IdeaPad Z series

The first IdeaPad laptop launched by Lenovo in 2012, this laptop has:

• Processor: AMD A4-3300M/A6-3400M/A8-3500M
• Memory: Up to 8GB PC3-10600 DDR3 1333 MHz (2 slots)
• Storage: 750 GB 5400rpm HDD
• Graphics:
  • AMD Radeon HD 6480G + 6650M
  • AMD Radeon HD 6620G
• Dimensions (mm): 376 × 222 × 20~35.5[2]
• Screen: 15.6", 1366×768 resolution
• Weight: 5.73 lbs[2]

Released in 2011, the Z370 laptop offered the following specifications:

• Processor: Up to Intel Core i5-2520M[3]
• Memory: Up to 6GB DDR3 1066/1333 MHz[3] (2 slots)
• Graphics:
  • Intel HD 3000[3] +
  • NVIDIA GeForce 410M (512MB/1GB)[3]
• Dimensions (mm): 328 × 222 × 20 to 33[3]
• Weight: 4.41 lbs[3]

Also released in 2011, the Z470 laptop offered the following specifications:

• Processor: Up to 2nd generation Intel Core i7[4]
• Memory: Up to 16 GB DDR3[4] (2 slots)
• Graphics: Intel Integrated, + NVIDIA GeForce GT520M (1GB video RAM)[4]
• Weight: starting at 4.85 lbs[4]

The third Z Series laptop released in 2011, the Z570 offered the following specifications:

• Processor: Up to Intel Core i7[5]
• Memory: Up to 8GB DDR3 1333 MHz[5] (2 slots)
• Graphics:
  • Intel HD 3000[5]+
    • NVIDIA GeForce GT540M (2GB video RAM)[5] or
    • NVIDIA GeForce GT520M (1GB video RAM)[5]
• Dimensions (mm): 376 × 250 × 20~35.5[5]
• Weight: starting at 5.73 lbs[5]

The IdeaPad Z360 was launched in 2010 and was appreciated for its 500GB hard disk drive, WiDi and WiMAX options, keyboard, and navigation.[6] However, the design met with disfavor[6][7] and was unappreciated by reviewers. Another point in the laptop’s favor was the price and the processor – the Intel i3-750 with a speed of 2.4 GHz.[7] LAPTOP Magazine called the keyboard “phenomenal” and said that “this makes typing on the Z360 a wonderful experience”.[7] The color contrast on the screen was also appreciated, as was the depth of sound provided by the speakers.[7]

• Processor: Up to Intel Core i5-480M[8]
• Chipset: Intel HM55[8]
• Memory: Up to 8GB PC3-8500 1066 MHz DDR3[8]
• Graphics: Intel HD[8]
• Dimensions (mm): 327 × 219 × 20 to 34[8]
• Weight: 4.41 lbs[8]

The IdeaPad Z460 laptop, also launched in 2010, was appreciated for its both good looks and good value by tech2.[1] While the glossy outer lid was reported by PCMagazine to retain fingerprints and smudges, the brushed metal interior was said to feel “premium on touch”.[9] The Chiclet keyboard on the Z460 was noted as being comfortable to type on, with good feedback on key presses and no flex.[9] The only problem listed for the laptop was the maximum RAM – 2GB only.[9]

The IdeaPad Z560, the third Z Series laptop launched in 2010, had roughly the same positive and negative points as other models in the Z Series.

The laptop was appreciated by Notebook Review for its keyboard, touchpad, and build quality similar to the Z460.[10] PCMag also appreciated the laptop’s keyboard and navigation, as well as the inclusion of an ExpressCard slot, the speaker system, the affordable price and the 500GB hard disk drive.[11]

Notebook Review listed the negative points of the laptop as low battery life and poor screen contrast[10] while PCMag indicated the lack of color options and the low RAM (3GB).[11] One difference in the reviews, however, was that PCMag called the design ‘dated’,[11] while Notebook Review called the Z560 stylish, and said that it “could almost pass off for a business notebook in the right setting”.[10]

The laptop’s specifications are as follows:

• Processor: Up to Intel Core i5-480M[12]
• Chipset: Intel HM55[12]
• Memory: Up to 8GB PC3-8500 1066 MHz DDR3[12]
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 310M, 1GB memory[12]
• Dimensions (mm) 376.8 × 249.8 × 17.3 to 34.9[12]
• Weight: starting at 5.73 lbs[12]