Lenovo 11.6" 300e Chromebook Touchscreen LCD 2 in 1- MediaTek M8173C Quad-core 2.1GHz 4GB LPDDR3 32GB Flash Memory Chrome OS Model 81H00000US (Renewed)
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AI Verdict
This rugged, ultra-cheap 2-in-1 is strictly a beater laptop for kids or garage use, as its expired update support makes it unsafe for banking or serious work.
At under $100, this is a disposable, rugged 2-in-1 that survives physical abuse. The expired Chrome OS support and sluggish MediaTek MT8173C processor restrict it to offline media, basic Android apps, or kids' entertainment rather than a secure daily driver.
Look for a Chromebook with an Intel N4020 or newer and at least 64GB of storage to ensure active update support through 2028 or later.
Regret Score™
Medium 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
- 11.6-inch IPS panel offers much better off-axis viewing than the washed-out TN screens typical at the $50 price point
- Rubberized bumpers and a spill-resistant keyboard survive desk-height drops and liquid spills
- 360-degree hinge allows tent mode for watching YouTube or tablet mode for Android apps
- MediaTek MT8173C ARM processor runs Android apps natively without the x86 emulation lag found on Intel Celeron chips
- USB-C port supports both 45W charging and external display output
Cons
- Passed its Chrome OS Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date in June 2025, meaning zero new security patches
- 32GB of eMMC storage leaves less than 15GB usable after the OS and system files
- Weighs 3.0 pounds, making it incredibly heavy and fatiguing to hold in tablet mode
- Thick, chunky plastic bezels make the 11.6-inch screen feel even smaller
Dimension Scores
The MT8173C chip from 2018 struggles with more than 5-6 active Chrome tabs.
The 1366x768 resolution is low, but the IPS panel provides decent color and viewing angles for the price.
While originally rated for 10 hours, these renewed 2018 units typically yield 5-7 hours of real-world use.
Military-grade drop resistance and spill-proofing make it a tank, but it's heavy at 3 pounds.
Best For
- Kids needing a rugged first laptop for basic web games and YouTube
- A garage or workshop reference screen where drops and spills are a constant threat
- Offline media consumption using Android apps and a microSD card
Not Recommended For
- Anyone doing online banking or handling sensitive data due to expired security updates
- Students needing to run heavy web apps or multiple Chrome tabs
- Users wanting a lightweight tablet experience
Watch Out For
- The June 2025 Auto Update Expiration (AUE) means this device no longer receives Chrome OS security patches or new features.
- The 32GB eMMC storage is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded, forcing you to rely on the SD card slot.
- Because it uses an ARM-based MediaTek chip, installing alternative Linux distributions like Ubuntu is significantly harder than on Intel-based Chromebooks.
- The battery is likely degraded from its original 10-hour claim since these are 2018-era renewed units.
Full Specifications
| RAM | 4 GB LPDDR3 |
| ASIN | B07RJZMC49 |
| Brand | Lenovo |
| Color | Black |
| Series | Chromebook |
| Voltage | 3.7 Volts |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| CPU Model | Mediatek Mt8173C |
| Processor | 2.1 GHz mediatek_mt8173c |
| Hard Drive | 32 GB Emmc |
| Model Name | Chromebook |
| Item Weight | 3 pounds |
| Screen Size | 11.6 Inches |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Chipset Brand | MediaTek |
| Wireless Type | 802.11ac |
| Hard Disk Size | 32 GB |
| Processor Brand | MediaTek |
| Special Feature | Anti Glare Coating |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Operating System | Chrome OS |
| Flash Memory Size | 32 GB |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Item model number | 81H00000US |
| Screen Resolution | 1366 x 768 pixels |
| Optical Drive Type | No Optical Drive |
| Product Dimensions | 11.5 x 8.03 x 0.8 inches |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR3 SDRAM |
| Graphics Coprocessor | PowerVR GX6250 |
| Hard Drive Interface | USB |
| Number of Processors | 4 |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1366x768 |
| Graphics Card Ram Size | 4 GB |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 11.5 x 8.03 x 0.8 inches |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 1 |
| Graphics Card Description | Integrated |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 4 GB |
| Standing screen display size | 11.6 Inches |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 10 Hours |
What Buyers Say
Parents mostly pick this up as a cheap, disposable laptop for young kids, praising the thick rubber bumpers that survive desk-height drops. The IPS touchscreen is a frequent highlight since it avoids the washed-out look of most sub-$100 laptop screens. The biggest shock for buyers is the 'Final Update' notification that pops up immediately upon boot, as this 2018 model passed its expiration date in 2025. Performance complaints dominate the negative reviews, with users noting severe lag when trying to run modern Android games or typing in Google Docs with more than five tabs open.
