Don't think one can do much wrong with this one, especially with the higher than FHD screen
Processor Type: Intel Core i5-1135G7
Processor Speed (Ghz): 2.4
RAM (GB): 8
Storage Capacity (GB): 512
Screen Size (in): 13"
Screen Definition: QHD
Built-In Camera: Yes
Excludes: Northern Territory, QLD Far North, QLD Regional, WA Regional, WA Remote, PO Box
Ram upgradable?
No - soldered
Thanks that killed it for me.
Good laptop for kids to use at school.
Decent enough battery life for a high school BYOD?
Yes, should last all day.
touchscreen?
Nein
Great school BYOD. 1.2 KG I think.
Great screen but the 8 GB RAM is not upgradable.
8GB is plenty for school, or most office-type purposes.
But lack of touch-screen and tablet-mode (foldback) is a drawback for education.
Still, great specs otherwise.
Can Amazon march this?
Yes, in less than three months
I will still wait to use my gift cards or buy other laptop as this price is average.
This, if ur looking at portability or prefer Lenovo brand (generally better build quality than Acer). Maybe consider Acer if ur using it at home only (that one has better spec, but too heavy to carry)
For gaming definitely the Acer, for work the Lenovo.
They are quite different devices.. depends on your use-case.
Small, light, portable, probably a bit more battery life, this.
Much bigger screen, can game a bit, bit cheaper quality wise, the acer.
Tossing up this or the Acer for uni. Could this still do light gaming? Mainly play MMOs like Runescape 3
yeah it'll handle it fine
I have the Ryzen model and can play FF14 on it, so you should be fine
Oh awesome, is the ryzen model speced better?
The Ryzen version should be a lot better for light gaming. But it's never been this cheap.
Actually one area intel has the upper hand this gen is integrated graphics.
ie Xe graphics in an 11th gen i5/i7 is a bit better than current 4xxx/5xxx mobile ryzen. intel i3 and below to be avoided (older UHD graphics).
Though of course both crap compared to anything dedicated.
If you want to do gaming, then you probably want the Acer. On Bing Lee Web site, the display is quoted being FHD 144Hz. If that's the case, for gaming, you would probably prefer 144Hz over 60Hz. However, do double check to ensure it is indeed 144Hz refresh rate BEFORE you purchase.
QHD 60Hz vs FHD 144Hz. For gaming, you want a discrete graphics card if possible.
I've got a gaming pc already (6800xt, 5600x, 64gb ram, etc). Just need one for uni but wanna play certain games like runescape in my downtime if I'm not home.
Just grabbed one, been looking for a decent laptop under $900 and this fits da bill.
Also this qualifies for Intel's $30 cashback too: https://www.intelcashback.com.au/
$689 is hard to beat!
I don't think this laptop is an EVO laptop?
Looks like this isn't marked as an EVO but still has 11th gen i5… seems to have WiFi 6 and BT5 too?
https://www.lenovo.com/au/en/laptops/ideapad/ideapad-5-serie…
The form does not have this option in the drop down list so i am not sure it is applicable.
@Skellysgirl: Yeah - I agree that it is very unlikely.
But was hopeful of the $30 cashback when I first had a go at it.
I was looking at Surface Laptop 4. But no deal noticed today.
How this compare to Surface Laptop 4?
This is much more value for money.
Surface laptop 4 has a touchscreen though but $400 more expensive
Any downside to the Intel version over AMD aside from worse graphics?
The difference isn't as big as you think:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxIXORUJPxc
Intel has made some changes to the integrated GPU in these 11th gen G7 CPUs. Also, the DP 1.4 / USB-C alt-mode and Thunderbolt 4 does make the 11th gen laptops somewhat compelling. 2 x 4K/60Hz outputs and that 40gbps Thunderbolt 3/4 max speed. Are you able to get an AMD laptop that offers the same right now?
Very helpful, thank you.
This or just pay the extra $450 and get the M1 Air?
Link? Aren’t MacBook airs like 1300ish so that’s almost double the price?
~$1280 with edu pricing. Fair point, I'm just sick of buying cheapish things that don't age well. Not sure if this falls in that category.
Well, my Intel Macbook Pro is now worth less than 50% of how much I paid for it and that 50% is enough to buy this laptop + other gadgets.
It is hard to tell how well these M1 devices will retain value in the long run, but one thing to bear in mind, unlike Intel, we are expecting Apple silicon to offer reasonable improvement with each generation. Also, a lot of people are speculating design change on M2 based MBA, Mini, MBP (13 inch), while I am cynical about that, if Apple were to do that, I doubt these M1 devices will retain value well in the long run.
