💎 Best Value
A hundred quid for a proper laptop sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? We were properly sceptical when the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook landed on our desk. But after a few weeks of putting it through its paces — everything from Netflix binges to actual work — we've been genuinely surprised by what you get for your money.
This isn't trying to be a MacBook killer or gaming powerhouse. It's Chrome OS in a slim blue package that weighs just 1.3kg and promises 13.5 hours of battery life. The question is whether it can handle real-world use without making you want to chuck it out the window. Here's what we found.
Pulling the IdeaPad Slim 3 out of the box, we were immediately struck by how thin it is — just 18.6mm. That's genuinely impressive for a budget machine. The Abyss Blue finish looks smarter than we expected, though it's definitely plastic rather than premium materials. Still, it feels sturdy enough for daily use.
The 14-inch display is where things get interesting. Yes, it's a TN panel rather than IPS, which means viewing angles aren't brilliant if you're trying to share Netflix with someone sat next to you. But for solo use? It's perfectly decent. The 1920x1080 resolution means text is crisp, and at 250 nits, it's bright enough for indoor use — just don't expect miracles in direct sunlight.
Here's where we need to be realistic about what £109 gets you. The MediaTek Kompanio 520 chip paired with 4GB RAM isn't going to set any speed records, but for Chromebook tasks — web browsing, Google Docs, YouTube — it copes admirably. We had about 15 browser tabs open whilst writing this review, including a couple of YouTube videos playing in the background, and it didn't break a sweat.
The 64GB eMMC storage is tight, but remember this is Chrome OS — everything lives in the cloud anyway. If you're someone who downloads loads of files locally, you might feel cramped, but the microSD slot gives you an escape route.
Battery life genuinely impressed us. Lenovo's 13.5-hour claim isn't far off reality — we regularly got a full day's light use without hunting for a charger. That's properly useful for students or anyone who spends time away from plug sockets.
We've used plenty of budget laptops with keyboards that feel like typing on soggy biscuits. Thankfully, this isn't one of them. The keys have decent travel and don't feel cheap. The trackpad is responsive enough, though it's not the most premium-feeling surface we've encountered.
One nice touch is the camera privacy shutter — just flick it across when you're not using video calls. Given how many embarrassing Zoom moments we've witnessed, this feels like essential kit these days.
The front-facing speakers tuned by Waves Audio are... fine. They're not going to replace your Bluetooth speaker for music, but they're clear enough for video calls and YouTube without being tinny. Given the price point, we weren't expecting miracles here.
You get a decent spread of ports: USB-A, USB-C (which handles charging and display output), headphone jack, and that microSD slot. WiFi 6 means fast internet when you've got the infrastructure to support it. Bluetooth works perfectly for wireless headphones or mouse.
The USB-C charging is brilliant — you can use any decent USB-C charger, which means less cable clutter when travelling.
This Chromebook makes sense for three types of buyer. Students who need something reliable for essays and research without breaking their overdraft. Parents looking for a second computer that kids can't accidentally destroy with malware. And anyone who just needs a simple, portable machine for web browsing, email, and streaming — your parents, basically.
For £109, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook delivers exactly what it promises — a solid, portable machine that handles Chrome OS tasks without fuss. It's not flashy, but it's reliable and the battery life is genuinely excellent. Perfect for students, light users, or anyone who just wants something that works.
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