We got the chance to test out the Lenovo C330, an impressive budget Chromebook that hails design from the Yoga series. Here are three reviews from dad and the two boys.
Dad’s Review:
Chromebooks have gone a long way since they were first introduced about a decade ago. Looking at these devices now, it’s easy to say that they’ve achieved a certain stature of ubiquity in the portable computing market. The work from home response to the pandemic has really spurred demand for affordable laptops and a Chromebook is a no-brainer.
Quickly, a Chromebook is essentially a laptop running on Google’s Chrome OS. If you have a Google account and regularly use Google Meet, Calendar, Contacts, Chrome and Google Docs, then you’re already familiar with what a Chromebook can do. Remove heavy video editing, graphics-intensive gaming and storing huge files: what you are left with is essentially a bare-bones productivity tool with excellent battery life.
The Lenovo Chromebook C330 goes an extra step though because it has 3 extra things that I found to be quite charming for a budget laptop: (1) a fully rotatable touch screen that hails from the Lenovo Yoga line, (2) HDMI port which is a rare find for a Chromebook, (3) pretty loud audio out. You have to appreciate the fact that for the price of a mid-range Android phone, you get a Chromebook that transforms into a tablet. For presentations, you can connect this to a big TV via HDMI to watch Netflix or do your presentation.
Eldest Son’s Review:
I really like the computer because it really feels nice to hold (Dad: that’s the nice satin finish) and the keyboard also feels nice. I also like that you can use your fingers to touch the screen. It’s also not very heavy. I’m not a big fan of the color white, but this white is actually pretty nice.
Youngest Son’s Review:
I like it because you can draw with your fingers and change the colors of the paint! I can watch YouTube Kids and Netflix cartoons because it also transforms into an iPad!
A note to parents using Google Family Link
So for those unfamiliar, Family Link is an app that allows you to supervise your child’s Internet activity with their own Android phone or tablet. At home, I am able to set parental controls for downloading apps and limits to browsing the Internet on my son’s smartphone. He’s old enough to use his own gadget, but still too young to fully call it his own. Because the Chromebook is based on Android, you can transfer the Google Family Link credentials to the Chrome browser. What this means is that your child can browse safely on the computer without any additional settings. For instance, Family Link automatically removes YouTube and replaces it with YouTube kids. Apps downloaded from the Play Store on the computer will also need your prior approval in the form of a notification on the Family Link app.
To summarize, this is the laptop for you if:
- You’re looking for a work from home / distance learning computer at P14,495.
- You’re comfortable with being within the Google ecosystem of GMail, Google Docs, Google Chrome
- You are not going to be doing a lot of video editing or multimedia
- You are a teacher or a student using Google Classroom as the school’s Learning Management System
Technical Specs (via Lenovo)
| Processor | MediaTek™ MTK 8173C Processor (1.70GHz) |
| Operating System | Chrome OS |
| Graphics | Integrated PowerVR GX6250 Graphics |
| Camera | 720p HD |
| Memory | 4 GB LPDDR3 1866MHz (Soldered) |
| Storage | 64 GB eMMCSD support for expandable storage |
| Display | 11.6” HD (1366 x 768) IPS, anti-glare, touchscreen, 300 nits |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 11.4" x 8.48" x 0.77" / 292 x 215.39 x 19.6 (mm) |
| Weight | 2.64 lbs (1.2 kg) |
| Color | Blizzard White |
| Audio | 2 x 2W speakers |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours** Battery life based on testing with PLT (power load test). Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage, and other factors. |
| Connectivity | 802.11AC (2 x 2)Bluetooth® 4.2 |
| Ports | USB-C (PowerDelivery, DisplayPort, HDMI pass-through)USB 3.1** (Gen 1)HDMISD Card ReaderAudio combo jack |