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amazon Lenovo IdeaPad 320S reviews
Fully equipped with the essentials of a modern laptop like a metallic shell, neat styling, especially the ultra-thin bezel, the Lenovo IdeaPad 320S makes anyone admire the design. This 13-inch laptop has refined cut lines, like high-end products, despite the low price.
The yellow version of champagne covers the whole of the shell to the palm rest. Lenovo’s mobility is particularly important when the body is slim, weighing just 1.2kg, thickness of only 16.9mm so the 320S can fit neatly in any bag, convenient to move.
Slightly light, but the IdeaPad 320S is still equipped with the necessary connections. It has two traditional USB Type A ports (one USB 3.0 high speed USB 3.0 port), one HDMI port to output images to the big screen, and notably USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type C. The Type C port on the machine only supports data transfer, but not allow charging or output images, sound. Memory card readers only support microSD cards, not SD cards.
Keeping up with the thin bezel trend on next-generation laptops, the Lenovo equips the IdeaPad 320S with a spill-over screen with a spill-over edge. Not only does the machine look more elegant and fashionable, the display area becomes more open and spacious. The content is very eye-catching with the usual tasks such as browsing the web, writing text and more impressive at the movies or play some suitable games.
Full HD resolution on a 13-inch screen ensures details are displayed. IPS panels provide accurate color, good viewing angles in different lighting conditions. Also worth noting is the 320S’s screen can be opened up to 180 degrees, a rare equipment in the segment, easy to bring the optimal viewing angle and extremely convenient for presentations, group work to share ideas with colleagues.
In terms of listening, the dual speaker system incorporates Dolby Audio technology with a power of 1.5W per speaker for loud and clear sound at maximum volume. Automatically optimizes for specific situations such as video call, video, music.
Lightweight laptops often sacrifice performance for mobility, but the IdeaPad 320S does not, so it runs on the current 8-Core Intel Core processor for i5-8250U, 4GB of RAM. DDR4 and 256GB SSD, the Intel UHD Graphics 620 graphics are capable of satisfying everything from basic to graphical, entertainment and heat dissipation. Also, long battery life can last up to 8 hours continuously after a full charge.
The good point is that Lenovo uses the same PCIe NVMe SSD, which is three times faster than conventional SATA SSDs. It also comes pre-loaded with Windows 10 Home, which promises no bloatware, ensuring smoother performance.
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Lenovo 320S Business Laptop PC 14″ LED-Backlit Display Intel i5-7200U Processor 8GB DDR4 RAM 256GB SSD Dolby Audio HDMI 802.11ac Webcam Bluetooth 3.7 lbs Windows 10-Silver: Buy it now
Lenovo Laptop Ideapad 320S 15.6-Inch (Intel Core i5-8250U, 8 GB DDR4, 1TB HDD, Windows 10 Home), 81BQ000EUS: Buy it now
Lenovo Ideapad 320S 15.6-Inch Laptop (Intel Core i7, 8 GB DDR4, 1TB HDD, Windows 10 Home), 80X50002US: Buy it now
Lenovo IdeaPad 320 15.6-Inch Laptop, (Intel Core i3 4 GB RAM 1TB HDD Windows 10) 80XL003HUS: Buy it now
Design and Build Quality
The Lenovo IdeaPad 320S boasts a minimalist design that is both sleek and modern. Its clean lines and simple aesthetic give it a professional look, making it suitable for both students and professionals. The laptop is available in various color options, including Platinum Grey, Snow White, and Coral Red, allowing users to choose a style that suits their personal preference.
Materials and Build
The chassis of the IdeaPad 320S is constructed primarily from plastic, but Lenovo has managed to give it a premium feel with a brushed aluminum finish on the lid. This design choice not only enhances the laptop’s appearance but also adds to its durability. The laptop feels sturdy and well-built, with minimal flex in both the lid and the keyboard deck.
Portability
One of the key selling points of the IdeaPad 320S is its portability. Weighing in at around 3.7 pounds (1.7 kg) and measuring just 0.76 inches (1.94 cm) in thickness, it is relatively lightweight and easy to carry around. This makes it an excellent choice for students who need to move between classes or professionals who travel frequently.
Display
The Lenovo IdeaPad 320S features a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display. The inclusion of an IPS panel ensures wide viewing angles and better color reproduction compared to TN panels, which are common in budget laptops.
