Search
  • Videos
  • Enterprise Software
  • Windows 10
  • Cloud
  • AI
  • Security
  • TR Premium
  • more
    • 5G Guide
    • Build a Website
    • Hardware
    • Innovation
    • Best Smartphones
    • Executive Guides
    • Best VPN Services
    • Web Hosting
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • Enterprise Software
    • Windows 10
    • Cloud
    • AI
    • Security
    • TR Premium
    • 5G Guide
    • Build a Website
    • Hardware
    • Innovation
    • Best Smartphones
    • Executive Guides
    • Best VPN Services
    • Web Hosting
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet China
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

Review: Lenovo N20p Chromebook with touchscreen for consumers

1 of 7 NEXT PREV
  • Lenovo N20p Chromebook with touchscreen

    Lenovo N20p Chromebook with touchscreen

    Laptop giant Lenovo entered the Chromebook market earlier this year with a model for the education sector. Its latest model is for the general consumer market, the N20p Chromebook.

    The N20p is a reasonably priced laptop with an 11.6-inch touchscreen. That display has two modes of operation, much like several of the company's Windows laptops. When the screen is pushed back, the unit can be set down with the keyboard on the table for use as a stand for the display. According to Lenovo, this is for watching videos, or using with just the touchscreen. The keyboard is turned off when in this mode to prevent accidental key presses.

    Hardware specs as reviewed:

    CPU Intel Celeron N2830 (Haswell)
    Display 11.6” (1,366 x 768) display with 10-point multi-touch
    Memory 2GB
    Storage 16GB
    Webcam 720p
    Ports USB 3.0, USB 2.0, audio combo Jack, mini-HDMI, 2-in- 1 card reader
    Communications Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11 a/c wi-fi
    Battery 8 hours, (34.8 Wh)
    Dimensions 11.6" x 8.34" x 0.70"
    Weight 2.8 lbs

    The N20p Chromebook is as thin as most laptops available. The light weight (2.8 lbs) makes it highly portable and a good size for carrying around.

    The Celeron processor with Haswell technology is much like that found on other Chromebooks. This processor does a good job powering the lightweight Chrome OS.

    The 2GB of memory is OK, but experience shows that 4GB is better with Chromebooks. The review unit has 16GB of storage, which is plenty given the integration of Chrome OS with Google Drive.

    The keyboard on the Lenovo N20p Chromebook is very good, which is typical for the company's laptops. Keys feel just right, and the travel gives good tactile feedback.

    The trackpad is a nice size and works fine, with caveats. It is a bit less sensitive than those found on other Chromebooks. I had to turn the "trackpad speed" to the fastest in Chrome settings to get normal operation. I find it regularly misses taps on the trackpad as mouse clicks. Pushing down on the trackpad performs a click so it's not a deal breaker, but it happens frequently enough to be annoying.

    It is common to have lags in operation of the N20p that is unusual for Chromebooks. These lags combined with slight delays in reacting to tapping controls are frustrating at times. Lags are noticeable when scrolling web pages, too. Other Chromebooks do not exhibit these delays, even with similar hardware.

    Lenovo claims eight hours of battery life; field testing shows this to be accurate.

    Touchscreen operation of the N20p is about what you'd expect from Chrome OS. It works OK and is supported directly by the current version of the OS. Chrome OS is not fully optimized for touch operation so the benefits of having it on the N20p are not great. It's good for tapping controls on the screen, but that's about it.

    The Lenovo N20p Chromebook is a reasonable value for the price, but the performance is not as good as that of similarly equipped models currently available. The author's Acer C720 Chromebook does not exhibit the laggy performance experienced at times with the Lenovo.

    Pros:

    • Good price
    • Nice keyboard
    • Touch screen
    • Stand mode

    Cons:

    • Trackpad not as sensitive as it should be
    • Laggy performance

    Reviewer's rating: 7 out of 10

    The Lenovo N20p Chromebook is available from Lenovo for $329 as reviewed. It is also available from Amazon for $300.

