Lenovo is a multibillion-dollar laptop manufacturer based in China and founded in 1984. It’s since grown to become a well-known brand worldwide. It’s not as popular as Dell and Acer, but its laptops are just as reliable.
In our Lenovo 17.3 IdeaPad 330 laptop reviews, we found it to be an excellent laptop for professional tasks like word-processing, spreadsheet work, and web browsing. You’ll find that it lets you do what you need it to, without causing any significant problems.
We’ve written this detailed guide so you can decide if it’s a good purchase for you.
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Pros & Cons Of The Lenovo IdeaPad 330
The components of the Lenovo IdeaPad 330 laptop are what make it stand out, and it will handle most of the tasks you’d want to use it for. However, it’s let down by a few cut corners and poor components.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Unique Features Of The Lenovo IdeaPad 330 Laptop
Lenovo has a range of laptop models for sale, including the ThinkPad, IdeaPad, and Yoga. They also sell server-side solutions, like ThinkSystem. The Lenovo IdeaPad 330 17.3 inch high-performance laptop is popular because it lets you get essential work tasks done quickly and easily, and we’ll cover its components across the following subheadings.
Up To 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8750H
The Lenovo IdeaPad 330 17.3 laptop has a range of options that you can select in terms of the CPU. The most powerful CPU you can opt for is the Intel Core i7-8750H. This is a six-core processor with a base frequency of 2.2Ghz and a turbo frequency of 4.1Ghz. In terms of performance, it’s an above-average CPU which is good enough for most professional tasks.
Up To NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
The best graphics card the Lenovo IdeaPad 330 17.3 laptop platinum grey model can feature is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050. It’s powered by NVIDIA Pascal technology, which they claim is the most advanced graphics technology available. It’s only average for gaming but will be more than sufficient for everyday work.
Dual 1.5W Stereo With Dolby Audio
Unlike some of the other components, the speakers are the same regardless of which Lenovo IdeaPad 330 specs you opt for. 1.5W is decent for laptop speakers, and stereo functionality comes as standard. Dolby Audio technology helps process sound, so it’s nicer to listen to.
Up To FHD Resolution On A Wide-Angle Display
In many Lenovo 17.3 IdeaPad 330 laptop reviews, multiple screen resolutions are mentioned.
The best one is 1920 x 1080, otherwise known as Full HD. This screen resolution also comes with IPS technology.
This is known as in-plane switching, and it’s what allows the screen to be viewed from wide angles. It also helps render colors more vibrantly. The display is quite dim but has a matte finish that helps in bright rooms.
Integrated 4-In-1 SD Card Reader
The Lenovo 17.3 IdeaPad 330 laptop has a 4-in-1 card reader that handles SD, SDHC, SDXC, and MMC cards. That’s a handy feature if you like to take photos and need an easy way to transfer them to your laptop without a dongle.
Up To 2TB SATA HDD And 256GB PCIe SSD
Storage options vary widely for the Lenovo IdeaPad 330 17.3 inch high performance laptop. The best option you can choose is a 1TB HDD with a 256GB SSD, although you can also opt for a standalone 2TB HDD. 256GB of SSD storage is plenty for everyday work purposes. However, if you store larger files, the 1TB HDD will give you more than enough overflow space.
Up To 16GB RAM
Our Lenovo IdeaPad 330 review showed that the laptop comes with 8GB of RAM, which will be sufficient memory for streaming and work purposes. This comes as a stick of onboard 4GB DDR4 memory and a stick of 4GB DIMM memory.
However, you can upgrade the RAM to a total of 16GB. You can also use Intel Optane memory instead, which acts as a cache memory bridge between RAM and storage.
Stylish And Durable
The Lenovo IdeaPad 330 build quality is not extraordinary, but it’s certainly enough to handle everyday wear and tear. The bezels give the screen some extra durability, and the simple color scheme makes it ideal for business purposes.
The keys and the deck both have colors that contrast nicely. The size makes it portable enough for easy transport, and the screen turns 180 degrees, which is helpful if you’re working in a team.
Lenovo 17.3 IdeaPad 330 Laptop Review
- 17.3" HD+ LED Backlight (1600 x 900) Display...
- 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U Processor...
- 8GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive...
- Intel Wireless-AC WLAN + Bluetooth , 2 x USB...
Design
The Lenovo IdeaPad 330 17.3 laptop is shaped like any other laptop, with a rectangular base and screen. The corners are rounded, and the lid is silver with a chrome Lenovo logo in the corner. Chassis size is about average, and the outer casing is made from plastic.
That means it does flex and creaks a little. But it has a brushed metal finish which is beneficial, and it feels solid when you’re carrying it. The main downside is that it can pick up fingerprint marks and other dirt quite easily.
Display Screen
The screen on the Lenovo 17.3 IdeaPad 330 laptop is quite underwhelming if you don’t opt for the Full HD version, so you should pick that version of the laptop if possible. If you don’t get the Full HD IPS screen, you’ll find the low resolution and dull colors quite offputting. However, all the screens come with an anti-glare coating and are still quite bright.
