Budget Friendly, Simple and Reliable
Pros
- Affordable price, making it a great option for budget-conscious users
- Long battery life of up to 13 hours, allowing for all-day use
- Solid keyboard and trackpad experience
Cons
- Display quality is limited by the TN panel
- 4GB of RAM may feel limiting for users who need to multitask
- Plastic build
Lenovo has built a reputation for creating versatile, dependable laptops that cater to a wide range of users. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone who just needs a solid device for everyday tasks, Lenovo’s IdeaPad series is known for balancing performance with affordability.
Running on ChromeOS, this Chromebook delivers simplicity and efficiency for users who primarily work in the cloud. It’s ideal for light productivity, media consumption, and web browsing—exactly what most Chromebook users need.
But does it do enough to stand out in a crowded Chromebook market? Let’s explore what the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook brings to the table and see if it’s worth considering for your next device.
Specifications
- Processor: MediaTek Kompanio 520 (8 cores)
- Memory: 4GB LPDDR4X RAM
- Storage: 128GB eMMC
- Display: 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) TN, anti-glare
- Graphics: Integrated ARM Mali-G52 MC2 GPU
- Battery: Up to 13 hours of usage
- Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, MicroSD card reader, headphone/mic combo
- Weight: 1.3 kg (approx.)
- Operating System: ChromeOS
- Camera: 720p HD webcam with privacy shutter
- Audio: Dual 2W speakers, Dolby Audio
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
- Price: $427 at Officeworks. JB HiFi and the Good Guys are slightly more expensive.
Build Quality and Display
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook keeps things simple and functional, which is exactly what you’d expect from a budget-friendly Chromebook. At just 1.3 kg, it’s lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for students and professionals who need something portable. While the body is made of plastic, the build quality is surprisingly solid for a laptop in this price range.
The IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook features a 14-inch HD display with a resolution of 1366 x 768, which is standard for most budget Chromebooks. While the screen does the job for general tasks like web browsing and streaming, it’s not going to blow you away with vibrant colours or sharp details.
The TN panel falls short in terms of viewing angles and colour reproduction, which means the visuals can appear washed out, especially when viewed from the side. However, the anti-glare coating is a notable plus, helping to reduce reflections when you’re working in bright environments.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor paired with 4GB of RAM is capable of handling the basics smoothly. If your day involves browsing the web, streaming video, and working on Google Docs, this Chromebook performs just fine. Apps load quickly, and there’s no noticeable lag when switching between tasks, thanks to the efficient nature of ChromeOS.
However, for more demanding tasks like heavy multitasking or opening too many browser tabs, the Chromebook’s limitations start to show. The 128GB eMMC storage is ample for most cloud-based tasks, but if you need to store lots of local files or install larger applications, you’ll quickly run out of space. This Chromebook is built for the cloud, and it’s best suited for users who primarily use cloud storage and web-based apps.
Battery Life
Battery life is one area where the IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook really shines. With up to 13 hours of battery life, this Chromebook easily lasts through a full work or school day without needing to be recharged. For students, professionals, or casual users on the go, this long-lasting battery makes the IdeaPad Slim 3 an excellent travel companion.
The MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor’s power efficiency, paired with ChromeOS’ lightweight demands, means that even with regular web browsing, document editing, and video streaming, the battery holds up impressively. For those who value portability and battery longevity, this Chromebook is built to keep up.
Keyboard and Trackpad
TheSlim 3 Chromebook offers a surprisingly comfortable typing experience for a budget device. The keyboard is well-spaced, and the keys have a decent amount of travel, making it easy to type for long periods without feeling fatigued. It’s not a backlit keyboard, but for everyday use—whether you’re typing notes, emails, or working on documents—it gets the job done effectively.
The trackpad is responsive and provides smooth navigation across ChromeOS. Multi-touch gestures, like scrolling and zooming, work seamlessly, and while it may not be as premium as higher-end Chromebooks, it’s functional and intuitive enough for most users. Overall, Lenovo has ensured the basics are solid here.
Pros:
- Affordable price, making it a great option for budget-conscious users.
- Lightweight design at just 1.3 kg, making it easy to carry around.
- Long battery life of up to 13 hours, allowing for all-day use.
- ChromeOS is fast, efficient, and perfect for web-based applications.
- Solid keyboard and trackpad experience.
Cons:
- Display quality is limited by the TN panel.
- 4GB of RAM may feel limiting for users who need to multitask.
- The plastic build doesn’t feel as premium as other devices.
Final Verdict
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook is a strong contender in the budget Chromebook space. It’s lightweight, portable, and offers excellent battery life, making it ideal for students and professionals on the go. Powered by ChromeOS, it’s optimized for cloud-based work, providing a fast and streamlined user experience.
However, the Chromebook does have its limitations. The display quality is one of the most noticeable downsides, with a TN panel that lacks the sharpness and vibrancy of higher-end screens.
Additionally, the 4GB of RAM may not be sufficient for more demanding multitasking. But for users who need a simple, affordable, and efficient machine for web-based tasks, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook is a solid choice, offering great value for the price.
