I normally don't do reviews but, if you're like me you also scoured the internet and found nothing on this laptop based on the model number provide or the pictures. There's conflicting information from the representative and the photos/specs provided so this is the specs as it sits in my hands.
Specs:
All plastic shell
IdeaPad 3 14ADA05 81W0003QUS
Ryzen 5 3500u
3 USB-A ports, 1 USB 2.0 and 2 USB 3.0, there is no USB-C on this device. Do not use the answer from the representative as correct on this one. I even asked a more clarifying question and was told there is a USB-C, but you cannot charge over it.
The screen is a 1920x1080 TN panel, no touch screen
256GB NVME drive - no spinning HDD, so disregard the section that says 7200rpm on the description page
8gb of DDR4 ram at 2400mhz
3 cell battery - seems okay power saving options gives it roughly 8hrs depending on what you're doing and your tolerable screen brightness (but your mileage may vary)
There is no back lit keyboard. The keys feel textured and not smooth like some other laptops which, personally I prefer it.
Review:
This appears to be Lenovo's answer to the mid-grade $400-$600 laptop shortage. If I had to guess it seems like this is in the chaise of the S145 with a 3500u APU.
Compared to my wife's Lenovo IdeaPad FLEX-14API with the same processor, ram, and SSD - performance wise it matches, but that's not the end of it. Her computer has what feels to be an all metal design, the ability to flip into a tablet, backlit keyboard, touchscreen, and a much better IPS display (still 1920x1080) with better viewing angles. We purchased this for her last July, 2019 and the difference of final price was ~$75 higher. At the time of writing this the same laptop goes for $750 on Amazon for the "New" model and $699 for a used model.
Conclusion:
If you need a sub $500 laptop right now, this is a solid purchase as long as you know what you're getting. If on the other hand you have the luxury of waiting a few months I would wait.
If the prices/stock stabilize you can get much more bang for your buck for nearly the same amount of money. More laptops with the Ryzen 5 4500u is going to be coming out over the summer with 20% more power and it's suppose to come in at a similar price point. Even if they come at a higher price point it will drive the price of the 3500u down.
| Standing screen display size | 14 Inches |
|---|---|
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Pixels |
| Processor | 2.1 GHz ryzen_5 |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
| Hard Drive | 256 GB Flash Memory Solid State |
| Graphics Coprocessor | AMD Integrated Graphics |
| Chipset Brand | AMD |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Wireless Type | 802.11ac |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
