th Generation Intel Core i5 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics deliver exceptional performance for all your creative needs. Enjoy stunning visuals on a TÜV-certified display with a 1920 x 1200 resolution, and connect up to two 4K displays using Thunderbolt 4.0 for seamless multi-tasking.

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closed Comments

  • Can you install 3rd party apps on Chromebooks?

    • Stuff from the Google Play Store, so while you can't install MS Office, maybe the mobile app versions from the Play Store.
      Someone else may need to confirm.

      • +2

        There are MS office apps you can install but they are breathtakingly shit. Better off using 365 but that's pretty painful too. I got a laptop after that misadventure and kept Chromebook for internet and Words with Friends….

        • Office 365 works on web for those who use it that way on windows, I know plenty who do.

          Personally I use Google docs/sheets etc, work brilliantly on Chromebook.

          All of those are via browser, although Google also has Android apps you can use via play store.

          Increasing number of developers are making installable web apps that are portable to anyone with a full web browser, like Chrome OS has.

      • Libre office?

      • If one tries really hard, including paying for multiple subscriptions to Google and Parallels, it is possible to install a Windows virtual machine (https://www.aboutchromebooks.com/news/windows-10-on-a-chrome…). Sadly, the standard easy-to-use Linux VMs don't work on Chromebooks (such as VMware and VIrtualBox).

        Installing a Windows virtual machine on an 8GB Chromebook would be fairly RAM constrained. Only suitable for occasional single-application usage, I would imagine.

        As some other posts mention, a Chromebook like this supports Linux (and perhaps Steam?) containers. For my personal usage on an older generation of this chromebook (only a 10th gen I5), I would use Linux apps somewhat more than the Android apps. Of course, lots of times I would just use a web-browser for some 'apps' like Microsoft 365.

        • chromestar says win11 works fine on it (with payed audio drivers)

    • +3

      Can install supported Play Store and linux applications and browser extensions.

      Steam coming to ChromeOS as well
      https://store.steampowered.com/news/group/4145017/view/31283…

      • +2

        Oh no, I bought them as school computers for my kids… if they can run Steam my parental supervision duties just got a lot harder.
        Flip side, how great would Steam be.
        Yes I can both love and hate something at hte same time.

      • Steam on Chromeos already here if your Chromebook meets the grade. Works quite well for the lower powered games (I'm not a gamer, just played with a bit).

    • +3

      Can install pretty much any linux app.

  • +1

    Yes it's a Chromebook, but so many schools ask for these so sharing as Im sure their are parents out there that may benefit. Or travellers wanting a basic 2-in-1.

    No you can't easily install Windows (there is a way to do it I believe), or install Office, or upgrade the memory, etc.
    There are compatible stylus pens, I don't think it comes with one looking at the specs, though people getting the older model from JB yesterday said they got one, so possibly.

    • Why is windows installation harder on a Chromebook than any other laptop? Just curious if the bios is different as the spec of this looks ok to run win 11?(Not in the market, just wondering, as always do clean win installs on my laptops out of habit).

      • +1

        My guess is they deliberately gimp it so you can't or at least make it not easy to do.

        Farely sure this has enough grunt to run windows.

      • My guess is the only way to get windows on a chrombook is to take out the SSD "IF YOU CAN" clone an existing copy of windows on it and pray it boots :)

        [EDIT] never mind its bios locked not to run windows if detected.. there are replacement bios that you can flash. this could brick your laptop

        • So you're telling me theres a chance?

          - dumb and dumber

        • you can flash openUEFI and run win11 on it. most of the drivers are standard, with the biggest exception being audio which you need to pay for

  • $30 more hmmmm….still one the fence just like yesterday

    • +3

      5x flybuys with OnePass gets you about $12.50 in Flybuys, not the same as a $30 disc, but I do like collecting my Flybuys.
      Was free postage which I dont think JB had either, so that would have been $10.
      So same price give or take for me.

    • +2

      I bought a second one this morning before this deal was posted.
      Chromebook Plus specs.

      Auto update policy (AUP) supported until 2032.

      • From JB at $899 or just happened to buy from Officeworks at this price?

        • +2

          JB for $469, it arrived yesterday and after setting it up I wanted to buy a second unit but noticed the deal had expired.
          Found Officeworks had them for $497 early this morning so bought another.

      • doubt this little thing will last till 2032

        • +4

          I have 3 x C302's .. They were released in 2014 and still going. While the ChromeOS Updates have ceased, flash the bios and install Linux or ChromeOS Flex and you're back in business with a supported OS.

