Two brightness settings are available, but only the dimmer of the two is useful in a dim room.
The LEDs are red, and only red color customization is not an option as it is on some more expensive gaming systems. Other undersized keys include CTRL, ALT and the arrow keys. The included numpad eats into space that would normally be occupied by the right-side shift and backspace keys, both of which are smaller than normal here. We also had issues with the layout, a traditional Lenovo weak point. A key would feel as if it activated, but no character would appear, introducing extra errors. We also noted a vague bottoming action that sometimes made us miss keys while touch-typing. They provide reasonable feedback, but not any more than competitors do. The Y50, like many other recent IdeaPads, is equipped with typical island-style keys. This is a strong selection, though we’d like to see another video output (like DisplayPort), and additional audio outputs.
Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11ac are included, as well. The lack of an optical drive, and the system’s light weight, no doubt help contribute to its solid feel.Ĭonnectivity includes three USB ports, two of which are 3.0, along with HDMI, Ethernet, a memory card reader, a combo headphone/microphone jack, and S/PDIF. Panel gaps are tight, and the chassis doesn’t allow much flex, despite its slim size. In short, the Y50 looks a bit boring, but it’s at least well built. Red accents along the keyboard and speakers attempt to add spice, but the dark shade of maroon used here simply blends into the surrounding black plastic. A black metal display lid is the system’s only touch of class. In all other respects, it is a typical desktop replacement, and some observers might guess it to be priced lower than where it actually is. Fitbit Versa 3Īffordable and reasonably quick, but it does more to damage the company’s gaming reputation than to enhance it.Size is the only trait that might make the Y50 stand out, however.