At first look, the brand new Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 laptop computer may look as boring as its title sounds. It’s gray, boxy, and, dare I say, nearly dated trying. However simply as you shouldn’t choose a guide by its cowl, you shouldn’t choose this laptop computer by its casing. As a result of it’s what’s on the within that rely and I ripped this laptop computer aside to show it.

However whereas we’ll get into the repairability, it’s nonetheless vital to handle what’s on the surface. One of the simplest ways to explain this laptop is previous devoted. The design, the specs, even the traditional ThinkPad purple nub all scream, “I’ve seen this earlier than!” and there’s one thing comforting about that. That is the pc you select as a result of it guarantees to carry true and get the job accomplished, not due to the flash and pizzazz.

Additional studying: Greatest laptops 2024: Premium, price range, gaming, 2-in-1s, and extra

Lenovo ThinkPad T14: Specs

At practically $1,700 that is certainly not an reasonably priced laptop computer. You may simply get a gaming laptop computer for this value and a powerhouse of a desktop for that matter. So it’s good to see that for essentially the most half, the specs stay as much as the title. You may spend rather less ($1,500) to get one thing rather less highly effective (with an Intel Core 5 processor), but it surely’s in all probability value to step up so long as you’re already spending this a lot.

Alas, among the finest specs nonetheless require spending extra like an IR-compatible webcam, extra RAM, and storage. However for the common enterprise or college use, this mannequin seems like greater than sufficient, though I do want it got here with extra RAM by default.

Specs as examined:

• CPU: Intel Core Extremely 7 155H
• Reminiscence: 16GB LPDDR5X
• Graphics/GPU: Intel Arc built-in graphics
• Show: 1920×1200 IPS non-touch 60Hz IPS
• Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen 4 TLC SSD
• Webcam: 1440p QHD webcam
• Connectivity: 2x Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm audio jack, ethernet
• Networking: WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
• Biometrics: Fingerprint reader
• Battery capability: 52.5 watt-hours
• Dimensions: 17.7 x 315.9 x 223.7
• Weight: 2.96 kilos
• MSRP: $1,692

Lenovo ThinkPad T14: Construct high quality and appears

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

That is going to sound like an insult, however hear me out as a result of it’s not meant to be. The design of this ThinkPad seems like one thing from ten years in the past. Even setting apart the tasteless gray colours that you simply’ll all the time get with ThinkPads, save the little bit of purple for the TrackPoint, it’s an previous trying design. It’s boxy, flat, and filled with sharp corners. The underside barely has curvature to cover simply how thick this gadget is. And the reality is… I like it.

Certain, different laptops are flashier, sexier, and thinner. However what these laptops aren’t? Repairable in any approach. We’re going to cowl that later, however instantly I see what Lenovo is doing right here, as a result of I’m all too conversant in this design. Ten years in the past I used to restore laptops, changing batteries, followers, keyboards, and shows, and the factor I dreaded most was engaged on an ultrabook. The laptops I hated repairing the least regarded just like the ThinkPad T14.

You do discover some fashionable touches just like the webcam jut-out that just about each ThinkPad will get proper now, however for essentially the most half that is at finest dated trying and at worst boring. And it’s advantageous. The hinge feels tight, the plastics don’t creak, and the laptop computer doesn’t get coated in fingerprints. This ThinkPad will in all probability by no means win any design awards, however you’ll by no means be embarrassed to make use of it in public both.

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

One of the best half about all of that is sheer repairability. Lenovo labored with iFixit to design a laptop computer you possibly can truly take aside and improve or repair. In only a few minutes, I gently eliminated the underside and had entry to the battery, storage, RAM, and extra. Now to be clear, this isn’t like a Framework laptop computer, the place each half is labeled with a QR code. However it’s a return to as soon as laptops had been.

I feel what I felt was possible akin to a automobile mechanic used to engaged on fashionable automobiles all of the sudden attending to peek right into a automobile from the Nineteen Fifties. I acknowledged all the things, I knew instantly the best way to change issues out. Even the show may very well be changed, although given it entails fastidiously eradicating fairly a number of screws and threading cables by way of a maze of channels, I’m not able to name it simple like a Framework laptop computer. However it’s doable. And after years of fully unrepairable laptops, that’s thrilling in my guide.

Lenovo ThinkPad T14: Keyboard and trackpad

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

One other space that feels a bit outdated, for higher or worse, is the keyboard. Whereas I perceive this can be a 14 inch laptop computer and subsequently extra moveable, all the things feels a bit too cramped. I’ve labored with 13-inch laptops that left me extra room. A few of that may truly be fashionable touches just like the requisite Copilot key. However as I kind, my thumbs are continuously hitting one another, which breaks my focus.

You do after all get the same old ThinkPad elaborations just like the TrackPoint and the ThinkPad-style trackpad setup. There you will see that three buttons on the high of the trackpad that work nicely at the side of the TrackPoint. And maybe partly as a consequence of its small measurement, I don’t discover myself by accident brushing the trackpad that always.

