Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 15-inch
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The IdeaPad Slim 3i is on sale at Costco for $669.
- It is an inexpensive 15-inch laptop computer with a full-size keyboard and good choice of ports.
- The battery is not spectacular, and its show is lackluster.
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Lenovo’s IdeaPad Slim 3i is an inexpensive, versatile laptop computer with a reliable set of {hardware} for college kids or professionals. It is obtained a full-size keyboard (one thing that is not all that widespread for a 15-inch), a pleasant choice of I/O, and a light-weight construct in a darkish blue colorway.
Nonetheless, the $500-$999 worth vary is more and more crowded with some spectacular laptops, making competitors fierce and forcing comparisons throughout producers (whereas highlighting design or characteristic flaws).
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The IdeaPad Slim 3i avoids any overt flaws of this kind, however could be overshadowed by opponents with extra compelling options. Nonetheless, on model recognition alone, Lenovo’s IdeaPad lineup consists of dependable, versatile machines, and the Slim 3i is not any exception.
The laptop computer comes with an Intel Core Extremely 5 210H processor, 16GB of non-upgradable DDR5 5600 RAM, and a 1TB M.2 QLC SSD. The built-in Intel GPU is sufficient for on a regular basis duties and lightweight gaming, however not rather more than that. General, there’s not a variety of customization right here, however the {hardware} is enough for on a regular basis work or dwelling use.
It additionally has simply sufficient ports. You get two USB-A slots, one USB-C with energy supply, an HDMI, an SD card reader, and a headphone jack. The cardboard reader is an attention-grabbing selection right here, since this laptop computer is not precisely primed for working with giant video recordsdata, nevertheless it does afford some extra use circumstances.
Regardless of the laptop computer’s stable construct, one of many first issues that provides away its worth level is the show. It is not unhealthy, however the thick bezels, max 300 nits of brightness, and matte IPS display screen do not precisely scream premium. It’s a touchscreen, although, and the 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) decision will get the job achieved.
The display screen reveals some results you would possibly see on equally priced LCDs, just like the dimming and brightening that happens when swapping home windows, or when going from an app in darkish mode to at least one that is a lot brighter, like a Google Doc, for instance.
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The total-size keyboard is a optimistic level, in my view. In order for you entry to a quantity pad and recognize Lenovo’s signature design, it would not disappoint right here. Key journey is satisfying sufficient, and though the plastic keys themselves are easy and lack any form of texture, they nonetheless really feel good.
One other small factor I actually like: the big rubber stopper on the underside of this laptop computer makes for probably the most steady laptops I’ve ever used, staying completely stationary on no matter floor it is on. Regular use of the laptop computer ends in basically no display screen wobble by any means.
When it comes to efficiency, the IdeaPad Slim 3i will get the job achieved for primary duties however would possibly stutter with extra demanding workflows. Program installations can take a couple of minutes, and working numerous tabs would possibly end in some slowdowns. Throughout my testing, for instance, there was some efficiency dip whereas multitasking throughout a video name.
It is attainable to do some gaming on this laptop computer, so long as you are not working something too demanding. The Intel Core Extremely 5 210H processor can be high quality for something on the low finish in addition to cloud gaming by Nvidia GeForce Now, nevertheless it’s not designed for top-tier titles.
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Equally, the battery on the IdeaPad Slim 3i is not unhealthy, however I am unable to assist however evaluate it to its opponents with higher longevity, particularly these with higher efficiency (just like the MacBook Air M2), or lighter kind components (just like the Asus Zenbook A14), each at comparable worth factors.
Throughout my testing, I obtained a little bit over 9 hours throughout our on-line streaming take a look at at half brightness over Wi-Fi. In common, sustained use through the workday, it did not fairly make it by the complete day, with the battery tapping out simply earlier than the eight-hour mark. I ought to notice, nevertheless, that you possibly can probably get extra out of the laptop computer with higher energy administration — I used to be working at max brightness the complete day.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
I might advocate the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i to customers who like Lenovo laptops and need a reasonable, 15-inch system for on a regular basis duties. With its full-size keyboard, port picks, and approachable worth level, it is particularly good for college kids.
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The worth level it sits in, nevertheless, is more and more aggressive, with competing laptops which are extra spectacular than the IdeaPad Slim 3i. The beforehand talked about Asus Zenbook A14 is only a few hundred bucks extra, lighter, and quicker, with an OLED show and marathon battery.
Equally, with MacBooks seeing some steep worth factors this yr throughout the board, the 15-inch MacBook Air M4 — Apple’s newest and best light-weight Mac — is barely round $300 extra.
