Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook review
The Lenovo Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook ranks as the #803 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 60. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #538-ranked connectivity among 504 laptops. Consider the HP 17 or Dell Inspiron 15 3510, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook is an entry-level option with a Mediatek processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage. Its battery life is impressive, lasting up to 13 hours, making it ideal for casual users. The keyboard offers a reassuring typing experience, while the trackpad feels smooth. However, the TN HD screen has limited color accuracy and viewing angles. It's available at an affordable price point, making it worth considering for those prioritizing battery life over top-notch display quality. Overall, this Chromebook is a solid choice for light browsing, schoolwork, or casual gaming.
Build
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook boasts a sturdy build for an entry-level model. The full plastic construction feels solid and well-constructed, with a part-textured lid that adds visual interest. Weighing around 1.3 kg, it's also relatively lightweight. The rounded corners and smooth finish contribute to its premium feel. The Abyss blue color effectively hides minor marks on the lid, making it a great option for those who want a clean appearance without sacrificing functionality. Overall, the build quality is impressive considering the price point. Consider discovering the power of Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 4, featuring the latest advancements in build.
Display
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook features a 14-inch screen with varying options depending on the region. The most common choice is a full HD TN display with 250 nits of brightness, offering about 65% coverage of the sRGB color space. This results in less vivid colors and poorer viewing angles compared to an IPS screen. A third option provides an IPS touchscreen with 300 nits of brightness and 100% sRGB coverage, but it's not available in the UK and limited to one model in the US. You might prefer Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 4, designed with an upgraded display for a better experience.
Performance
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook delivers solid performance for casual users. Powered by the Mediatek MT8183 processor, it handles light Android gaming and general browsing with ease. The 8GB RAM and 128GB storage provide ample power for everyday tasks. While not ideal for resource-intensive activities, this Chromebook is well-suited for students, light users, or those who value battery life over high-end specs. Overall, its performance is satisfactory, making it a great option for those seeking an entry-level Chromebook that won't break the bank. For a superior performance, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 1 could be the right choice.
Battery and Charging
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook boasts impressive battery life, rated at 13 hours and 12 minutes by Google's power load test. With light use, I easily made it into a second day before needing to charge. The 47Wh battery is decently sized, and the low-power DDR4 RAM helps conserve energy. Charging is relatively quick, taking about 2-3 hours to fully replenish from empty. A single USB-C port handles power, data, and display output, making it convenient for travel or daily use.
Connectivity
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook boasts modern connectivity options. It features Wi-Fi 6 for seamless internet browsing and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless device pairing. The Chromebook also has a USB-C 3.2 port, a full-size USB-A 3.2 port, a headset audio jack, and a Micro SD card slot. However, it's worth noting that this model only supports one monitor as an extended display. You may find Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 a better fit, thanks to its superior connectivity.
Features
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook boasts an Mediatek MT8186 processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage. It features a 14-in clamshell design with up to three display options: TN HD, full HD TN, or IPS touchscreen. Battery life is rated at 13 hours+. If you’re after a better features, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 1 could be the ideal option.
Support and Maintenance
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook boasts impressive battery life, with up to 13 hours of use, thanks to the Mediatek MT8183 processor. This Chromebook also receives Google's Chrome OS updates until June 2033, ensuring a long support period. Additionally, maintenance is minimal due to its fanless design and low power consumption, making it an attractive option for those seeking reliability.
Pros
1. The keyboard is a strong point of this Chromebook, with Lenova really nailing a reassuring typing experience.
2. Battery life is certainly one of the strongest points of this Slim 3 Chromebook, with Google's power load test rating it at up to 13 hours and 12 minutes.
3. The build quality is good and feels solid for an entry-level Chromebook, especially considering its relatively light weight of around 1.3 kg.
4. Performance for some light Android gaming like Real Racing 3 was fine, and for General browsing and the odd Android app I didn't find any problems for casual users.
5. The speakers are positioned well on the keyboard deck, giving them the best position to fire sound up at you, which is certainly a plus on an entry-level Chromebook.
Cons
1. The screen options can be confusing and may vary depending on your region, with up to three options available for the 14-inch display.
2. The TN HD 1366 x 768 display is not recommended as it's not great for media consumption due to its lower color accuracy and viewing angles compared to IPS screens.
3. There are some variations in spec that you need to watch out for, such as differences in RAM (4GB or 8GB) and storage (64GB or 128GB).
4. The keyboard has a shallow travel which might take some getting used to, although it still provides nice feedback.
5. For media consumption, the TN screen may not be ideal, with less vivid colors and poorer viewing angles compared to IPS screens.
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