You should go M1 only if (1) you are in Apple eco system and/or (2) you need a new laptop or device right now. M1 isn't perfect and the current Thunderbolt 4 implementation (DP 1.4) isn't ideal. The current Thunderbolt 4 feels more like Thunderbolt 3. DP 2.0 coming and the mess of DP 1.2 vs 1.4 alt-mode will repeat later on (DP 1.4 vs DP 2.0).
RRP is double the price (if you upgrade to 512GB SSD to match). Macbook Air is quoting two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports because it only supports 1 external display.
If you don't game and can afford M1 Air, then M1 Air is better. The interesting part of these 11th gen offerings from Intel is due to AMD being competitive, these are priced competitively. The USB 3.2/alt-mode DP 1.4 + Thunderbolt 4 (DP 1.4) combo is competitive. 2 x 4K external display + 1 internal 2K display (technically the GPU can do 4K internal too).
I think the M1 Air is a more refined machine. 'cept if you want to connect it to multiple monitors, whereas this lenovo has dual thunderbolt 4.
Also significantly more expensive. And depends if you can stand MacOS…
Mate, please read the specs carefully. As I mentioned, this laptop is: USB 3.2/alt-mode DP 1.4 + Thunderbolt 4 (DP 1.4). It's NOT dual thunderbolt 4 ports. Also, do you know the real difference between Thunderbolt 3 vs 4? The specs you see on the Web are the "minimum specs", not all Thunderbolt 3 implement just the minimum.
M1 Air is not a more refined machine. It's still a donglebook with a subpar webcam. All it really has is that CPU. The USB 3.0 and 3.2 gen 2 speed is subpar on M1. You might be able to get decent Thunderbolt 3 speed, but do you actually have a Thunderbolt 3 device? Also, for M1, if you opt for the USB-C/alt-mode (DP 1.4) path (coz. that's a cheaper option), it has its quirks. Also, the issue isn't whether you can stand MacOS, it is more some apps are still not optimised for M1 yet.
The entry model Macbook Air M1 basically has a lower binned M1 chip (with 1 GPU core disabled). Doesn't feel so refined to me.
YouTube has a lot of clickbaits and a lot of youTubers care more about video rendering. Do you know the Thunderbolt chipset in M1, M1 Pro and M1 Max is from Intel? FYI, I have a M1 device and it certainly has its quirks. Also, there are areas where it is clearly Apple's way or the high way.
Good call on TB4 + 3.2/alt mode on the lenovo :) , sorry I hadn't seen your reply and at a glance of the left side assumed the arrangement was as per my yoga. Yep I fully understand the diff between TB3 and TB4 and that further intracies exist with implementation, such as reportedly on the M1. its a bit of a mess, but what's new…
Minor point but actually my understanding is M1 macs have thunderbolt by apple? Apple/Intel co-founded thunderbolt, apple can license + manufacture it (well via TSMC) themselves; I'd read it was on chip.
I fully agree on youtuber's hyping the M1 beyond all sense and reason, tend to just break out geekbench and video rendering then proclaim its god's gift ¯_(ツ)_/¯ .
Also don't tend to mention faults (except HUB), like the terrible pixel response times on the pro and max. Can't personally stand MacOS as you say Apples way… but I respect anyone that can put up with it haha.
But I do think they look nice asthetically, seem well built and I like its fanless. My gen 6 yoga is in a different class, but also surprisingly noisy and hot.
@3v3rqu357: Thanks all, really appreciate the comments.
My main concern isn't so much around a laptop holding its monetary value but having a build quality that will see it be perfectly useable in 5+ years. I've been burnt by a Dell Inspiron and Acer Aspire that were either really well-specced or cheap but have developed significant issues after 2+ years (no longer holds a charge/ trackpad not responsive etc). Everyone says the Macbooks are built brilliantly and the new M1 seems like a real winner. If I look at better-built Windows offerings (e.g. Dell XPS 13/ spectre), most of the reviews say the new M1 Air is actually better value. Thoughts? I don't game (wouldn't mind giving Dota a run every and then though) btw or really do anything particularly intensive but I would use an external monitor (I have an extra-wide LG screen which I'm guessing counts as 1 screen) I'm primarily after portability, longevity, and battery life.
@jesho: Personally, I don't think the M1's are better value/more reliable than well built (ie not inspirion and certainly not most aspires, though perhaps the aspire X is ok) windows machines. So XPS, envy, etc for example.
