ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i is a 16-inch versatile laptop computer for the workplace, dwelling, and in all places in between for $1,500.
- It is powered by the most recent Intel and Nvidia {hardware}, and has a battery that may final all day.
- Nonetheless, the machine has a disappointing webcam and comes loaded with an excessive amount of bloatware.
Relating to laptops, skilled and scholar customers have extra in frequent than you may suppose. Each teams desire a versatile machine that may deal with the entire day’s work, whereas doubling as an leisure middle at night time. And each would agree {that a} long-lasting battery is a should.
Nicely, I’ve discovered the proper laptop computer for each teams: Lenovo’s 2024 IdeaPad Pro 5i. This 16-inch laptop computer has every little thing an expert may ask for in a piece machine, whereas additionally making a stable selection for school college students.
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Lenovo’s machine is nothing in need of highly effective. Underneath the hood, you may discover an Intel Core Extremely 9 185H processor alongside an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card, leading to rock stable efficiency. I examined the {hardware} by working many frequent office duties from internet searching to writing paperwork and video conferencing platforms concurrently. It dealt with every little thing I threw at it with out skipping a beat.
Moreover, it has 32GB of reminiscence, making certain load occasions are partially nonexistent. This {hardware} configuration even permits the IdeaPad Professional 5i to behave as a succesful gaming laptop computer, good for when you may have these lengthy days and wish to chill out with a sport.
All this energy might be totally loved on the IdeaPad Professional’s hi-res 2K (2,048 x 1,280) OLED display that is able to displaying off content material in gorgeous element. Due to its {hardware}, the display has a speedy refresh price of 120Hz, enabling practical motion pictures and a silky-smooth visible show.
Nonetheless, in contrast to many different laptops with OLED shows, Lenovo’s machine would not sport a lot image-enhancing software program. There isn’t any Dolby Imaginative and prescient, nor does it cowl 100% of the sRGB shade gamut. In consequence, colours aren’t as vibrant as a few of its opponents. It does assist HDR for top distinction, however that is about it.
I ought to level out that the show is a touchscreen, nonetheless on condition that this machine just isn’t a convertible 2-in-1, I discovered the function to be slightly gimmicky.
Sitting above the OLED display is the machine’s 1080p webcam. It is satisfactory for video calls, though truthfully, its high quality is kind of lackluster. Recordings are grainy, and there’s no manner to enhance the feed with out third-party software program, both. All of the webcam options do is reposition the digital camera.
The IdeaPad Professional’s beneficiant heft permits for a full-sized keyboard, which, when paired with the rubber-like keycaps, end in a really snug tying expertise. I additionally recognize how the arrow keys jut out from the underside, making them straightforward to entry. Producers, in my expertise, are inclined to make the Web page Up and Web page Down keys on 14-inch laptops too small. The IdeaPad Professional 5i has solved this downside, luckily.
Additionally: Lenovo’s new 2-in-1 ThinkPad improves on one crucial feature that pro users will love
Relating to different design elements, Lenovo made fascinating selections right here. The audio system, for instance, are positioned above the keyboard. I am at all times glad to see laptops embody upward-firing audio system, as I’ve by no means been a fan of muffled audio. Nonetheless, what makes the IdeaPad Professional’s audio system stand out is their assist of Dolby Atmos, a encompass sound know-how. It permits the drivers to be highly effective sufficient to fill a room with sound. Not unhealthy for a laptop computer.
Battery life is nice, as nicely. The IdeaPad Professional 5i ran for about 8.5 hours straight whereas working my typical livestream assessments with out the battery saver setting on. With that lively, relaxation assured the machine will final you the entire day after which some. Nonetheless, so as to cost the laptop computer, you may have to make use of Lenovo’s proprietary 230W AC adapter. You possibly can’t use a spare USB-C charger. Fortunately, the adapter is not tremendous cumbersome so it is simple to hold round, though it could’ve been nice to have the choice.
Additionally: How we test laptops at ZDNET in 2024
I additionally want to say a few issues that could be deal breakers for some. First off, it is a hefty machine that weighs 4.27 kilos. Carrying this machine round for an prolonged period of time could show tiring for some. Additionally, remember the IdeaPad Professional 5i comes with a bunch of bloatware. The laptop computer’s 1TB of storage is extra like 880 GB, making an allowance for all of the apps Lenovo has preinstalled.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
Lenovo’s IdeaPad Pro 5i has all the precise {hardware} elements to make it the premiere laptop computer for professionals and college students. It has a robust CPU/GPU pairing, a 2K OLED show, and an honest keyboard, however its price ticket of $1,500 will place it on the upper finish of the standard scholar’s funds.
For those who’re in search of a inexpensive 16-inch laptop computer, Lenovo’s Yoga 7i will is a number of hundred {dollars} cheaper, though you are buying and selling within the OLED display for one which’s far more low-key. In order for you an OLED laptop computer in a barely inexpensive bundle, take a look at the Acer Swift X 14.