“Bought this for my 7 year old to watch youtube and play roblox. It's built like a brick and survived a drop already, but it popped up a message saying it won't get updates anymore which is super annoying.”
Common Praise
- Survives drops and spills thanks to the thick rubber bumpers
- IPS touchscreen responds well and doesn't wash out when tilted in tent mode
- USB-C charging means it shares cables with modern Android phones
- Runs basic Android apps natively without emulation bugs
Common Complaints
- Displays an 'out of support' warning because the AUE date has passed
- 3 pounds is way too heavy for a kid to hold comfortably in tablet mode
- 32GB storage fills up almost immediately after downloading a few Android apps
- Noticeable lag when typing in Google Docs if multiple tabs are open
Ownership Tips
- The battery life on these renewed units varies wildly, with some dying after 4 hours of YouTube playback.
- The textured plastic shell hides scratches well but attracts greasy fingerprints.
- The 720p webcam is extremely grainy in low light, making it poor for Zoom calls.
- You have to rely heavily on the SD card slot for storage, but Chrome OS doesn't allow all Android apps to be moved to external storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this Chromebook still get updates?
No. The Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date for this specific 1st Gen MT8173C model was June 2025. It will still turn on and browse the web, but it won't get new security patches.
Can I play Roblox or Minecraft on this?
You can download the Android version of Roblox from the Play Store, but the older MediaTek processor will struggle with frame drops on complex games. Minecraft will run, but expect sluggish performance.
Does it come with a stylus pen?
No, the 81H00000US model does not include a garaged stylus. The touchscreen works with standard cheap capacitive styluses, but lacks active pen support.
Can I install Windows on this?
Absolutely not. The ARM-based MediaTek processor and locked Chrome OS bootloader make installing Windows impossible.
Is the RAM or storage upgradable?
No. Both the 4GB of RAM and the 32GB eMMC storage are permanently soldered to the motherboard. You can only expand storage via the SD card reader.
Buying Guide
When buying a renewed Chromebook, the processor age dictates the 'Auto Update Expiration' (AUE) date — the hard cutoff for security updates. This specific MT8173C model hit its AUE in June 2025, meaning it is no longer secure for banking or sensitive logins. You are buying a rugged, offline-first media player or a disposable kids' toy, not a primary computer. If you need a daily driver, you must check the AUE date of the exact processor model before buying.
MediaTek MT8173C Processor
This is an ARM-based chip, similar to what's in a smartphone. It runs Android apps better than cheap Intel chips, but it's from 2018 and is too slow for heavy web browsing.
32GB eMMC Storage
Think of this like a small flash drive soldered inside the laptop. After Chrome OS takes its share, you only have about 15GB left for apps and downloads.
IPS Display Technology
Unlike cheaper TN screens that look like a photo negative when you tilt them, IPS screens let you see the picture clearly from almost any angle — crucial for a 2-in-1 tablet.
Alternatives
Search for a 'Chromebook Intel N4020 64GB' or 'Chromebook MediaTek Kompanio' to find newer models that still receive security updates through 2028 or later.
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