Lenovo 500e Chromebook 2nd Gen 81MC001EUS 11.6" Touchscreen 2 in 1 Chromebook - HD - 1366 x 768 - Intel Celeron N4120 Quad-core (4 Core) 1.10 GHz - 4 GB RAM - 32 GB Flash Memory - Black (Renewed)
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AI Verdict
This rugged, spill-resistant 2-in-1 Chromebook is an absolute steal under $75 for kids or basic web browsing, provided you don't mind a few cosmetic scratches.
If you need a disposable, kid-proof laptop for Google Classroom or web browsing, the N4120 processor and IPS screen make this a fantastic bargain. But if you expect a pristine tablet experience or need to install lots of Android apps, the 2.89-pound weight and 32GB storage limit will frustrate you.
If you plan to use heavy Android apps or store movies, look for a Chromebook with at least 64GB of storage and 8GB of RAM.
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
- Intel Celeron N4120 quad-core processor handles 10+ Chrome tabs noticeably better than the MediaTek chips usually found at this price.
- 11.6-inch IPS touchscreen delivers much better viewing angles than the cheap TN panels typical of sub-$100 laptops.
- Built like a tank with a spill-resistant keyboard and rubberized bumpers designed to survive classroom drops.
- Battery life consistently hits 10+ hours in real-world use, even on these renewed units.
- ChromeOS Auto Update Expiration (AUE) was extended to June 2029, giving you years of security updates.
Cons
- At 2.89 pounds, it feels unusually heavy and chunky when folded back into tablet mode.
- The 32GB eMMC storage fills up incredibly fast if you download Android apps from the Google Play Store.
- Renewed units are a gamble for the garaged stylus—many buyers report the pen is missing entirely.
- The rubberized top cover is a magnet for permanent scuffs and scratches.
Dimension Scores
The N4120 quad-core is snappy for basic Chrome OS tasks, but 4GB RAM limits heavy multitasking.
The 1366x768 resolution is low, but the IPS panel provides surprisingly good colors and viewing angles for the price.
Even as a renewed device, buyers consistently report getting 10 to 12 hours of screen-on time.
It is incredibly rugged and drop-resistant, but 2.89 lbs is very heavy for an 11.6-inch screen.
Best For
- Elementary or middle school kids who need a durable laptop that can survive being shoved in a backpack.
- A cheap secondary couch device for web browsing, YouTube, and light email.
- Running a lightweight Linux distro via Crostini for basic coding practice.
Not Recommended For
- Anyone needing to store local media or large Android games—32GB is too restrictive.
- Holding one-handed as an e-reader; it is far too heavy for extended tablet use.
Watch Out For
- The MicroSD card slot on some of these renewed units is jammed with a plastic dummy card that is nearly impossible to remove without tweezers.
- The garaged stylus is not guaranteed on Amazon Renewed listings—if you specifically need the pen, you might have to buy a $15 replacement on eBay.
- The trackpad on this specific generation is prone to feeling loose or rattling right out of the box.
Full Specifications
| RAM | 4 GB LPDDR4 |
| ASIN | B09BP4LKY4 |
| Brand | Lenovo |
| Color | Black |
| Series | 500e Chromebook 2nd Gen |
| Voltage | 110 Volts (AC) |
| CPU Model | Celeron |
| Processor | 1.1 GHz celeron |
| Hard Drive | 32 GB Emmc |
| Model Name | 500e Chromebook 2nd Gen |
| Item Weight | 2.89 pounds |
| Screen Size | 11.6 Inches |
| Memory Speed | 1600 MHz |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Wireless Type | 802.11ac, Bluetooth |
| Hard Disk Size | 32 GB |
| Processor Brand | Intel |
| Special Feature | Supports a Stylus, Touchscreen |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Operating System | Chrome OS |
| Flash Memory Size | 32 GB |
| Hardware Platform | Chrome OS |
| Item model number | N4120 |
| Screen Resolution | 1366 x 768 pixels |
| Product Dimensions | 8 x 11.4 x 0.8 inches |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel UHD Graphics 600 |
| Number of Processors | 1 |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1366x768 Pixels |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 8 x 11.4 x 0.8 inches |
| Rear Webcam Resolution | 5 MP |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
| Graphics Card Description | Integrated |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 4 GB |
| Standing screen display size | 11.6 Inches |
What Buyers Say
Buyers are thrilled by the value here, frequently snagging these for under $60. The biggest surprise is the screen quality; getting an IPS touch panel at this price point is rare. The 'renewed' lottery is real, though. Many complain about deep scratches on the rubberized lid, missing styluses, and MicroSD slots blocked by stuck dummy cards. Despite the cosmetic flaws, parents love handing these to their kids because the rugged build and spill-resistant keyboard survive drops and spills.
