From humble origins, Lenovo has grown from a small tech startup to behemoths of the tech space. Their laptop ranges are some of the most popular in the world, across a variety of different categories. They innovate to a high level and listen to their customers.
Their specialty is offering laptops that compete with the other brands while cutting a huge chunk off the price. Offering these lower-priced laptops has earned them a solid reputation and a user base that keeps coming back for more.
Today we are going to look at one of their best low-price, high-performance level laptops, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 review.
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Pros & Cons Of The Lenovo IdeaPad 1
Here are some things we really like about the IdeaPad 1 and a couple of things we don't to save you time if you don't want to read our in-depth review.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Unique Features Of The Lenovo IdeaPad 1
When you buy a Lenovo, you know you are getting a laptop that has been optimized for performance and a low price tag. This combination is a popular one, as it allows you to squeeze more performance from your hard-earned dollars.
Next, we will look at the features that stand the Lenovo IdeaPad one apart from the competition.
Intel Celeron N4020 Processors
Processors have evolved in two ways to deal with the current demand of users around the world. You have your high-end processors, designed to dominate and destroy, like the i9 octa-core. Then you have the other side of the spectrum. The processors are designed to be incredible with a low price tag. The N-range of Celeron processors by Intel fall into the latter along with other budget processors like Pentium and Atom.
While this processor isn’t going to be enough for demanding users, it performs excellently in all tasks we expect from a budget-friendly laptop like this. The IdeaPad 1 didn't miss a beat when we had Netflix running with several other tabs like Facebook or Instagram in the background, and it opens programs quickly and smoothly.
HD Display
For a 720p screen, we have to say, Lenovo has knocked it out of the park. This screen looks impressive for such a budget-friendly machine.
We watched some cartoons and a few movies, and the colors were crisp and clear, and the darks were surprisingly dark.
It even looked great when we opened it up outside at a cafe on a bright sunny day. This makes it a great choice for those who like to work in co-working spaces and outdoor spaces.
Intel UHD Graphics Integrated GPU
We have come a long way in terms of graphics card innovation. Previously, to get any kind of quality, you needed a dedicated graphics card, one that usually added a huge amount of weight to your laptop, reducing its portability and battery life in one fell swoop.
Intel’s onboard graphics have evolved drastically to combat this, and their onboard UHD graphics chips are now more than capable for the majority of users who don't need to game or edit photos or videos.
Watch HD Netflix shows, do some light gaming, enjoy crisp graphics, all is now possible thanks to the UHD chipset from intel.
Dolby Audio & Built-In Dual Stereo Speaker
It is really great to see that Lenovo has started to take its audio quality seriously. Dolby Audio is the industry standard for high-quality sound, and utilizing their technology in a laptop of this price and size is simply mindblowing.
When you play music through the built-in dual stereo speaker, prepared to be amazed. This tiny laptop can fill a room with sound. The sound gets even better when you plug your headphones in, thanks to the Dolby Audio optimization.
Featherlight Weight
Obviously, one of the major selling points of the IdeaPad 1 is the featherlight weight and size.
This is a portable laptop that can be taken anywhere without any bother.
Throw this laptop in your backpack when going to school and have access to a powerful portable laptop wherever you are.
With the incredible battery life that you get from the IdeaPad 1, you really have the world at your fingertips.
Type-A USB 3.1 & HDMI Port
It's nice to see an HDMI port on a portable laptop, too, because this opens up a world of possibilities. For example, if you work from several locations and need more screen real-estate and a keyboard, you can simply buy a travel monitor for each location, unplugging your IdeaPad 1 and taking it between them; all it takes is plugging the HDMI in at each spot.
The newer generation of USB 3.2 will allow all your peripherals to be plugged in and a faster data transfer of memory sticks and portable SSD’s too.
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Review
- This everyday laptop is powered by an Intel...
- Enjoy videos or browse online on a 14" HD...
- Dolby Audio delivers crystal-clear sound...
- Light and slim, this Windows 10 laptop...
We have now looked at all the features that make the IdeaPad 1 different from the competition, but how does it perform in more traditional categories?
Design
The IdeaPad 1, at its core, is Lenovo's attempt at building a Chromebook-busting laptop. Chromebooks have become the new standard for low cost, high-performance computing, and for a while, they had the monopoly.
Luckily, the research and development at Lenovo are always busy and innovating, and their offer is a laptop that we firmly believe is stronger than the majority of Chromebooks and comes without many of the restrictions of its Google Chrome OS-based cousins.
The IdeaPad 1 is designed to be ultraportable, with enough battery to last the day and enough power to make it capable of work tasks and leisure activities alike, and it does so with gusto.
Display/Screen
We touched upon the display on the IdeaPad 1 earlier but let’s reiterate it here. The screen on the IdeaPad 1 is really good. Lenovo has taken note here of the number of Chromebooks on the market that have incredible displays and have matched them and more.
If you watch a lot of Netflix in HD, you won't be disappointed by the Lenovo IdeaPad 1, and if you spend a lot of time in word processing apps, the crisp display is a godsend at preventing eye strain. Especially as the screen looks so great from all angles and in all lighting situations.
Performance Features
In terms of performance, the IdeaPad 1 has been optimized for the target user. This means it performs exceptionally well at everyday tasks and light computing solutions. It is a budget-friendly portable laptop, though, so don't expect any gaming ability or smooth performance if you are a heavy user. You can take a look here for the ultimate gaming laptops.
The CPU is one of the most efficient low-powered Intel processors, the N4020. This is a capable little processor that can handle a surprising load without struggling.
You also have 4GB of the most powerful type of DDR4 RAM. This is one of the reasons why the experience is so smooth when using IdeaPad 1. This really supports the already strong CPU and synergizes to give excellent performance.
