This $500 Chromebook Plus has better performance than some PCs I've tested

• The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is on sale for $499.
• It excels as an inexpensive work laptop thanks to its comfortable keyboard and useful features in ChromeOS.
• Its lower-end touchscreen will limit usability for some.

I've been really curious to see how things have changed since my last Chromebook review, which was the Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise 515 last year. I recently had that opportunity with the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus a computer that I would now recommend over Acer's device. Not only is it cheaper, but it performs better, too.

Also: This Lenovo Chromebook easily replaced my Windows laptop for work - and I can't go back

Lenovo's model isn't flashy -- it's a demure laptop clad in a dark gray aluminum chassis. The closest thing to a flourish is the two-tone pattern on the back. The Flex 5i makes up for its ...