“I am amazed by how well it works for 60 bucks, but mine came with deep scratches on the top and the stylus was completely missing from the slot.”
Common Praise
- The N4120 processor handles everyday web browsing without the lag seen in cheaper MediaTek models.
- Battery easily lasts a full 10-hour school or work day on a single charge.
- The 360-degree hinge feels stiff and durable, holding the screen firmly in tent mode.
- IPS display keeps colors accurate even when viewing the screen from extreme side angles.
Common Complaints
- The rubberized exterior shows obvious scuffs and permanent scratches from previous classroom use.
- MicroSD card slot is often blocked by a plastic blank that requires tools to pry out.
- Bluetooth audio connection occasionally drops or stutters when using wireless earbuds.
- The device is uncomfortably heavy to hold as a tablet for more than a few minutes.
Ownership Tips
- The 32GB storage leaves you with only about 18GB of usable space after ChromeOS updates.
- The world-facing 5MP camera on the keyboard deck is actually much sharper than the standard webcam.
- If you enable Linux (Beta), the 4GB of RAM gets eaten up very quickly, causing tabs to reload.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this come with the stylus pen?
It is a coin toss. While the original 500e includes a garaged stylus, Amazon Renewed units frequently ship without it. You can buy a replacement (part 01FR715) for about $15 online.
When does this Chromebook stop getting updates?
Google extended the Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date for the Lenovo 500e 2nd Gen to June 2029. You will get full security and feature updates until then.
Can I play Roblox or Minecraft on this?
You can download the Android version of Roblox from the Play Store, and it runs okay on low settings. But the 32GB storage means you will not have room for many large games.
Does it have a camera for Zoom calls?
Yes, it actually has two. There is a standard 720p webcam above the screen, and a 5MP world-facing camera on the keyboard deck that acts as a rear camera when folded into tablet mode.
Can I upgrade the RAM or storage?
No. Both the 4GB of RAM and 32GB eMMC storage are soldered directly to the motherboard. You can only expand storage via the MicroSD card slot.
Buying Guide
When buying a renewed Chromebook in this price bracket, you are buying a former school fleet laptop. Expect cosmetic wear like scratches on the lid and shiny keys. The most important thing to check immediately upon delivery is the battery health and whether the garaged stylus is actually in its slot. Because this model gets updates until June 2029, it is a safe long-term buy for basic web tasks, but you must aggressively manage your storage space since 32GB fills up fast.
Intel Celeron N4120
This is the engine of the laptop. A quad-core N4120 is a massive step up from the dual-core N4000 or MediaTek chips usually found under $100, meaning fewer stutters when you have 10 tabs open.
32GB eMMC Storage
Think of this as a very small digital filing cabinet. It is enough for the operating system and a few Android apps, but you will need to rely on Google Drive for saving photos or documents.
IPS Display
Unlike cheap TN screens that look washed out if you tilt them even slightly, an IPS screen looks colorful and clear no matter what angle you view it from.
Alternatives
If you need more storage for Android apps or a lighter tablet experience, look for a refurbished Chromebook tablet with 64GB or 128GB of storage.
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