Lenovo's Legion Y530 and Legion Y7000 gaming laptops are designed to be subtle

Lenovo’s Legion Y530 and Legion Y7000 are gaming laptops with a new twist: subtlety. This isn’t a characteristic one normally associates with gamers, but it makes sense for more mainstream users who want a PC with that kind of power but don’t necessarily want to flaunt it. Your boss certainly doesn’t need to know you frag bots (after hours, natch). 

The Legion Y530 and the Legion 7000 will share the same basic internals (with some differences in a few options) and the same “Onyx Black” ABS plastic chassis. Their major differences are retail availability and lid design.

The Legion Y530, a Best Buy exclusive that ships in June with a starting price of $930, will have an ABS plastic lid with the word “Legion” stamped into one side, and an exposed piano hinge (see above). The Legion Y7000 (see lead article image), which will be available in August at all other retailers, will have an aluminum lid with a white-backlit “Y” Legion logo in the center, a covered hinge, and a starting price of $960. 

These laptops may be mass-market, but Lenovo is offering one more nice design element: thin bezels. Computer vendors have to design more strength into those slender sides to protect the display, but it’s worth it because it makes the laptop a little smaller—and you’re less distracted by blocky borders on either side of your view.

Legion Y530 and Legion 7000 specs and features

The Legion Y530 and the Legion Y7000’s features and specs will include: 

• Battery: 3-cell, 52.5Whr lithium polymer
• Wireless technology: 802.11ac Wi-Fi with 2x2 MIMO, and Bluetooth 4.2 
• Dimensions: Legion Y530: 14.37 x 10.24 x 0.94-0.95 inches. Legion Y7000: No dimensions given.
• Weight: Starting at 5.1 pounds (The weight will differ depending on features.)

Another subtlety you’ll notice on the Legion Y530 and Legion Y7000 is the lack of colorful backlighting or lighting customization of any kind. Instead, only the keyboards will be backlit, in a classic white. 

Lenovo’s Legion Y530 and Legion Y7000’s lower-key designs are part of the changing face of gaming. As more people play PC games, the stereotypes are melting away, and the choices are broadening along with the demographics. These laptops will be sold at Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Target, and other mass-market outlets. What you can be sure of is careful balance of bang for buck, and more choices, which is always a good thing.