This is my first AMD-powered laptop, but won't be my last. Since modern computers are complex, I'll try to break the review down into several useful chunks.
/Linux
I'll start the review by stating that I wiped the hard drive (HDD) and installed Linux almost immediately (Debian Stable). Since this laptop has relatively new Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377, I had to enable non-free and install "amd64-microcode" and "firmware-atheros". Everything runs perfectly.
/Processor
I like that AMD is the underdog against Intel. This A12-9700P outcompetes Intel's i3's and most i5's, and even the lower end dual-core i7's. And as over review have stated, the AMD Radeon integrated graphics blow away the competition. To get better graphics, you must take a costly step to discrete graphics, which most people don't need. All this for i3 money, which makes it a great value.
/Lenovo
The descendant of IBM has been making sturdy portable workstations for years now. For a budget laptop, this thing feels well-built, nice keyboard feel, solid build quality with minimal frame flex. Also, speakers are quite loud, especially for a budget laptop. Excellent for the money.
/Keyboard
It does take some getting used to, especially having a 10-key on a 15" laptop. After a week, I'm already used to it. I did make one minor change: the computer's default is "Hotkeys Enabled," so to use Function Keys (i.e., F1, F2, etc...), you hit a seperate "fn" key. I switched this so that Function Keys are primary and Hotkeys, like sound, screen brightness and so on, require "fn" be pressed. This was a simple change in BIOS. Some people have complained about the right ctrl key, but I've never used right ctrl so it doesn't bother me. My only real complaint is that this keyboard is missing the "Context Menu Key" which many people don't use, but I do extensively. I'll probably re-map to the right ctrl key, funny enough.
/Errata
1) Optical drive. I use cd's/dvd's a lot, which apparently is not the trend. I LOVE having a integrated optical drive, and this was one of my requirements for buying a laptop.
2) Battery is not swappable or easily replaceable. I'm almost always plugged in, so it doesn't bother me, but if you spend a lot of time on battery power and need swappable batteries, look elsewhere.
3) The SD card does not insert to become flush with the frame, it sticks out quite a bit. I was planning to install the operating system to a SDXC card and use the HDD exclusively as my /home drive, but the dang SD card sticks out so far this was not feasible. 99.9% of users won't care, but it did change how I was going to utilize this computer significantly.
4) Before installing Debian GNU/Linux, I played with the stock Windows 10 for a while, including updates. This beauty boots and runs Windows fast, what with an excellent processor and a stout 12 GB of RAM. If you're a WIndows person, you'll be very happy. If you're a Linux person, you'll be even happier ;0).
/Summary
Excellent value, would recommend to anyone looking for a all-around computer. Even students running science/engineering/medical/etc applications will be happy; pretty much everyone but hardcore gamers who are already looking elsewhere.
| Standing screen display size | 15.6 Inches |
|---|---|
| Screen Resolution | 1366 x 768 pixels |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1366x768 Pixels |
| Processor | 2.4 GHz none |
| RAM | 4 GB DDR4 |
| Hard Drive | 1000 GB SATA |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
| Chipset Brand | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Wireless Type | 802.11ac |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 1 |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 5 Hours |