    Additional Chromebook coverage: 

    • Acer Chromebook 13: First with Nvidia Tegra K1
    • Review: Acer C720 Chromebook with Core i3, best value yet
    • Six months with the Acer C720 Chromebook: Still good for $199
    • Chromebooks: Going offline to compete
    • Chromebooks: Stuck between a rock and a cheap place
    • 11 tips and tricks for the Chromebook
    • Acer C720P Chromebook (hands on): Touch at a reasonable price
    • Day one with the Acer C720 Chromebook
    • Acer C720 Chromebook first impressions: Fast and cheap
    • Chromebooks: Unlikely battlefield for Intel vs. ARM
    • HP Chromebook 11 hands on: Distraction-free writing with vivid display
    • Google announces new Chrome devices from Acer, Asus, HP, and Toshiba
    • Chromebook Pixel: One of the best laptops I've used
    • Acer unveils first Chromebook with Haswell for $249
    • Chromebook Pixel: 5 tips and trick
    • Chromebook Pixel hands on (photos)
    Published: August 14, 2014 -- 18:00 GMT (11:00 PDT)

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Lenovo N20p Chromebook front

    Lenovo N20p Chromebook front

    The N20p is very thin and light.

    Additional Chromebook coverage: 

    • Acer Chromebook 13: First with Nvidia Tegra K1
    • Review: Acer C720 Chromebook with Core i3, best value yet
    • Six months with the Acer C720 Chromebook: Still good for $199
    • Chromebooks: Going offline to compete
    • Chromebooks: Stuck between a rock and a cheap place
    • 11 tips and tricks for the Chromebook
    • Acer C720P Chromebook (hands on): Touch at a reasonable price
    • Day one with the Acer C720 Chromebook
    • Acer C720 Chromebook first impressions: Fast and cheap
    • Chromebooks: Unlikely battlefield for Intel vs. ARM
    • HP Chromebook 11 hands on: Distraction-free writing with vivid display
    • Google announces new Chrome devices from Acer, Asus, HP, and Toshiba
    • Chromebook Pixel: One of the best laptops I've used
    • Acer unveils first Chromebook with Haswell for $249
    • Chromebook Pixel: 5 tips and trick
    • Chromebook Pixel hands on (photos)
    Published: August 14, 2014 -- 18:00 GMT (11:00 PDT)

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Lenovo N20p Chromebook side

    Lenovo N20p Chromebook side

    The screen is very glossy and thus reflective.

    Additional Chromebook coverage: 

    • Acer Chromebook 13: First with Nvidia Tegra K1
    • Review: Acer C720 Chromebook with Core i3, best value yet
    • Six months with the Acer C720 Chromebook: Still good for $199
    • Chromebooks: Going offline to compete
    • Chromebooks: Stuck between a rock and a cheap place
    • 11 tips and tricks for the Chromebook
    • Acer C720P Chromebook (hands on): Touch at a reasonable price
    • Day one with the Acer C720 Chromebook
    • Acer C720 Chromebook first impressions: Fast and cheap
    • Chromebooks: Unlikely battlefield for Intel vs. ARM
    • HP Chromebook 11 hands on: Distraction-free writing with vivid display
    • Google announces new Chrome devices from Acer, Asus, HP, and Toshiba
    • Chromebook Pixel: One of the best laptops I've used
    • Acer unveils first Chromebook with Haswell for $249
    • Chromebook Pixel: 5 tips and trick
    • Chromebook Pixel hands on (photos)
    Published: August 14, 2014 -- 18:00 GMT (11:00 PDT)

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Lenovo N20p Chromebook keyboard

    Lenovo N20p Chromebook keyboard

    The keyboard is very good, as is typical for Lenovo laptops.

