Notebook Review
Lenovo IdeaPad L340-17 Review: A Practical 17.3-Inch Everyday Laptop
Editor note: This English review is an original adaptation of a Notebook-Center.ru article, based only on the source material provided for the Lenovo IdeaPad L340-17API (81LY001TRK).
Overview
The Lenovo IdeaPad L340-17 is positioned as an affordable 17.3-inch laptop for everyday work at home or in the office. In this configuration, it combines an AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor with Radeon Vega 8 graphics, 4 GB of memory, and dual storage with a 1 TB hard drive plus a 128 GB SSD. The trade-offs are also clear: the display uses a 1600x900 TN panel, there is no preinstalled operating system, and the battery capacity is modest for a large notebook.
Technical Specifications
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 3500U 2100 MHz |
|---|---|
| Memory | 4 GB DDR4 2400 MHz |
| Storage | 1000 GB HDD 7200 rpm, 128 GB SSD |
| Display | 17.3-inch 1600x900 HD+ LED |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 |
| Optical drive | none |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Audio | 2 speakers |
| Ports | 2x USB 3.0, HDMI, USB Type-C, RJ-45, combined audio jack |
| Extras | 720p webcam |
| Battery | Li-ion 3900 mAh |
| Dimensions and weight | 413x285x24 mm, 2.8 kg |
| Operating system | Free DOS |
| Configuration | Lenovo IdeaPad L340-17API (81LY001TRK) |
Design
The chassis is made of plastic and follows a very simple black design with minimal branding. The finish looks restrained and practical, but it also collects fingerprints easily. The source review notes that material quality is decent for the price, while assembly is less consistent, with some creaks and visible gaps in places.
At 2.8 kg and 413x285x24 mm, this is not a travel-friendly machine. Its size fits better on a desk than in a bag, so it makes more sense as a large-screen home or office laptop than as a daily carry device.
Display and Audio
The 17.3-inch screen has a 1600x900 resolution and uses a TN panel. According to the source, viewing angles are narrow, brightness reaches about 220 nits, and color coverage stays around 45 percent. That means the panel is serviceable for basic tasks, but users who expect stronger image quality or better color reproduction may find it limited.
The laptop also includes a 720p webcam with a TrueBlock Privacy Shutter, which is a practical feature for users who want a physical cover. Speaker quality is described as modest, with limited volume, weak bass, and noticeable emphasis on high frequencies, so headphones or external speakers are the better choice for media use.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The island-style keyboard includes a numeric keypad and sits on a firm base, which is useful for office work. At the same time, the layout feels compressed, especially around the arrow keys, and the key travel is short. There is no backlight in this version.
The clickpad is quite small relative to the large palm rest area, but the source describes it as responsive and compatible with multitouch gestures. For routine navigation, it should be adequate, though it does not make a strong impression.
Performance
This configuration uses the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, a four-core processor with 15 W power consumption, paired with integrated Radeon RX Vega 8 graphics. The source positions this combination below the middle of the performance range, which fits basic multitasking, web work, and general daily use better than demanding creative or gaming workloads.
Memory is limited to 4 GB DDR4-2400 in the reviewed version, which is one of the main practical compromises. Storage is more flexible, with a 128 GB SSD for system responsiveness and a 1 TB hard drive for larger files.
Ports and Connectivity
The port selection covers the main essentials: two USB 3.0 ports, USB Type-C, HDMI, RJ-45, and a combined audio jack. Lenovo places these working ports on the left side, while the right side only adds a Kensington lock slot. Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.1.
Battery
The battery is rated at 3900 mAh. The manufacturer estimate mentioned in the source is up to seven hours in mixed use under moderate load. For a 17.3-inch notebook, that suggests a machine intended more for short unplugged sessions than for long mobile workdays.
Verdict
The Lenovo IdeaPad L340-17 is a straightforward budget large-screen laptop for users who want a practical machine for everyday tasks and do not need premium build quality or a strong display. Its main strengths are the roomy 17.3-inch format, sensible everyday processor, and dual-storage setup. The main compromises are the TN screen, only 4 GB of RAM in this configuration, the heavy body, and the lack of a preinstalled operating system.