Being an "IdeaPad" is not the problem. All computers that only have USB 3, have the same problem. There are actually worse problems showing up (only part of the memory being usable, for instance). USB 3 is likely to be the first problem that is solved.
We are back to the same old problem, that has plagued OS/2, forever. The buyer needs to be aware of what they are buying, and be sure that it is supported by OS/2. If it isn't, you must be prepared to work around whatever isn't supported, or choose a different machine. Desktops are much easier to work with, than portable machines.
There is really nothing wrong with Celeron processors. They are a "reduced instruction set" processor, so it takes them longer to process certain instructions. Personally, I wouldn't buy one, but they will work okay. The processor itself, should be priced at about half of what a similar full function processor is priced at, but the processor is only part of the machine cost.
FWIW, rather than trying to buy the cheapest new machine, look for used machines, or machines that are on clearance sale. I have often got perfectly capable machines, that will no longer run windows (until they are cleaned up, and de-virused), for the trouble of taking them away from an owner who doesn't want to deal with it. They are good for parts too.
Performance is not too much of a concern, with OS/2. I have an old DELL Dimension 4300, with 512 MB of memory, and a couple of old IDE disk drives. ArcaOS runs pretty well, in that machine, while winXP has trouble booting (VERY slow). The main thing, that would improve it, is memory. If it had 1 GB of memory, I am pretty sure that it would be okay for winXP too, but it isn't cost effective to spend money on it.