      • Given Google's track record killing its own product lines. This will like not even get anywhere near 2032 that they will still be supporting this.

        • +2

          Google is committed to ChromeOS and AUP's have been extended for new model devices. 10 years support for modern Chromebooks.
          It's the ChomeOS update support, not the hardware.

          Provided the hardware doesn't give out, you can always flash the bios and install whatever you want on it.

      • @Crusader is this a Chromebook plus?

        • +4

          It's not advertised as a Chromebook Plus as this device launched in 2022 and Chromebook Plus devices are October 2023+

          However, it is receiving the Chromebook Plus update as it meets the specifications.

          A list of devices receiving the update can be found here.
          https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/14128000?visit_…

          Lenovo specs
          https://www.lenovo.com/au/en/p/laptops/ideapad/ideapad-flex-series/ideapad-flex-5i-chromebook-gen-7-(14-inch-intel)/len101i0035

          Hope this helps

    • I bought more than 1, kids need Chromebooks for school and this has 3 times the storage and a touchscreen, which my kids will adore.
      But admit the 365 day return with OnePass means I can put it asside and use the good 'ol self imposed OzBargain cooling off period to consider my choices.

      • @SleeplessNytes

        I also got one too…. just wondering what's the battery life like in yours? Mine is only getting close to 6 hour of battery life, and I was expecting 8-10 hours. Is the battery life quite the same on your 2 (or more) Chrombooks?

        Also, I feel like the trackpad is not very smooth, what's your experience with that?

        Thanks :)

        • Hi @birdnw
          Mine will be delivered today (hopefully) but I'm working the rest of the week so I'm not sure I'll get to put them to a solid test until Saturday.
          But assessing battery life is on my to do list this week. I know it depends on how you use it too.

          • @SleeplessNytes: Just an FYI, when something goes out of stock you can click the Expire button on the deal.

            No need to put in all caps "UNAVAIL ONLINE". Thanks

  • I wonder why this particular model has been heavily discounted? I can't see any other notable Chromebook bargains.

    • +1

      Because the Ideapad Flex build quality is terrible. Maybe ok for this price where the Australian consumer guarantee doesn't stretch too long.

    • +4

      I suspect (with no evidence) that JB made an error discounting their $1229 Flex 5 by $730 to $499 yesterday (with an additional $30 AfterPay disc) thinking it was the 2020 Flex 5.
      It is now still described as the Flex 5 but the SKU matches the Flex i5 2022 model on other retailers sights, and the JB price is no longer $1229 - disc it is a straight $899.

      I assume the Officework price match bot caught it and price matched it before JB stopped selling it at 60% off.
      So it's still avail today at Officeworks for $497, a few dollars cheaper than JB was yesterday.

      I just feel like it was a mistake.

  • this is a tempting travel laptop

    would be interesting to see if you could get by with the ms android office apps

    • All depend on your use case. What would your normally use it for? Web browsing, youtube and other social media apps. Then this is fine.

    • The apps are junk - see my other reply in this thread.

    • +3

      I would be using 365 online over the apps.

    • +1

      Use the MS Office web apps as PWA's.
      If you're a company that has some legacy apps or MS Office users, Cameyo might be worth consideration with application virtualisation & delivery.

  • Possible to dual boot win10 and chromeOS ?

    • Not looking likely.

    • +1

      Technically, not with ChromeOS but ChromeOS Flex you could.

    • +1

      Not easily anyway, there is a way to install Windows on some Chromebooks but it depends on the board and it's way out of my level of expertise. I'm not sure if dual boot or just changing the OS completely would be supported.

      Info on devices that support an alternatice OS https://mrchromebox.tech/#devices

      Depending on the board disconnecting the battery may disable the hardware write protect or it may have an unpopulated jumper on the board which must be bridged.
      That info from here: https://wiki.mrchromebox.tech/Firmware_Write_Protect#Hardwar…

  • +1

    This is ridiculously cheap. Price for celeron model

  • Doesn't it seem a bit high spec'd, for a Chromebook to just websurf and YouTube???
    I know it'd void the warranty but couldn't you just use a USB Rufus install of the windows 11 bypass hack which I've put on a few old laptops and works very well !

    • Not easily, because it's heavily locked down.

  • 45% NTSC…497$$ yes

  • +1

    This is a screaming bargain for such a solid build and also note that, I think, Mr. Chromebook has a custom coreboot firmware for this to boot.

  • can you download youtube videos and play ?

    • If you can sideload apks like tubemate. Then you should be able to.

      Or you can use web based youtube video downloaders usung the chrome browser.

