Lenovo 500e Chromebook 2-in-1 laptop, 11.6in HD TOUCH, Intel Celeron N3450, 4 GB RAM, 32GB eMMC Drive, Webcam, Chrome OS (Renewed)
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AI Verdict
This rugged, drop-resistant 2-in-1 is a cheap disposable web browser for young kids, but its expired ChromeOS update support makes it a dead end for anyone needing Android apps.
At under $90, this is strictly a burner laptop for accident-prone kids or a tinkering project for Linux enthusiasts. The Celeron N3450 and 4GB of RAM can barely handle modern web browsing. The expired ChromeOS support means you lose Android app functionality if you want security patches.
Look for a Lenovo 500e Gen 2 or Gen 3 with an Intel N4120 or N5100 processor to get an AUE date of 2027 or later and keep Android app support.
Regret Score™
High RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- MIL-STD-810G tested chassis survives 29.5-inch drops off school desks
- Spill-resistant keyboard handles up to 1.39 cups of liquid and features mechanically anchored keys
- Includes two USB-C ports that both support charging, plus two standard USB 3.0 ports
- 11.6-inch IPS touchscreen offers much better viewing angles than the cheap TN panels usually found at this price
- 360-degree hinge allows for tablet, tent, and stand modes for watching videos
Cons
- Reached its official ChromeOS Auto Update Expiration (AUE) in June 2024
- Opting into extended security updates permanently disables the Google Play Store and Android apps
- 32GB of eMMC storage leaves less than 15GB of usable space after the OS
- Intel Celeron N3450 processor stutters heavily if you open more than 5 or 6 Chrome tabs
- Renewed units frequently ship with missing EMR styluses and incorrect third-party chargers
Dimension Scores
The 1.1GHz Celeron N3450 struggles with basic multitasking and stutters on heavy web pages.
The 1366x768 resolution is low, but the IPS panel provides decent colors and wide viewing angles.
The 42Wh battery easily pushes 8 to 10 hours because the low-power processor barely sips energy.
MIL-STD-810G drop resistance and a spill-proof keyboard make it incredibly durable, though slightly heavy at 2.2 lbs.
Best For
- Elementary school kids who only need basic web browsing and web-based math games
- A cheap, rugged kitchen recipe screen in tent mode
- Installing a lightweight Linux distro to bypass the expired ChromeOS support
Not Recommended For
- Anyone who relies on downloading Android apps from the Google Play Store
- High school or college students needing to multitask with heavy web apps
- Users expecting a pristine screen, as renewed units often arrive with heavy LCD scratches
Watch Out For
- ChromeOS support expired in 2024 — you have to switch to the LTS channel for security updates, which completely deletes the Google Play Store.
- The listing says it supports a pen, but Amazon Renewed units almost never actually include the garaged EMR stylus.
- The 32GB eMMC drive is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded, severely limiting offline storage.
- Many buyers report receiving 45W chargers that don't fit securely into the USB-C ports or fail to charge the device while in use.
Full Specifications
| RAM | 4 GB LPDDR4 |
| ASIN | B07MZFRWKH |
| Brand | Lenovo |
| Color | Black |
| Series | Lenovo 500E |
| Batteries | 1 AAA batteries required. |
| CPU Model | Celeron N3450 |
| Processor | 1.1 GHz celeron_n3450 |
| Hard Drive | Emmc |
| Model Name | Lenovo 500E |
| Item Weight | 2.2 pounds |
| Screen Size | 11.6 Inches |
| Memory Speed | 2.2 GHz |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Wireless Type | Bluetooth |
| Processor Brand | Intel |
| Special Feature | Support Stylus |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Operating System | Chrome OS |
| Flash Memory Size | 32 GB |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Item model number | 81ES0007US |
| Screen Resolution | 1366 x 768 pixels |
| Product Dimensions | 13 x 9 x 3 inches |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 500 |
| Hard Drive Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Number of Processors | 1 |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1366x768 MP |
| Graphics Card Ram Size | 32 GB |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 13 x 9 x 3 inches |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 1 |
| Graphics Card Description | Integrated |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 4 GB |
| Standing screen display size | 11.6 Inches |
What Buyers Say
Buyers are sharply divided between parents thrilled by the indestructible build and users furious about the expired software support. The physical hardware holds up incredibly well—the rubberized edges and spill-proof keyboard survive daily abuse from kids without flinching. The biggest shock for buyers is discovering the device reached its Auto Update Expiration (AUE), meaning they either run an insecure OS or lose access to the Google Play Store entirely. Quality control on these renewed units is also a gamble, with many arriving with sticky keys, missing styluses, and cheap aftermarket chargers that barely work.
