Lenovo IdeaPad 15.6" 1, Celeron N4500, 8GB, 416GB SSD, Grey

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is a budget laptop with a weak screen and slow processor, scoring 36.8 out of 100 overall. The 8GB of RAM and SSD are nice, but the 1366x768 display is one of the worst we've seen. Only buy it if your budget is fixed and you need a basic machine for light tasks.

The Celeron N4500 is a 2-core chip running at 1.1GHz, and it shows. CPU performance lands at the 49th percentile, which sounds okay until you realize that's middle of the pack among budget laptops, not laptops in general. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics sit at the 36th percentile, so video playback is fine but gaming is basically a slideshow. Gaming score came in at 9.6 out of 100, which is one of the worst we've seen. The 8GB of RAM is a bright spot for this price range, landing at the 14th percentile overall but enough for basic multitasking. Storage is a 256GB SSD plus a 160GB docking station set, which is a weird combo but gives you some extra room.

Stacked against the Apple MacBook Air M4, ASUS Zenbook, or Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition, the IdeaPad 1 is not even in the same conversation. Those machines cost several times more and deliver performance that makes this Celeron look like a calculator. The Acer Predator Helios Neo and MSI Creator A13V are gaming and creator machines with dedicated GPUs, so no contest there either. The IdeaPad 1's only real advantage is price, and even then, the value proposition is shaky given the weak screen and slow processor.

At CAD 529, this is a tough sell. You're getting a machine that handles the basics, but the screen alone is a dealbreaker for many. The 1366x768 resolution on a 15.6-inch panel means text looks soft and colors are washed out. For the same money, you can often find a used or refurbished laptop with a better display and faster processor. If you absolutely need a new machine and your budget is fixed, it works. But we'd suggest saving a bit more or hunting for a deal.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is a budget laptop that knows exactly what it is, and mostly what it isn't. You get a 15.6-inch screen, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD for a price that won't make your wallet cry. The Celeron N4500 inside is a low-power chip built for light tasks, not heavy lifting.

Our database puts the total score at 36.8 out of 100. That's not a typo. This thing is built for students on a tight budget or anyone who needs a basic machine for web browsing, email, and document work. Just don't expect it to do much beyond that.

Skip this if you need a laptop for photo editing, video work, gaming, or anything that requires a decent display. The 1366x768 screen and Celeron processor will frustrate you daily. Also skip it if you can find a refurbished machine with a 1080p screen for the same price, because that's almost always the better move.

This laptop is for someone who needs a basic Windows machine for school or light office work and has a hard budget cap. It'll handle web browsing, email, word processing, and video calls without too much complaining. Just know that the screen is a constant reminder you bought the cheapest option. If you can stretch your budget or find a refurb with a 1080p display, do that instead.