Lenovo IdeaPad Brings Better Laptops for Less

At CES 2024, Lenovo is rolling out new IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 laptops with 14-inch and 16-inch displays and a new IdeaPad Slim 5i with a 15-inch screen. 

The 2-in-1 models feature the Intel Core 7 150U CPU, which is part of Intel's new Core Ultra line of chips. There will also be AMD versions of some models, equipped with AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processors. Both the 14-inch and 16-inch versions have OLED display options, and I'm pleased to see OLED screens move into a wider range of laptops. In this case, these are 2K-resolution screens with 400 nits brightness and covering 100 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. 

These are 2-in-1 laptops, which means their hinges fold back 360 degrees, so you can flip them into tablet mode or a screen-forward kiosk mode, as well as using them as regular clamshell laptops. Lenovo practically invented this widely copied design with the original Yoga laptop many years ago. 

The Slim 5i, a newcomer to the IdeaPad line, has a new 15.3-inch 16:10 display. I always like 16:10 displays because they give you more vertical space on the screen, and make reading documents or long web pages easier. It does not, however, have a screen that folds back into a tablet. 

In line with global sustainability trends, Lenovo has made an effort to incorporate recycled materials in its new products. The chassis of these laptops contain recycled aluminum, and the power adaptors use at least 90 percent post-consumer plastic. 

The IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 is expected in April 2024, starting at $749. The 5i Slim doesn't have a US release plan yet, so stay tuned for any developments on that. 

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Micro Center Editor-in-Chief Dan Ackerman is a veteran tech reporter and has served as Editor-in-Chief of Gizmodo and Editorial Director at CNET. He's been testing and reviewing laptops and other consumer tech for almost 20 years and is the author of The Tetris Effect, a Cold War history of the world's most influential video game. Contact Dan at dackerman@microcenter.com.