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expiredDr.W posted Feb 18, 2023 9:12 PM

Micro Center Stores: Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" Laptop: 1080p TN, i3-1115G4, 8GB RAM

$200

$340

41% off
+ Free Store Pickupat Micro Center
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Deal Details
Select Micro Center Stores [store locator]have Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" Laptop (Platinum Grey, 81X700FTUS) on sale for $199.99. Select free store pickup where stock permits.

Thanks to community member Dr.Wajahat for finding this deal
  • Note: Availability will vary by location.
Device Specifications:
  • 14" 1920x1080 Full HD 16:9 220-nit Anti-glare TN Display
  • Intel Core i3-1115G4 Dual Core / 4 Thread Processor
  • 8GB (4GB Soldered DDR4-2666 + 4GB SO-DIMM DDR4-2666) RAM (supports up to 12GB)
  • 256GB M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0x4 NVMe Solid State Drive / SSD
  • 802.11ax WiFi 6 (2x2) / Bluetooth 5.0
  • HD 720p w/ Privacy Shutter
  • Non-Backlit Keyboard
  • Windows 11 Home (in S mode)
  • 2-Cell 35Whr Battery
  • Weight: 3.31 lbs.
  • Ports:
    • 1x USB 2.0 Type A
    • 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A
    • 1x HDMI 1.4
    • 1x Media card reader
    • 1x Headphone / mic combo jack (3.5mm)
    • 1x Power connector

Editor's Notes

Written by RevOne | Staff
  • Additional Notes

Original Post

Written by Dr.W
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Select Micro Center Stores [store locator]have Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" Laptop (Platinum Grey, 81X700FTUS) on sale for $199.99. Select free store pickup where stock permits.

Thanks to community member Dr.Wajahat for finding this deal
  • Note: Availability will vary by location.
Device Specifications:
  • 14" 1920x1080 Full HD 16:9 220-nit Anti-glare TN Display
  • Intel Core i3-1115G4 Dual Core / 4 Thread Processor
  • 8GB (4GB Soldered DDR4-2666 + 4GB SO-DIMM DDR4-2666) RAM (supports up to 12GB)
  • 256GB M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0x4 NVMe Solid State Drive / SSD
  • 802.11ax WiFi 6 (2x2) / Bluetooth 5.0
  • HD 720p w/ Privacy Shutter
  • Non-Backlit Keyboard
  • Windows 11 Home (in S mode)
  • 2-Cell 35Whr Battery
  • Weight: 3.31 lbs.
  • Ports:
    • 1x USB 2.0 Type A
    • 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A
    • 1x HDMI 1.4
    • 1x Media card reader
    • 1x Headphone / mic combo jack (3.5mm)
    • 1x Power connector

Editor's Notes

Written by RevOne | Staff
  • Additional Notes

Original Post

Written by Dr.W

Community Voting

Deal Score
+55
Good Deal
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134 Comments

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Feb 22, 2023 5:29 PM
834 Comments
Joined Dec 2022
FairTeam939Feb 22, 2023 5:29 PM
834 Comments
Quote from beritolam :
This is true -- ethernet will always be the gold standard. But one big caveat is that current wifi standards have dramatically improved over the last 15+ years.

A lot of things come into play when dealing with a stable wifi network. The Ubiquiti mesh network I have running now at the house is SO SO much better than the one I had running at a previous house 10 years ago.

It makes perfect sense to my why manufacturers would get rid of that ethernet port.
i use wifi when traveling. in the house Ethernet is superior, cuts down on emf exposure especially for children.
Feb 22, 2023 7:19 PM
27 Comments
Joined Nov 2009
dashworthFeb 22, 2023 7:19 PM
27 Comments
To close the loop on this, since I had made several posts earlier about this laptop.

I picked up one. I know speed is relative, especially with the workload you are throwing at it, but this is a good, fast laptop, for the price. I did migrate it out of Windows S mode and ran some debloat scripts.

While at Microcenter I picked up a Inland brand 512GB Sata SSD hard drive. They had them at the Atlanta/Duluth store for $25. It has a free bay for an internal SSD hard drive.

The laptop does not come with a sata cable or screws to mount a hard drive. I ordered this one.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XYQP...ct_details
I can confirm that it fits perfectly, is exactly the correct length, and works. It is a bit tedious to connect the ribbon cable to the motherboard.