Talking of the trackpad, it’s fairly good. Should you haven’t used a ThinkPad earlier than, it’d take awhile to get used to the buttons on the high, however study to make use of the TrackPoint and also you’ll come to understand it. And if you happen to don’t care to make use of the TrackPoint, you possibly can click on the trackpad within the decrease left and proper corners as an alternative. All the pieces is easy and responsive, accurately, and you’ve got multi-touch capabilities like pinch to zoom. That’s useful as this explicit variant doesn’t have a touchscreen.

Lenovo ThinkPad T14: Audio system and show

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

Talking of the show, I’ve no actual complaints right here both. This mannequin includes a 14-inch non-touch IPS display screen, which will get vivid sufficient for indoor use. It’s possible you’ll battle a bit in on vivid sunny days although, so maintain that in thoughts. Colours are adequate for informal use, together with watching movies on Netflix or Hulu. However they aren’t all that vibrant and don’t pop off the display screen. Lenovo’s option to go together with a matte show is perhaps contributing to the mute colours, however at the very least it all the time seems smudge-free.

Principally, it’s what you’d anticipate from the ThinkPad line, particularly with an IPS panel. A dependable possibility that isn’t flashy or standout, however as an alternative will get the job accomplished. The identical goes for the audio system as nicely. Only a few laptops even have good audio system, so so long as you will have Bluetooth or a headphone jack and the audio system aren’t offensively dangerous, it’s a win.

Right here, the audio system are adequate to deal with mild duties. You may play music after all, however you’ll miss out on bass and even among the mids. And dialog sounded advantageous when streaming a film, however the thematic background sounds weren’t fairly there. For many issues, they’ll do. However for when sound actually issues, get some headphones.

Lenovo ThinkPad T14: Webcam, microphone, biometric choices

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

Proper alongside the highest, you’ll discover the ThinkPad 14’s 1440p webcam, which is ok. It’s excessive sufficient decision that you simply get all of the vital particulars (and perhaps greater than you need on a foul hair day). Coloration copy is a bit missing, although. At this level in summer season, I’ve a reasonably good tan going and but in accordance with the webcam I’ve not seen a spot of solar in years. The blue partitions in my workplace look white as nicely. However regardless of all the things trying paler than traditional, the digicam itself is greater than as much as the duty for video calls. You don’t want a webcam right here except image good accuracy is a should.

Sadly, the webcam on this explicit mannequin just isn’t able to unlocking the laptop computer by way of Home windows Whats up. You need to pay additional for that, although once I checked it was simply $15 extra and so I’d recommend going for that if you happen to can. However if you happen to want to not have face unlock, this ThinkPad does have a fingerprint reader. It really works nicely sufficient, assuming you don’t have dry pores and skin. I do undergo from dry pores and skin points and proper now my proper thumb is the worst digit. I had points with simply that thumb and whereas I doubt you’d ever use your thumb to unlock a laptop computer, I attempted it simply to see if dry pores and skin did current issues. Similar to practically each different fingerprint reader, it  does, and that’s why I’d in all probability spring for a Home windows Whats up digicam.

Lenovo ThinkPad T14: Ports and connectivity

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

I’m unsure when the producers all bought collectively and determined that to any extent further all USB-C ports will go on the left facet of the laptop computer, however I want they’d cease. The ThinkPad 14 does, to its credit score, have loads of ports. You’ll discover two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, which double as energy, two USB-A spots, an HDMI slot, Ethernet, a Kensington safety slot, and a headphone jack. That ought to be sufficient for most individuals, I think about.

However I simply want extra laptop computer makers understood {that a} USB-C port on either side of the gadget is best for versatility. By no means thoughts plugging in on no matter facet works finest, typically having your energy wire subsequent to your peripherals is inconvenient. Nonetheless, it’s nice to see Thunderbolt right here, and it’s laborious to complain an excessive amount of when you will have just about all of the ports you would ever need. Look on the fitting facet and also you’ll discover two curious cutouts for an non-obligatory Nano Sim Slot and Good Card Reader. It is a enterprise targeted laptop computer by way of and thru.

That reveals within the connectivity space too, which isn’t fairly as future proof as doable, however is sweet sufficient. You get Wi-Fi 6E, which is a slight step behind Wi-Fi 7, however actually so few houses and companies assist the latter possibility that it’s not an enormous loss. You’ll additionally discover Bluetooth 5.3 on board, which is nearly as good because it will get. That’s a great factor too, as a Bluetooth mouse and headphones actually do make good add-ons to this stable laptop computer.

Lenovo ThinkPad T14: Efficiency

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 runs an Intel Core Extremely 7 155H processor. A scorching minute in the past, that was the brand new child on the block, however issues transfer quick in tech and already the newest buzz revolves round Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X {hardware}. However all which means is we’ve had an opportunity to get to know the newest Intel Core collection and now we all know you possibly can anticipate a number of issues: Usually good battery life, respectable built-in graphics efficiency, and dependable “day by day” efficiency.

