Lenovo Laptop - Review and Buying Guide - 2023
Lenovo is one of the biggest names in the consumer technology industry, with a broad portfolio that spans laptops, desktops, tablets, and even smartphones. The brand laptops are among the most popular on the market, because if you are a student, professional, home user or gamer, there is an option for you.
Lenovo Laptop are meant to increase productivity. They are designed to have intuitive layouts, reliable components, and stellar battery life, making them highly efficient for the modern world. Their laptop catalog can be divided into five main categories. IdeaPads are everyday, everyday computers that offer exceptional value for money.
Many of these machines are geared toward specific tasks rather than all-round performance, with models for multimedia, education, and just about everything in between. Legion laptops are also very focused, tailor-made for gamers on the go. ThinkPads, by contrast, are high-end machines with a robust and well-rounded feature set, with more impressive performance figures than their high-value counterparts.
Interested in learning more about Lenovo products and features? Continue on to our comprehensive buying guide for more information.
Key Considerations
Most Lenovo products run Windows (some support Linux), so this means you don't have to worry as much about choosing an operating system. With that in mind, here are the other top considerations to keep in mind when shopping.
Screen Size
Your screen size and resolution should always be at the top of your priority list. Please note that this is different from the display style (Standard, Touchscreen, Convertible), which is determined by the main categories listed in the introduction.
Lenovo laptop screens typically fall between 11-15.6 and 15.6 (measured diagonally), however it is possible to find outliers at both ends of the spectrum. Larger screens are, of course, better suited for visibility, but can affect portability if you're constantly on the go.
Resolution is how sharp the screen itself is. 1366 x 768 HD resolution is standard on business laptops, however 1920 x 1080 Full HD is also available. At the top of the range, you'll find select models with 2560 x 1700 Wide Quad High Definition resolution, putting it somewhere between Full HD and true 4K clarity. Other factors that influence screen quality are anti-glare coatings and LED backlights.
Processor
No matter what you call your processor — the CPU, the main processor, or just the brain — the important thing to remember is that it determines how fast a computer can run programs and execute commands. The speed of a processor is measured in GHz, so the more GHz, the more processes it can run at the same time.
Lenovo laptops use Intel or AMD processors, and both brands bring something different to the table. Intel processors have impressive speed, power, and graphics performance, but can be more expensive than their AMD counterparts. AMDs are often better for budget-conscious buyers, or those who value flexibility options like overclocking processors, which is the ability to run faster than originally certified. In terms of sheer power, though, it's hard to beat an Intel.
Memory
Memory, or RAM (random access memory), is almost as important to a computer's speed as the processor itself. In simple terms, RAM is working memory for active programs, and the amount available determines how much data the machine can load at once. Multitasking with various programs requires more RAM, while word processing and light web browsing require much less.
There's a wide range of RAM available, from 2GB to 16GB or more. We recommend models with at least 4GB of RAM for light multitasking, but more is always better if you can afford it.
Storage
Laptops are meant to be portable, so it's only natural that they have less internal storage than desktops. That said, they still have plenty of room to store photos, music, games, and other files. Lenovo laptops use hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), or a mix of the two called a hybrid drive. SSDs feature flash storage with no moving parts — making them slightly faster than a traditional hard drive — but they're also more expensive.
Depending on your typical workload, you may not need 1TB of internal storage, and buying a drive with less can save you money. Either way, remember that you can always add more storage later with an external hard drive.
Battery Duration
This is a bit of a no-brainer, but battery life is essential for a computer that is on the go. Lenovo batteries perform very well in this regard, but battery life can vary greatly from machine to machine, with some offering 4-6 hours of power while others boast 9-12 hours. Check product ratings and user reviews to make your decision.
Characteristic
With high-level considerations noted, here are some common features that further distinguish Lenovo laptops.
Touchscreens
As stated, Lenovo laptops come in a variety of flavors. Some models look like classic laptops, but others — like the Miix, Flex and Yoga products — exist within the IdeaPad and ThinkPad lines to feature a mix of laptop and tablet technology. Miix laptops, for example, have a touchscreen tablet and a detachable keyboard. Yoga models also offer 2-in-1 designs, but with a tricky hinge that allows the screen to rotate completely. These touch screens provide ultra-fast and intuitive navigation of the computer system, support handwriting and drawing applications, offer pinch-to-zoom technology, and are ideal for business presentations.
Advanced Security
Lenovo computers are very popular with business professionals, and one reason is the brand's commitment . With safety. In addition to standard security options like firewalls and protected user IDs, Lenovo offers other features like fingerprint scanners for added peace of mind. Some ThinkPad models include Privacy Guard, which uses infrared cameras to display an alert if someone walks up behind you to peek at your screen. Another step forward is the Basic Input Output System (BIOS). New BIOS versions support a secure erase feature that securely erases the SSD when prompted. It also allows the user to go back to a time-machine-style protected backup in case of cyber-attacks.
Ports of Entry
Laptops are designed to be 100 percent capable without any peripherals, so the keyboard, trackpad, display, and speakers are built-in. Mice, monitors, and external audio equipment greatly expand a laptop's capabilities& However, while certain brands have turned to dongles, a series of built-in ports is still the best way to connect peripherals.
HDMI, USB, Ethernet, DC-in and Thunderbolt ports are a must if you want to expand your mobile computing rig, so study product descriptions and choose wisely.
Tips
Gaming laptops are quite capable right out of the box. That said, we recommend buying a new mouse to improve coordination, studio headphones to improve awareness, and an external monitor for the best images.
Backing up your files is vital, no matter what computer you have. You can do it wirelessly through the cloud, but having a physical backup on an external hard drive is never a bad idea.
Heat is a laptop's worst enemy. Many computers have built-in fans, but for more efficient thermal regulation, consider a cooling pad. Also, make sure your laptop's vents aren't blocked by pillows, blankets, or other objects.
Other products we consider
Lenovo has a gigantic catalogue, so it's not surprising that a few quality machines didn't make our list. This convertible Chromebook offers tricky 2-in-1 operation and exceptional flexibility at a great value, and it's small enough to be portable anywhere. This 2019 Legion gaming rig also caught our eye for its performance numbers, as its powerful processor, quiet fans, and robust memory options allow for a middling yet competitive experience that won't break the bank.