This isn't a gaming or high end business laptop, but for my use case, it's great. So far, no complaints.
Feb 22, 2023 9:33 PM
1.5K Comments
Joined Apr 2013
qqsubsFeb 22, 2023 9:33 PM
1.5K Comments
Quote from dashworth :
To close the loop on this, since I had made several posts earlier about this laptop.

I picked up one. I know speed is relative, especially with the workload you are throwing at it, but this is a good, fast laptop, for the price. I did migrate it out of Windows S mode and ran some debloat scripts.

While at Microcenter I picked up a Inland brand 512GB Sata SSD hard drive. They had them at the Atlanta/Duluth store for $25. It has a free bay for an internal SSD hard drive.

The laptop does not come with a sata cable or screws to mount a hard drive. I ordered this one.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XYQP...ct_details
I can confirm that it fits perfectly, is exactly the correct length, and works. It is a bit tedious to connect the ribbon cable to the motherboard.

This isn't a gaming or high end business laptop, but for my use case, it's great. So far, no complaints.
Thanks for this feedback. I have one on order for pickup. Did you consider the $300 Lenovo from Target? Bigger screen, newer processor (12th gen i3), backlit keyboard, marginally brighter screen and 512MB storage built in, heavier though.. On order as well.
Feb 22, 2023 9:39 PM
847 Comments
Joined Mar 2015
jacksan1Feb 22, 2023 9:39 PM
847 Comments
Quote from BosuxRedsux :
think i got the same deal last year?
From the end of February/beginning of March 2022 first-time shopper coupon deal?

That $150 HP is still serving me well. As I said in my other post, the thang is surprisingly usable for basic tasks and perfect for my remote site use.
Feb 22, 2023 11:09 PM
27 Comments
Joined Nov 2009
dashworthFeb 22, 2023 11:09 PM
27 Comments
Quote from qqsubs :
Thanks for this feedback. I have one on order for pickup. Did you consider the $300 Lenovo from Target? Bigger screen, newer processor (12th gen i3), backlit keyboard, marginally brighter screen and 512MB storage built in, heavier though.. On order as well.
I only briefly looked at the Target laptop. The larger screen and keyboard were a negative for me - I prefer the smaller keyboard/screen (no keypad) - so I didn't research it further to see if the RAM was upgradable or if it supported an additional sata hard drive (which was a big deal for me and MC had a good deal on a sata drive). Didn't hurt that the MC one was $100 cheaper too.

For me, if I'm going for a lowish end laptop (i3), then it has to be a good deal.
Feb 22, 2023 11:34 PM
847 Comments
Joined Mar 2015
jacksan1Feb 22, 2023 11:34 PM
847 Comments
Quote from dashworth :
I only briefly looked at the Target laptop. The larger screen and keyboard were a negative for me - I prefer the smaller keyboard/screen (no keypad) - so I didn't research it further to see if the RAM was upgradable or if it supported an additional sata hard drive (which was a big deal for me and MC had a good deal on a sata drive). Didn't hurt that the MC one was $100 cheaper too.

For me, if I'm going for a lowish end laptop (i3), then it has to be a good deal.
Not at all to deny the preference to have an internal SATA drive, just in case, you can also get an enclosure for an SATA drive and connect it to a PC via a USB cable.

Last year I picked up an HP from Micro Center for $150 (default 256GB SSD) and connected a surplus 500GB SATA SSD to its USB-C port.

In fact, with this OP Lenovo, you can install an internal SATA drive AND an external SATA drive if you have another one sitting around as in my case.
Feb 23, 2023 12:17 AM
623 Comments
Joined Jul 2014
NitrohamsterFeb 23, 2023 12:17 AM
623 Comments
Can u buy an oem backlit keyboard?

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Feb 23, 2023 12:39 AM
847 Comments
Joined Mar 2015
jacksan1Feb 23, 2023 12:39 AM
847 Comments
Quote from Nitrohamster :
Can u buy an oem backlit keyboard?
In order to replace this model's keyboard with a backlit one, what's crucial is the availability of the power source. Sometimes, but not always, in a model that provides the option of choosing a backlit keyboard, the backlit power connection is already there, just not in use. If this is the case, then you can swap out the non-backlit with a backlit keyboard by using an appropriate keyboard power cable (usually comes with the keyboard).