Performance Features
The CPU, storage, and graphics are frequently commented on in Lenovo 17.3 IdeaPad 330 laptop reviews. All of them are decent, but only if you pick the best combinations. The graphics are above-average if you select the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050.
Storage is plentiful whether or not you choose to opt for the SSD or HDD options. The CPU is also decent for professional purposes. The CPU and graphics won’t enable you to play advanced computer games, but the graphics will be more than enough for most work tasks. If you need a high-end gaming laptop, you can check out our favorites here.
Keyboard & Touchpad
The keyboard on the Lenovo IdeaPad 330 17.3 laptop is a chiclet keyboard spread across 6 rows. There is no backlighting, but the keys have good spacing, and they grip well. The travel on the keys is short too, which helps with responsiveness.
The touchpad is conventional, without special features, and you can configure specific gestures using its setup menu. The numeric keypad is also positioned well, which helps if you do any calculations or accounting work.
Connectivity
Lenovo 17.3 IdeaPad 330 laptop reviews show that all the ports you can find on most laptops are found on this model too. You’ll benefit from an HDMI port, USB Type-C port, and the 4-in-1 card reader. However, all the ports are on the left-hand side.
When considering how to download apps in Lenovo IdeaPad 330, you can get programs on CDs or add them via USB sticks. Alternatively, you can download them from the Microsoft Store or the Internet.
Battery Life & Energy Consumption
The Lenovo IdeaPad charger provides the battery with 3 hours 20 minutes of power, which is not much for a laptop that isn't being used for intensive tasks like gaming. Battery life is typically higher on lower-end laptops because of the components requiring less power.
Still, even despite this, the Lenovo IdeaPad fails to provide a good standard in this area. That means you’ll need to take the charger with you if you’ll be going out for the day. It uses 4-11 watts when idle and a maximum of 56W if using the laptop for gaming.
Audio
The speakers on the Lenovo IdeaPad are basic and unremarkable compared to most entry-level laptops. The speakers sound decent for a laptop, and the sound quality is aided by Dolby Audio technology, as we previously mentioned. But if you want to use the laptop for listening to webinars, seminars, or similar, you’ll do better with headphones.
Accessories
The top 4 accessories for the Lenovo IdeaPad 330 17.3 high performance laptop are the Lenovo Select FHD Webcam, 45AC Wall Adapter, 17-inch Armoured Backpack, and Lenovo 400 Wireless Mouse. These are all handy additions if you want some extras with your laptop.
Regarding the Lenovo IdeaPad 330 Hackintosh situation, it is possible to Hackintosh the laptop. However, you'll need to follow careful instructions online so that you can complete the process appropriately.
Maintenance & Warranty
There are a few common problems that come up on the Lenovo IdeaPad 330. One is the Lenovo IdeaPad 330 heating problem. To solve it, you can clean the vents, keep the laptop in a cool room, and leave enough room for ventilation.
Another problem is the Lenovo IdeaPad 330 microphone not working. This is caused by Realtek HD Audio using a classic mode. You’ll need to change it to multi-stream using the Realtek HD Audio Manager in the Control Panel. You can do this in the Advanced settings section.
You might also experience the Lenovo IdeaPad 330 no sound problem. In this case, you can try checking your audio settings, updating your audio software drivers, and changing the speaker settings using the Sounds application in Windows 10.
If you need a Lenovo IdeaPad 330 screen replacement, you can do this yourself, but it will take around 30-45 minutes and require a few tools. You can follow a detailed guide online, which will tell you what you need to know.
Finally, the warranty is the Lenovo standard limited warranty that offers repairs and replacement parts subject to certain exclusions, which will be listed in your specific warranty.
Price
The average price of the Lenovo IdeaPad 330 17.3 laptop is around $300-$500, but this will vary depending on the components you choose.
Who Is The Lenovo IdeaPad 330 Best For?
The Lenovo IdeaPad 330 is best suited to students who benefit from using laptops for education, and professional workers. If you want a laptop powerful enough to handle everyday browsing and tasks like creating and delivering presentations, editing spreadsheets, writing essays, and similar, this model will be good. It’s powerful enough to handle all of these tasks smoothly.
Who Is It Not Suitable For?
The Lenovo IdeaPad 330 is not suitable for anyone who wants to use a laptop for resource-intensive tasks. These include video editing, live streaming, 3D simulations, or similar. It’s also not suitable for gamers, as its components won’t have the power to render the latest games in high quality. If you want to buy a budget photo editing laptop, you can read our handy guide here.
Specifications
Operating System | Windows 10 |
Standing Screen Display Size | 17.3 inches |
Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
RAM | 8-16GB |
Memory Speed | 2400MHz |
Hard Drive Capacity | Up to 256GB SSD and 2TB HDD |
Ports | USB Type-C, 2 x USB 3.0, HDMI, 4-in-1 card reader, RJ-45, Audio jack |
Battery Life | 3.3 hours |
Dimensions | 16.46 x 11.52 x 0.98 inches (L x W x H) |
Comparing With Other Laptops (Is The IdeaPad 330 Good?)