Brightness and Color Accuracy
The display has a brightness level of around 250 nits, which is adequate for indoor use but might struggle in bright outdoor environments. The color accuracy is decent for a laptop in this price range, with colors appearing vibrant and true to life. However, it may not be suitable for professional photo or video editing where precise color accuracy is crucial.
Bezels and Screen-to-Body Ratio
The IdeaPad 320S has relatively thin bezels, particularly on the sides, which contribute to a more immersive viewing experience. The thin bezels also help to reduce the overall footprint of the laptop, making it more compact and portable.
Performance
The Lenovo IdeaPad 320S offers a range of configurations to suit different performance needs and budgets. The model we are reviewing is equipped with an Intel Core i5-8250U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. This configuration provides a good balance of performance and efficiency for everyday tasks.
Processor and RAM
The Intel Core i5-8250U is a quad-core processor with a base clock speed of 1.6 GHz and a turbo boost up to 3.4 GHz. It is part of Intel’s 8th generation lineup, which offers improved performance and efficiency compared to previous generations. The 8GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, allowing users to run multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns.
Storage
The 256GB SSD provides fast read and write speeds, resulting in quick boot times and snappy application launches. While 256GB may not be sufficient for users with large media libraries or extensive software installations, it is adequate for most users’ needs. Those requiring more storage can opt for external drives or cloud storage solutions.
Graphics
The IdeaPad 320S comes with integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620. While this is not suitable for heavy gaming or graphics-intensive tasks, it is sufficient for casual gaming, media consumption, and light photo editing. Users looking for better graphical performance should consider a laptop with a dedicated GPU.
Real-World Performance
In real-world usage, the IdeaPad 320S handles everyday tasks with ease. Web browsing, document editing, and media streaming are smooth and responsive. The laptop also performs well in more demanding applications, such as photo editing and light video editing, thanks to the quad-core processor and ample RAM.
Battery Life
Battery life is an essential consideration for any laptop, particularly for users who need to work on the go. The Lenovo IdeaPad 320S is equipped with a 52.5Wh battery, which provides decent battery life for a laptop in this category.
Usage Scenarios
Under typical usage, which includes web browsing, document editing, and media streaming, the laptop can last around 7-8 hours on a single charge. This is sufficient for a full day of work or study without needing to carry a charger. However, more demanding tasks, such as video editing or gaming, will drain the battery more quickly.
Charging
The laptop comes with a standard 65W charger, which can charge the battery from 0 to 100% in about 2 hours. While it does not support fast charging, the charging speed is acceptable for a laptop in this price range.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard and touchpad are crucial components of any laptop, as they directly impact the user experience. The Lenovo IdeaPad 320S delivers a comfortable typing and navigation experience.
Keyboard
The keyboard features a chiclet-style layout with well-spaced keys. The keys have a good amount of travel and tactile feedback, making typing comfortable and accurate. The keyboard is also backlit, with two levels of brightness adjustment, allowing for comfortable typing in low-light conditions.
Touchpad
The touchpad is large and responsive, with support for Windows Precision drivers. This ensures smooth and accurate tracking, as well as support for multi-touch gestures, such as pinch-to-zoom and three-finger swipes. The touchpad surface is smooth and comfortable to use, making navigation a breeze.
Connectivity
The Lenovo IdeaPad 320S offers a decent selection of ports for connectivity, ensuring that users can connect their peripherals and external devices without needing additional adapters.
Ports
- USB 3.0 Ports: The laptop includes two USB 3.0 ports, which provide fast data transfer speeds and are compatible with a wide range of peripherals.
- USB-C Port: There is one USB-C port, which supports data transfer and charging. While it does not support Thunderbolt 3, it is a welcome addition for connecting modern devices.
- HDMI Port: The laptop has a full-sized HDMI port, allowing users to connect external monitors or projectors for presentations or extended displays.
- SD Card Reader: The inclusion of an SD card reader is a plus for photographers and videographers who need to transfer media from their cameras.
- Audio Jack: A 3.5mm audio jack is available for connecting headphones or external speakers.
Wireless Connectivity
The IdeaPad 320S features dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.1 for wireless connectivity. The Wi-Fi performance is reliable, providing fast and stable internet access, while Bluetooth allows for easy connection of wireless peripherals, such as mice and headphones.
