Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook

Starry Hope Rating
4.5

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Photo of Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook

Note: The Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook is no longer available for purchase new. This page is maintained for historical reference and to help users understand the product’s specifications and legacy.

The Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook was a premium enterprise-focused convertible that brought Lenovo’s legendary ThinkPad build quality to the Chrome OS platform. Featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 3700C processor with up to four cores and eight threads, this 13.3-inch touchscreen device delivered impressive performance that set it apart from typical Chromebooks of its era. The sturdy all-aluminum chassis carried MIL-SPEC 810G certification for durability, while the 360-degree hinge enabled tablet, tent, and laptop modes for versatile use scenarios.

What made the ThinkPad C13 Yoga particularly appealing to business users was its thoughtful feature set. The garaged USI stylus meant the pen was always charged and ready without separate storage, while enterprise-grade security features included a fingerprint reader and webcam privacy shutter. The classic ThinkPad keyboard delivered the typing experience the brand is known for, and the TrackPoint pointing stick offered an additional navigation option for longtime ThinkPad enthusiasts. The convertible design allowed seamless transitions between laptop, tablet, tent, and stand modes for different work scenarios. Though priced at the premium end of the Chromebook market, it represented one of the most capable Chrome OS devices available when it launched.

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Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook Comparison Chart

Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook

Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook

Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook

Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook

Price

List Price: $949.00

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List Price: $819.00

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Model number20UX001TUS20UX001YUS
Performance Rating6.83.5
Chromebook PlusNoNo
ProcessorQuad-core 2.30 Ghz (max 4.00 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 7 3700CDual-core 2.60 Ghz (max 3.50 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 3 3250C Processor
RAM16 GB4 GB
Internal Storage256 GB SSD (upgradable)128 GB SSD (upgradable)
Screen Size13.3"13.3"
Screen Resolution1920x10801920x1080
Screen TypeIPSIPS
Touch ScreenYesYes
Stylus / PenSupportedSupported
Dimensions
width x length x thickness
12.11 x 8.35 x 0.71 inches
(307.59 x 212.09 x 18.03 mm)
12.11 x 8.35 x 0.71 inches
(307.59 x 212.09 x 18.03 mm)
Weight3.19 lbs (1.45 kg)3.19 lbs (1.45 kg)
Backlit KeyboardYesYes
Webcam720p HD, 5PM World-facing720p HD, 5PM World-facing
WiFi802.11AC (2 x 2)802.11AC (2 x 2)
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.0
EthernetNoNo
Cellular ModemNoNo
HDMIFull-Size HDMIFull-Size HDMI
USB Ports2 USB 3, 2 USB-C
(with power delivery and DisplayPort)
2 USB 3, 2 USB-C
(with power delivery and DisplayPort)
Thunderbolt PortsNoNo
Card ReadermicroSD Card ReadermicroSD Card Reader
Battery4 cell, 51 WHr, Li-Pol4 cell, 51 WHr, Li-Pol
Battery Life10.0 hours10.0 hours
FanlessNoNo
Auto Update
Expiration Date
June, 2031June, 2031

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Detailed Insights into the Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook

The ThinkPad C13 Yoga’s build quality was its standout characteristic. Reviewers consistently praised the Abyss Blue all-aluminum chassis, which featured subtle chrome flecking that gave it a professional yet distinctive appearance. At 3.2 pounds and measuring just 0.71 inches thick, it struck a balance between durability and portability that made it suitable for professionals who needed to carry their device throughout the workday. The MIL-SPEC 810G certification meant it could withstand drops, vibrations, and temperature extremes that would damage lesser devices.

The 13.3-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen delivered 300 nits of brightness with accurate colors suitable for productivity work. TechRadar noted the display was colorful enough for standard office tasks, though not exceptional for creative work. The touch response was smooth whether using fingers or the included USI pen, and the screen’s ability to rotate 360 degrees enabled multiple usage modes. Tent mode proved particularly useful for video calls, while tablet mode worked well for note-taking with the stylus.

Performance from the AMD Ryzen processors impressed across the board. The Ryzen 5 3500C variant scored 37,916 in Octane 2.0 benchmarks and 1,060ms in Kraken JavaScript tests, significantly outpacing Intel-based Chromebooks in its class. The higher-end Ryzen 7 3700C configuration delivered even better results for demanding multitasking. Chrome Unboxed found the device handled heavy workloads with ease, maintaining smooth performance across multiple windows and tabs, including demanding tasks like music production through web-based DAWs. However, Digital Trends noted some slowdown when running 10-15 windows simultaneously across multiple virtual desks.

