Are there any alternatives?

The 14-inch Asus Chromebook C425 is worth consideration. It doesn’t have as powerful of a processor, but it’s an impressive-looking design and costs just $443. The Google Pixelbook Go costs a bit more, but it remains my choice for the best Chromebook you can buy.

　　Lastly, if you’re looking for a similarly-priced Windows laptop, the Acer Swift 3 is a good choice. The $399 model comes with an 8th-gen Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD.

　　

How long will it last?

The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 should last you four or five years. Google extends software updates to older Chromebooks for many years. The warranty is a one-year limited warranty.

　　

Should you buy it?

Yes. If you’re looking for a laptop under $500, the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is one of the best you can buy.