Lenovo also has a range of other IdeaPad laptops for different purposes. These include the IdeaPad Flex, IdeaPad Creator, and IdeaPad Gaming ranges. The IdeaPad 330 is of lower quality and lower in price than the Creator or Gaming ranges and is similar in quality to the Flex range.
There is also the cheaper Lenovo IdeaPad 1, which is more basic, and the more expensive Lenovo IdeaPad 5, which is for multimedia purposes. The more powerful models have extra durability and longevity, but any model will suit you if you only need the basics.
Lenovo IdeaPad 330 Vs Dell G3
- 8th Generation Intel Core i5 8300H Processor...
- 8GB 2666 megahertz DDR4 up to [32GB...
- 256 GB (SSD)
- 15.6 inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Anti Glare...
The Dell G3 vs Lenovo IdeaPad 330 comparison is an interesting one. The Dell G3 is a gaming laptop but shares many of its components with the Lenovo IdeaPad 330 and has a smaller 15.6” screen size.
The main advantages are that the memory can be upgraded to 32GB and runs at 2666Mhz and that its battery lasts a few hours longer. But it’s much more expensive, at over $800. Quality and durability are similar.
Lenovo IdeaPad 330 Vs HP 15 i5
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When comparing the Lenovo IdeaPad 330 i5 vs. HP 15 i5, you'll notice that the price is more reasonable compared to the IdeaPad, coming in at around $500-600. Its CPU is not quite as powerful, its graphics card is poorer, and its screen is only 15.6”. The battery life is much longer, at over 7 hours, but it is similar in durability to the IdeaPad. It’s a better upgrade than the Dell G3.
Lenovo IdeaPad 330 Vs Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Series
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The Lenovo IdeaPad 330 vs. Dell Inspiron 15 3000 shows that the Inspiron is a clear downgrade compared to the IdeaPad. The CPU is only an Intel Core i3. There is only 4GB of DDR3 memory and no SSD. The screen resolution is also below HD, at just 1366 x 768. That makes it a lower-quality laptop with reduced durability and longevity.
Lenovo IdeaPad 330 Vs HP Pavilion
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At first glance, the Lenovo IdeaPad 330 vs. HP Pavilion comparison indicates they're similar. But when you look more closely, you'll notice the CPU is much poorer and has a baseline frequency of 1.1Ghz. The graphics card is the unremarkable Intel UHD Graphics 600.
That means its quality is reduced. The storage space is greater, at 512-2TB of SSD space available, but the display is only 15.6”. For a price of around $500, it’s not much better than the Lenovo and will give you similar longevity and durability.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How old is the Lenovo IdeaPad 330?
The Lenovo IdeaPad 330 was developed in the United States and had several variations. All were released in 2019 and then discontinued a year later. Previous IdeaPad product lines date back to 2015.
Why is my Lenovo IdeaPad 330 so slow?
The Lenovo IdeaPad 330 can slow down for various reasons, including its startup apps, background, apps, hardware, and dust interfering with the components. Sometimes the rapid charge technology can slow it down when recharging the battery.
What is the difference between an IdeaPad and a laptop?
The IdeaPad is no different from a laptop, as they’re both the same. More specifically, the IdeaPad is a type of laptop developed by Lenovo. There are many different IdeaPad models, just as there are many alternative laptop brands and models.
Does Lenovo IdeaPad 330 come with Windows?
Yes, it does. It comes pre-installed with Windows 10, which will have all of the essential apps and settings configured for you during the setup process when you first use your Lenovo IdeaPad 330.
Can you play Fortnite on Lenovo IdeaPad 330?
Is Lenovo IdeaPad good for gaming? Unfortunately not. The Lenovo IdeaPad 330 is only suitable for everyday personal and business tasks, not gaming or other resource-intensive tasks. That means you can’t run Fortnite on Lenovo IdeaPad 330 laptops. If you're looking for the best laptops for Fortnite, you can find our reviews here.
Conclusion
The Lenovo IdeaPad 330 laptop is ideal for professional activities and is worth purchasing for work or school. It's worth the asking price for these tasks, and it will serve you well. But it won't be sufficient for more advanced purposes, like gaming or complex editing.
- 17.3" HD+ LED Backlight (1600 x 900) Display...
- 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U Processor...
- 8GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive...
- Intel Wireless-AC WLAN + Bluetooth , 2 x USB...
Holly Curell is a US-based freelance writer & editor extraordinaire. With over a decade of writing technical manuals, blog articles, & even company communications, Holly has a passion for providing value to readers on everything she knows about tech-related topics. When she’s not writing, Holly enjoys reading, hiking, wine, & wandering the aisles of Trader Joe’s. Holly is currently based out of North Carolina, where she lives with her husband Ken & their three children.