Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15IAU7 (82QD00CMAX) Review: Budget-Friendly Performance
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15IAU7 (82QD00CMAX) Review: Budget-Friendly Performance
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15IAU7 (82QD00CMAX) is a budget-friendly laptop aimed at students and everyday users who need a reliable device for basic tasks. It boasts a 15.6-inch FHD display, Intel Core i7-1255U processor, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and Intel Iris Xe Graphics. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into its features, performance, and overall value proposition.
Features
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15IAU7 comes equipped with a range of features, including:
- 15.6-inch FHD TN display with 220 nits brightness
- Intel Core i7-1255U processor
- 8GB soldered DDR4-3200 RAM, expandable to 16GB
- 512GB M.2 2242 PCIe® 4.0×4 NVMe® SSD
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Non-backlit ENG-ARAB keyboard
- HD 720p camera with privacy shutter
- Windows 11 Home (Arabic / English)
- 1x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C® 3.2 Gen 1, 1x HDMI® 1.4b, 1x headphone/microphone combo jack
- SD card reader
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi 2×2 + Bluetooth 5.1
- Integrated 42Wh battery
- 65W round tip power adapter
- Cloud Grey color option
- Firmware TPM 2.0 enabled for enhanced security
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i7-1255U, 10C (2P + 8E) / 12T, P-core 1.7 / 4.7GHz, E-core 1.2 / 3.5GHz, 12MB |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics Functions as UHD Graphics |
| Chipset | Intel® SoC Platform |
| Memory | 8GB Soldered DDR4-3200 |
| Memory Slots | One memory soldered to systemboard, one DDR4 SO-DIMM slot, dual-channel capable |
| Max Memory | Up to 16GB (8GB soldered + 8GB SO-DIMM) DDR4-3200 offering |
| Storage | 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe® 4.0×4 NVMe® |
| Storage Support | One drive, up to 1TB M.2 2242 SSD or 512GB M.2 2280 SSD |
| Storage Slot | One M.2 2280 PCIe® 4.0 x4 slot |
| Card Reader | SD Card Reader |
| Optical | None |
| Audio Chip | High Definition (HD) Audio |
| Speakers | Stereo speakers, 1.5W x2, Dolby Audio™ |
| Camera | HD 720p with Privacy Shutter |
| Microphone | 2x, Array |
| Battery | Integrated 42Wh |
| Power Adapter | 65W Round Tip (3-pin) |
| Display | 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) TN 220nits Anti-glare |
| Touchscreen | None |
| Keyboard | Non-backlit, Arabic |
| Touchpad | Buttonless Mylar® surface multi-touch touchpad, supports Precision TouchPad (PTP), 69 x 104 mm (2.72 x 4.09 inches) |
| Case Color | Cloud Grey |
| Surface Treatment | IMR (In-Mold Decoration by Roller) |
| Case Material | PC-ABS (Top), PC-ABS (Bottom) |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 360.2 x 236 x 17.9 mm (14.18 x 9.29 x 0.70 inches) |
| Weight | Starting at 1.63 kg (3.59 lbs) |
| Operating System | Windows® 11 Home, Arabic / English |
| Bundled Software | Office Trial |
| Ethernet | No Onboard Ethernet |
| WLAN + Bluetooth | 11ac 2×2 + BT5.1 |
| Standard Ports | 1x USB 2.01x USB 3.2 Gen 11x USB-C® 3.2 Gen 1 (support data transfer only)1x HDMI® 1.4b1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm)1x Card reader1x Power connector |
| Security Chip | Firmware TPM 2.0 Enabled |
| Fingerprint Reader | None |
| Other Security | Camera privacy shutter |
| Bundled Accessories | None |
| Green Certifications | ENERGY STAR® 8.0ErP Lot 3RoHS compliant |
Performance
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15IAU7 delivers solid performance for everyday tasks. The Intel Core i7-1255U processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM, handles web browsing, document editing, and light multitasking smoothly. You can expect a responsive experience with minimal lag. While the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics is capable of basic gaming, don’t expect to run demanding titles at high settings. For more demanding tasks, consider upgrading the RAM to 16GB.
The 512GB SSD provides ample storage space for your files and applications, and the fast NVMe interface ensures quick boot times and application load speeds. The FHD TN display offers adequate clarity for everyday use, although it may not be as vibrant or color-accurate as IPS panels. The TN panel also suffers from limited viewing angles.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15IAU7’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Solid performance for everyday tasks
- Adequate storage space with fast SSD
- Good keyboard with comfortable typing experience
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Lightweight and portable design
- Includes a privacy shutter for the webcam
Cons:
- TN display with limited viewing angles and less vibrant colors
- Non-backlit keyboard can be difficult to use in low-light conditions
- Not suitable for demanding tasks or gaming
- Limited port selection
Final Verdict
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15IAU7 (82QD00CMAX) is a budget-friendly laptop that provides decent performance for everyday tasks. It’s an excellent choice for students or users who need a reliable device for web browsing, document editing, and light multitasking. If you’re looking for a more powerful laptop or one with a higher quality display, you might want to consider other options. Overall, it’s a solid value proposition for budget-conscious consumers.
