Lenovo 100E Chromebook 2ND Gen 81QB000AUS Laptop Computer, 11.6" HD (1366 X 768) Display, MediaTek MT8173C Processor, 4GB RAM, 16GB eMMC TLC SSD, Powervr GX6250, Chrome OS, Black (Renewed)
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AI Verdict
This rugged, sub-$50 renewed Chromebook is a disposable web-browsing machine built for clumsy kids, but its impending Chrome OS expiration date makes it a strictly short-term purchase.
The ruggedized chassis and $50 price tag make this a perfect burner laptop for kids or messy environments. The 16GB eMMC storage and aging MediaTek MT8173C processor mean it will choke on anything beyond basic Google Docs and single-tab web browsing.
If you need to keep dozens of tabs open or install Android apps, look for a Chromebook with at least an Intel N4000 processor and 64GB of storage.
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
- Survives 2.5-foot drops thanks to its rubberized classroom-grade chassis
- Spill-resistant keyboard handles minor liquid spills without frying the motherboard
- Charges via a universal USB-C port rather than a proprietary barrel plug
- Fanless MediaTek MT8173C processor runs completely silent under load
- Weighs just 2.68 pounds, making it easy to toss into a backpack
Cons
- 11.6-inch TN display suffers from severe color shifting and poor viewing angles
- 16GB eMMC storage leaves less than 10GB of usable space after Chrome OS updates
- MediaTek MT8173C chip stutters heavily when running more than 5 browser tabs
- Approaching its Google Auto Update Expiration (AUE), meaning security patches will stop soon
Dimension Scores
The MediaTek MT8173C and 4GB RAM struggle with more than a few tabs open.
The 1366x768 TN panel has terrible viewing angles and low peak brightness.
The low-power ARM chip and low-res screen allow it to hit 8-10 hours of real-world use.
The rubberized bumpers and spill-resistant keyboard make it incredibly durable for its 2.68-pound weight.
Best For
- Elementary school students needing a cheap, drop-resistant laptop for Google Classroom
- A disposable travel laptop for basic email and web browsing
- Garage or workshop use where you don't want to risk a $1,000 MacBook
Not Recommended For
- Anyone needing to install Windows or Mac applications
- Multitasking with heavy web apps or dozens of open tabs
- Media consumption, due to the washed-out TN panel and weak speakers
Watch Out For
- Google Auto Update Expiration (AUE) — this specific 2nd Gen model loses official security and software updates around June 2026 or 2027.
- The 16GB storage drive is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded, severely limiting Android app installations.
- The screen is a TN panel, meaning if you tilt the screen even slightly backward, the image washes out completely.
- It uses an ARM-based MediaTek processor, which means some Linux apps via Crostini will not run properly compared to Intel models.
Full Specifications
| RAM | 4 GB DDR4 |
| ASIN | B07Z36FP7L |
| Brand | Lenovo |
| Color | Black |
| Series | 100E Chromebook G2 Mtk |
| Voltage | 230 Volts |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| CPU Model | Celeron |
| Processor | 1.8 GHz celeron |
| Hard Drive | 16 GB SSD |
| Model Name | 100E Chromebook G2 Mtk |
| Item Weight | 2.68 pounds |
| Screen Size | 11.6 Inches |
| Memory Speed | 1866 MHz |
| Chipset Brand | PowerVR |
| Wireless Type | 802.11ac |
| Hard Disk Size | 16 GB |
| Processor Brand | MediaTek |
| Special Feature | Lightweight |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Operating System | Chrome OS |
| Flash Memory Size | 32 |
| Hardware Platform | Chrome |
| Item model number | LN.CH.B51787 |
| Screen Resolution | 1366 x 768 pixels |
| Optical Drive Type | no |
| Product Dimensions | 11.42 x 8.03 x 0.8 inches |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Hard Drive Interface | Solid State |
| Number of Processors | 2 |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1366x768 pixels |
| Graphics Card Ram Size | 4 GB |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 11.42 x 8.03 x 0.8 inches |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
| Graphics Card Description | Integrated |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 4 GB |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 7200 RPM |
| Standing screen display size | 11.6 Inches |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 10 Hours |
What Buyers Say
The most frequent shock for buyers is how little usable storage remains out of the box; Chrome OS eats up nearly half of the 16GB drive immediately. Parents consistently praise the rubberized edges, noting the laptop survives regular drops off kitchen tables and desks without cracking. The display is universally panned for its narrow viewing angles, forcing users to constantly adjust the hinge to see text clearly. Many buyers also report frustration when trying to run heavy Android games, as the aging MediaTek chip causes severe lag. Tech-savvy reviewers frequently warn about the impending Auto Update Expiration date, which renders the device obsolete for secure school testing.
“Bought this for my 8 year old to do homework and it survives him dropping it daily, but the screen looks totally washed out and it only had like 7gb of space left when we turned it on.”
Common Praise
- Rubberized bumpers easily survive 2-foot drops onto hard floors
- Battery consistently lasts a full 8-hour school day without needing a charge
- Keyboard resists sticky spills and keys are difficult for kids to pry off
- USB-C charging port allows sharing chargers with modern Android phones
Common Complaints
- 16GB storage fills up completely after downloading just a few Android apps
- TN display washes out heavily if you aren't looking at it dead-center
- MediaTek processor lags noticeably when typing in heavy Google Docs
- Trackpad feels sticky and requires a hard physical press to register clicks
Ownership Tips
- The matte lid texture hides scratches well but holds onto greasy fingerprints.
- You will need to aggressively manage your Downloads folder because the 16GB drive fills up fast.
- The hinge is stiff enough that you need two hands to open the laptop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install Windows or Microsoft Office on this?
No. This runs Chrome OS, so you are limited to web-based Office 365 or Android apps from the Google Play Store.
Does it have a touchscreen?
No, this specific 81QB000AUS model has a standard matte display that does not support touch.
Can I play Roblox or Minecraft on it?
You can download the Android version of Roblox from the Play Store, but the MediaTek processor struggles to maintain playable frame rates. Minecraft Java Edition is not supported.
How long will it receive Google updates?
This 2nd Gen model is at the very end of its Auto Update Expiration (AUE) lifecycle, meaning it will stop receiving security patches by mid-2026 or 2027.
Is the RAM or storage upgradable?
No. Both the 4GB of RAM and the 16GB eMMC storage are permanently soldered to the motherboard.
Does it come with a charger?
Yes, Amazon Renewed units include a compatible USB-C charger, though it may not be the original Lenovo-branded one.
Buying Guide
When buying a renewed Chromebook under $50, you are getting a glorified web browser, not a traditional computer. You need to check the Google Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date, because once it passes, you won't get security patches or browser updates. The 16GB of storage on this model is your biggest bottleneck, as you'll only have about 8GB left for your own files. Keep your expectations strictly to single-tasking, email, and basic YouTube streaming.
16GB eMMC Storage
This is the hard drive, and 16GB is smaller than most modern smartphones. It means you can't download movies or large apps, and must rely on Google Drive for saving files.
MediaTek MT8173C Processor
This is the brain of the laptop, originally designed for cheap tablets. It sips battery power but gets easily overwhelmed if you try to do two things at once.
Chrome OS
This operating system is essentially just the Google Chrome web browser. You cannot install .exe files or Mac apps, only web apps and Android apps from the Play Store.
Alternatives
If you need to install Windows apps or want a screen that doesn't wash out, look for a refurbished Dell Latitude or Lenovo ThinkPad with an Intel Core i5, 8GB of RAM, and an IPS display.
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