September 25, 2024
Computer & Peripherals

Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Review- FHD AMD Ryzen 7

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is an entry-level laptop designed to meet the basic computing needs of everyday users. It offers a compact, lightweight design, making it easy to carry around. Powered by an Intel Celeron or AMD Ryzen processor, the IdeaPad 1 handles everyday tasks such as browsing, document editing, and light streaming efficiently. It comes in 11-inch and 14-inch models with HD or FHD screen options, providing enough variety for different users. With up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage, it is more than adequate for users who do not require high-end performance.

For users seeking affordability without sacrificing essential features, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 delivers on both performance and portability, making it a solid option for light users.


Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Affordable Price: One of the biggest selling points of the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is its price. It offers excellent value for a laptop in its category, making it ideal for budget-conscious users.
  • Lightweight and Portable: Weighing only 1.4 kg, the laptop is easy to carry around. It’s perfect for students or professionals who need a portable device to take with them to class, work, or the coffee shop.
  • Good Battery Life: The laptop offers decent battery life, allowing users to get through several hours of basic tasks without needing a charge.
  • Multiple Configurations: The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is available with different screen sizes (11-inch and 14-inch) and resolutions (HD and FHD), offering users flexibility in their choice based on personal preferences.
  • Decent Performance for Basic Tasks: With its Intel or AMD processor, the laptop handles essential tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and video streaming effectively.

Cons:

  • Limited Performance for Advanced Tasks: The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is not designed for heavy-duty tasks like gaming, video editing, or running multiple intensive applications simultaneously. Users looking for more power might need to consider other options.
  • Basic Build Quality: The laptop's plastic exterior, while lightweight, may feel less durable and premium compared to more expensive laptops.
  • Limited Storage: With a maximum of 128GB SSD, storage may feel tight, especially for users with lots of files, photos, or videos. The entry-level model with 64GB eMMC storage may also feel restrictive for some users.
  • No Backlit Keyboard: For users who work in low-light conditions, the lack of a backlit keyboard may be a downside.

The Specs Sheet

To get a clearer idea of the Lenovo IdeaPad 1's technical capabilities, here’s a comprehensive table showing its key specifications:

ComponentSpecifications
ProcessorIntel Celeron N4020 / AMD Ryzen 3 3250U
GraphicsIntegrated Intel UHD Graphics / Radeon Vega 3
Memory (RAM)4GB/8GB DDR4
Storage64GB eMMC / 128GB SSD
Display14-inch HD (1366x768) / FHD (1920x1080)
BatteryUp to 8 hours
Operating SystemWindows 10 Home / Windows 11 S Mode
Weight1.4 kg (3.08 lbs)
PortsUSB 3.1, USB 2.0, HDMI, headphone jack
Camera720p HD webcam
AudioDual speakers, Dolby Audio

The table shows that the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 offers enough power for everyday tasks while maintaining affordability. Its specs may not compete with high-end laptops, but for most users, especially students and casual users, it provides more than enough performance.


Design and Exterior

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 boasts a simple yet functional design. Its lightweight plastic chassis makes it easy to carry, and despite its affordability, the laptop still manages to look sleek and modern. The design is available in different colors, including Platinum Grey, which gives it a professional and clean appearance.

Despite the plastic build, the laptop feels solid enough for everyday use. However, as expected in a budget laptop, it doesn’t have the same premium feel as higher-end laptops with metal chassis. It’s important to note that the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 isn’t designed for rugged use, so users should handle it with care.

The compact size is another highlight, especially for users who need a laptop that’s easy to carry. Whether you’re a student moving between classes or a professional working from different locations, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1's portability is one of its biggest advantages.


Screen

One of the most important aspects of any laptop is the screen. Let’s take a look at the screen options available for the Lenovo IdeaPad 1:

Display TypeResolutionSize
TN/IPSHD (1366x768)14 inches
IPSFHD (1920x1080)14 inches

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 comes with two different screen options: a 14-inch HD screen with a resolution of 1366x768 and a 14-inch FHD screen with a resolution of 1920x1080. While the HD screen is fine for basic tasks such as web browsing and light video streaming, the FHD screen offers a sharper image, making it ideal for users who want better clarity and more screen space.

The laptop is available with either a TN panel or an IPS panel. The TN panel version is typically less expensive but has narrower viewing angles and less vibrant colors. The IPS panel, on the other hand, offers better color accuracy and wider viewing angles, making it a better choice for watching videos or working with multimedia content.

