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Lenovo introduced earlier this yr its intentions to replace the T-series ThinkPads, which incorporates the ThinkPad T14. The primary-gen T14 was the successor to the T490, one of many best-selling enterprise laptops Lenovo gives. The transfer to the brand new T14 identify did not actually change the design, as a substitute specializing in a efficiency bump with trendy {hardware}. The identical holds true for the ThinkPad T14 (Gen 2), which is once more principally a efficiency improve. I have been utilizing this laptop computer for all duties to see precisely the place it excels, the place it falls quick, and whether or not or not it is price your cash.
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Lenovo ThinkPad T14 (Gen 2)
Backside line: The ThinkPad T14 (Gen 2)’s strong, sturdy design is beginning to look dated subsequent to a few of the different ThinkPads in Lenovo’s steady. However, it brings regular efficiency with eleventh Gen Intel Core CPUs, and battery life and thermals are wonderful. For those who’re in search of a enterprise laptop computer with loads of further security measures and top-of-the-line keyboards round, this must be thought of.
For
- eleventh Gen Intel CPUs convey higher efficiency
- Twin Thunderbolt 4
- Sturdy ThinkPad high quality construct
- Wonderful keyboard, audio system
- Vivid, colourful show that sips energy
In opposition to
- Nonetheless utilizing a 16:9 side ratio
- Thick plastic show bezel
- HD digicam
- Touchpad is a bit unfastened
Lenovo ThinkPad T14 (Gen 2): Value, availability, and specs
Lenovo equipped Home windows Central with a evaluate unit of the ThinkPad T14 (Gen 2) with Intel {hardware}. In comparison with the first-gen mannequin, it has new ports, new CPUs, quicker RAM, and a few totally different show choices. That is primarily a efficiency refresh; the 2 laptops are basically indistinguishable when positioned subsequent to one another.
My evaluate mannequin has an eleventh Gen Intel Core i5-1145G7 vPro CPU, a 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe solid-state drive (SSD) that’s upgradeable, and a 14-inch 1920×1080 (FHD) show. The 16GB of RAM is soldered to the motherboard, however there’s an additional free slot obtainable for upgrades and to realize dual-channel efficiency. Lenovo gives both 8GB or 16GB of soldered RAM from the manufacturing facility.
Just like the first-gen ThinkPad T14, the Gen 2 mannequin is configurable with 4G LTE. It really works with eSIM or an non-obligatory bodily Nano-SIM slot. NFC and a Good Card reader are additionally choices for enterprise buys.
This evaluate unit prices about $1,719 after one in all Lenovo’s frequent reductions, but it surely does have fairly just a few upgrades over primary fashions. For those who’re on a tighter price range, fashions presently begin at $1,280 at Lenovo. You possibly can configure {hardware} as you please at Lenovo’s official web site, however there are additionally fashions obtainable at loads of third-party retailers like Amazon and Newegg. There are additionally AMD-based ThinkPad T14 fashions obtainable, which I cowl within the competitors part.
Following are the precise specs present in my ThinkPad T14 (Gen 2) evaluate unit.
| Class | Spec |
|---|---|
| OS | Home windows 10 Professional |
| Processor | eleventh Gen Intel Core i5-1145G7 vPro 4 cores, 8 threads As much as 4.4GHz |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4-3200 Twin-channel |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Built-in |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD Upgradeable |
| Show | 14 inches 1920×1080 (FHD) 16:9 side ratio Non-touch Matte, IPS Low energy |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 4 Two USB-A 3.2 (Gen 1) HDMI 2.0 microSD card reader 3.5mm audio Ethernet |
| Audio | Twin 2W stereo audio system Dolby Audio |
| Connectivity | Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Digicam | Entrance-facing 720p IR digicam Privateness shutter |
| Keyboard | Backlit Spill resistant |
| Touchpad | Precision TrackPoint |
| Safety | dTPM 2.0 Kensington lock slot Good Card reader (non-obligatory) Fingerprint reader IR digicam Webcam shutter |
| Battery | 50Wh 65W AC adapter |
| Dimensions | 12.95 x 8.94 x 0.7 inches (329mm x 227mm x 18mm) |
| Weight | 3.23 kilos (1.47kg) |
| Colour | Black |
Lenovo ThinkPad T14 (Gen 2): What I like
My second-gen ThinkPad T14’s case is made up of a mixture of supplies, together with polycarbonate and magnesium alloy for the keyboard deck, polyamide with glass fiber for the underside portion, and polyphenylene for the lid. This altogether interprets into a powerful base that continues to be pretty light-weight at 3.23 kilos (1.47kg). The laptop computer has undergone MIL-STD 810G sturdiness testing to make sure it might probably face up to a harsher setting than most common laptops. Some fashions will include an aluminum lid — it appears to rely upon which show you select — however relaxation assured even the PPS lid’s flex stays properly under alarming ranges.