    Additional Chromebook coverage: 

    • Acer Chromebook 13: First with Nvidia Tegra K1
    • Review: Acer C720 Chromebook with Core i3, best value yet
    • Six months with the Acer C720 Chromebook: Still good for $199
    • Chromebooks: Going offline to compete
    • Chromebooks: Stuck between a rock and a cheap place
    • 11 tips and tricks for the Chromebook
    • Acer C720P Chromebook (hands on): Touch at a reasonable price
    • Day one with the Acer C720 Chromebook
    • Acer C720 Chromebook first impressions: Fast and cheap
    • Chromebooks: Unlikely battlefield for Intel vs. ARM
    • HP Chromebook 11 hands on: Distraction-free writing with vivid display
    • Google announces new Chrome devices from Acer, Asus, HP, and Toshiba
    • Chromebook Pixel: One of the best laptops I've used
    • Acer unveils first Chromebook with Haswell for $249
    • Chromebook Pixel: 5 tips and trick
    • Chromebook Pixel hands on (photos)
    Published: August 14, 2014 -- 18:00 GMT (11:00 PDT)

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Lenovo N20p Chromebook left side

    Lenovo N20p Chromebook left side

    Left - right: Power port, USB 3.0, miniHDMI, audio

    Additional Chromebook coverage: 

    • Acer Chromebook 13: First with Nvidia Tegra K1
    • Review: Acer C720 Chromebook with Core i3, best value yet
    • Six months with the Acer C720 Chromebook: Still good for $199
    • Chromebooks: Going offline to compete
    • Chromebooks: Stuck between a rock and a cheap place
    • 11 tips and tricks for the Chromebook
    • Acer C720P Chromebook (hands on): Touch at a reasonable price
    • Day one with the Acer C720 Chromebook
    • Acer C720 Chromebook first impressions: Fast and cheap
    • Chromebooks: Unlikely battlefield for Intel vs. ARM
    • HP Chromebook 11 hands on: Distraction-free writing with vivid display
    • Google announces new Chrome devices from Acer, Asus, HP, and Toshiba
    • Chromebook Pixel: One of the best laptops I've used
    • Acer unveils first Chromebook with Haswell for $249
    • Chromebook Pixel: 5 tips and trick
    • Chromebook Pixel hands on (photos)
    Published: August 14, 2014 -- 18:00 GMT (11:00 PDT)

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Lenovo N20p Chromebook right side

    Lenovo N20p Chromebook right side

    Left - right: SD slot, Power button, USB 2.0

    Additional Chromebook coverage: 

    • Acer Chromebook 13: First with Nvidia Tegra K1
    • Review: Acer C720 Chromebook with Core i3, best value yet
    • Six months with the Acer C720 Chromebook: Still good for $199
    • Chromebooks: Going offline to compete
    • Chromebooks: Stuck between a rock and a cheap place
    • 11 tips and tricks for the Chromebook
    • Acer C720P Chromebook (hands on): Touch at a reasonable price
    • Day one with the Acer C720 Chromebook
    • Acer C720 Chromebook first impressions: Fast and cheap
    • Chromebooks: Unlikely battlefield for Intel vs. ARM
    • HP Chromebook 11 hands on: Distraction-free writing with vivid display
    • Google announces new Chrome devices from Acer, Asus, HP, and Toshiba
    • Chromebook Pixel: One of the best laptops I've used
    • Acer unveils first Chromebook with Haswell for $249
    • Chromebook Pixel: 5 tips and trick
    • Chromebook Pixel hands on (photos)
    Published: August 14, 2014 -- 18:00 GMT (11:00 PDT)

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Lenovo N20p Chromebook stand mode

    Lenovo N20p Chromebook stand mode

    Stand mode can be used for viewing video, giving presentations, and using the N20p purely by touch.

