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Lenovo’s best laptops for students: ideapad 3 vs. thinkbook 15

At a Glance

  • The IdeaPad 3 is available with up to an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor or an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U, while the ThinkBook 15 can be configured with up to an Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor or an AMD Ryzen 7 5800U.
  • The IdeaPad 3 is equipped with a 45Wh battery that provides up to 8 hours of battery life, while the ThinkBook 15 features a 57Wh battery that offers up to 11 hours of battery life.
  • The IdeaPad 3 offers a budget-friendly option with a balanced set of features, while the ThinkBook 15 delivers a premium experience with its superior design, display, performance, and connectivity.

In the competitive realm of laptops, Lenovo stands out as a formidable player. Two of its renowned offerings, the IdeaPad 3 and ThinkBook 15, cater to distinct segments of users. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of each laptop, enabling you to make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.

Design and Build Quality

The IdeaPad 3 exudes a sleek and modern aesthetic with its slim profile and elegant color options. Its plastic chassis provides adequate durability for everyday use, while the ThinkBook 15 boasts a more premium aluminum construction that exudes both durability and sophistication.

Display

The IdeaPad 3 features a 15.6-inch TN panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Its display offers decent brightness and color accuracy, but its viewing angles are somewhat limited. In contrast, the ThinkBook 15 comes equipped with a 15.6-inch IPS panel with the same resolution. This panel delivers superior color reproduction, wider viewing angles, and better contrast, making it ideal for content creation and multimedia consumption.

Performance

The IdeaPad 3 and ThinkBook 15 offer a range of processor options from Intel and AMD. The IdeaPad 3 is available with up to an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor or an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U, while the ThinkBook 15 can be configured with up to an Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor or an AMD Ryzen 7 5800U. Both laptops provide ample performance for everyday tasks, but the ThinkBook 15 has a slight edge in demanding applications due to its more powerful processor options.

Memory and Storage

The IdeaPad 3 offers up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, while the ThinkBook 15 can be configured with up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. Both laptops provide ample memory and storage for most users, but the ThinkBook 15’s maximum RAM capacity makes it a better choice for power users and multitasking enthusiasts.

Battery Life

The IdeaPad 3 is equipped with a 45Wh battery that provides up to 8 hours of battery life, while the ThinkBook 15 features a 57Wh battery that offers up to 11 hours of battery life. Both laptops offer decent battery life for everyday use, but the ThinkBook 15’s larger battery provides an edge for users who require extended unplugged operation.

Ports and Connectivity

The IdeaPad 3 comes equipped with a USB-C port, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a headphone/microphone jack. The ThinkBook 15 offers a more comprehensive port selection, including two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, and a headphone/microphone jack. This wider range of ports provides greater connectivity options for external devices.

Price and Value

The IdeaPad 3 starts at a more affordable price point than the ThinkBook 15. However, the ThinkBook 15 offers a more premium design, superior display, better performance, and a more comprehensive port selection. Its higher price tag reflects these added features and benefits.

Which Laptop is Right for You?

The choice between the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 15 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.

  • If you prioritize affordability, sleek design, and adequate performance for everyday tasks, the IdeaPad 3 is an excellent choice.
  • If you demand premium build quality, a superior display, exceptional performance, and extensive connectivity options, the ThinkBook 15 is your ideal companion.

Final Verdict

Both the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 15 are capable laptops that cater to different user segments. The IdeaPad 3 offers a budget-friendly option with a balanced set of features, while the ThinkBook 15 delivers a premium experience with its superior design, display, performance, and connectivity. By carefully considering your requirements and budget, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your needs.

Top Questions Asked

1. Which laptop has a better display?

The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 has a superior IPS display with wider viewing angles, better color reproduction, and higher contrast compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad 3’s TN panel.

2. Which laptop offers better performance?

The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 has a slight edge in performance due to its more powerful processor options, particularly for demanding applications.

3. Which laptop has a longer battery life?

The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 has a larger battery capacity and offers up to 3 hours more battery life compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad 3.

4. Which laptop has more ports?

The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 offers a more comprehensive port selection, including an additional USB-C port, an Ethernet port, and a headphone/microphone jack compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad 3.

5. Which laptop is more suitable for business professionals?

The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 is better suited for business professionals due to its premium design, superior display, and more extensive port selection.

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