Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15 review: $400 is enticing, but you can get better features elsewhere

Lenovo Ideapad 3 15

Lenovo’s IdeaPad series offers a wide range of laptops, from very cheap ones that cost just a little more than $200 to gaming and premium Ultrabooks that cost well over $1,000. The IdeaPad 3 15 (model number 15IML05) that I’m reviewing here is close to the bottom of the price range, aiming for everyday use for anyone who needs a PC for homework or other productivity work at home. I’ve been testing this budget laptop for about a week to find out its pros and cons, and to see if it’s worth your money.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15

Bottom line: In the face of a $400 price tag, the IdeaPad 3 15's shortcomings are easier to ignore. It should prove to be a low-end workhorse around the house for school and office work, but watch out for that HD display, loose touchpad, and aging port selection.

For

• Keyboard has plenty of travel, number pad
• Hard to beat the price
• Clear camera with privacy shutter
• Can upgrade RAM and SSD
• Decent speakers

Against

• Loose, small touchpad
• HD display is dreadful
• No keyboard backlight
• No USB-C or Wi-Fi 6
• Plastic chassis is flexible