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Lenovo budget laptops compared: ideapad 1 vs ideapad 3i – which one should you buy?

Main points

  • The Ideapad 3i, on the other hand, has a more traditional laptop design with a slightly thicker profile and a weight of 2.
  • The Lenovo Ideapad 1 runs on Windows 10 S, which is a streamlined version of Windows 10 that is designed to provide a more secure and simplified experience.
  • The Lenovo Ideapad 1 is an excellent choice for users who are looking for a basic and affordable laptop for everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and document editing.

In the realm of budget laptops, the Lenovo Ideapad 1 and Ideapad 3i stand out as two popular options. Both offer a balance of affordability and functionality, but they also have distinct features that may appeal to different users. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key differences between the Lenovo Ideapad 1 and Ideapad 3i, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

Design and Build Quality

The Lenovo Ideapad 1 features a sleek and lightweight design, weighing just 2.42 pounds. Its plastic chassis is durable and comes in a variety of colors, including Platinum Grey, Abyss Blue, and Sand Pink. The Ideapad 3i, on the other hand, has a more traditional laptop design with a slightly thicker profile and a weight of 2.65 pounds. It is available in a wider range of colors, including Platinum Grey, Mineral Grey, and Orchid.

Display

The Lenovo Ideapad 1 boasts an 11.6-inch TN panel with a resolution of 1366 x 768. The display offers decent brightness and color accuracy for basic tasks, but it may not be ideal for users who require a higher resolution or color gamut. The Ideapad 3i features a larger 14-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. This display provides sharper images, wider viewing angles, and better color reproduction, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment.

Processor and Performance

The Lenovo Ideapad 1 is powered by an Intel Celeron N4020 processor, which is a budget-friendly option designed for basic computing needs. It has two cores and two threads, with a clock speed of up to 2.8 GHz. The Ideapad 3i offers a choice of processors, including the Intel Core i3-1115G4 and the Intel Core i5-1135G7. These processors provide significantly better performance, with up to four cores and eight threads, and clock speeds of up to 4.1 GHz.

Memory and Storage

The Lenovo Ideapad 1 comes with 4GB of DDR4 RAM, which is sufficient for light multitasking and web browsing. It has 64GB of eMMC storage, which is a type of solid-state drive that is faster than traditional hard drives but has limited capacity. The Ideapad 3i offers various memory and storage options, including 8GB or 16GB of DDR4 RAM and 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of NVMe SSD storage. The NVMe SSD provides significantly faster read and write speeds, making it ideal for demanding applications and large file transfers.

Battery Life

The Lenovo Ideapad 1 is equipped with a 35Wh battery, which provides up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge. The Ideapad 3i has a larger 45Wh battery, which offers up to 10 hours of battery life. Both laptops support rapid charging, allowing you to quickly replenish the battery when you’re on the go.

Connectivity and Ports

The Lenovo Ideapad 1 has a limited selection of ports, including two USB 2.0 ports, a USB 3.0 port, an HDMI port, and a microSD card reader. The Ideapad 3i offers a more comprehensive set of ports, including two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, an HDMI port, a microSD card reader, and a headphone/microphone combo jack.

Operating System and Software

The Lenovo Ideapad 1 runs on Windows 10 S, which is a streamlined version of Windows 10 that is designed to provide a more secure and simplified experience. The Ideapad 3i comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home, which offers a wider range of features and customization options. Both laptops are also compatible with Windows 11.

Price and Availability

The Lenovo Ideapad 1 is typically priced between $200 and $300, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious users. The Ideapad 3i has a wider price range, starting at around $350 and going up to $700 depending on the configuration. It is available from a variety of retailers, including Lenovo‘s website, Amazon, and Best Buy.

Which Laptop Is Right for You?

The Lenovo Ideapad 1 is an excellent choice for users who are looking for a basic and affordable laptop for everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and document editing. Its compact size and lightweight design make it highly portable, and its decent battery life ensures that you can stay productive on the go.

The Lenovo Ideapad 3i is a better option for users who need a more powerful and versatile laptop. Its larger display, better processor, and faster storage make it suitable for a wider range of tasks, including productivity, multimedia, and light gaming. The longer battery life and wider selection of ports also make it a more convenient choice for extended use and connectivity.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Which laptop has a better display?
The Lenovo Ideapad 3i has a better display with a larger size, higher resolution, and wider color gamut.

2. Which laptop is faster?
The Lenovo Ideapad 3i is faster with its more powerful processors and faster storage options.

3. Which laptop has longer battery life?
The Lenovo Ideapad 3i has longer battery life with its larger battery capacity.

4. Which laptop has more ports?
The Lenovo Ideapad 3i has more ports, including USB 3.0 ports and an HDMI port.

5. Which laptop is more expensive?
The Lenovo Ideapad 3i is more expensive than the Ideapad 1 due to its more powerful hardware and features.

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