The second-gen ThinkPad T14’s extra granular end eliminates most of the traditional fingerprints and smudges.
The T14 (Gen 2) has a end that is only a bit extra granular than the standard ThinkPad soft-touch paint. I really like the texture, and it picks up a fraction of the standard fingerprints and smudges. ThinkPads have been infamous for getting mucked up with even just a few hours of use, however this one remained principally blemish-free throughout day by day use. Altogether the laptop computer has a easy, skilled look that ought to go well with equally espresso retailers or boardrooms.
Port choice has been modernized with twin Thunderbolt 4 as a substitute of 1 TB3 and one USB-C 3.2. In any other case connectivity is usually unchanged, with two USB-A 3.2 (Gen 1), HDMI 2.0, 3.5mm audio jack, microSD card reader, and full-size RJ45 Ethernet. There’s additionally a facet docking connector for Lenovo’s proprietary docking stations. Any of the perfect Thunderbolt 4 docks can even work. An Intel AX210 Wi-Fi 6E modem and Bluetooth 5.2 spherical out wi-fi connectivity choices. 4G LTE with Nano-SIM and eSIM is non-obligatory if you would like to pay the additional value.
The ThinkPad keyboard with cupped keys and deep 1.8mm journey feels pretty much as good to make use of as ever. It has a three-stage white backlight with good distinction in opposition to the black keys, devoted navigation keys for simpler productiveness, and devoted communication keys for faster calls. The TrackPoint system remains to be right here, with crimson pointer and bodily mouse keys in regards to the touchpad.
Twin 2W audio system with Dolby Audio tuning reside between the keyboard and show. The grille protecting them runs from hinge to hinge, incorporating additionally the ability button. The grille appears to be like a bit low cost as a result of it is a separate piece, but it surely’s tacked down properly and sits flush. Audio high quality is superb. Listening to music whereas I work is pleasant, and video and voice calls come by way of clearly. There may very well be extra bass like most Ultrabook audio system, however you may go fairly loud with out distortion.
The ThinkPad T14 (Gen 2) runs cools and quiet underneath load.
When this laptop computer was first launched in Spring 2021, there have been some reported points involving excessive system warmth underneath load and poor battery life. These points appear to have been fastened since launch, doubtless by way of a sequence of firmware updates. The eleventh Gen Intel “Tiger Lake” Core i5-1145G7 CPU did not gradual me down in any respect for picture modifying, phrase processing, heavy internet shopping, and streaming, little question helped alongside by the 16GB of DDR4-3200 RAM and speedy 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD. The SSD may be upgraded after buy, as can one of many RAM modules. Every T14 (Gen 2) will include both 8GB or 16GB of RAM soldered to the board.
A NVIDIA MX450 discrete GPU is listed in Lenovo’s documentation, although it appears to solely be obtainable in sure markets. The unit I examined makes use of Intel Iris Xe built-in graphics, which performs very properly for on a regular basis work.
I ran a 15-minute stress check to examine system stability at 100% load. After the CPU’s temporary Turbo increase which noticed between 5% and 15% throttling, the temperatures leveled out at about 70 levels Celsius with out throttling and remained there till I ended the check. System noise is sort of nonexistent when the laptop computer is not underneath a full load, and even at 100% load the one fan by no means will get too loud. This contains when the battery is concurrently being charged. Floor temperatures additionally remained properly under any alarming ranges.
The 50Wh battery impressed with greater than 10 hours of life in PCMark 10’s Fashionable Workplace rundown check. This was with Home windows 10’s “Higher efficiency” energy setting and display screen brightness set at about 75% (or 290 nits). Actual-world outcomes will differ, however you need to nonetheless count on to have the ability to push the laptop computer to about eight hours of life if you happen to’re with out an AC adapter. The battery expenses very quick, getting again to 100% in simply greater than an hour.
Lenovo ThinkPad T14 (Gen 2): What I do not like
Probably the most noticeable design decisions right here is the thick plastic bezel across the 16:9 show. The aesthetic is outdated for a laptop computer launched in 2021. Lenovo nonetheless hasn’t made the soar to a taller 16:10 side ratio for its T-series ThinkPads, however I might guess that it is coming within the subsequent T14 technology. A minimum of there’s numerous room above the display screen to suit an HD and IR digicam mixture with privateness shutter. You’ll have to pay further if you need something greater than the HD digicam, but it surely’s a terrific funding if you need the added safety over the fingerprint reader. I want to see 1080p develop into normal at this value level, however the 720p digicam does a adequate job for video conferencing.