You even get an M.2 style SSD, albeit only 64GB. This is lightning fast and allows for boot-up times that are over in a blink of an eye.
Keyboard & Touchpad
This is a small laptop, which means the keyboard can feel a little bit clustered for larger hands. But, for me, the keys were surprisingly comfortable, with great resistance that felt more solid than a lot of the keyboards on laptops at this price.
The touchpad was a little bit clunky, though, but I prefer to use a mouse anyway. If you do a lot of work via touchpad, you might want to consider a different laptop with a snappier touchpad.
Connectivity
For such a small laptop, with such a small footprint, you get a surprising amount of different types of useful ports on the IdeaPad 1. You get two USB 3.1 ports for your peripherals, a microSD card reader, and even an HDMI. This makes it a great choice for those that like to use their laptop as a portable workstation.
You also get Bluetooth 4.1, which allows for more devices to be connected, and a pretty capable Wi-Fi card which allows for stable internet at a decent range. This is always great, especially for those who work in cafes or places where Wi-Fi can be patchy at best.
Battery Life & Energy Consumption
The battery life of the IdeaPad 1 is good, not quite excellent, but good. Most Chromebooks do have slightly better battery life, but we put that down to the fact they are using Chrome OS and don't have the functionality that windows laptops have.
In terms of cold hard battery life, you should be looking at around 8-9 hours of average usage.
Audio & Speakers
The dual Dolby Audio-backed speakers are incredible, as we touched on earlier.
The enhanced Dolby speakers increase the sound and produce good highs and lows for video calls or listening to music while you work. While these are not the absolute best speakers on the market, they will satisfy most users.
If you want a little laptop that can fill a room with sound and that has the drivers to produce clear audio over the headset, the IdeaPad 1 has you covered in most occasions.
Maintenance & Warranty
If you keep your laptop from overheating and impact and you check for dust build-up in your fan vents every couple of weeks, your laptop should remain healthy and strong. Lenovo offers great warranty options, too, so as long as you are within warranty, you will get excellent service in terms of repairing and replacing faulty parts.
Price
Low price tags that make you rub your eyes are what Lenovo does best. They are perhaps “THE” best budget-friendly company on the market and have by far the widest range of laptops that are classed as budget. They offer budget-friendly low-cost laptops for students, budget-friendly gaming laptops, and budget-friendly high-end computing.
All in all, if you want a laptop that has a price tag that you will be bragging about to your friends, pick a Lenovo.
Who Is The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Best For?
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is perfect for those considering a Chromebook but don't want to make the swap onto Chrome OS from windows. It is a great choice for those that work on the move, want a lightweight laptop with surprising power, and enjoy high sound fidelity.
Who Is It Not Suitable For?
Obviously, if you need a powerful gaming computer or a workstation that can handle complex tasks, the little IdeaPad 1 will not be able to handle it.
Specifications
Operating System | Windows |
Standing Screen Display Size | 14 inches |
Max Screen Resolution | 720 pixels |
RAM | 4 GB |
Hard Drive Capacity | 64 M.2 SSD GB |
Ports | USB 3.1 x 2, HDMI, SD READER |
Battery Life | 8-9 hours |
Alternative Laptops Compared (Is The IdeaPad 1 Any Good?)
Let’s have a look at how the IdeaPad 1 compares with some similar popular laptops on the market, the Asus L510, the IdeaPad 3, and the new Dell Inspiron 3000.
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Vs IdeaPad 3
- No setup required. Log in to your Chromebook...
- Slim and lightweight, this notebook computer...
- Enjoy your favorite streaming videos and...
- Take it with you. With up to 10 hours of...
Let’s start with the IdeaPad 3. The only benefit you might get from picking the IdeaPad 3, is the smaller screen size at 11”. If you are someone who is really swayed by smaller screens and portability, this might be the better option, but the performance is a little lower than the IdeaPad 1 as a sacrifice.
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Vs Asus L510
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The L510 is Asus’s ultrathin competition, and it is an excellent laptop. It has similar specs to the IdeaPad 1, with the exception being a larger storage space of 128GB. It does cost a little bit more, though, and for a small upgrade in storage, it might not be worth it. If you want a full comparison of these two brands, we did a complete Lenovo vs Asus review here.
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Vs Dell Inspiron 3000
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For a bigger cash injection, you can consider then Inspiron 3000, which comes with a huge storage increase and double the RAM. It is less portable, though, and has a much higher price tag. If you want higher specs, then the Inspiron 3000 might be better for you. If your main concern is budget and portability, then the IdeaPad 1 is a better bet. Check out our complete guide to Dell vs Lenovo here.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What is the difference between a Thinkpad and an IdeaPad?
The ThinkPad range is laptops that have been designed to tackle people who work all day on their laptops; they are designed with work in mind. The IdeaPad range is designed to cover everything that an everyday user might need, such as web browsing, social media, and Netflix binging.
Is the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 touch screen?
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is not a touchscreen laptop; no.
Is the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 good for work?
Yes, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is perfect for everyday work.
How do you factory reset the Lenovo IdeaPad 1?
To reset the IdeaPad 1 back to factory settings, first you must make sure you back up all the data you might want to keep. After you have done that, go to the start menu and type in reset. Click on the reset button and follow the instructions, and your laptop will purge itself of data and reset back to the factory defaults.
Conclusion
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is an incredible laptop that will suit most home users, students, and workers with ease. It is more than worth the price and performs excellently across a number of tasks and categories.
For the price, you probably won't find anything that can match it!
- This everyday laptop is powered by an Intel...
- Enjoy videos or browse online on a 14" HD...
- Dolby Audio delivers crystal-clear sound...
- Light and slim, this Windows 10 laptop...
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.