One of the most durable laptops I’ve tested also has one of the best screens
What’s up?
Before Labor Day, Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i Laptop It’s currently on sale for 38% off its regular price of just $930 on Lenovo’s website. That means you can get one of Lenovo’s top-rated IdeaPads with a 16-inch, 120Hz display for under $1,000, a bargain for a device with this kind of hardware.
ZDNET Key Points
- The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i is a 16-inch all-in-one laptop for the office, home, and everywhere in between, and is on sale now for $930 (up to $570 off its regular price).
- This computer is powered by the latest Intel and Nvidia hardware and has a battery that can last all day.
- This laptop has a bad webcam and is loaded with junk software.
When it comes to laptops, professionals and students have more in common than you might think. Both groups want a versatile machine that can handle work all day and serve as an entertainment hub at night, and both agree that long-lasting battery life is a must.
Well, I found the perfect laptop for both groups: Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 2024This 16-inch laptop has everything a professional could ask for in a work machine, while also being a solid choice for college students.
Lenovo’s device is truly powerful. Inside, you’ll find an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor along with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card, delivering incredibly powerful performance. I checked the hardware by running many common workplace tasks from web browsing to document writing and video conferencing platforms at the same time. It handled everything I threw at it without missing a beat.
Additionally, the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i has 32GB of memory, ensuring almost non-existent loading times. This hardware configuration even allows the IdeaPad Pro 5i to function as a capable gaming laptop, perfect for those long days when you want to relax with a game.
Also: The ThinkPad I recommend for hybrid workers isn’t Lenovo’s latest model.
All this power can be fully enjoyed on the IdeaPad Pro’s high-resolution 2K (2,048 x 1,280) OLED display, which displays content in stunning detail. The display has a fast 120Hz refresh rate, allowing for realistic movie viewing and smooth image display.
Unlike many other laptops with OLED displays, Lenovo’s doesn’t have much in the way of image-enhancing software. There’s no Dolby Vision, nor does it cover 100 percent of the sRGB color gamut. As a result, colors aren’t as vibrant as on some competing devices. The IdeaPad Pro 5i supports HDR for high contrast, but that’s about it.
I should note that the display is touchscreen, but since this device isn’t a convertible 2-in-1 I find this feature a bit gimmicky.
Sitting above the OLED display is the device’s 1080p webcam. It’s acceptable for video calls, although honestly, the quality is pretty poor. Recordings are grainy, and there’s no way to enhance the feed without third-party software. The basic webcam software can only reposition the camera.
The IdeaPad Pro’s large footprint allows for a full-size keyboard, which, combined with the rubberized keys, makes for a very comfortable typing experience. I also appreciate the way the arrow keys protrude from the bottom, making them easy to reach. In my experience, manufacturers tend to make the Page Up and Page Down keys on 14-inch laptops too small. Fortunately, the IdeaPad Pro 5i has solved this problem.
Also: Best Lenovo Laptops of 2024: Expert Tested and Reviewed
Lenovo also made some interesting design choices. For example, the speakers are located above the keyboard. I’m always happy to see laptops with upward-facing speakers, as I’ve never been a fan of distorted sound.
The IdeaPad Pro’s speakers stand out thanks to Dolby Atmos support. The surround sound technology means the drivers can fill a room with sound. Not bad for a laptop.
Battery life is also great. The IdeaPad Pro 5i ran for about 8.5 hours straight in my typical streaming tests without power saving mode turned on. With that mode on, you can rest assured that the device will last all day and beyond.
To charge the laptop, you’ll need to use Lenovo’s proprietary 230W AC adapter. You can’t use a spare USB-C charger. Fortunately, the adapter isn’t too bulky, so it’s easy to carry around, although it would have been nice to have that option.
Also: One of the best business laptops I’ve tested isn’t a Lenovo ThinkPad or a MacBook
I also need to mention a few things that might be a deal breaker for you. First of all, this is a pretty heavy machine, weighing in at 4.27 pounds. Carrying this around for long periods of time can get tiring.
Also, note that the IdeaPad Pro 5i comes with a bunch of bloatware. The laptop’s 1TB of storage feels more like 880GB if you factor in all the apps Lenovo pre-installs.
ZDNET Buying Advice
Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i has all the right hardware to be a top-of-the-line laptop for professionals and students. It has a powerful CPU/GPU pair, a 2K OLED display, and a great keyboard, but its $1,500 price tag puts it at the higher end of the typical student budget.
If you’re looking for a cheaper 16-inch laptop, Lenovo Yoga 7i a few hundred dollars cheaper, although you’re trading the impressive OLED display for a much less flashy one. If you want an OLED laptop for a little less money, check out Acer Swift X 14 Laptop.
When will this agreement expire?
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