Review: Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 11e Chromebook Is a Rugged Road Warrior

Business users who like to travel light, but still need the speed, convenience and versatility of a notebook should consider the Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 11e Chromebook over a traditional Windows- or Mac-based notebook.

The Yoga 11e is one of the only touch screen–enabled Chrome OS devices besides the Google Chromebook Pixel. And, thanks to a 1.8-gigahertz Intel Celeron processor backed by 4 gigabytes of RAM and a speedy 16GB solid-state drive, the Yoga 11e runs the Google Chrome operating system very smoothly.

Files open quickly on complex productivity apps such as Google Docs, and performance remains strong throughout. The Chrome OS now lets users save Google Docs files locally and work offline, making Chromebooks more versatile. (And if users want to use Word, no problem — Microsoft now offers a web-based version of that too.)

This Chromebook is aimed at the education market, but here’s why it will appeal to business users as well: The 11.6-inch touch screen is made of Dragontrail glass, designed to be tougher than a typical notebook screen. With a native resolution of 1,366x768 pixels, the highly responsive screen renders every­-thing from spreadsheets to multi­media presentations crisply and effortlessly.

What’s more, the keyboard can be folded back, allowing users to place the device on a desk or conference table, tent-style, or even turn it into a slate tablet. It’s as suited for reading reports while sitting on a plane as it is for giving presentations in the boardroom.

Besides the tough glass, rugged features on the 11e also include a rubber bumper around all of the corners, a thick bezel to protect the LCD panel and strong hinges rated to withstand 50,000 openings and closings.

This Chromebook is the perfect work companion for frequent business travelers who need power and durability, from the office to the trade show floor or even the poolside meeting.