The Best Lenovo Laptops of 2018

Classic Design Meets Innovation

It's been more than a decade since IBM stopped making ThinkPad laptops, yet you're still likely to see them in the halls of industry, thanks to Lenovo. The company formerly known as Legend Computers of Beijing, China, still produces the well-regarded laptop line, with its beloved AccuType keyboard, but it's not content to rest on its laurels. Rather, it continues to innovate with radical designs like the Yoga line, which has influenced other PC manufacturers (like Dell, HP, and Toshiba) to adopt its basic mechanism in their 2-in-1 convertible laptop designs.

Making the Right Choice

Most of Lenovo's laptops are centered on two main model lines: ThinkPads and IdeaPads. ThinkPads are the classically styled, business-oriented laptops, with a range of features (such as touch screens) but usually colored in classic, basic black. IdeaPads, on the other hand, are aimed mainly at consumers, though design-forward business people may gravitate toward using an IdeaPad as a primary PC. You'll find some preloaded apps on many IdeaPad systems, particularly those bought from big box stores. Look for Microsoft Store– or Microsoft Signature–prepped systems to avoid preinstalled bloatware.

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Chromebooks are popular choices for buyers on a budget. Google's Chrome OS is simple to manage and use, since it centers on the Chrome Web browser and related apps. Lenovo has a few chromebook choices, including inexpensive consumer models, and more rugged ThinkPad chromebooks for businesses and schools.

Then there are those hybrid systems, which can function as both laptops and tablets. The company's Flex and Yoga laptops pioneered the 2-in-1 convertible laptop movement. Yoga laptops have the ability to flip into four positions: conventional Laptop mode, video-viewing Stand mode, game-playing Tent mode, and reading-oriented Tablet mode. If you think you're more likely to want to use a tablet, check out one of the company's Miix models. But don't worry: The keyboards that come with these are often almost as good as the tried-and-true AccuType.

Early in 2017, Lenovo launched the Legion line to differentiate its gaming systems from the main IdeaPad line, in which they had previously lived. The midrange Legion Y520 was the first out of the gate. Its pricing for its specs and feature set are attractive, setting a good tone for Lenovo's new gaming initiative. Without sticking to the IdeaPad brand, Legion machines can more practically offer a wider range of models and prices, more unique designs, and features specifically aimed at a gaming audience.

For more, check out our 10 favorite laptops overall, as well as our lists of the best cheap laptops, and business laptops.