When you hear "budget laptop," you probably don’t expect 24GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. Yet Lenovo’s IdeaPad 1i defies expectations by packing workstation-level specs into an affordable, touch-enabled chassis. After testing this machine for two weeks, I’m both impressed and conflicted—let’s unpack why.
First Impressions: Plastic, But Purposeful
The IdeaPad 1i won’t win design awards. Its plastic shell feels lightweight (just 2.95 lbs) but slightly creaky under pressure. The "Abyss Blue" finish hides fingerprints well, though, and the 14-inch form factor slips easily into backpacks. Ports are minimal: 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C, HDMI, and a headphone jack. Manageable, but creative pros might crave more.
The Star: That FHD Touchscreen
The 14-inch FHD (1920x1080) touch display is this laptop’s surprise hero. Colors pop at 250 nits brightness—ideal for indoor use—and the anti-glare coating minimizes reflections. Touch responsiveness is snappy; scrolling through websites or sketching in OneNote feels natural. For under $600, this panel outperforms rivals like the HP 15s.
Fun fact: While budget touchscreens often suffer lag, Lenovo clearly optimized the digitizer here. If you’re exploring premium alternatives, our review of the Dell XPS 13’s OLED touchscreen offers a fascinating contrast in display tech.
Performance: Overkill or Overachiever?
Here’s where things get wild. The Intel N-series processor (N100 or N200) is an entry-level chip designed for web browsing and light apps. Pairing it with 24GB RAM and 1TB NVMe SSD feels like strapping a jet engine to a bicycle.
- Multitasking? Flawless. I ran 25 Chrome tabs, Slack, Spotify, and LibreOffice simultaneously with zero lag.
- Storage? Blazing. The SSD boots Windows 11 in 8 seconds and transfers files at 500MB/s.
- Heavy workloads? Not so much. Video editing or gaming (even Minecraft) stuttered due to the weak CPU and lack of dedicated GPU.
This configuration is bizarrely mismatched. The RAM/SSD combo suggests content creation, but the processor says "email machine." Students or office workers will adore the speed for daily tasks, but creators should look elsewhere.
Keyboard, Trackpad & Audio
- Keyboard: Shallow key travel but quiet typing. Fine for essays, less so for novels.
- Trackpad: Small and occasionally jumpy. Use a mouse for precision work.
- Audio: Down-firing speakers get loud but lack bass. Headphones recommended.
Battery Life: The Trade-Off
Expect 7–8 hours of mixed use (browsing, video). Push the RAM hard, and that drops to 5.5. The 45Wh battery is adequate but not exceptional—charge nightly.
Who’s This For?
Buy if:
- You need future-proof RAM for browser-based work
- Want touch functionality on a tight budget
- Prioritize storage speed over processing muscle
Avoid if:
- You edit video/run creative software
- Need premium build quality
- Crave all-day battery life
The Verdict
The IdeaPad 1i is a fascinating paradox. Its 24GB RAM/1TB SSD duo delivers unprecedented value for multitaskers, while the vibrant touchscreen punches above its price. Yet the anemic CPU prevents it from being a true powerhouse. If your workflow is browser-based and storage-hungry, this laptop is a steal. Just temper expectations for heavy lifting.
Ready to experience this spec-sheet anomaly?
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*Note: For those seeking premium build and performance, compare this with higher-tier options like the Dell XPS 13. While pricier, they offer balanced power for demanding users.*
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