    Additional Chromebook coverage: 

    • Acer Chromebook 13: First with Nvidia Tegra K1
    • Review: Acer C720 Chromebook with Core i3, best value yet
    • Six months with the Acer C720 Chromebook: Still good for $199
    • Chromebooks: Going offline to compete
    • Chromebooks: Stuck between a rock and a cheap place
    • 11 tips and tricks for the Chromebook
    • Acer C720P Chromebook (hands on): Touch at a reasonable price
    • Day one with the Acer C720 Chromebook
    • Acer C720 Chromebook first impressions: Fast and cheap
    • Chromebooks: Unlikely battlefield for Intel vs. ARM
    • HP Chromebook 11 hands on: Distraction-free writing with vivid display
    • Google announces new Chrome devices from Acer, Asus, HP, and Toshiba
    • Chromebook Pixel: One of the best laptops I've used
    • Acer unveils first Chromebook with Haswell for $249
    • Chromebook Pixel: 5 tips and trick
    • Chromebook Pixel hands on (photos)
    Published: August 14, 2014 -- 18:00 GMT (11:00 PDT)

    Caption by: James Kendrick

1 of 7 NEXT PREV
James Kendrick

By James Kendrick for Mobile News | August 14, 2014 -- 18:00 GMT (11:00 PDT) | Topic: Mobility

  • Lenovo N20p Chromebook with touchscreen
  • Lenovo N20p Chromebook front
  • Lenovo N20p Chromebook side
  • Lenovo N20p Chromebook keyboard
  • Lenovo N20p Chromebook left side
  • Lenovo N20p Chromebook right side
  • Lenovo N20p Chromebook stand mode

Lenovo has entered the Chromebook consumer space with a touchscreen model.

Read More Read Less

Lenovo N20p Chromebook with touchscreen

Laptop giant Lenovo entered the Chromebook market earlier this year with a model for the education sector. Its latest model is for the general consumer market, the N20p Chromebook.

The N20p is a reasonably priced laptop with an 11.6-inch touchscreen. That display has two modes of operation, much like several of the company's Windows laptops. When the screen is pushed back, the unit can be set down with the keyboard on the table for use as a stand for the display. According to Lenovo, this is for watching videos, or using with just the touchscreen. The keyboard is turned off when in this mode to prevent accidental key presses.

Hardware specs as reviewed:

CPU Intel Celeron N2830 (Haswell)
Display 11.6” (1,366 x 768) display with 10-point multi-touch
Memory 2GB
Storage 16GB
Webcam 720p
Ports USB 3.0, USB 2.0, audio combo Jack, mini-HDMI, 2-in- 1 card reader
Communications Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11 a/c wi-fi
Battery 8 hours, (34.8 Wh)
Dimensions 11.6" x 8.34" x 0.70"
Weight 2.8 lbs

The N20p Chromebook is as thin as most laptops available. The light weight (2.8 lbs) makes it highly portable and a good size for carrying around.

The Celeron processor with Haswell technology is much like that found on other Chromebooks. This processor does a good job powering the lightweight Chrome OS.

The 2GB of memory is OK, but experience shows that 4GB is better with Chromebooks. The review unit has 16GB of storage, which is plenty given the integration of Chrome OS with Google Drive.

The keyboard on the Lenovo N20p Chromebook is very good, which is typical for the company's laptops. Keys feel just right, and the travel gives good tactile feedback.

The trackpad is a nice size and works fine, with caveats. It is a bit less sensitive than those found on other Chromebooks. I had to turn the "trackpad speed" to the fastest in Chrome settings to get normal operation. I find it regularly misses taps on the trackpad as mouse clicks. Pushing down on the trackpad performs a click so it's not a deal breaker, but it happens frequently enough to be annoying.

It is common to have lags in operation of the N20p that is unusual for Chromebooks. These lags combined with slight delays in reacting to tapping controls are frustrating at times. Lags are noticeable when scrolling web pages, too. Other Chromebooks do not exhibit these delays, even with similar hardware.

Lenovo claims eight hours of battery life; field testing shows this to be accurate.

