The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i is priced around the Rs 40,000 mark, depending on which variant you pick. We are reviewing the 14-inch screen size option here,
However, you also have the option of the larger 15.6-inch screen sizes with the Intel and AMD processor choices. The basic specs of our test unit of the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 include an Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD.
It is the latter spec which we must pay specific heed to, because that’s the biggest performance boost in the entire chain.
In a way, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 laptops go up against HP’s recently launched HP Laptop 14s series, which also has an Intel Core i3 variant with 4GB RAM and a 1TB hard drive for around $350.
Do remember though, that it has a 4G SIM slot as well for mobile internet when the home broadband isn’t working well enough.
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The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i is an affordable laptop that is tailor-made for employees working remotely and students. The laptop aims to offer value for money while still delivering on the productivity front.
This runs the Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor with 8GB RAM. That combination in itself will allow for some amount of multi-tasking headroom as you shuffle between multiple web browser tabs, documents, spreadsheets and perhaps even music streaming.
Even through, what really makes the difference is the fact that this doesn’t have a potential performance bottleneck hen it comes down to storage.
Feature you’ll get
An SSD is significantly faster at data access and reading as well as write speeds, which quicks up the overall performance of any and every app that you use.
Build quality has often been the bane of affordable laptops, but that is not the case with the IdeaPad Slim 3i. The notebook features a nice brushed metal finish and a Platinum Grey color.
Despite being on the relatively slim side, the IdeaPad Slim 3i is quite heavy, weighing in at 1.85 kg.
Additionally, the hinge design seemed quite sturdy and went all the way down to 180 degrees.
While there are still a few hints of plastic, we’d have to give the IdeaPad Slim full marks for design and build quality, especially considering the price. It didn’t feel for one minute like a cheap laptop and looked a lot better than most laptops in this price range.
Buying a laptop is confusing enough but these days many manufacturers offer Intel and AMD powered options. While I’ve tested the Intel model, hence the 3i in the name, the regular IdeaPad 3 is also similar but has an AMD processor.
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A sticker on the keyboard proclaims this is a ‘stylish design’, and we can’t disagree. Particularly when the lid is closed, this looks not dissimilar to some laptops that are far more expensive, thanks to the brushed metal effect.
Computer Vs Laptop
Lenovo says the IdeaPad 3i has narrow bezels around the screen, but I wouldn’t describe them like that, especially at the bottom where it’s huge with not even a logo to break it up. On the plus side, there’s a physical privacy shutter on the webcam, but the camera itself is low quality at just 0.3Mp (not even 720p)
.
On the positive side, the touchpad is suitably large (7 x 10.5cm), and we love that the built-in 0.3MP webcam has a physical shutter: a simple but useful feature that’s missing from even many premium laptops, such as the Latitude 9410 2-in-1.
That’s what I’ve tested here and it’s a common thing to keep costs down. While the screen is fine, it’s nothing more than that with a limited brightness of 189 nits tested with a SpyderX. It means that you’ll probably just leave it on 100% all the time and will be ok for indoor use if you’re not in direct sunlight.
The 2 arrow keys (Up and Down arrow) are smaller and placed quite close to each other. Such a placement always led to accidental wrong press. And, like Dell laptops, Lenovo IdeaPads, and ThinkPads, I always complain about these small arrow keys.
The Thing you should know
Moreover, they aren’t a problem for office use. And, this isn’t a gaming laptop. Hence, you don’t have to consider it important.
You might not feel the need to spend extra, though, as the Core i3 sample I tested works perfectly well for day-to-day tasks with the fans rarely kicking in.
The main limitation is the RAM so you’ll quickly run out of memory for things like Chome tabs meaning they will often have to reload when you click them.
As my review unit was restricted from touching the internals, I was unable to remove the bottom cover. But that didn’t stop me from getting internals’ performance.
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Intel Core i5-1035G1 4 Core 8 Thread processor and Intel Integrated Shared GPU is powering the performance of this laptop. The CPU has a base speed of 1.0GHz which can be boosted to the maximum of 3.6GHz.
Conclusion for Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i
It’s bit sad that this Lenovo laptop has 1TB of 5400RPM Hard disk. It has no SSD storage.
If you’re going to be using it indoors without leaving mains power for too long, then the IdeaPad 3i will suit you fine at a good price.
However, look elsewhere if you want to use it out and about in brighter conditions and without access to mains power.
There is a shutter on the web camera to hide it and protect it from dust when not in use. These are typically good features on all of the above laptops.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i is an inexpensive laptop designed for staff working away. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i has an initial price; stay tuned to find out Best Lenovo Lightweight Laptop Ideapad Slim 3i Review India 2021.
