Lenovo Ideapad S145

amazon Lenovo Ideapad S145 reviews

The learning and working demands of students are increasingly high. Buying yourself a laptop to meet your needs is really not easy. Below is a review of the Lenovo Ideapad S145-14IIL-81W600AQVN (i3-1005G1) (Black) laptop. Hope to help you choose a product that fits your budget and ensures your needs.

Design and Build Quality

The Lenovo Ideapad S145 features a simple yet elegant design that is characteristic of many budget laptops. The chassis is made of plastic, but it has a smooth, matte finish that gives it a more premium look and feel than you might expect from a budget device. The laptop is available in a few different colors, including a sleek grey that adds a touch of sophistication.

Weighing around 4.08 pounds (1.85 kg) and measuring 0.8 inches in thickness, the Ideapad S145 is relatively lightweight and portable for a 15.6-inch laptop. It can easily be carried in a backpack or laptop bag, making it a convenient choice for students and professionals who need to work on the go.

Despite its plastic construction, the build quality of the Ideapad S145 is decent. There is some flex in the lid and keyboard deck, but it is not excessive and should hold up well under normal use. The hinge mechanism is sturdy, allowing the display to open smoothly and stay securely in place at various angles. Overall, the design and build quality of the Ideapad S145 are appropriate for its price range, offering a good balance between aesthetics and durability.

Display

The Lenovo Ideapad S145 comes with a 15.6-inch display, available in both HD (1366 x 768) and Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolutions. For this review, we will focus on the Full HD model, which is the more desirable option for users seeking better clarity and detail.

The Full HD display offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, providing sharp and clear visuals. The IPS panel ensures wide viewing angles, which is important for maintaining color accuracy and brightness when viewing the screen from different positions. The matte finish on the screen helps to reduce glare and reflections, making it more comfortable to use in brightly lit environments.

With a maximum brightness of around 220 nits, the display is adequate for indoor use but may struggle in direct sunlight or very bright conditions. The color reproduction is decent for general tasks, such as web browsing and video streaming, but it may not be sufficient for professional photo or video editing that requires precise color accuracy.

Overall, the display of the Ideapad S145 is satisfactory for everyday tasks and multimedia consumption. While it may not offer the same level of quality as higher-end laptops, it provides a good viewing experience for its price range.

Performance

The Lenovo Ideapad S145 is available in various configurations, with options for different processors, RAM, and storage. For this review, we will consider a mid-range configuration that includes an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD.

The Intel Core i5 processor provides enough power for most everyday computing tasks, such as web browsing, word processing, and multimedia playback. It is a quad-core processor with a base clock speed of 1.6 GHz, which can boost up to 3.9 GHz when needed. This ensures smooth performance for typical use cases, although more demanding applications, such as video editing or gaming, may push the processor to its limits.

With 8GB of RAM, the Ideapad S145 can handle multitasking with relative ease. Users can run multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns. This amount of RAM is sufficient for most users, although power users or those who need to run memory-intensive applications may benefit from upgrading to 12GB or 16GB.

The 256GB SSD provides fast storage and quick access to files and applications. SSDs are much faster than traditional HDDs, resulting in quicker boot times, faster application launches, and overall better system responsiveness. For users who require more storage, the Ideapad S145 can be configured with larger SSDs or a combination of SSD and HDD.

In terms of graphics, the Ideapad S145 relies on integrated Intel UHD Graphics. While this is sufficient for basic tasks and some light gaming, it is not designed for more demanding graphics applications or modern AAA games. Users looking for better graphics performance may need to consider a laptop with a dedicated GPU.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The keyboard on the Lenovo Ideapad S145 is designed with comfort and usability in mind. It features a full-sized layout with a numeric keypad, which is useful for users who frequently work with numbers. The chiclet-style keys are well-spaced and provide a comfortable typing experience with a reasonable amount of travel and tactile feedback.

The keyboard is not backlit, which may be a drawback for users who need to work in low-light conditions. However, for general use, the typing experience is satisfactory, and the inclusion of a numeric keypad is a notable advantage.

The trackpad on the Ideapad S145 is large and responsive. It supports Windows Precision drivers, ensuring accurate tracking and smooth multi-touch gestures. The surface of the trackpad is smooth, allowing fingers to glide easily, and the integrated buttons provide a satisfying click when pressed. Overall, the trackpad offers a good user experience and complements the keyboard well.

Audio

Audio quality on the Lenovo Ideapad S145 is decent for a budget laptop. The laptop features dual speakers located on the bottom of the chassis, which can result in some muffling when the laptop is placed on a soft surface, such as a bed or couch.

