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Lenovo's Budget Laptop: Is $429 a Steal?
24 Nov
Summary
- Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i offers an aluminum chassis and 1TB SSD for under $500.
- The laptop features an Intel Core 5 210H CPU, considered older and less efficient.
- Performance is solid for daily tasks, but graphics capabilities are very limited.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i presents a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers, frequently priced below $500. Its construction features an aluminum chassis, which is uncommon at this price point, alongside a substantial 1TB SSD and 16GB of RAM, offering great value for everyday computing needs.
The laptop is powered by an Intel Core 5 210H processor. This chip, based on older Raptor Lake architecture, is noted for higher power consumption and heat generation. It lacks an NPU for AI tasks and possesses weak integrated graphics, making it unsuitable for gaming or graphically intensive applications.
While the display is adequate and the keyboard functional, the speakers are described as flat. The 1080p webcam offers some improvement over lower-resolution models, but its image quality is unremarkable. Connectivity includes a decent array of ports, though not the latest standards. Battery life is moderate, likely not lasting a full workday without recharging.
