Introducing Legion, Lenovo’s gaming sub-brand
Monday, January 9, 2017 at 9:59PM 
Lenovo Legion Y520
One of Lenovo’s bigger announcements at CES revolves around an entirely new line. The Chinese tech company calls it Legion, a sub-brand dedicated exclusively to gaming. Out of the gates, Lenovo introduces two new gaming laptops and calls these the beginning of a journey in the constantly growing segment. One is a more mainstream-friendly machine: the Legion Y520; while the other is designed for a more hardcore gamer: the Y720. Let’s take a quick look at what both machines have to offer.
Lenovo packs in the best specs it could into both rigs but for something more “budget-friendly” (we use this term very loosely), there’s the Y520. It doesn’t exactly scrimp on offerings with up to 7th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB DDR4 memory, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics, and hybrid storage of up to either 512GB PCIe SSD or 2TB SATA HDD. Audio is as part of a gaming experience as the visuals so this Legion packs in a two 2W Harman speakers with Dolby Audio Premium. Its crimson backlit keyboard offers 1.7mm key travel for more accurate and responsive keystrokes. At 2.58mm thin and 2.5kgs, it’s still a gaming machine you can carry around. It’s not the lightest but it’ll do.
The display of the Y520 is a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS panel and it comes with a full array of ports including USB Type-C, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI port, audio jack, microphone jack, Rj45 LAN, and a 4-in-1 card reader. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 802.11ac with Bluetooth 4.1 combo. Battery life is promised up to four hours. Lenovo plans to start selling the Y520 in the US by next month with a starting price of US$899.99 (around CA$1,100).
Lenovo Legion Y720
Now, if you want the best of the best that Lenovo has to offer, don’t look any further than the Y720. This Legion offering has up to 7th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics, 16GB DDR4 memory, and hybrid storage similar to the Y520. Aside from the graphics boost, the Y720 offers 2W JBL speakers and 3W Dolby Atmos subwoofer, VR-ready specs (this laptop is Oculus-certified), as well as support for Xbox One Wireless Controller (up to four controllers at the same time). Gaming will be a joy on its 15.6-inch 4K display but if you prefer playing on a bigger screen, the Y720 has a Thunderbolt 3 port.
The Y720 comes with an RGB keyboard for a more personalized, fun gaming experience. You won’t have to worry about overheating this machine as it comes equipped with dual metal fans and rear air vents. In terms of connectivity, you get two Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.1 combo. And aside from the Thunderbolt 3 port, you get USB 3.0 ports, HDMI port, audio jack, mic jack, RJ45 LAN, and a DisplayPort. Battery life is promised up to five hours per use.
Both units come in a menacing yet good-looking black. With all its extra bells and whistles, the Y720’s starting price is at US$1,399.99 (around CA$1,850). It’s coming to the US in April 2017.
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