Touchscreen operation of the N20p is about what you'd expect from Chrome OS. It works OK and is supported directly by the current version of the OS. Chrome OS is not fully optimized for touch operation so the benefits of having it on the N20p are not great. It's good for tapping controls on the screen, but that's about it.

The Lenovo N20p Chromebook is a reasonable value for the price, but the performance is not as good as that of similarly equipped models currently available. The author's Acer C720 Chromebook does not exhibit the laggy performance experienced at times with the Lenovo.

Pros:

  • Good price
  • Nice keyboard
  • Touch screen
  • Stand mode

Cons:

  • Trackpad not as sensitive as it should be
  • Laggy performance

Reviewer's rating: 7 out of 10

The Lenovo N20p Chromebook is available from Lenovo for $329 as reviewed. It is also available from Amazon for $300.

Additional Chromebook coverage: 

  • Acer Chromebook 13: First with Nvidia Tegra K1
  • Review: Acer C720 Chromebook with Core i3, best value yet
  • Six months with the Acer C720 Chromebook: Still good for $199
  • Chromebooks: Going offline to compete
  • Chromebooks: Stuck between a rock and a cheap place
  • 11 tips and tricks for the Chromebook
  • Acer C720P Chromebook (hands on): Touch at a reasonable price
  • Day one with the Acer C720 Chromebook
  • Acer C720 Chromebook first impressions: Fast and cheap
  • Chromebooks: Unlikely battlefield for Intel vs. ARM
  • HP Chromebook 11 hands on: Distraction-free writing with vivid display
  • Google announces new Chrome devices from Acer, Asus, HP, and Toshiba
  • Chromebook Pixel: One of the best laptops I've used
  • Acer unveils first Chromebook with Haswell for $249
  • Chromebook Pixel: 5 tips and trick
  • Chromebook Pixel hands on (photos)
Published: August 14, 2014 -- 18:00 GMT (11:00 PDT)

Caption by: James Kendrick

1 of 7 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

Mobility Google Smartphones Mobile OS Security Hardware
James Kendrick

By James Kendrick for Mobile News | August 14, 2014 -- 18:00 GMT (11:00 PDT) | Topic: Mobility

Show Comments
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • 1 of 3
  • Tech turkeys: Apple and Google dominate the year's menu of failures

    In the spirit of Festivus here is our full list of the worst technology products and services of the year.

  • UAG straps for Samsung Galaxy Watch models: Nylon and leather stylish options

    Samsung's line of Galaxy Watches support quick release band options and the excellent case maker, UAG, just released three strap options for several models. ...

  • Tech21 Studio Colour case and screen protector for Pixel 4: Thin protection for Google's small phone

    The Google Pixel 4 is the latest small flagship that boasts one of the best cameras on a phone. Tech21 has a few products available to help protect your investment. ...

  • Totallee thin cases for the Pixel 4 and iPhone 11 Pro: Attractive minimalist cases protect from scratches

    It seems just about everyone uses a case on their phone today, but sometimes you don't want to be bothered by the bulk, Totallee makes some of the thinnest minimalist cases today and ...

  • UAG Civilian series for Apple iPhone 11 Pro: Stylish drop protection for your expensive smartphone

    UAG has been making rugged smartphone cases for years, but this season launched its new Civilian series. The iPhone 11 Pro case is attractive while offering solid drop protection ...

  • These 7 top wireless earbuds deliver scarily superb sound

    Happy Podoween! All the major Bluetooth earbuds from your favorite manufacturers - including the new AirPod Pro -- have been updated for Fall 2019.

  • Nomad Rugged Case for Google Pixel 4: Elegant Horween leather with 6 foot drop protection

    The Google Pixel 4 is a small, powerful Android smartphone and with Nomad's new Rugged Case you can wrap it in TPU and leather. Over time the leather will patina and develop some custom ...

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2019 CBS Interactive. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Cookies | Ad Choice | Advertise | Terms of Use | Mobile User Agreement

  • Topics
  • All Authors
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • Site Map
  • RSS Feeds
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In | Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums