Lenovo Ideapad 3 Laptop 2022 Review A Budget-Friendly Touchscreen Option for Everyday Use

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Lenovo 2022 Ideapad 3 Laptop is an eye-pleaser with its sleek, almond-colored finish. It’s understated yet elegant, a design that feels modern without screaming for attention. At about 4.07 pounds, it feels lightweight enough to carry around without hassle, though it’s not the most portable laptop I’ve handled. The 15.6-inch HD touchscreen is a standout feature for me. While the resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels isn’t groundbreaking, the touch functionality adds a level of convenience that’s hard to ignore. The overall build feels sturdy, and the laptop doesn’t creak under pressure, which is always a reassuring sign.

I did find the lack of a backlit keyboard a bit inconvenient during late-night usage. But the spacing and tactile feel of the keys were comfortable enough for typing out lengthy documents. The multi-format SD card reader is a nice touch, especially for anyone working with cameras or other devices requiring frequent file transfers. The design might not blow you away, but it certainly gets the job done.

Performance and Everyday Use

Powered by the 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, this laptop is no slouch. I’ve had it running multiple browser tabs, a video call, and a spreadsheet simultaneously, and it handled everything with ease. The 8GB DDR4 RAM plays an integral role in keeping things smooth. The 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD ensures quick boot-up times and fast file transfers, which is something I genuinely appreciated when I needed to access large files quickly.

While it’s perfectly capable for regular tasks like browsing, streaming, and office work, it’s not exactly a powerhouse for gaming or heavy-duty software. The Intel UHD Graphics card can handle casual games or light photo editing, but if you’re diving into more graphic-intensive tasks, you might notice its limitations. Still, for its intended audience, this machine performs admirably.

Key Benefits

• The HD touchscreen makes navigation intuitive and adds a modern edge.
• SSD storage ensures faster boot-ups and seamless data transfers.
• 8GB of RAM allows smooth multitasking without noticeable lag.
• Lightweight design at just over 4 pounds, making it moderately portable.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery life is always a critical factor, and the 7-hour battery span advertised held up pretty well under moderate usage. Streaming videos, browsing, and working on documents gave me a comfortable stretch without needing to charge. However, under more intensive usage, you might find yourself reaching for the charger sooner.

Connectivity options are another area where this laptop shines. With two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 2.0 Type-A, and an HDMI port, it offers flexibility for connecting various peripherals. The Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth combo worked flawlessly during my tests, ensuring stable internet and device connections. However, some might find the absence of USB-C ports a downside, especially as more devices shift to this standard.

Weaknesses

• The screen resolution of 1366 x 768 feels dated compared to other laptops in this range.
• No backlit keyboard, which can be frustrating for night owls or dimly lit environments.
• Lacking USB-C ports, which are becoming increasingly essential.

Audio and Visual Experience

The Dolby Audio stereo speakers do a decent job for casual listening. Whether it’s a podcast, a YouTube video, or a Netflix binge session, the audio is clear and loud enough for personal use. Don’t expect room-filling sound, though. The speakers lack the depth and bass that make audio pop, but for a laptop in this category, the performance is acceptable.

The built-in HD webcam is a mixed bag. It’ll get you through virtual meetings or online classes, but the 720p resolution leaves room for improvement. If you’re someone who needs impeccable video quality, you might want to invest in an external webcam.

Competing Products

Compared to products like the HP Pavilion 15 or Dell Inspiron 15, this Lenovo laptop holds its ground in several areas. The touchscreen is a feature you won’t find on many competitors at this price point, and the SSD storage is faster than the HDD alternatives often found in similar models. However, the screen resolution and lack of a backlit keyboard lag behind the competition. The HP Pavilion, for instance, offers a Full HD display and a sleeker design, while the Dell Inspiron boasts better audio quality and USB-C support.

Where the Lenovo excels is in its price-to-performance ratio, offering reliable everyday performance without breaking the bank.

Price to Quality Ratio

When evaluating the cost-efficiency of this laptop, it’s clear that you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck. The SSD storage, touchscreen functionality, and lightweight design make it a fantastic choice for students, remote workers, or anyone needing a reliable laptop for everyday tasks. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, it strikes a balance between affordability and performance that’s hard to beat. If features like USB-C connectivity or Full HD resolution aren’t deal-breakers for you, this device offers great value for the price.

Who Is This Laptop For?

This laptop is ideal for anyone seeking an affordable, reliable machine for basic to moderate use. Students, remote workers, and casual users will appreciate its balance of features, especially the touchscreen, SSD storage, and decent multitasking capabilities. Gamers and professionals in need of high-end graphics or processing power, however, might want to look elsewhere.

Areas for Improvement

• Upgrading to a Full HD display would elevate the viewing experience significantly.
• Adding a backlit keyboard would make it more versatile for all-day use.
• Inclusion of USB-C ports would future-proof its connectivity options.

With its blend of modern features and practical design, this laptop has plenty to offer. While it’s not without its flaws, the Lenovo 2022 Ideapad 3 manages to deliver a well-rounded package for its target audience. It’s a reliable choice for everyday computing tasks, provided you’re aware of its limitations.

Additional information