Historically monitarily macs hold their value better, but regarding longevity I don't think there is that much in it either way.
For example we have a 2012 XPS 13 that my daughter did the last two years of home schooling off (connected to an external monitor/keyboard). Its definitely at EOL, but 9 years I consider a good run.
If you game at all, even lightly, I'd stick with windows for compatibility reasons. Esports titles you'll probably get some longevity at a casual gaming level from this lenovo for example with its Xe integrated graphics being OK for integrated graphics, but be aware of the RAM limitation of this particular deal.
On the air, if you want something guaranteed silent (but a bit hotter because of it if doing something intensive), definitely portable and with a good battery life, seems one of the better options out there. Just be aware of the very limited port selection (mitigated if your monitor has USB-C/DP alt-mode upstream) and also if you haven't used MacOS before, I suggest you have a good play with it first before committing.
@3v3rqu357: Excellent advice, thank you. If buying a Windows laptop do you think you can get away with only 8gb of RAM (soldered) or will that generally severely limit longevity?
@jesho: IMO totally depends what you are doing with it. For my partner, who will just be using it for web (and avoiding chrome) and occasional office apps, I expect not even with the way browsers have got fatter and fatter…
But I'm definity leaning on yes for someone who multitasks more. Basically 16GB would definitely be safer if you don't want to 'manage' your memory usage to maintain performance. Eg you want to leave a browser open with 15 tabs while playing an esports style game and a few apps… HTH :)
@3v3rqu357: Hey mate, any thoughts on this laptop? https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/hp-156-inches-win-11-laptop-4…
Really well specced for the price but concerned about the build quality. Your thoughts would be appreciated, I can't send you a message.
@jesho: Um it'd be a no for me be it depends on your use. It's one of those laptops where they have headlined it with the i7 and 16gb but cut corners…
The screen is not very bright 250 nit and has a low colour gamut. Reaktek wireless. Old hdmi spec. No thunderbolt and I can't see mention of display port or power delivery over the one usb-c port. Many corners cut. i7 isn't really much faster than an i5 in this instance too (both 4 core) , esp under load.
If it's mainly a desk machine plugged into a monitor maybe. But if that I'd would look for something 6/8 core, like ryzen 5600/5800 or Intel H series. In short, probably similar to machines you've bought in the past rather than the machine with longevity you want :)
@3v3rqu357: Thanks, mate. the HP was actually out of stock and I agree with your sentiments re the corner-cutting. I thought the headlines specs (i7/16gb ram) and the price would have made it a good buy on the whole. I managed to reserve the last Lenovo Yoga Slim 71 Carbon, a display unit, for $720 (https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/lenovo-yoga-slim-7i-evo-133-i…). Some have commented that it overheats in the reviews but it looks like a great buy otherwise.
Hope it serves me well - really appreciate your advice!
@jesho: Cool welcome, yep that looks a solid choice and a good deal. A much better screen and connectivity with up to date specs.
My work box is a current lenovo gen 6 x1 carbon so a bit similar. I do find it runs hot, but keeping power options in balanced mode rather than high performance mode helps with that.
The Acer below has same specifics, but it's 14 inch screen. which one is better?
https://www.harveynorman.com.au/acer-swift-3-14-inch-i5-1135…
This one because:
However, if you are a more mature person (that's a nice way of saying older people with inferior eye sight) and prefers a larger screen, the I guess 14 inch might be better.
lol thanks
OOS already
Too bad ram is not upgradable.
Yep limits the device badly
This is an excellent laptop. Bought it 2 weeks back in the better Ryzen 7 4800U with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.
Build quality is really good, and the laptop itself is super slim. It would still have been nice to see 16GB RAM considering it's soldered, obviously with a little price increase.
How much did you pay for it? Do you have the link? Thanks!
Got it at an auction for $850
Screen size is too small.
Seems Bing Lee is restocking the item. "More than 10 available".
Played with a S540 at a chain store. Thought it would be a big step down from my yoga, but actually pretty good. Past the WAF (it's for her). So bought this deal. Thanks OP.
(still 6 in stock atm on ebay)
BTW thanks for this, my laptop died on christmas day :(
Bing Lee cancelled my order… stock issue :-/
Delivered free with ebay plus.
Just bought one, since I had already bought an AMD version of this unit earlier this year and it has been great.
The screen is superb, even at the $1097 I paid at Lenovo Edu site.
Get a gift card for 3% cashback
BTW OP, the layout of specs and price is a model that others could follow. It covers what you need for further investigation.