Budget-friendly Chromebook suited for students, currently available for under $200
Affordable Chromebooks for Students: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 and Other Options
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14-inch, powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor and MediaTek Integrated Graphics, is a lightweight and portable Chromebook that's perfect for carrying around campus. Priced at just $169 during Best Buy's back-to-school sale, it's an attractive option for students on a tight budget.
However, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 might have low memory (4GB RAM and 64GB storage), which could be challenging for students on demanding creative courses. For those seeking more memory, alternative options are available.
One such option is the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus, a versatile 2-in-1 device with a 14-inch IPS touchscreen, Intel Core i3-1315U processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage. It offers around 8-10 hours battery life and is priced under $600, offering a good balance of performance and affordability.
Another budget-friendly option is the Lenovo Duet 11 Chromebook (Gen 9), which is currently discounted to $249 at Best Buy, including a USI stylus. With 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, it's an excellent deal for very tight budgets.
The Asus Chromebook CM14, priced at about $209 at Target, is another lightweight and portable device that uses a MediaTek processor, suitable for basic tasks like email and web browsing. It offers a battery life of over 9 hours video playback, making it a reliable choice for students.
For students who need more power, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515, starting at $299, offers a good balance of performance and price.
Regarding current deals, Best Buy is offering the Lenovo Duet 11 Chromebook for $249 and the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus for $579.99, a nearly $200 discount from the usual price. The Asus Chromebook CM14 is available for about $209 at Target, and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is on sale for $169 at Best Buy.
These deals make these Chromebooks some of the best available in 2025 for students seeking affordable, reliable devices suitable for writing essays, research, online classes, and light multimedia use.
In summary, the Lenovo Duet 11 at $249 and the Lenovo Flex 5i near $600 offer excellent value for budget-conscious students, with the Asus CM14 and Lenovo Slim 3 as cheaper alternatives for very constrained budgets. Additionally, Samsung's student discount offers on its Galaxy Book range and Apple's student discount are worth considering for those seeking additional options.
- For those seeking a creative edge, incorporating a 3D art component into their lifestyle, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus's touchscreen could be a valuable addition to their home-and-garden workspace.
- In the realm of home-and-garden technology, the Lenovo Duet 11 Chromebook's sleek design and versatility make it a suitable companion for streamlining gadget usage, from playing music to displaying recipes while cooking.
- The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3, despite its low memory for demanding courses, remains a suitable choice for students engaging in low-intensive UI/UX design work, thanks to its affordable price and portable nature.
- For students embracing a technologically-driven lifestyle, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 offers the perfect blend of performance and price, enabling smoother multimedia use and online class participation.
- In the world of home-and-garden gadgets, the Asus Chromebook CM14, powered by a MediaTek processor, provides a reliable experience for light tasks like writing essays and browsing, offering over 9 hours of video playback on a single charge.
