Lenovo added some budget-friendly laptops to its array of offerings today. The company introduced the IdeaPad 330, 330S, and 530S. The lower the model number is, the lower the performance options and pricing will be. Arguably, the most important part of this release is the sheer affordability of the entry-level IdeaPad 330.
Google’s Chromebook has stolen the budget-laptop spotlight since it debuted in 2011. Samsung and Acer were the first companies to manufacture Chromebooks and they were priced as low as $349. A jaw-dropping price point for a laptop at the time of its release.
Fast-forward to 2018, and you can find new Chromebooks on Amazon for around $200. Making them a fantastic option for shoppers who are on a budget. While cost is certainly an important factor when shopping, it is not the only factor to consider.
When shopping for a laptop, consumers need to take into account how they will use the device and in what type of environment they will be in. For example, a Chromebook may not be a great solution if you are frequently away from an internet connection.
When Chromebooks were initially released, they did not offer really any sort of offline functionality. Over time, Google and third-party developers have added offline functionality to some web apps.
So what is a consumer supposed to do if they are looking for a more traditional operating system while still coming in at a price comparable to a Chromebook? Well, Lenovo appears to be attempting to answer that question with its new IdeaPad 330.
Priced at just $249.99, the IdeaPad 330 is sure to garner a lot of attention. For that price consumers get a full Windows 10 laptop. The specifications will be on the low-end, but customers will have the option to tailor their laptop to fit their needs with customization options for screen size, touchscreen functionality, processor speed, RAM, storage, and more.
Lenovo IdeaPad 330S
If you are not as budget conscious and are looking for a bit more portability, the IdeaPad 330S comes in at $449.99 and offers a slimmer profile with similar specifications aside from faster charging thanks to Rapid Charge technology. This allows users to gain two hours of battery life by charging for just 15 minutes.
The most expensive model, the IdeaPad 530S is not only the lightest and thinnest option, but also offers a 2560 x 1440 screen resolution in the 14-inch model, Harman Speakers with Dolby Audio, and the best processor upgrade options.
The new Lenovo IdeaPads will be available for order in the US by the end of May.
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