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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 12, 2024·
Given your consideration of cost, the Gateway 11.6" laptop offers a budget-friendly option compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14", which typically comes at a higher price. Both models feature similar processors and graphics, showing that their overall performance may not differ dramatically. However, the larger screen size of the Lenovo could enhance your viewing and user experience, which can be significant for tasks involving multiple applications or content consumption. The tradeoff is in their respective sizes and likely portability; the Gateway, being smaller, should be easier to carry around. It is also noteworthy that the IdeaPad may have a slightly better battery life, providing more use time away from a power outlet. Consider the size and screen importance versus cost and portability when making your choice. 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 Gateway 11.6"
- Excellent portability
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
- The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has no clear advantages over the Gateway 11.6".
Key differences
Software Development
5.7
6.4
3.3/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
4.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
5.3/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is only fair for software development, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
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
5.7
5.3
11.6in
SIZE
14.0in
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
200.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
239.0 nits
The Gateway 11.6" has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" for general use, and engineering and design, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has a better screen for content creation, and software development.
When choosing a laptop, a quality screen is essential for a satisfying experience across various tasks. The Gateway 11.6" and Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" have screens that may not provide the clarity and vibrancy needed for general use due to their lower resolution and brightness, which can lead to a less vivid and sharp display. For engineering and design, the need for accurate colors is critical, but these models likely fall short in reproducing a wide color gamut, making them less suitable for professional color work; moreover, for gaming and 3D applications, where smooth motion is key, their screens may not deliver the high refresh rates required for optimal performance.
Portability
Excellent
Very Good
11.6in
SIZE
14.0in
2.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.0 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Gateway 11.6" has excellent portability, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
5.1
6.0
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has only fair build quality, while the Gateway 11.6" has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$89
$150
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Gateway 11.6" has a price of $89 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" costs $150.
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Key similarities
General Use
5.6
6.1
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
200.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
239.0 nits
8.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
5.3/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
9.1/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.3/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" to be only fair for general use, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
The Gateway 11.6" falls short for general use primarily due to its limited CPU and RAM capacity, which hampers multitasking and application performance, while its IPS screen offers modest quality but the small size hinders productivity. On the other hand, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" also features the same CPU and RAM limitations and has a larger screen but with a lower-quality TN panel, leading to less impressive color reproduction and viewing angles, and although slightly heavier, it offers better portability with a longer battery life.
Gaming and AI
5.4
5.5
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
10.0/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" and Gateway 11.6" are both poor for gaming and AI.
The Gateway 11.6" and Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" both employ the Intel UHD Graphics 600 GPU and a screen refresh rate of 60Hz, which are limited for handling the intense graphics of gaming and 3D applications. Additionally, their CPUs are less powerful and screen quality lower, with resolutions that do not meet the high-definition standards preferred for such tasks.
Engineering and Design
5.4
5.5
3.3/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
4.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" and Gateway 11.6" are both poor for engineering and design.
The Gateway 11.6" and Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" laptops are both poor choices for engineering and design due to their low-powered Intel Celeron N4020 CPUs, minimal 4GB of RAM, and basic Intel UHD Graphics 600 GPUs which are not suitable for demanding tasks. Additionally, both have low-resolution screens which do not offer the clarity or color accuracy needed for precise design work.
Content Creation
5.7
6.2
3.3/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
4.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" to be only fair for content creation, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
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.
Battery
8.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Gateway 11.6" has 8 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.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Gateway 11.6" and the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Gateway 11.6" | Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $150 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2021 | January 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 11'' x 7.5'' x 0.7'' | 12.9'' x 9.3'' x 0.7'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.6 lbs | 3.09 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11" | 12.88" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 7.5" | 9.25" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel Celeron N4020 | Intel Celeron N4020 | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 64 GB | 64 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 8 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | Unknown | 32 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 11.6" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | TN | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1366 x 768 | 1366 x 768 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 200 nits | 239 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 5.1/10 | 6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7/10 | 10/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 5.3/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6/10 | 6/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | No | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 0 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Tom Brant | August 2021
"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 Gateway 11.6" or the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
About Gateway
Gateway is a laptop and tablet brand owned by Acer which sells budget-friendly laptops exclusively through Walmart. It was previously an American computer company until its acquisition by Acer in 2007, who then revived the brand in 2020. Gateway laptops are manufactured by Chinese company Shenzhen Bmorn Technology, which also makes EVOO-branded models.
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.
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