Connectivity was comprehensive for a Chromebook. Two USB-C ports with Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alt Mode enabled single-cable docking scenarios, while two USB-A 3.0 ports accommodated legacy peripherals without adapters. The full-size HDMI port allowed direct connection to external displays, and the microSD card reader expanded storage options. WiFi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0 provided modern wireless connectivity. One notable feature for enterprise users was the upgradeable M.2 SSD, a rarity among Chromebooks that allowed storage expansion after purchase.

The keyboard and input devices exemplified ThinkPad’s heritage in Chrome OS form. The backlit keyboard featured full-size keys with the distinctive key travel and tactile feedback ThinkPad users expect, making extended typing sessions comfortable. The large uppercase letters on the keycaps improved visibility in dim lighting conditions, a thoughtful detail for users working in various environments. The TrackPoint pointing stick, positioned between the G, H, and B keys, provided an alternative navigation method that ThinkPad veterans appreciated for precise cursor control without moving hands from the typing position. The touchpad, while criticized by some reviewers as slightly small for a premium device, offered smooth tracking and reliable gesture support for Chrome OS navigation.

Battery life proved to be the ThinkPad C13 Yoga’s most divisive characteristic. Lenovo advertised up to 12 hours of runtime, but real-world testing by multiple reviewers consistently showed 7-9 hours depending on usage patterns and display settings. TechRadar achieved 9 hours and 1 minute in their standardized tests, while Laptop Mag recorded 7.5 hours and Digital Trends measured 7.25 hours during web browsing. The 51 WHr battery supported fast charging through the USB-C ports, helping offset the shorter-than-expected runtime for users who could access power throughout their day. Enterprise customers noted this was acceptable for typical workday use but required charger access for longer meetings or travel days.

Audio quality represented the device’s clear weakness. Every major review called out the speakers as tinny, lacking bass response, and inadequate for media consumption. While functional for video calls and system notifications, users who planned to watch videos or listen to music needed to budget for external speakers or headphones. The 3.5mm combo jack provided a reliable wired audio option, and Bluetooth 5.0 enabled connection to wireless headphones and speakers.

Security features targeted enterprise deployment scenarios comprehensively. The fingerprint reader enabled quick unlocking without password entry, while the webcam privacy shutter provided physical assurance that the camera was disabled when not in use. The Trusted Platform Module handled encryption keys for Chrome OS’s secure boot process, and the enterprise variant included additional management capabilities for IT administrators. These features combined to make the ThinkPad C13 Yoga one of the most security-conscious Chromebooks available at its release, meeting the requirements of organizations with strict compliance needs.

Reviewer Insights on the Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook

TechRadar’s Perspective

TechRadar rated the ThinkPad C13 Yoga 4.5 out of 5 stars, calling it “pricey, but nearly perfect.” John Loeffler praised the AMD Ryzen processor’s capabilities, writing that “with the new AMD 3000C-series CPUs, the Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook is definitely as powerful a Chromebook as you’re going to find.” The review highlighted the integrated stylus storage as a practical feature that eliminated the common problem of lost or uncharged pens. However, the reviewer noted battery life fell short of Lenovo’s 12-hour claim, achieving 9 hours and 1 minute in testing.

Android Central’s Perspective

Android Central awarded the device 4.5 out of 5 stars with a verdict of “basically perfect.” Ara Wagoner praised the premium construction, noting that “this Chromebook feels substantial in hand. You certainly won’t feel out of place bringing this laptop to a professional meeting or engagement.” The review particularly highlighted the keyboard, calling it “the easiest to read Chromebook keyboard on the market” thanks to large uppercase letters that improved visibility in low-light conditions. The classic TrackPoint was appreciated for providing faster navigation through documents and spreadsheets.

Laptop Mag’s Perspective

Laptop Mag gave the ThinkPad C13 Yoga 4 out of 5 stars, describing it as “a sturdy but pricey enterprise notebook.” Mark Anthony Ramirez found the keyboard excellent with “just the right amount of travel” and noted that “keys are incredibly quiet as well, making this laptop an excellent office companion.” The review documented Geekbench 5 scores of 907 single-core and 2,739 multi-core with the Ryzen 5 Pro 3500C processor. Battery life testing showed 7.5 hours of real-world use, significantly less than the advertised 12 hours.

