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Lenovo Y50 UHD 15.6-Inch Touchscreen Gaming Laptop (59441814) Black
Features highlights
- Intel Core i7- 4700HQ Quad Core Mobile Processor
- 1TB 5400 rpm (With 8GB Solid State Hybrid Drive)
- 8GB PC3 – 12800 DDR3 Memory
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 860M Graphics with 2GB Memory
- 15.6-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1080) Multitouch Display With 720p Webcam
- Two USB 3.0, One USB 2.0, HDMI, 4-in-1 Card Reader
- Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac, Bluetooth
- 15.23″ x 10.37″ x .9″, weight 5.29 lbs.
- Windows 8.1
Performance
Speed, graphics and gaming experience
The Y50 is equipped with the Intel Core i7- 4700HQ quad-core mobile processor which provides it with a solid level of performance not just for gaming but for any task including digital video editing.
The processor is matched up with NVIDIA GTX – 860M graphics card that provides a 40 percent increase over previous generations.
The Y50 isn’t the most powerful machine but it can hold it’s own playing a variety of modern games like Plants Versus Zombies, Sniper Elite 3, etc.
It is not equipped to deliver the most consistent experience without tweaking the graphics settings.
While it fares well in many games, it literally crumbles under the weight of Metro. On Ultra settings it registers a frame rate of only 9.33 fps. It is not only the Y50 that has this problem with this game.
This game has brought many laptops to their knees. On Bioshock Infinite test at 1080p and high detail settings, the Y50 managed 48.7 fps.
Games like Titafall, Skyrim and Thief at medium-to-high settings at 1920 x 1080 ran very smoothly at playable frame rates.
Battery life
Lenovo Y50 uses a Li-ion battery. The battery life is one of the shortcomings of this machine. On the PCMark 8 battery test in managed to stay on for only 2 hours and 49 minutes.
This performance falls short compared to Gigabyte P35W v2 that lasts for 3 hours and 19 minutes and the P35W v2 that lasts for 4 hours and 3 minutes on the same test. In a video playback battery drain test, the Y50 ran for 4:16.
So if you own Y50 you need to keep the power cord on hand and have a keen eye for power outlets. You can extend the Y50’s battery life if you subject it to less stressful workload and use a dimmer screen.
Display performance
Lenovo Y50 has a 15.6-inch Full HD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution and with 10-point multi-touch technology. It shows good quality games, movies, and pictures.
But those who are very keen about displays will find Lenovo Y50’ screen disappointing. It simply does not make the cut in any regard.
Many reviewers have accused it of showing desaturated colors, washed-out blacks and for lacking brightness.
Design and Functionality
Overall design feel and build quality
Lenovo Y50 measures 10.37 x 0.94 x 15.24 inches and weighs 5.29 pounds. It is thinner and lighter than its predecessor that had a thickness of 0.94 inches and weighed 5.29 pounds.
The Y50 has an angular design built around black metal embossed in a crosshatch pattern. Both the underside and the lid are fitted with brushed aluminum panels.
And on the inside, you will get a glossy black plastic covering the bezel around the screen and the small lip above the keyboard.
The design feels solid despite being comprised of striated layers of metal to plastic and back to aluminum again. The aluminum backing on its screen’s lid adds serious rigidity and prevents any flexing.
The metal construction makes it durable though it adds a little weight to the machine.
Keyboard
Lenovo Y50 boasts an island-style AccuType keyboard with a modern feel and look. It has flatter, slightly curved keys for comfort during typing which enhances accuracy.
The keyboard is backlit making it great even in low-light conditions. There is a rubber finish that covers the keyboard deck and the wrist pads for a soft touch that is easy on wrists during extended gaming and typing sessions.
Many users agree that the keyboard is excellent.
Touchpad
Just like the keyboard, the touchpad is also excellent with easy zoom, scroll and rotate functions. You will never find any Windows laptops better constructed than the Y50 in this area.
It is an intelligent Touchpad which is optimized for Windows 8.1.
Connections and Storage
The Lenovo Y50 has a decent set of connections and ports. It has 2 high-speed 3.0 ports, a USB 2.0 port, an SD card reader and a full-size Ethernet jack.
It also supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless connectivity. For storage, you will get a 1TB hard drive spinning at 5400 rpm and having 8GB Solid State Hybrid Drive for quick and efficient data transfer.
Pros:
Cons:
The Lenovo Y50 Touch doesn’t look much different from its predecessors, the Y510 and the Y410 but there are a number of changes.
It is a good deal thinner and the weight has also dropped making it lighter.
The Lenovo Y50 is a high-performance notebook with a Full HD resolution display.
It also has features like the latest processor, premium audio and graphics technology which make it ideal for gaming.
It offers a fairly solid level of construction with an excellent keyboard and touchpad.
Other things to consider
Warranty
Lenovo offers a base warranty of 1 year starting on the day when you buy it. The international warranty depends on where you buy your machine.
Bottom line
Lenovo Y50 is a very good package for its price tag, save for the somewhat limited computing horsepower and the screen.
Lenovo Y50 is a breath of fresh air in design compared with other laptops that focus on filling out a spec sheet and stuffing it into a flimsy plastic chassis.
However, hardcore gamers who want a bit more need to look elsewhere more so because of its limited battery life.
