Review: Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Gaming Chromebook – Unleash Its Power!

Our world is advancing with new technology at an unprecedented rate, so it can be difficult to keep up with the latest and greatest gadgets. With all the different laptops that can be purchased, why choose a Chromebook? Well, that’s what I thought. . . Until I actually tested one. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Gaming Chromebook, and see if it delivers on its promises.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Gaming Chromebook is a versatile laptop that offers powerful capabilities for both work and gaming purposes. As a Chromebook, it is specifically designed to provide seamless performance for tasks, such as work productivity, media streaming, and gaming. It is important to note that, unlike Windows or Mac laptops, Chromebooks are equipped with their own operating system easily identified as ChromeOS. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the differences when purchasing a Chromebook.

Design and Display:

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5i has a very sleek and slim design, with a thickness of just 19.9mm / 0.78′′. It is also incredibly lightweight, weighing in at just 4.30lbs, making it easy to fit inside a backpack for on the go. Its anodized aluminum top cover adds to its aesthetic appeal, which personally looks great with the two tone silver.

In addition to its compact design, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5i features a stunning 16-inch FHD (2560 x 1600) IPS anti-glare display with 120Hz refresh rate. Yes, this is a 2560×1600 display that other laptops offer, but we also didn’t spend over $500 altogether for this laptop. The screen is bright and the colors are accurate, providing an immersive viewing experience whether you’re gaming, streaming, or catching up on work.

To prove its beautiful screen and fast refresh rate, Lenovo is sweetening the deal by giving users three free months of NVIDIA GeForce NOW and Amazon Luna+ with the purchase of this laptop. This will give access to hit games like Cyberpunk 2077, Fortnite, FarCray6, and so many other AAA titles. The nice part is you can start playing your favorite titles right away without needing to download for hours first. This offer ensures that you get the most out of your new device and enjoy a premium gaming experience from day one.

Performance and Speakers:

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Gaming Chromebook prides itself on some impressive hardware, running on the 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U processor that delivers exceptional performance. The laptop comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of eMMC storage, which should be enough for most users. Obviously, an easy work around to get more storage is to purchase an external SSD to go along with this laptop. Users will still be spending less money altogether. Additionally, the laptop features an Intel Iris UHD graphics card, which is optimized for specific gaming and media streaming. This graphics card allows the laptop to handle demanding tasks, like heavy-duty applications while streaming with ease, providing a seamless user experience. It is also using a 71 watt-hour Li-ion battery which should keep users up and running for a full work day on a single charge.

One of the unexpected features of this device is its enhanced 4 x 2W speakers that offer superior audio quality. These speakers are further complemented by a built-in amplifier that is certified by Waves Audio, a leading audio software company known for its advanced audio solutions.

The Waves MaxxAudio technology used in the IdeaPad 5i Gaming Chromebook ensures that audio is delivered loud and clear, with professional audio precision. The technology utilizes a range of advanced audio algorithms and tuning presets to optimize audio output, resulting in an immersive audio experience for a wide range of users. This makes it an ideal choice for gamers who require clear and immersive audio to get the most out of their gaming experience.

The IdeaPad 5i Gaming Chromebook’s audio performance is further enhanced by the use of Waves MaxxVolume technology, which ensures that audio levels are consistent and balanced across all frequencies. This means that users can enjoy a consistent and immersive audio experience, whether they are listening to music, watching movies, or playing games. Overall, so far, we can see that this is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a compact and powerful device that delivers high-quality audio and video performance. What more does it have?

4-Zone RGB Keyboard and Trackpad:

One of the main features of any laptop is the keyboard. A high-quality keyboard is essential for any gaming laptop. The IdeaPad 5i Gaming Chromebook features a sleek keyboard with 4-zone RGB lighting, allowing for optimal customization. With 1.5mm key travel and 100% anti-ghosting, the keyboard provides precise controls for gamers. The laptop also includes a full numbers pad and a generously sized trackpad for added convenience when you’re not gaming.

Adjusting the brightness of the Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Gaming Chromebook’s keyboard is effortless, thanks to the ALT + Screen Brightness up and down keys. You can also easily customize the color of the keyboard by navigating to the settings and selecting the “change wallpaper” option or simply clicking the icon located to the right of the keyboard brightness bar while using the ALT + screen Brightness keys.

Connectivity, Ports and Security:

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Gaming Chromebook has a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6e and Bluetooth 5.1. The laptop also has two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (power delivery, DisplayPort 1.4), a MicroSD card slot, a headphone/mic combo, an HDMI port and a Kensington Security Slot. These ports make a MacBook user jealous! This gives enough outlets for connecting external devices like a mouse, keyboard, and external monitor. It is also equipped with Googles H1 Security Chip. This is a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip that stores artifacts for device authentication. It works with Chrome OS to perform various security tasks, including preventing version rollback, detecting mode changes, safeguarding encryption keys, and more, to keep user data secure.

Speaking of security, this Chromebook offers a practical and convenient solution to a longstanding privacy concern with its built-in privacy shutter. This innovative feature eliminates the need for makeshift solutions like sticky notes or tape, ensuring users’ peace of mind when using the device’s FHD webcam. Whether for personal or professional use, the privacy shutter is a valuable addition that allows users to control who has access to their camera at all times.

Pros:

• 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U powerful processor
• 16” Vibrant and color-accurate WQXGA display
• Incredible 120Hz refresh rate for smooth gaming
• 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard with anti-ghosting and responsive trackpad
• Camera Privacy Shutter
• 4 x 2W speaker system with Waves Max Audio
• 3 months free cloud gaming with GeForce NOW
• Impressive battery life

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than some of its competitors
• Storage capacity is limited

In Conclusion:

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Gaming Chromebook is a versatile laptop that offers powerful performance for both work and gaming. The device features a bright and colorful display, a powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U processor, and a long-lasting battery. The backlit 4-zone RGB keyboard and responsive trackpad contribute to the laptop’s overall user-friendly design that can feel personal and unique. While the device is slightly heavier than some others, and its storage capacity may be limited for users with large files, this can be remedied by using an external SSD. Despite these minor hiccups, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Gaming Chromebook is a budget-friendly laptop that can easily handle heavy-duty tasks.

For a price point under $500, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Gaming Chromebook is definitely a strong contender for anyone in the market for a new laptop. It’s an excellent option for users seeking a sleek, slim, and stylish laptop that can handle both work and play. The 16” WQXGA display with the 120Hz refresh rate make it an ideal device for gamers and streamers. The long battery life and comfortable RGB backlit keyboard make it a great option for everyday use. The Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Gaming Chromebook is a dependable workhorse that offers great value for its price. It is well-suited for long hours of work and is a good option to consider for anyone in the market for a new laptop. For more information about this Chromebook or you’d like to purchase your own, please check HERE or on Amazon.