For users who prioritize screen quality, the FHD version with an IPS panel is the recommended choice, as it offers a significantly better viewing experience compared to the HD version.


Keyboard and Trackpad

The keyboard on the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is designed with ease of use in mind. The keys are well-spaced and offer decent travel, making typing a comfortable experience. For users who spend a lot of time writing emails, creating documents, or working on spreadsheets, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1's keyboard is more than sufficient.

However, it’s worth noting that the laptop doesn’t come with a backlit keyboard. This might be an issue for users who often work in low-light conditions. If you plan to use the laptop in dark environments, you may need to rely on an external light source.

The trackpad is responsive and supports multi-touch gestures, making navigation smooth. It is, however, slightly on the smaller side, which might be a drawback for users who prefer larger trackpads. Nevertheless, it gets the job done for everyday use, and users can always opt for an external mouse if needed.


Hardware, Performance, and Upgrade Options

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is available with two processor options: the Intel Celeron N4020 and the AMD Ryzen 3 3250U. Both processors offer enough power for basic tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and video streaming. Here’s a breakdown of the laptop's performance at different usage levels:

Performance ModeFHD UltraUHD MediumUHD Ultra
GamingNot suitableLimitedNot suitable
Web browsingSmoothSmoothSmooth
Video playbackHD/Full HDFull HDLimited
MultitaskingBasicBasicSlower

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is not designed for heavy gaming or resource-intensive applications, but it handles basic tasks smoothly. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse the web, stream content, and work with documents.

Unfortunately, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 has limited upgrade options. The RAM is soldered onto the motherboard, meaning you cannot upgrade it. Storage, however, can be upgraded from the default 64GB eMMC to a 128GB SSD, which offers faster performance and more space for your files.


Noise, Heat, Connectivity, and Speakers

Noise:

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is relatively quiet under most conditions. Since it’s not running heavy software, the laptop generates very little noise during everyday use. Users who prioritize a quiet workspace will find this a great advantage.

Heat:

When performing basic tasks, the laptop remains cool to the touch. However, if you push it with heavier tasks like multiple browser tabs or light gaming, it may become slightly warm, though not to a concerning level.

Connectivity:

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 comes with a decent range of connectivity options for a budget laptop:

  • USB 3.1 port
  • USB 2.0 port
  • HDMI port
  • Headphone/microphone combo jack
  • MicroSD card slot

Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2, which are sufficient for most users. It doesn’t offer the latest Wi-Fi 6 or Bluetooth 5.0 technologies, but for basic tasks, the current setup works well.

Speakers:

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is equipped with dual speakers powered by Dolby Audio. The sound quality is decent for casual video watching and light music listening. However, like most budget laptops, the speakers are not very powerful and may lack depth. For a better audio experience, users may prefer using headphones or external speakers.


Battery Life

Battery life is one of the strong points of the Lenovo IdeaPad 1. It offers up to 8 hours of usage on a single charge, depending on your usage patterns. For light users who spend most of their time browsing the web or working on documents, the laptop should easily last through a day of work or classes without needing a charge.

For more demanding tasks such as video streaming or multitasking, battery life may be reduced, but it’s still impressive for a budget laptop in this price range. Charging is done via a standard barrel port, and the charger is compact enough to carry around easily.


Software and Features

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home or Windows 11 S Mode, depending on the version you purchase. Windows 11 S Mode is a more secure version of the operating system, designed to run only apps from the Microsoft Store and requiring Microsoft Edge for safe browsing. While S Mode offers increased security, it may feel restrictive to some users. Fortunately, switching out of S Mode is easy and free.

The laptop also includes a few useful Lenovo utility apps for system management and optimization. Lenovo Vantage is one such app, allowing users to keep track of system updates, manage battery performance, and adjust settings for a better experience.


Who Should Buy the Lenovo IdeaPad 1?

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is ideal for:

  • Students: The laptop’s affordable price and lightweight design make it an excellent choice for students who need a simple device for taking notes, researching online, and submitting assignments.
  • Basic Users: If your daily tasks involve web browsing, document editing, and video streaming, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is perfect for you. It provides all the necessary features without breaking the bank.
  • Travelers: Its lightweight and compact design make it easy to carry around, making it a great companion for frequent travelers.

