If you're looking for a laptop with higher performance for tasks like video editing or software development, the Apple MacBook Air is probably the better choice despite the higher price. It also tends to have a longer battery life and a better screen display. However, if portability is key and you primarily use basic applications like web browsing or document editing, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 may suffice and it is more budget-friendly. The MacBook Air offers a more premium build quality as well, which could be significant if you're concerned with the look and feel of your device. Keep in mind that the MacBook Air runs on macOS while the Lenovo IdeaPad runs on Windows, which could affect your choice depending on your software needs or personal preference. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple MacBook Air (2020)
Good for general use
Good for engineering and design
Good for software development
Good for content creation
Good overall display quality
Best in class overall build quality
Excellent battery life
Best in class speakers
Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Air (2020).
Key differences
General Use
7.6/10
6.1/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
395.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
239.0 nits
15.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
8.9/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.3/10
The Apple MacBook Air (2020) is good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is only fair.
The Apple MacBook Air (2020) offers better performance for general use because it features a more powerful CPU and more RAM, which contribute to smoother multitasking and faster processing, along with an IPS screen with higher resolution providing better screen quality; it also boasts a longer battery life and a higher portability score due to its lighter weight. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has a less capable CPU, less RAM, a lower-resolution TN screen which offers poorer viewing angles and color reproduction, shorter battery life, and is slightly heavier, which makes it less optimal for general use.
Gaming and AI
6.2/10
5.5/10
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
10.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
10.0/10
The Apple MacBook Air (2020) is only fair for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is poor.
The Apple MacBook Air, while not built for gaming, has a better GPU than the Lenovo IdeaPad 1, allowing it modest capabilities in handling 3D tasks, but its screen refresh rate isn't ideal for high-end gaming and many popular games are incompatible with macOS. The Lenovo IdeaPad 1, being an entry-level laptop, has a less powerful GPU and CPU, making it unsuitable for gaming and 3D applications, despite having adequate screen quality for general use.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
5.5/10
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
8.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Air (2020) is good for engineering and design, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is poor.
The Apple MacBook Air (2020) with its powerful Apple M1 chip and higher quality screen outperforms the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" for engineering and design tasks, which require substantial processing power, high screen resolution, and robust graphics handling abilities. While both laptops offer portability and silent operation, the Lenovo's lower-end processor, basic graphics, and lower resolution screen make it less suited for demanding applications such as engineering simulations and detailed design work.
Content Creation
7.8/10
6.2/10
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
8.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
The Apple MacBook Air (2020) is good for content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.7/10
6.4/10
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
8.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The Apple MacBook Air (2020) is good for software development, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
7.5/10
5.3/10
13.3in
SIZE
14.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
395.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
239.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Air has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" for general use, AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Apple MacBook Air (2020) features a high-resolution Retina display which offers vivid colors and excellent clarity, essential for general use and engineering, where detailed visuals are key; however, its standard refresh rate is not ideal for 3D applications where smoother motion is crucial. The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has a lower resolution and brightness, which makes it less suitable for tasks that require fine detail or extended use under various lighting conditions, impacting general use, engineering, and design unfavorably. Additionally, it lacks wide color gamut coverage, which is necessary for accurate color representation in engineering and design, and its standard refresh rate does not align with the demands of gaming and 3D rendering.
Battery
15.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Air has 15 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has 9 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
13.3in
SIZE
14.0in
2.8 lbs
WEIGHT
3.0 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Apple MacBook Air (2020) and Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" both have very good portability, though the Apple MacBook Air (2020) has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
10.0/10
6.0/10
The Apple MacBook Air (2020) has best in class build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,000
$165
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Apple MacBook Air (2020) has a price of $1,000 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" costs $165.
"The Apple MacBook Air M2 Entry is a very good, but too expensive daily MacBook. The new MacBook Air M2 is undoubtedly once again a very good mobile companion, but we are still a little bit disappointed on a very high level, which is definitely connected with the increased price point. The new chassis is extremely slim and the front edge is no problem during typing, but the bezels are pretty wide for a modern device and in addition with the vertical space required for the notch, the new Air has larger footprint than some Windows rivals."
"The IdeaPad 1 14 is a simple machine, but it’s well-designed and has nearly everything you’d expect from a no-nonsense laptop that allows you to check emails and get schoolwork or other light tasks done with relative ease. A "true" 128GB SSD (as opposed to an eMMC drive) and a roomy 14-inch full HD display are arguably the star attractions, with the comfortable keyboard and reasonably modern styling playing important backup roles."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Air (2020) or the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
About Apple
Apple, an American technology company, is one of the world’s largest company in terms of market capitalization. Their MacBook laptops feature a slim, minimalistic design, class-leading battery life, and premium display and speaker quality. In 2020 Apple switched from using Intel processors to their own silicon chips which have excellent performance and efficiency. The macOS operating system is the second most widely used OS, after Windows.
About Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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