The audio output is clear and loud enough for casual listening, but it lacks depth and bass, which is typical for most budget laptops. For a better audio experience, users may prefer using headphones or external speakers.

The Ideapad S145 also includes Dolby Audio technology, which helps enhance the overall sound quality. While it cannot compete with high-end audio systems, it provides an acceptable listening experience for watching movies, listening to music, and making video calls.

Connectivity

The Lenovo Ideapad S145 offers a good selection of connectivity options, catering to a variety of needs. The laptop includes:

• 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A
• 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A
• 1 x HDMI 1.4b
• 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet port
• 1 x Headphone/microphone combo jack
• 1 x SD card reader

The inclusion of multiple USB Type-A ports ensures compatibility with a wide range of peripherals and accessories. The HDMI port allows for easy connection to external monitors and projectors, while the RJ-45 Ethernet port provides a stable and fast wired internet connection. The SD card reader is a useful addition for users who need to transfer files from cameras or other devices.

Wireless connectivity is also well-supported, with Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2. While not the latest standards, they provide reliable and fast connections for most users’ needs. Users who require Wi-Fi 6 or Bluetooth 5.0 may need to look at more recent models or higher-end laptops.

Battery Life

Battery life is an important consideration for any laptop, and the Lenovo Ideapad S145 delivers reasonable performance in this area. The laptop is equipped with a 35Wh battery, which provides around 5-7 hours of usage on a single charge, depending on the workload and usage patterns. This is adequate for a full day of work or study with some light to moderate use.

For users who require longer battery life, it may be necessary to carry a charger or consider a laptop with a larger battery capacity. The Ideapad S145 also supports fast charging, allowing the battery to reach 80% charge in approximately an hour. This feature is particularly useful for users who need to quickly recharge their laptop between classes or meetings.

Software and Features

The Lenovo Ideapad S145 comes with Windows 10 Home pre-installed, providing a familiar and user-friendly operating system with a wide range of productivity and entertainment features. Lenovo also includes several proprietary software utilities to enhance the user experience and optimize the laptop’s performance.

Lenovo Vantage is one such utility, allowing users to manage system updates, adjust hardware settings, and access support resources. This software provides valuable insights into the laptop’s performance and helps users maintain optimal operating conditions.

Another useful feature is Lenovo App Explorer, which offers a curated selection of applications that users can download and install. This helps users find useful software without having to search through the vast array of available applications.

The Ideapad S145 also includes security features, such as a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip, which helps protect sensitive data by encrypting it. While it does not have a fingerprint reader or facial recognition, these basic security features provide a level of protection for user data.

Gaming Performance

The Lenovo Ideapad S145 is not specifically designed for gaming, but it can handle light gaming and older titles reasonably well. With its integrated Intel UHD Graphics, the laptop can run less demanding games, such as Minecraft, The Sims 4, and older titles at lower settings.

For users who are serious about gaming, a laptop with a dedicated GPU would be a better choice. However, for casual gamers or those who enjoy less demanding games, the Ideapad S145 offers a satisfactory gaming experience within its limitations.

Cooling and Thermals

Effective cooling is essential for maintaining performance and longevity in a laptop. The Lenovo Ideapad S145 features a single cooling fan and a well-designed ventilation system that helps keep temperatures in check during typical usage. Under normal conditions, such as web browsing or video playback, the laptop remains cool and quiet. The fan operates silently, ensuring a comfortable user experience without distracting noise.

However, when the laptop is subjected to more demanding tasks, such as extended periods of multitasking or light gaming, the fan speed increases to dissipate the additional heat. While the fan noise becomes more noticeable, it is not excessively loud and should not be a major distraction.

In terms of thermal management, the laptop does a decent job of preventing excessive heat buildup. The palm rest and keyboard area remain relatively cool, even under load, allowing for comfortable use over extended periods. The underside of the laptop can become warm, but it does not reach uncomfortable levels.

Overall, the cooling system in the Ideapad S145 is effective for its intended use cases. While it may not be suitable for very demanding applications or prolonged high-performance tasks, it handles everyday tasks and light workloads well.

Upgradability

The Lenovo Ideapad S145 offers some degree of upgradability, which is a valuable feature for users who want to extend the lifespan of their laptop. The back panel of the laptop can be removed with a few screws, providing access to the internal components.

One of the key components that can be upgraded is the RAM. The laptop typically comes with 4GB or 8GB of RAM, but users can upgrade to a maximum of 12GB or 16GB, depending on the configuration. This can significantly improve performance, especially for multitasking and more demanding applications.

Additionally, the storage can be upgraded. The Ideapad S145 supports both 2.5-inch SATA drives and M.2 SSDs, giving users the flexibility to choose the type and size of storage that best suits their needs. Upgrading to a larger SSD or adding a secondary drive can provide more storage space and faster data access.