At other times, especially in budget models that were never intended to have a backlit keyboard even as an option, the power supply connector is missing. If so, you are basically out of luck.
Feb 23, 2023 2:04 AM
623 Comments
Joined Jul 2014
NitrohamsterFeb 23, 2023 2:04 AM
623 Comments
Quote from jacksan1 :
In order to replace this model's keyboard with a backlit one, what's crucial is the availability of the power source. Sometimes, but not always, in a model that provides the option of choosing a backlit keyboard, the backlit power connection is already there, just not in use. If this is the case, then you can swap out the non-backlit with a backlit keyboard by using an appropriate keyboard power cable (usually comes with the keyboard).

At other times, especially in budget models that were never intended to have a backlit keyboard even as an option, the power supply connector is missing. If so, you are basically out of luck.
Ah man, I'm not sure I can find out what the connector even looks like
Feb 23, 2023 2:21 AM
847 Comments
Joined Mar 2015
jacksan1Feb 23, 2023 2:21 AM
847 Comments
Quote from Nitrohamster :
Ah man, I'm not sure I can find out what the connector even looks like
If you already have this PC, you can find out by detaching the keyboard and looking underneath. If the power source for the backlighting is available, you will see it as an unused connector (usually much smaller than the main keyboard connector). A compatible backlit keyboard should come with a right cable for that.

My gut tells me that this particular model probably does not have the backlight power supply. But the only way to make sure is to actually look under the keyboard.
Last edited by jacksan1 February 22, 2023 at 06:28 PM.
Feb 23, 2023 2:34 AM
15.9K Comments
Joined Nov 2006
BosuxRedsuxFeb 23, 2023 2:34 AM
15.9K Comments
Quote from jacksan1 :
From the end of February/beginning of March 2022 first-time shopper coupon deal?

That $150 HP is still serving me well. As I said in my other post, the thang is surprisingly usable for basic tasks and perfect for my remote site use.

use it all the time, warranty about to expire
Feb 23, 2023 1:27 PM
623 Comments
Joined Jul 2014
NitrohamsterFeb 23, 2023 1:27 PM
623 Comments
Quote from BosuxRedsux :
use it all the time, warranty about to expire
Any software to overclock this thing or undervolt that works like throttlestop?
Feb 23, 2023 7:09 PM
847 Comments
Joined Mar 2015
jacksan1Feb 23, 2023 7:09 PM
847 Comments
Quote from Nitrohamster :
Any software to overclock this thing or undervolt that works like throttlestop?
Sorry to confuse you. This poster and I were discussing an HP PC that we bought exactly a year ago as a $150 special from Micro Center. He/she and I are happy about its performance despite the low price.

In other words, a low price is not necessarily an antithesis to usability, if this one experience of ours is a valid sample.

As to overclocking/undervolting the OP product, Lenovo doesn't likely have anything official like the Vantage (for gaming PCs) for this product. Has anyone installed it on a non-Legion PC and seen it work? I have also heard about something called Intel XTU, an official piece from Intel, but only read about it and do not know its compatibility etc. Why don't you look it up?
Feb 23, 2023 7:57 PM
623 Comments
Joined Jul 2014
NitrohamsterFeb 23, 2023 7:57 PM
623 Comments
Ok if its this cheap i dont mind if the cpu burns out a luttle early if i can double speed or something

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Feb 23, 2023 10:28 PM
117 Comments
Joined Aug 2010
stratmanFeb 23, 2023 10:28 PM
117 Comments
Quote from qqsubs :
What is "S Mode"? Is that in any way a downgraded version of Windows? Can it be changed to normal windows without cost?
Like forum member Gameross said, Windows S Mode is a restricted OS that only allows Microsoft Store apps installed. Fortunately Microsoft says you can "switch out" to Windows 11 Home. Seems easy to do.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-...Windows_11

FYI - Lenovo had some issues with a couple notebook BIOS's that "may allow an attacker with elevated privileges to modify secure boot setting by modifying an NVRAM variable".

https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/.../LEN-94952

Do not know if this involves this laptop.

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