Need a versatile laptop? This IdeaPad I recommend is $450 off – here’s why it’s notable

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Looking for a laptop/tablet hybrid that can do a little bit of everything? The Lenovo IdeaPad 5i<!–> is one such device, on sale for $649–> at B&H Photo/Video. That’s $450 off the regular price of $1,099 — a very competitive price for its feature set.

The big Black Friday sales are still three weeks out, but retailers have already quietly unveiled some early deals (like this one) before the big flagships go on sale. 

Also: The best Black Friday deals live now

The IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 has an Intel Core 7 255U CPU and 16GB of RAM — capable hardware released within the last year with good battery efficiency. Paired with the 512GB SSD, it’s an approachable, capable loadout for everyday tasks, some light gaming, and workloads in the office or at school. 

Like most IdeaPads, this is certainly a laptop that favors practically over flashy design or features. There’s no OLED display or fancy keyboard here, it’s more about delivering reliability at an approachable price point. In that sense, you’ve got a simple, all-gray chassis that blends into most office spaces and an unpretentious 2-in-1 design.

Read the review: This midrange Lenovo laptop has no business being this good for the price

The 16-inch screen features a 16:10 aspect ratio, providing users with ample screen real estate for work. The pixel resolution is set at 1900 x 1200, ensuring that text and video look sharp, and the 60Hz refresh rate is sufficient for on-screen animations while browsing and streaming movies. 

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Its audio performance surprised me, however. The IdeaPad 5i houses a pair of two-watt speakers that support Dolby Audio, allowing them to deliver clean sound with a surprising soundstage. You can distinctly pick out vocals, guitar riffs, bass lines, and drums. This is great for a 2-in-1, since it’ll deliver a good media experience on YouTube or Netflix while the laptop is in tent mode. 

Also: Best early Black Friday laptop deals 2025: 12+ sales out early

When it comes to performance, Lenovo’s laptop holds its own. The IdeaPad 5i isn’t a top-tier powerhouse, but it’s well-suited to everyday productivity rather than raw power, and at $649, it’s a price you can’t argue with. 

ZDNET’s Cesar Cadenas recently reviewed the IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1–>, and he wasn’t a fan of the glossy display, noting the glare he got during its use. This might not be a problem for all users, however, especially if you’re one who prefers glossy over matte. 

Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.  

How I rated this deal 

I gave this rating a 4/5 for the fact that it’s nearly $500 off the regular price. The combination of practical design and recent hardware makes it a future-proofed laptop that’s great for a variety of uses. Although the glossy display isn’t for everyone, the nice audio and approachable price make up for it. 

Source: Robotics - zdnet.com