Updated July 2021
Written by
Andrew Hard
contents
Buying guide for the best Lenovo laptops
Important Considerations
battery life
features
Lenovo laptop prices
tips
FAQ
Buying guide for
The best Lenovo laptops
Lenovo is one of the biggest names in consumer tech with an extensive portfolio that includes laptops, desktops, tablets and even smartphones. The brand's laptops are some of the most popular out there, whether you're a student, professional, Are you a home user or a gamer, there is an option for you.
Lenovo machines are all about increasing productivity. They feature intuitive design, reliable components and excellent battery life, making them highly efficient for the modern world. Your laptop catalog can be divided into five main categories.
idea pads
are everyday, mainstream computers that offer exceptional value for money. Many of these machines are focused on specific tasks rather than all-in-one performance, with models for multimedia, education, and pretty much everything in between.
legion
Laptops are also heavily focused and tailored for gamers on the go.
ThinkPads
, in contrast, are high-end machines with robust and well-rounded features, with more impressive performance figures than their higher-end counterparts.
Want to learn more about Lenovo products and features? Continue to our comprehensive buyer's guide to learn more.
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Important Considerations
Most Lenovo products run on Windows (some support Linux), so you don't have to worry as much when choosing an operating system. With that in mind, here are the other main considerations to consider when shopping.
screen size
The size and resolution of your screen should always be at the top of your list of priorities. Note that this differs from the screen style (standard, touchscreen, convertible) which is determined by the main categories listed in the introduction.
Lenovo laptop screens generally range from 11" to 15.6" (measured diagonally), however you can find outliers at both ends of the spectrum. Larger screens are obviously better for visibility, but they can compromise portability if you are constantly on the go.
Resolution is how sharp the display itself is. 1366 x 768 HD resolution is standard on business laptops, but 1920 x 1080 Full HD is also available. At the top of the range you'll find select models with a wide quad -High definition resolution of 2560 x 1700 that falls between Full HD and true 4K clarity. Other factors affecting screen quality are anti-glare coatings and LED backlighting.
processor
No matter what you call your processor—CPU, main processor, or just the brain—it's important to remember how fast a computer can run programs and execute instructions. A processor's speed is measured in GHz. The more GHz, the more processes it can run at the same time.
Lenovo laptops use either Intel or AMD processors, and both brands bring something different to the table. Intel processors offer impressive speed, performance, and graphics performance, but they can be more expensive than their AMD counterparts. AMDs are generally better for budget-conscious buyers or those who appreciate flexibility options like processor overclocking, meaning the ability to run faster than originally certified. However, in terms of raw performance, it's hard to beat an Intel.
Storage
Random access memory, or RAM, is almost as important to a computer's speed as the processor itself. In layman's terms, RAM is "working memory" for active programs, and the amount available determines how much data the machine can load at once. Multitasking running multiple programs requires more memory, while word processing and light web surfing require much less.
There's a wide range of RAM available, from 2GB to 16GB or more. We recommend models with at least 4GB of RAM for light multitasking, but more is always better if you can afford it.
storage
Laptops are meant to be portable, so by their very nature they tend to have less internal storage than
desktop
However, they still have plenty of room to store photos, music, games, and other files. Lenovo laptops use either hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state drives (SSDs), or a mix of the two, known as a hybrid drive. SSDs feature Flash storage with no moving parts - making them slightly faster than a traditional hard drive - but they're also more expensive.
Depending on your typical workload, you may not need 1TB of internal storage, and buying a unit with less can save you money. Either way, remember that you can always add more storage later
external hard drive
.
battery life
This is a bit obvious, but battery life is essential for a computer that moves often. Lenovo's batteries do very well in this regard, but battery life can vary widely from device to device, with some offering 4 to 6 hours of performance , while others flaunt 9 to 12 hours. Check product reviews and user ratings thoroughly to make your decision.
features
Below are some general characteristics that further distinguish Lenovo laptops.
touch screen
As mentioned above, Lenovo laptops come in a variety of flavors. Some models look like classic notebooks, but others - like the Miix, Flex, and Yoga products - exist within the IdeaPad and ThinkPad lines to create a mix of laptop and tablet technology. For example, Miix laptops have a touch screen
tablet
with detachable keyboard.Yoga models also offer 2-in-1 designs, but with a trick hinge that allows you to rotate the screen all the way around.These touchscreens offer ultra-fast and intuitive computer system navigation, support handwriting and drawing apps , offer pinch-to-zoom technology and are ideal for business presentations.
Advanced security
Lenovo computers are popular with business professionals, and one reason is the brand's commitment to security. Alongside standard security options like firewalls and protected user IDs, Lenovo offers additional features like fingerprint scanners for added security. Select ThinkPad models include Privacy Guard, the Infrared cameras are used to display an alert when someone walks behind you to take a look at your screen. The Basic Input Output System (BIOS) goes one step further. Recent BIOS versions support a secure wipe feature that enables your SSD securely erases when prompted. It also allows the user to revert to a protected Time Machine-style backup in the event of cyberattacks.
input ports
Laptops are designed to work 100 percent without peripherals, which is why the keyboard, trackpad, display, and speakers are integrated
mice
,
supervised
, and
audio devices
however, greatly expand a laptop's capabilities, and while some brands have switched to dongles, a set of onboard ports is still the best way to connect peripherals.
HDMI, USB, Ethernet, DC-in and Thunderbolt ports are must-haves when looking to refine your portable computing setup. So study the product descriptions and choose wisely.
Lenovo laptop prices
Lenovo laptop price ranges are generally determined by product range, but there are variations within each category.
Inexpensive:
The cheapest Lenovo computers can be found in the classic laptop and IdeaPad ranges, which start at around
$200
and go to about
$500
.Classic laptops and IdeaPads are traditional laptops with screens from 11" to 15.6" wide.
middle class:
Of
$500 to $1,000
, you'll find high-end IdeaPads as well as entry-level ThinkPad and Legion gaming units equipped with Nvidia GTX graphics cards and screen sizes up to 17 inches.
Expensive:
at
$1,000 and up
are the flagship models ThinkPad and Legion with powerful processors, graphics cards and security systems as well as the largest screen sizes.
tips
Gaming laptops are pretty powerful right out of the box. Nonetheless, we still recommend getting a new one
Mouse
for improved coordination, studio
headphones
for improved awareness and an external
monitor
for the best optics.
Backing up your files is important no matter what computer you have. You can do this wirelessly via the cloud, but have a physical backup on one
external hard drive
is never a bad idea.
Heat is a laptop's worst enemy. Many computers have built-in cooling fans, but for more efficient thermal management, consider the following:
cooling pad
.Also make sure your laptop vents are not blocked by pillows, blankets or other objects.
FAQ
Q. Are Lenovos safe from viruses?A.
No computer is completely secure, but you can protect your computer and your data by installing web browsers that warn you about risky websites and using virus-scanning software.
Q. Are Lenovo laptops good for gaming?A.
Not every laptop is powerful enough for gaming, but Lenovo offers several devices that are more than up to the task. Legion laptops are designed with gamers in mind, but you'll also find suitable options in the IdeaPad and ThinkPad lines.
Q. How do I choose between a traditional laptop, a tablet, or a combination?A.
Laptops generally have more powerful processors, more RAM, more storage, and more features than tablets and combos. However, they are less portable and flexible, and cost more on average. Lenovo's 2-in-1 combos share the difference and offer a unique one Compromise. Depending on your workload and computing goals, they may be just what you need.