Audio
Audio quality is often a secondary consideration in laptops, but the Lenovo IdeaPad 320S manages to deliver decent sound for a laptop in this price range.
Speakers
The laptop is equipped with dual stereo speakers, located on the underside of the device. The audio output is clear and loud enough for media consumption, such as watching movies or listening to music. However, the bass response is limited, which is a common issue with most laptop speakers. For a better audio experience, users can connect external speakers or headphones.
Audio Software
Lenovo includes Dolby Audio software, which allows users to customize the audio settings to their preference. The software provides various presets for different audio scenarios, such as movies, music, and games, enhancing the overall listening experience.
Software
The Lenovo IdeaPad 320S comes with Windows 10 pre-installed, along with some additional Lenovo-branded software.
Pre-Installed Software
- Lenovo Vantage: This software provides a centralized hub for system updates, hardware diagnostics, and device settings. It is a useful tool for managing the laptop and ensuring that it runs smoothly.
- McAfee LiveSafe: A trial version of McAfee LiveSafe antivirus software is included. While it offers good protection, users might prefer to uninstall it and use their preferred antivirus solution.
- Microsoft Office Trial: A trial version of Microsoft Office is pre-installed, allowing users to try out the suite of productivity applications before purchasing a license.
Bloatware
While the pre-installed software can be useful, some users might find it to be bloatware. Fortunately, most of the included applications can be easily uninstalled if not needed.
Competitors
In the same price bracket, the Lenovo IdeaPad 320S faces competition from several other laptops. Notable competitors include the HP Pavilion x360, Dell Inspiron 14 5000, and Acer Swift 3. Each of these laptops offers similar specifications and features, but the IdeaPad 320S stands out with its sleek design, good build quality, and solid performance.
User Experience
The overall user experience with the Lenovo IdeaPad 320S is positive. The combination of its sleek design, good build quality, and competent performance makes it a pleasure to use for a variety of tasks.
Day-to-Day Usage
For everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption, the IdeaPad 320S performs admirably. The laptop boots up quickly, applications launch without delay, and multitasking is smooth. The comfortable keyboard and responsive touchpad further enhance the user experience, making it easy to work for extended periods without discomfort.
Multimedia and Entertainment
The Full HD IPS display and decent speakers make the IdeaPad 320S a good choice for multimedia and entertainment. Watching movies, streaming videos, and browsing photos are enjoyable experiences on this laptop. While the integrated graphics are not suitable for heavy gaming, casual games and less demanding titles run smoothly.
Portability
The lightweight and compact design of the IdeaPad 320S make it an excellent companion for users who need to carry their laptop around. Whether moving between classes, commuting to work, or traveling, the laptop’s portability is a significant advantage. The decent battery life also means that users can work or enjoy multimedia content for several hours without needing to recharge.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sleek and Modern Design: The minimalist design and brushed aluminum finish give the laptop a premium look and feel.
- Good Build Quality: The sturdy construction and solid hinge mechanism ensure durability and reliability.
- Decent Performance: The Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and SSD provide smooth performance for everyday tasks.
- Full HD IPS Display: The display offers vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, enhancing the multimedia experience.
- Comfortable Keyboard and Touchpad: The well-spaced keys and responsive touchpad make typing and navigation comfortable.
- Portability: The lightweight and compact design make it easy to carry the laptop around.
- Reasonable Battery Life: The battery lasts long enough for a full day of work or study under typical usage scenarios.
- Good Value for Money: The laptop offers a good balance of performance and features at an affordable price.
Cons
- Limited Graphics Performance: The integrated graphics are not suitable for heavy gaming or graphics-intensive tasks.
- Moderate Display Brightness: The display brightness is adequate for indoor use but might struggle in bright outdoor environments.
- Pre-Installed Bloatware: Some users may find the pre-installed software unnecessary and prefer to uninstall it.
- Limited Storage Options: The 256GB SSD may not be sufficient for users with large media libraries or extensive software installations.
Conclusion
The Lenovo IdeaPad 320S is a well-rounded laptop that offers a good combination of design, performance, and features at a reasonable price. It is suitable for a wide range of users, including students, professionals, and casual users who need a reliable and capable laptop for everyday tasks. While it may not be the best choice for heavy gaming or professional-grade photo and video editing, it excels in most other areas, making it a great value for money.