  • Ive never used chromeOS, i assume its their own Android-like operating system. Can it be formatted and have a copy of windows installed?

    • +2

      With great difficulty from what i hear. Its like they intentionally make it difficult so people don't do it.

  • +1

    Can I buy a car and convert it to a boat?

    • +1

      I bought a train and its now a plane.

    • +1

      But you can convert a bike to a boat. It’s not a myth because I saw it on Mythbusters. Yep, myth busted.

  • +1

    I picked up this from the jbhifi deal. Typing on it now, so fast for just general surfing and media consumption. My point was to have a portable laptop that isn't Windows (or Mac for that matter) lol. Instead, run a full Linux install within the Developer Environment, no need for custom bios etc. My go-to is Kubuntu, coz easy and KDE plasma.

    • Does it comes with USI pen?

      • +3

        Yes, battery included in pen also

  • How would this go when editing with Adobe Premiere Pro? Just looking for a travel laptop to edit with on holidays

    • Negative. You can't as the Adobe only for Mac or Windows.

      • Oh damn! Thanks for info

    • +1

      On a Chromebook you might like to look at LumaFusion.

  • very good price for 512GB

  • Does the OW version not come with a stylus?

    I just got the last display model for $450, & the staff member said display models do not come with a box.

    So I only got the laptop & charger In a brown paper bag. No box, warranty card, instruction guide, & I am wondering if I am missing the stylus as well.

    • +1

      I got the JB one earlier this week, already arrived yesterday. The box is sealed and invoice showed IdeaPad F5i. No stylus/pen in the box. I haven't thrown out the box yet so just double checked again tonight as well. Definitely none in the box.

      • Weird. Others said they got a stylus.

      • It does come with a stylus - it's wrapped in a bit of bubble wrap, in the same compartment as the charger.

      • +2

        NM, I found the stylus. It must've dropped out and got covered by my laptop bag which was sitting on the carpet next to my desk. Was just getting the bag ready for my work in the office days this week and saw the stylus under it. :)

  • +4

    My previous gen IdeaPad Flex Chromebook has a pretty weak hinge that broke and cracked the corner of the screen. Seem to be a common issue and not sure whether it got fixed in this model. Otherwise a great portable laptop that "just works".

    Note to owners: open the screen gently.

    • +1

      Looks like I might avoid, need a school laptop to last at least 2-3 years .

    • Funnily enough, one of kids has this in the latest gen and yes the hinge broke.

  • Site down. Sorry i sites a bit if a mess . Booger

  • Don't reckon these last long. I have had all kinds of issues with zoom shutting down randomly for example. Guess you get what you pay for.

    • Lol zoom shutting down is likely a software side issue. Probably just needs to clear cache and a reinstall.

  • Should be 1080p web cam as it is a Chromebook plus.

    • According to this you're right.

  • How good is this running CTrix?

    • +1

      Citrix Workspace?

      I'm using the Android app on an older version of this Lenovo Idepad Flex 5i Chromebook (with 10th gen i5 and lower resolution screen), and use it often with no problems. Though I can see that the Android Citrix Workspace app doesn't officially support the Chromebook I have, so I can't remember if I sideloaded it.

      Citrix workspace also has Chrome apps (but perhaps not supported from 2025? I haven't tried it), and Linux apps.

      The Linux/Debian Citrix workspace client is also installable into ChromeOS's Linux/Crostini container and works well!

      So, at least two working options to use Citrix Workspace.

  • +1

    Bought from JB Hi-Fi for $467 ($443 with 5% discounted GC) price matching OW and using AFTERPAY30 coupon

    • Can you ket me know how you did that. Was it today. Looks like sold out online at OW. Need a laptop for my son for school.

      • Live chat, when it was available in OW. I got a spare one, can PM the basket link if you need.

        • Hey mate, sent you a PM regarding the basket link, hope it’s available

        • That would be great, thanks.

        • Hey mate, can send the link too? Appreciate it.

  • Does this device say Chromebook or Chromebook Plus branding on the case?

    • +1

      Chromebook

  • +2

    Just picked mine up.
    It says Chromebook on the lid but the startup splashscreen says Chromebook Plus. The lack of the Plus name on top is because this model was released before the Chrombook Plus program was announced. But the specs meet or exceed the minimum requirements. This website says that the webcam is 1080p. And this Chromebook is listed on Googles page here as being eligible for the Plus upgrade as well.

    This is an absolute bargain for the specs. Thanks OP!

    • Well done, it was certainly a good deal on the specs/price.

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