Available in 11-inch and 14-inch sizes, the AMD-powered Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is a new, versatile, and affordable device. It’s obviously not going to be as powerful as a gaming laptop, but it’s a decent-performing notebook at its price. If you’re looking for a basic laptop for general office work or schoolwork, the IdeaPad 1 is a good one to consider.
Both the keyboard and trackpad are easy to use, which is a good thing considering the display isn’t a touchscreen. The trackpad is highly intuitive and accurate, and the keyboard is comfortable to type on. The 11-inch and 14-inch models are both available in “Platinum Grey” and “Ice Blue”. The 11-inch models weigh around 2.65-lbs and the 14-inch weighs around 3.09-lbs.
Communicating with friends, relatives, and associates is a simple process thanks to the 0.39MP webcam and dual array microphone setup. The OS is Windows 10 Home (S Mode) and the notebooks do come pre-loaded with Lenovo Vantage, Microsoft Office 365, LinkedIn, Lenovo App Explorer, Utility, and a trial for McAfee LifeSafe.
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Processor
Since any laptop is powered by a CPU, it’s important to choose one that comes with a decent processor. The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 can be equipped with an AMD A9 dual-core / 1MB cache processor with a base speed of 1.50-GHz or 1.80-GHz and maximum speed of 2.20-GHz or 2.70-GHz, depending on the specific model. AMD A9 dual-core processors usually provide reliable performance and power for laptops in this price range.
The displays feature anti-glare technology and a resolution of 1366 x 768. The 14-inch model is HD and produces 220-nits.As for the graphics, there are integrated AMD Radeon R3 – R5 graphics available with these configurations. There is a pretty fast storage solution with the eMMC controller and 64GB capacity. As for memory, the soldered 4GB DDR4 1866MHz of memory is enough for basic everyday use.
What about connectivity? The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 (both sizes) come with two USB 3.1 Generation 1 ports, HDMI, and a microSD card reader. There is also a microphone / headphone combo. Networking / communication technology for the internet and syncing include 802.11 AC (1×1) and Bluetooth 4.2.
A lot of new owners are surprised at how responsive and speed this machine can be, despite being no more than $200. While there is only 64GB of memory, you can get a flash drive or SD card for additional storage.
Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is a lightweight and nicely designed laptop that is easy to get started with and capable of taking care of your basic personal / office / school tasks.