Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 review
The Lenovo Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 ranks as the #769 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 63. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #415-ranked connectivity among 532 laptops. Consider the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 or Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 is an ultra-portable laptop that packs a punch. With its sleek design, thin and light build, and impressive performance, it's hard to resist its charm. The Intel Core i5 processor paired with the NVIDIA MX350 GPU handle everyday tasks with ease, making it perfect for students or professionals on-the-go. While it may not be ideal for intense gaming, casual gaming is possible with low settings in 1080p. Battery life is decent, and at around $700, it's a great value for its price. Overall, the IdeaPad Slim 7 is definitely worth considering for those seeking portability and performance without breaking the bank.
Build
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7's build quality is impressive, with an all-metal chassis that feels premium. Weighing in at just over three pounds, this laptop is incredibly portable and comfortable to carry. The slate gray finish looks sleek and modern, and the 180-degree hinge provides smooth motion. Unfortunately, the 8GB of RAM is soldered to the motherboard, limiting future upgrades. Despite this, the build quality seems excellent, with a sturdy feel that suggests long-term durability. Overall, the IdeaPad Slim 7's build makes it an attractive option for those seeking a lightweight laptop. Get your hands on Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 if you're looking for better build.
Display
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 features a 14-inch 1920x1080 IPS display that is decently bright and color-accurate. It covers 100% sRGB and measures in at around 300 nits of brightness, but the glossy finish does lead to noticeable reflections. Text clarity and image quality are very good on the screen, with reasonably slim bezels. A 720p webcam is integrated into the top of the display, suitable for Microsoft Teams, Google Meets, and Zoom calls. Overall, the display is a solid offering, although it may not stand out from other laptops in its class. Consider discovering the power of Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 1, featuring the latest advancements in display.
Performance
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 delivers impressive performance considering its compact size. The Intel Core i5 processor paired with the NVIDIA GeForce MX350 provides smooth execution for everyday tasks such as browsing, typing, and watching videos. It can also handle basic photo editing and video playback. Gaming capabilities are decent, but optimal results require low settings in 1080p resolution. Performance is further enhanced by the laptop's ability to connect an external GPU via Thunderbolt 3, allowing users to maximize power when needed. Overall, the Slim 7 offers a good balance of performance and portability at an affordable price point. You might prefer Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i, designed with an upgraded performance for a better experience.
Battery and Charging
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 boasts good battery life, competing with similarly priced machines in its form factor. In normal use, I achieved around 8 hours with the display set between 80-100 brightness. However, if you reduce the brightness, you can easily squeeze 10 hours out of this battery, especially if you're not taxing the GPU. Overall, the battery life is satisfactory, making it a reliable choice for daily use and travel.
Connectivity
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 boasts a well-rounded port selection, featuring a USB-C port, HDMI port, Thunderbolt 3 port (note: USB-C on Ryzen models), headphone/microphone combo jack, two USB type-A ports, and a micro SD card reader. This versatility makes it easy to connect peripherals and transfer files. A better alternative might be Lenovo Yoga Slim 7, featuring a next-level connectivity.
Features
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 boasts an impressive feature set. It comes with an Intel Core i5 processor, NVIDIA GeForce MX350 GPU, 8GB RAM (soldered to the motherboard), and 512GB NVMe storage. The laptop also features a 14-inch 1920x1080 IPS display, decently bright with 300 nits of brightness and 100% sRGB coverage, and a comfortable all-metal chassis weighing just over 3 pounds. You may find Lenovo V14 Gen 3 a better fit, thanks to its superior features.
Support and Maintenance
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 offers reliable support and maintenance features. The laptop has a soldered RAM, which may limit future upgrades. However, the NVMe storage is plenty for most users. The battery life is good, with around 8 hours of use at moderate brightness levels. Thermal throttling concerns exist for intense tasks.
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