“Bought this for my 8 year old and it's built like a tank, but I spent 3 hours trying to figure out why the Play Store disappeared only to learn Google stopped supporting this model entirely.”
Common Praise
- Rubber bumpers and reinforced hinges easily survive drops onto hard floors
- IPS touchscreen is surprisingly responsive and looks much better than standard cheap Chromebook screens
- Battery holds a charge for a full 8-hour school day even on renewed units
- Tent mode is highly stable and great for watching YouTube
Common Complaints
- ChromeOS update support is expired, forcing users to choose between security and Android apps
- Renewed units frequently arrive with heavy cosmetic scratches and missing EMR pens
- Included third-party chargers often fail to charge the device or fit loosely in the USB-C port
- 32GB of storage fills up almost immediately after downloading a few offline files
Ownership Tips
- Opting into the LTS (Long Term Support) channel for security updates permanently wipes the Android subsystem.
- The matte rubber finish on the lid acts like a magnet for greasy fingerprints and permanent scratches.
- The trackpad can feel loose or 'rattly' on refurbished units after a few weeks of use.
- You can use any standard 45W USB-C laptop charger if the included renewed one breaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this Chromebook still get Google updates?
Officially, no. The 1st Gen 500e reached its Auto Update Expiration in 2024. You can opt into extended updates until 2027, but doing so removes your ability to use Android apps.
Does it come with the stylus pen?
Usually no. While the original 500e had a garaged EMR pen, these Amazon Renewed units almost always ship without it.
Can I play Roblox or Minecraft on this?
No. Because you have to disable the Google Play Store to keep the device secure, you cannot download Android games. Even if you could, the Celeron N3450 is too slow to run them smoothly.
Is the RAM or storage upgradable?
No. Both the 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM and the 32GB eMMC storage drive are permanently soldered to the motherboard.
Does it charge via USB-C?
Yes. It has two USB-C ports (one on each side) and both support 45W Power Delivery charging.
Can I install Windows on this?
Not easily or officially. It runs ChromeOS, though advanced users can flash custom firmware to install lightweight Linux distributions.
Buying Guide
When buying a refurbished Chromebook, the physical condition is only half the battle. Every Chromebook has an 'Auto Update Expiration' (AUE) date hardcoded by Google, after which it stops receiving standard updates. This specific 1st Gen model has already hit that date. If you buy this, you are buying a device that is essentially a locked-down web browser. It is incredibly durable and great for clumsy kids, but it is not a fully functional modern laptop.
Auto Update Expiration (AUE)
It's the expiration date for your laptop's software. Once it passes, you stop getting new features, and keeping it secure means sacrificing access to Android apps.
Intel Celeron N3450
This is a low-power, entry-level brain from 2016. It's like a moped—great for putting around a single neighborhood (one web page at a time), but it will stall on the highway (heavy multitasking).
32GB eMMC Storage
This is the same slow, low-capacity storage used in cheap smartphones. After the operating system takes its share, you only have about 15GB left for your own files.
MIL-STD-810G
A military testing standard that means this laptop was dropped from desk height onto hard surfaces and survived. It's built to handle being shoved in a backpack and dropped on the floor.
Alternatives
Look for a Chromebook with an Intel N4020, N4120, or MediaTek Kompanio processor to ensure you get ChromeOS updates and Android app support through at least 2027.
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