Looking for a budget laptop? The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i might seem like a good option at first glance, but it falls short in some key areas. Here’s a breakdown of the good and the bad to help you decide.
Pros and Cons of Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 15IRU9
Pros:
- Affordable price (starts at $474)
- Cool thermals (doesn’t get too hot)
- Plenty of ports (including USB-C and HDMI)
- Large 15.6-inch display
Cons:
- Poor battery life (only lasts about 6 hours)
- Dim and dull display
- Unsatisfying keyboard with short travel
- Below average performance
- Low-quality 720p webcam
Design & Build
The IdeaPad Slim 3i comes in a refreshing Abyss Blue color, which is a nice change from the usual black or silver laptops. It’s a bit on the bulky side compared to some 14-inch competitors, but it’s still fairly portable.
Display
The 15.6-inch display is large, but the quality is disappointing. It’s not very bright, and the colors look washed out. This isn’t a good choice for watching movies or editing photos.
Keyboard & Touchpad
The keyboard has short key travel, which makes typing feel mushy and unsatisfying. The touchpad is standard plastic and works fine, but it’s not the smoothest.
Performance
The IdeaPad Slim 3i is equipped with an Intel Core processor, which is enough for basic tasks like browsing the web and checking email. However, it won’t handle demanding tasks like video editing or gaming well.
Battery Life
This is a major downside of the IdeaPad Slim 3i. The battery only lasts around 6 hours on a single charge, which is much shorter than the average laptop. This means you’ll be tethered to an outlet most of the time.
Other Features
The IdeaPad Slim 3i comes with a variety of ports, including USB-C, HDMI, and an SD card reader. It also has a built-in webcam, but the quality is poor.
Software
The laptop comes with Windows 11 and some pre-loaded Lenovo software.
Warranty
The IdeaPad Slim 3i comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Should You Buy It?
In short, no. There are better options available for the price. If you can spend a little more, the Acer Swift Go 14 (2024) offers a brighter display, longer battery life, and better performance for around $100 more.
Here’s a table to compare the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i with the Acer Swift Go 14 (2024):
| Feature | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i | Acer Swift Go 14 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (starting) | $474 | $574 |
| Display size | 15.6 inches | 14 inches |
| Display resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Processor | Intel Core | Intel Core |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB SSD – 1TB SSD | 256GB SSD – 1TB SSD |
| Battery life | 6 hours | 8.25 hours |
| Weight | 3.5 pounds | 3.1 pounds |
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