While the CPU and GPU are soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded, the ability to upgrade RAM and storage is a notable advantage for a budget laptop, allowing users to tailor the system to their specific needs and potentially extend its usability.

Value and Competition

The Lenovo Ideapad S145 is positioned as a budget-friendly laptop, offering a good balance of performance, features, and affordability. It competes with other entry-level laptops from brands like HP, Dell, Acer, and ASUS. Here’s a comparison with some of its key competitors:

• HP 15 Series: Similar in price and features, the HP 15 series offers comparable performance with Intel or AMD processors. It often includes a slightly more premium build and better keyboard experience, but the Ideapad S145 generally offers better upgradability options.
• Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Series: Dell’s entry-level laptop series provides solid build quality and performance similar to the Ideapad S145. However, Dell laptops often come at a slightly higher price point for similar specifications.
• Acer Aspire 5: The Acer Aspire 5 is another strong competitor, offering a metal build, better display quality, and often includes a backlit keyboard, which the Ideapad S145 lacks. The Aspire 5 might be a better choice for users who prioritize these features.
• ASUS VivoBook 15: The VivoBook 15 series offers a stylish design and a variety of configurations. It often includes features like a backlit keyboard and a fingerprint reader, which are not available on the Ideapad S145. However, the VivoBook 15 can be more expensive.

In terms of value, the Lenovo Ideapad S145 stands out for its upgradability, decent performance, and affordable price. It is an excellent choice for users who need a reliable laptop for everyday tasks without breaking the bank.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable Price: The Ideapad S145 offers good value for money, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
• Decent Performance: With configurations that include Intel Core i5 processors and SSD storage, the laptop handles everyday tasks well.
• Upgradability: Users can upgrade the RAM and storage, which is a valuable feature for extending the laptop’s lifespan.
• Good Connectivity: A variety of ports, including USB 3.1, HDMI, and Ethernet, provide flexibility for connecting peripherals.
• Comfortable Keyboard: The full-sized keyboard with a numeric keypad is comfortable for typing and data entry.

Cons:

• Mediocre Display: The display, while adequate for everyday tasks, lacks brightness and color accuracy, making it less suitable for professional photo or video editing.
• Plastic Build: The plastic construction, while durable enough for normal use, lacks the premium feel of metal chassis found in more expensive laptops.
• No Backlit Keyboard: The absence of a backlit keyboard may be a drawback for users who work in low-light conditions.
• Limited Graphics Performance: Integrated graphics are not suitable for demanding gaming or graphics-intensive applications.

Conclusion

The Lenovo Ideapad S145 is a well-rounded budget laptop that offers a good mix of performance, features, and affordability. It is ideal for students, professionals, and casual users who need a reliable machine for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption.

While it has some limitations, such as the mediocre display and plastic build, it makes up for these with its decent performance, upgradability, and good connectivity options. The comfortable keyboard and responsive trackpad enhance the overall user experience, making it a practical choice for daily use.

For users seeking a budget-friendly laptop that can handle everyday computing tasks without compromising too much on performance, the Lenovo Ideapad S145 is a solid option. It competes well with other entry-level laptops in its price range and offers good value for money.

In summary, the Lenovo Ideapad S145 is a dependable and affordable laptop that meets the needs of budget-conscious users looking for a reliable device for everyday use. Its upgradability and decent performance make it a versatile choice that can adapt to evolving needs, ensuring it remains a useful tool for years to come.

where can you get a Lenovo Ideapad S145 online

New Lenovo Ideapad S145 14″ Laptop Intel Pentium Gold 5405U Dual-Core CPU, 4GB Memory 128GB SSD Windows 10 Grey (Renewed): Buy it now

Newest Lenovo IdeaPad S145 15.6″ HD Business Laptop, AMD A6-9225 Dual-core Upto 3.0GHz, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD, AMD Radeon R4 Graphics, HDMI, WiFi, Card Reader, Windows 10, Black: Buy it now

Lenovo Ideapad S145 14.0″ HD Pentium 5405U 2.3GHz 4GB RAM 128GB SSD (Renewed): Buy it now

2019 Lenovo IdeaPad S145 15.6″ Laptop Computer: AMD Core A6-9225 up to 3.0GHz, 4GB DDR4 RAM, 500GB HDD, 802.11AC WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, USB 3.1, HDMI, Black Texture, Windows 10 Home: Buy it now

Newest Lenovo Ideapad S145 15.6″ HD Laptop, Intel Dual-Core Pentium 5405U Gold 2.3GHz, 4GB DDR4 RAM, 500GB HDD, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Windows 10 Home: Buy it now