Lenovo Ideapad 3 Laptop Review 2023 Is This Budget-Friendly Touchscreen Worth It

Description

Key Features of the Lenovo 2022 Ideapad 3 Laptop

I’ve had the opportunity to test the Lenovo 2022 Ideapad 3 Laptop, and wow, this device packs some impressive features for an everyday laptop. The 15.6″ HD touchscreen immediately caught my attention. While the resolution maxes out at 1366 x 768 pixels, which isn’t Full HD, the touchscreen functionality makes up for it. Navigating through Windows 11 felt fluid and responsive, and I found the touch input handy for casual tasks like scrolling through web pages and zooming in on photos.

The 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor is surprisingly zippy for a dual-core setup. Clocking at a base speed of 3.0 GHz, with a boost up to 4.10 GHz, this processor handled multitasking without breaking a sweat. Pairing this with 8GB DDR4 RAM ensured smooth operation when running multiple browser tabs and applications simultaneously. And let’s not forget the 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD, which kept boot times super quick and file transfers seamless.

Design and Portability

The almond color adds a sleek aesthetic to the laptop, making it stand out from the generic black or silver options. At 3.64 pounds, it’s light enough to carry around easily, though it’s not the most compact device due to its 16.3 x 11.2 x 1-inch dimensions. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a laptop to use at home or in the office, but it might not be the most travel-friendly if you’re constantly on the go.

I did notice the absence of a backlit keyboard, which could be a dealbreaker for some. Typing in dim lighting isn’t the most comfortable experience here. On the flip side, the keyboard itself felt sturdy and responsive, which is always a plus. The multi-format SD card reader was a pleasant surprise, making it convenient for transferring files directly from cameras or other devices.

Performance: Everyday Tasks and Beyond

This laptop is perfect for everyday use. Whether I was streaming videos, browsing the web, or working on documents, it delivered consistent performance. The Intel UHD Graphics isn’t suitable for heavy gaming or intensive graphic design, but for casual gaming or light photo editing, it does the job well enough. However, if you’re a gamer or a creative professional, this likely isn’t the laptop for you.

The Dolby Audio stereo speakers were clear and sufficiently loud, although the bass was somewhat lacking. Watching movies and listening to music was enjoyable, but audiophiles might want to invest in external speakers or headphones.

Battery life is rated at up to 7 hours, but I found it to last closer to 5-6 hours during typical usage. Tasks like video streaming or running multiple apps drained the battery faster, so carrying the charger around might be necessary for longer sessions.

Favorable Attributes

The laptop does have several key benefits that make it a solid choice for its target audience:

• The touchscreen display adds a layer of interactivity, making it versatile for casual and professional use.
• SSD storage ensures quick boot times and reduced app loading delays.
• A lightweight build, coupled with its sleek almond design, makes it aesthetically pleasing.
• Windows 11 Home provides access to the latest features and updates, keeping the system futureproof.

Areas for Improvement

While it performs well in most areas, there are some shortcomings worth mentioning:

• The screen resolution feels outdated, especially when compared to competitors offering Full HD displays.
• Lack of a backlit keyboard makes low-light usage inconvenient.
• Battery life could be better, especially for users who need all-day performance.
• Intel UHD Graphics limits its capabilities in gaming and intensive workloads.

Competing Products

When comparing this laptop to similar options, a few rival brands come to mind. For instance, the Acer Aspire 5 offers a Full HD display and a backlit keyboard in a similar price range, which could be a better deal for those prioritizing screen quality. However, the touch functionality of the Lenovo Ideapad 3 gives it an edge for users who appreciate interactive features.

The HP Pavilion 15 is another strong competitor, boasting better graphics performance and a sleeker design. However, it’s slightly heavier and pricier, making the Lenovo Ideapad 3 the better option for budget-conscious buyers. It’s clear that while the Ideapad 3 may not excel in all areas, it holds its ground well when you consider the overall package.

Price Performance

When gauging the value for money, the Lenovo Ideapad 3 strikes a decent balance between cost and features. The 11th Gen Intel processor, SSD storage, and touchscreen functionality make it a practical choice for students, professionals, and casual users. While there are areas for improvement, especially in screen resolution and battery life, the laptop delivers solid performance for its price range. If your needs align with its strengths, it’s undoubtedly worth every penny.

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