Lenovo Chromebook N20 & N20P

Introduction

This page contains information about the Lenovo Chromebook N20 & N20P that is interesting and/or useful to software developers. For general information about getting started with developing on ChromiumOS (the open-source version of the software on the Chrome Notebook), see the ChromiumOS Developer Guide.

Specifications

• Weight: 2.87 lbs
• CPU: Baytrail Intel Celeron Dual-Core N2830
• RAM: 2GiB DDR3 (Not upgradeable)
• Display: 11.6" 1366x768
• Disk: 16GB SSD
• I/O:
  • HDMI miniport
  • 1 x USB 2.0
  • 1 x USB 3.0
  • SD slot (SDXC compatible)
  • Headphone/mic combo jack
  • Camera & mic
  • Keyboard & touchpad
• Connectivity:
  • WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
  • Bluetooth 4.0
  • USB ports can handle some Ethernet dongles
• no Kensington Security Slot
• Linux 3.10

Developer Mode

Caution: Modifications you make to the system are not supported by Google, may cause hardware, software or security issues and may void warranty.

Details for working with developer mode can be found on this page.

Firmware

This device uses coreboot to boot the system. You can find the source in the ChromiumOS coreboot git tree in the firmware-clapper-5216.199.B branch.

What's inside?

WARNING: Opening the case and fiddling with the stuff inside could easily brick your system and make it unrecoverable. DO NOT ATTEMPT if you are not familiar with this process. Really, just don't.

Disassembly

Taking apart your Chromebook is not encouraged. If you have hardware troubles, please seek assistance first from an authorized center. There's nothing inside that you can fix yourself. Be advised that disassembly might void warranties or other obligations, so please consult any and all paperwork you received first.

Fine. If you must risk breaking it for good, at least do it the right way.

• Note: Lenovo provides documentation for disassembling the device. Please follow that first. These directions are a simple fallback.
• First, acquire the necessary tools:
  • A small Phillips head screw driver
  • A spudger
• Close the laptop and flip it over so the bottom is facing up
  • Remove the 8 screws (two are under the rubber feet near the hinge)
• Flip the laptop over and open it so the keyboard is facing up
  • Power it off if it powers on
  • Using the spudger, pry the laptop off starting from the top edge
  • It uses sticky glue in the middle area, so it might be a little difficult
  • Try to pull it down uniformly to minimize chances of breaking
  • Detach the keyboard & touchpad cables
• Remove the 9 screws that were under the keyboard
  • Use the spudger to remove the upper half of the case and expose the motherboard