For the past few weeks, I’ve been putting the Lenovo Ideapad 3 (82RK00GJAK) through its paces. This 15.6-inch laptop boasts a compelling specification sheet, promising a blend of performance and affordability. This review aims to delve into the details, exploring its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right machine for you.

The initial impression was positive. The sleek grey design, coupled with the narrow bezels, gives it a modern aesthetic that surpasses its price point. The build quality feels surprisingly sturdy, exceeding expectations for a budget-friendly laptop.

The Ideapad 3 is equipped with a solid set of features. The 15.6-inch Full HD display provides crisp visuals, perfect for everyday tasks and media consumption. The anti-glare coating ensures comfortable viewing even in brightly lit environments. The Intel Core i5-1235U processor, combined with 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, provides a responsive and snappy user experience. Multitasking is smooth, and application loading times are impressively fast. The inclusion of Intel Iris Xe Graphics handles casual gaming and video editing surprisingly well.

The keyboard is comfortable for extended typing sessions, and the trackpad is responsive and accurate. The physical webcam shutter is a welcome addition for privacy-conscious users. The battery life consistently exceeded my expectations, lasting around 8-9 hours on a single charge under moderate use, making it suitable for a full day of work or study.

In real-world usage, the Ideapad 3 performed exceptionally well. I used it for tasks ranging from web browsing and document editing to video streaming and light photo editing. The system consistently handled these tasks with ease. I even tried some light gaming, and the Intel Iris Xe Graphics managed to run several titles at acceptable frame rates at lower settings. While not a gaming powerhouse, it’s more than capable for casual gamers.

The 512GB SSD provides ample storage for applications and files, and the responsiveness is excellent. The 16GB of RAM is another key strength, allowing for smooth multitasking without significant slowdown.

Pros:

• Excellent value for money
• Impressive performance for the price
• Long battery life
• Nice display with anti-glare coating
• Comfortable keyboard and responsive trackpad
• Physical webcam shutter

Cons:

• Speakers could be louder and clearer
• Limited port selection
• Not suitable for heavy gaming or demanding applications

Overall, the Lenovo Ideapad 3 (82RK00GJAK) is a fantastic laptop, especially considering its price. The performance is exceptional for everyday tasks, the battery life is impressive, and the build quality is solid. While it has some minor drawbacks like average speakers, it significantly outweighs its weaknesses with its strengths. If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable laptop for everyday use, I wholeheartedly recommend the Lenovo Ideapad 3.