Chrome Unboxed’s Perspective

Chrome Unboxed delivered a detailed 12-minute video review. Robby Payne highlighted the extensive port selection as a major advantage for enterprise users who needed to connect various peripherals without dongles. The garaged stylus design received particular praise as a thoughtful solution to pen storage. However, the review criticized the speakers as poor quality and noted the trackpad felt small for the device’s premium positioning. Overall, the channel recommended the device for business users willing to accept these tradeoffs.

Digital Trends scored the device 7 out of 10, concluding it was “a solid Chromebook for work, but fails to pass the test for the average person.” Mark Coppock emphasized the performance, writing that “the biggest appeal of the ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook is definitely in its performance. The new AMD Ryzen 5 3500C impressed during benchmark tests.” Battery life testing showed 7.25 hours in web browsing, which the reviewer noted was about 40 minutes less than competing enterprise Chromebooks like the Dell Latitude 7410 Chromebook.

Customer Reviews of the Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook

Amazon customers rated the ThinkPad C13 Yoga 4.0 out of 5 stars based on 18 user reviews. Buyers consistently praised the premium build quality that matched their expectations of the ThinkPad brand, with multiple reviewers noting the device felt more substantial and professional than typical Chromebooks in its class. The keyboard received particular acclaim from users who had previously owned ThinkPad laptops and appreciated the familiar typing experience on a Chrome OS device.

Common themes among positive reviews included appreciation for the convertible form factor and stylus integration. Business users highlighted the fingerprint reader and privacy shutter as practical security features for their work environments. Several reviewers noted the device worked excellently for video conferencing, with the 720p webcam and 5-megapixel world-facing camera meeting their needs for remote meetings.

Critical feedback centered on the premium pricing relative to the Chrome OS ecosystem. Some users felt the enterprise features were unnecessary for personal use, making the device overpriced for their needs. A recurring complaint involved early AMD driver issues that caused occasional crashes during video playback, though firmware updates resolved many of these problems over time. Battery life also drew criticism from users who expected the advertised 12 hours but experienced closer to 7-8 hours in practice.

Long-term owners reported excellent durability over years of use, validating the MIL-SPEC certification claims. The hinge mechanism maintained consistent tension through hundreds of open-close cycles, and the aluminum chassis resisted scratches and dents from daily handling. Several IT administrators who deployed these devices in fleet environments praised their reliability and the straightforward Chrome Enterprise management capabilities. The extended AUE date of June 2031 meant organizations could plan for multi-year deployments with confidence in continued software support. Users who had experience with both consumer and enterprise Chromebooks noted the ThinkPad C13 Yoga felt noticeably more refined in its construction and daily use than budget alternatives.

Conclusion

The Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook represented the peak of what was possible when combining ThinkPad’s renowned engineering with Chrome OS’s simplicity and security. Its AMD Ryzen processor delivered desktop-class performance in a convertible form factor, while features like the garaged stylus and upgradeable storage showed thoughtful attention to professional users’ needs. The MIL-SPEC certified aluminum chassis ensured this device could withstand the rigors of business travel, and the comprehensive port selection minimized the need for adapters.

While the ThinkPad C13 Yoga is no longer available new, it established a template for premium enterprise Chromebooks that continues to influence the market. The device demonstrated that Chrome OS could serve as a serious platform for business productivity when paired with appropriate hardware, paving the way for subsequent premium Chromebook releases from multiple manufacturers.

For users seeking similar capabilities today, several options exist depending on priorities. The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 14 offers a similar convertible form factor with modern Chromebook Plus features. Those prioritizing raw performance might consider newer AMD Ryzen-based Chromebooks that have built upon the foundation established by the 3000C-series processors. Enterprise customers requiring the same durability and security features should explore current ThinkPad Chromebook offerings or HP Elite Chromebook Enterprise devices.

With official Chrome OS support extending until June 2031, existing ThinkPad C13 Yoga owners can continue using their devices securely for years to come. The combination of durable hardware, strong processor performance, and extended software support means this Chromebook remains functional for productivity tasks even years after its initial release. For those who acquired one during its production run, it continues to represent excellent value as a daily driver for web-based work, writing, and communication tasks.