However simply because two laptops runt he identical processor doesn’t imply they’ll generate the outcomes, it’s a mixture of all the alternatives from RAM to GPUs to even area for airflow. This ThinkPad proves that time.

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

Immediately, Lenovo turned in a mean outcome on PCMark’s check. We’re evaluating to different comparable laptops working Intel Core Extremely processors and often the distinction is RAM or CPU. PCMark assessments varied features like internet looking and video chat and these outcomes are actually fairly good. Evaluating so favorably to different comparable {hardware} implies that regardless of all of the repairability, this ThinkPad hasn’t misplaced a step in day-to-day features.

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

Subsequent we run Cinebench R23 and right here is the place issues falter a bit. On this model of the check, Cinebench assessments heavy masses briefly durations and the ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 falls behind. I’ve re-run this check a number of additional instances simply to substantiate and the outcomes had been constant. The followers don’t run more durable than I’d anticipate and I’ve by no means felt a selected slowness throughout intense operations. For what it’s value, we’re beginning to run the newest Cinebench R24 benchmark, however we don’t have sufficient knowledge on comparable laptops to check with but to see the way it festivals in newer assessments.

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

We additionally run the Handbrake benchmark, which is an efficient measure of heavy load utilization over a protracted time frame. Right here once more, this ThinkPad falls behind the remainder, even different laptops working a barely weaker processor. Throughout the check, the laptop computer didn’t run its followers particularly laborious both. Repairability may’ve come at the price of much less environment friendly cooling. That’s not one thing I anticipated given the dimensions of the vents alongside the underside, however I believe that is perhaps among the challenge. Many of the vents are instantly on the underside, and even the hinge followers are partially tucked into flat surfaces whenever you open the lid.

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

The earlier assessments targeted extra on productiveness and on a regular basis use, however 3Dmark’s Time Spy benchmark focuses on graphics functionality. It’s no shock that the Dell in our comparability scores approach above all the things else due to its GPU. It additionally has the identical processor because the ThinkPad T14. If it’s gaming you’re after, you’ll undoubtedly want discrete graphics. The ThinkPad, with its final place rating on this metric, just isn’t the only option for intensive gaming or video enhancing. Don’t maintain that final place rating towards it too closely, it’s simply shy of the following two within the listing, which run comparable specs.

Lenovo ThinkPad T14: Battery life

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

One factor we’ve got discovered about Intel Core Extremely processes is that, at the very least for the aim of watching movies, they supply epic battery life. That’s assuming you will have an honest battery, cooling, and the opposite requirements for longevity. And right here, skipping the GPU helps as nicely. Though the ThinkPad doesn’t place within the high three, at 13 hours, you possibly can’t say it doesn’t final lengthy. Our check entails looping a neighborhood 4K copy of Tears of Metal at 50 p.c brightness again and again until the battery dies. That used to make all laptops cry, however this ThinkPad fared very nicely.

After all, looping video assessments doesn’t all the time inform you the total story. However I’m joyful to say that the ThinkPad outlasted my workday day by day, at the same time as I pushed it with a dozen browser duties, Workplace applications, and different work wants. So long as you don’t attempt to push it to recreation, it ought to make it by way of the common college or workday.

Lenovo ThinkPad T14: Conclusion

I’ve to confess, I’ve some combined emotions in regards to the ThinkPad T14 Gen 5. I like the idea of repairability. And from a price perspective, the truth that you possibly can change out the RAM, laborious drive, even the battery, with little greater than a screwdriver and a guitar pic, is tantalizing. It’s best to be capable to make this laptop computer last more, in idea, than a equally spec’d thinner laptop computer. I laud these selections. Nonetheless, at practically $2,000 that worth proposition isn’t as nice because it may very well be. It’s costly. And it’s not at the same time as repairable as a Framework laptop computer, though it does come from a reputation you might be certain can be round in ten years.

In the meantime, among the benchmark testing is tough to disregard. In my on a regular basis utilization, I didn’t discover that the laptop computer appeared any slower than others I’ve utilized in latest months. However the way in which I used it’s in all probability how Lenovo meant, for productiveness. I wrote articles, I checked information, I social networked, and checked e-mail. For workplace or college work, it does the job. However the second you begin making an attempt to do extra like gaming or video enhancing, it’s not outfitted to deal with such a load.

However once more, that’s simply not what this laptop computer is supposed to do, so it’s laborious to fault it for that completely. I do want it stood as much as the duty higher although since different laptops with comparable specs do put up higher numbers. However in the end, benchmark testing is a information. What you actually need to ask your self is… what would you like out of a laptop computer? If you’d like a laptop computer from a trusted model that may get you thru the workday and, if want be, restore it within the tomorrows to return, the ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 is the way in which to go.