Uodate 2: in order to fix the windows 10 update snafu, I had to reset my computer. Didn't want to do it, but there was no other way to get back into it. Lenovo needs to fix that issue. However, after continuing to use the laptop I realize it's really the best computer I've ever had so I needed to upgrade the stars to five. Yes, it really is a five star laptop, software issues aside. Read below for why. Update 1: I know this issue is a software issue; however, the workaround for the problem doesn't work on the Lenovo laptop and there is no resolution on the Lenovo website for this problem: After doing a Windows 10 update I am no longer able to log in to my computer. The resolution says to go to settings; however I can't get to the settings unless I can log in. I search for how to get to settings and there are several videos online that say to press the shift key while selecting restart. This should then give you the troubleshooting option where you can find the settings and reset your password. However, it doesn't work on this Lenovo laptop. Therefore, the laptop is useless. As I indicated above, I went to the Lenovo website to find a cure and the only information given is to go to settings, but it doesn't say how to get there if all you have is a login screen and no ability to get to the settings menu. If someone responds to this review with a resolution, I will change my rating, but until then the computer is a very expensive doorstop. What’s in the box: The computer, one A/C charging cord, a safety and warranty guide, and a brochure showing you what each port on the computer is and showing you to plug it in and charge it. That’s it. No quick start guide or operator’s manual. Connections: 1 HDMI port, 2 USB ports, 1 micro port, 1 headphone port, SD card slot. What isn’t included: DVD/CD player, touch screen. Keyboard: Backlit (hit the Fn key and the space bar once to light, twice to increase the light, three times to turn off light). Top row on keyboard – the F keys: shortcuts to mute, increase/decrease volume, turn camera on/off, airplane mode to turn wifi on/off, increase/decrease brightness, switch between computer and tablet mode. Keyboard has a nice feel to it and is quiet. Not too squished together for a 14” computer. Key Pad: Smooth and responsive. The keypad on this computer probably works better than any I’ve had on my previous laptops, which have all been HPs. The only problem I have is that when I type the cursor has a tendency to skip back to a previous line or paragraph. I believe this is due to accidentally touching the key pad, which is ultra sensitive. Finger Print Security Pad: Ok, this works great. I was expecting it to work like my smartphone, where I have to press 10 times until it asks me for a password. Nope, works like a charm every single time. It’s easy and seamless. Windows Platform: Windows 10 Home. Unlike the original version of 10, the app section is secured behind the desktop. You get the same desktop as always. To get to the app section, either switch to Tablet mode (F10), or click on the window icon to select what you want. I prefer doing the later because that way I don’t have to return to computer mode later. RAM: 8 gb. More on that later. Software: 30 days free of McAfee Security and MS Office Home, which includes Word, Excel and PowerPoint. If you want to purchase them you can download the full packages from Amazon for approximately $30 McAfee, $130 MS Office Home. You must register to begin using the 30 day free look see. Sound System: Mind blowingly awesome! Seriously folks, this is the best on any computer or digital device I have ever owned. You don’t need headphones to hear all the background sounds on movies. Clear, crisp and loud. I had to keep turning the volume down to almost the lowest level in order not to be blasted away. Monitor: Again, the best I’ve had on a computer so far. Close up or far away you get a clear HD picture, which makes viewing videos the best. I couldn’t be more pleased. Battery: Here’s where this baby shines. The battery does not heat up like the HP laptops. My first HP laptop melted the battery got so hot. I always had to use a laptop fan and forget putting the computer on my lap. Well, this battery only just started to get a bit warm after a 90 minute video. I held it the entire time and never had to put it down because it got too hot. I was always envious of others who could use their laptop without a fan. Plus, the battery lasts a long time without shutting down, which it will do it gets too hot. Out of the box the battery was at 55%. It took one hour to fully charge. That’s fast. It takes my 12.2 tablet 1 hour for every 10%. After watching a 90 minute video it used 20% of the battery. Weight: feather light, which makes this great for students who need to take their laptop to school with them. What I like the best: Battery, monitor and sound. Hands down they outshine any computer I’ve used or owned in the past. Plus, the back lit keyboard is pretty sweet as it comes in handy when I work in the dark, which I like to do. What’s better than I thought: The size. I’ve always gone with a 17” laptop because I thought it would make a difference in video playback and keyboard size. It does not. I don’t miss that extra 3” at all. 14” is a nice size without being too small. What I don’t like: For the price, which currently is just under $1,100 on Amazon, it has only 8 gb RAM, no software, DVD/CD drive, or touch screen. For that price, you can find a touch screen laptop with all of the things I mentioned and at least 16 gb RAM. I looked up this model and it’s supposed to be a moderately priced Lenovo, which should start around $800. So, for an additional $300, you should be able to get some upgrades. I also don’t like that this says you can use it in “tablet” mode. That’s very misleading. A true tablet has a touch screen, which this does not. You still need to use the keyboard, key pad or a mouse, plus the monitor does not flip around like a true laptop/tablet does. What the tablet mode allows you to do is switch to the app section of Windows 10. There are only a few true apps that can currently be downloaded onto a PC. Android apps do not work. Lenovo has some apps, but if they don’t have what you’re searching for, it’ll give you the link to MS app store to see if it’s available. Most are not. Even YouTube must be viewed on the browser. I give the Lenovo Ideapad 530S four stars because it lacks true tablet capability and doesn’t have a DVD/CD player for the price. If this were $300 less, I’d give it 5 stars and advise not to purchase if you’re looking for those things in your next laptop. However, if you primarily want to stream movies and play games, this is the way to go because the sight and sound of this little laptop is perfect for that use. |