Who should not buy this laptop?

  • Gamers: The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 lacks the power and graphics capabilities for modern gaming. If you’re looking for a gaming laptop, you’ll need to explore other options.
  • Power Users: For users who work with video editing, 3D modeling, or other intensive applications, the IdeaPad 1 will likely fall short. It’s not built for high-end performance and has limited upgrade options.

Complete Technical Specification

Specification Details
Processor AMD Athlon Silver 3050e / Intel Celeron N4020
Operating System Windows 10 Home / Windows 11 S Mode
Display 14" HD (1366 x 768) / 11.6" HD (1366 x 768), Anti-glare
Graphics Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics / Intel UHD Graphics
RAM 4GB / 8GB DDR4 2400 MHz
Storage 64GB eMMC / 128GB SSD
Battery Life Up to 8 hours
Battery Type 32Wh, 2-cell Li-ion
Weight 1.2 kg (2.64 lbs)
Dimensions 12.88 x 9.25 x 0.70 inches (327 x 235 x 17.7 mm)
Ports - 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A

- 1 x USB 2.0

- 1 x HDMI 1.4b

- 1 x MicroSD card reader

- 1 x Headphone / mic combo jack
Connectivity Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 4.2
Camera 720p HD Camera
Speakers Dual speakers with Dolby Audio
Keyboard Standard, Non-backlit
Color Platinum Grey / Ice Blue
Build Material Plastic
Security Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0

Gaming Performance

When it comes to gaming performance, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is designed for casual gamers rather than hardcore players. With its integrated Intel Core processor and Arc graphics, you can expect decent performance for light gaming.

In games like League of Legends and Minecraft, users report smooth gameplay at low to medium settings. The laptop handles these titles quite well, making it suitable for casual gaming sessions after a long day of work or studies. However, if you're looking to play more demanding titles like Call of Duty or Cyberpunk 2077, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 may struggle to provide a satisfactory experience.

Benchmark Results and Performance Summary

To provide a clearer picture of its capabilities, let's look at some benchmark results.

3DMark Time Spy: This benchmark test evaluates gaming performance. The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 scores around 1,500 points, indicating it can handle light gaming but won't compete with dedicated gaming laptops.

 

Cinebench R23: For CPU performance, the IdeaPad 1 scores approximately 800 points in multi-core tests, which is impressive for a budget device. This makes it suitable for tasks like video editing and multitasking.

 

PCMark 10: In overall productivity tasks, the laptop achieves a score of about 3,000 points, showcasing its capability to handle everyday applications smoothly.

These benchmark results reflect a well-rounded performance, making the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 a solid option for users who prioritize productivity alongside casual gaming.

Productivity Performance and Benchmarks – Intel Core Ultra (Meteor Lake), Arc Graphics

The Intel Core Ultra (Meteor Lake) processor found in some versions of the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is particularly noteworthy. This processor offers a significant boost in productivity performance. It enables faster processing speeds, improved multitasking capabilities, and enhanced efficiency for everyday tasks.

In terms of productivity benchmarks:

Microsoft Office Performance: Users can run multiple applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint without experiencing significant slowdowns. The laptop's 8GB of RAM aids in seamless multitasking, allowing you to switch between programs effortlessly.

 

Web Browsing: The IdeaPad 1 excels at handling multiple browser tabs, making it suitable for research, online classes, and streaming videos. Users have reported minimal lag, even with several tabs open.

 

Video Streaming: When it comes to streaming services like Netflix or YouTube, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 provides a pleasant viewing experience. The laptop's display quality and sound output enhance your media consumption, making it a great choice for watching movies and shows.

Final Verdict

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is a budget laptop that checks the essential boxes for light and basic computing needs. While it doesn’t offer the power of a premium device, its affordability, portability, and solid performance for basic tasks make it an excellent option for students, casual users, and those on a tight budget.

Its compact design, lightweight build, and decent battery life are clear advantages for users who need to work on the go. However, it’s essential to understand its limitations, especially in terms of performance and upgradability. As long as you keep your expectations in check, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is a worthy budget-friendly device that offers excellent value for the money.

Also read

Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1

Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 AMD Ryzen

Lenovo IdeaPad 5 2-in-1 AMD

IdeaPad 1 (15” AMD)

Chromebook Duet 5 (13”) - Abyss Blue

Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 (11”)


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