The show, ignoring the thick bezel, does look good. I examined 99% sRGB, 75% AdobeRGB, and 75% DCI-P3 colour copy with my SpyderX Professional colorimeter, in addition to 388 nits most brightness. That is under the 400 nits claimed by Lenovo, but it surely’s nonetheless lots when mixed with the matte end. That is the low energy show choice, and there are many different screens obtainable primarily based in your desire. Decision goes as much as 4K UHD with Dolby Imaginative and prescient, whereas there’s additionally an FHD mannequin with Privateness Guard. There is not any extra 720p choice, which is a welcome subtraction.
One other disadvantage I seen throughout day by day use is the touchpad’s unfastened really feel. It has a slight rattle when clicked, and it would not really feel practically as agency as many different laptops on this value vary. The mylar floor is easy and tracks properly, however the hole click on takes some getting used to after coming from the XPS 13.
Lenovo ThinkPad T14 (Gen 2): Competitors
Lenovo’s personal ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9) is the primary laptop computer I consider as competitors for the T14 (Gen 2). It is top-of-the-line Home windows laptops obtainable at this time. The X1 Carbon additionally has a 14-inch chassis, but it surely’s notably thinner and lighter because of a carbon fiber and magnesium alloy construct. All of its FHD+ shows have a 16:10 side ratio, low energy draw, and anti-glare end, whereas its UHD+ show gives HDR 400 and as much as 500 nits brightness. The keyboard and touchpad are excellent, you get related port choice (although no proprietary dock connector), and there is non-obligatory 4G LTE and 5G connectivity.
It is powerful to advocate the T14 (Gen 2) over the X1 Carbon (Gen 9) when costs are on the identical degree.
The X1 Carbon is pretty much as good or higher in some ways, and it would not even value that rather more than the T14. A mannequin with eleventh Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 CPU, 16GB of LPDDR4x-4266 RAM, 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD, and 16:10 FHD+ show presently prices about $1,715 at Lenovo with one in all its rotating reductions. That is really just a few {dollars} cheaper than my T14 (Gen 2) evaluate unit with Core i5 CPU and half as a lot space for storing. I might advocate the X1 Carbon over the T14 in nearly each case.
The ThinkPad T14 (Gen 2) has an AMD-powered counterpart that makes use of Ryzen 5000 Professional Cellular CPUs for wonderful efficiency. You aren’t getting Thunderbolt ports (common USB-C as a substitute), however every little thing else is virtually the identical. AMD fashions begin at a significantly cheaper price in comparison with the Intel T14 (Gen 2).
There may be additionally the ThinkPad T14s that is barely thinner and lighter than the common T14. It may be had with AMD or Intel {hardware}, and it is made up of carbon fiber and aluminum for a extra premium really feel. Efficiency {hardware}, shows, and ports are basically the identical. ThinkPad T14s (Gen 2) fashions appear to presently be going for a bit much less cash than the standard T14, although that would change as Lenovo swaps out its coupons.
Our assortment of the perfect enterprise laptops has a bunch of different nice choices if you would like to get out of the ThinkPad bubble.
Lenovo ThinkPad T14 (Gen 2): Must you purchase it?
You can purchase this if …
- You want a sturdy, safe 14-inch Ultrabook
- You need top-of-the-line keyboards for all-day typing
- You want broad connectivity with out including dongles
- You want 4G LTE connectivity in a enterprise laptop computer
You should not purchase this if …
- You have moved on from 16:9 shows with thick bezels
- You are in search of a laptop computer that may additionally deal with gaming
- You need one thing thinner and lighter, just like the X1 Carbon
Not a lot has modified with the ThinkPad T14 (Gen 2). It now has Thunderbolt 4 ports, up to date eleventh Gen Intel Core CPUs, and quicker RAM, however in any other case the design stays unchanged. It is a sensible construct that may slot in wherever, but it surely additionally has some outdated points.
The 16:9 show and its thick bezel wants an improve, and the touchpad is also loads higher. And when you may get the very good ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9) — which fixes most of my complaints in regards to the T14 (Gen 2) — for about the identical value, it turns into more durable to advocate the T-series workhorse.
The T14 (Gen 2) does a variety of issues proper, and it stays probably the most in style laptops that Lenovo gives. The construct high quality is superb, the keyboard is subsequent to none, bodily and wi-fi connectivity choices are plentiful, and the added security measures make sense for anybody dealing with delicate information. The battery ought to final someplace round eight hours on a cost, and efficiency is regular with good thermals. For those who do not thoughts the look of the show and the rattling touchpad, that is nonetheless a high enterprise laptop computer.
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Lenovo ThinkPad T14 (Gen 2)
Backside line: The second-gen ThinkPad T14’s design is beginning to look stale subsequent to different Lenovo enterprise laptops, but it surely nonetheless gives strong efficiency, lengthy battery life, high-end construct high quality, and tons of additional options.
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