Lenovo’s ThinkPad laptops gain 5G, taller screens, and more with massive refresh
Lenovo just announced a load of ThinkPad laptops, ranging from budget-friendly devices to mobile workstations.
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What you need to know
Lenovo announced a refresh to its ThinkPad laptop lineups, including updates to its X13, X13 Yoga, T series, L series, and P series. The updated laptops focus on modern connectivity, including optional 5G support and Wi-Fi 6E, though 5G support is only on some models. Depending on the device you choose, you’ll have an option of 11th Gen Intel Core vPro processors or AMD Ryzen 5000 series mobile processors. Only some of the laptops have options for AMD, which are noted in the spec tables below.
The updated laptops range from budget-friendly options like the L14 and L15 all the way up to mobile workstations like the P14s and P15s.
ThinkPad L14 and L15
The ThinkPad L14 and L15 are more affordable ThinkPad laptops. They have starting prices of $689, which is around half the price of many other ThinkPad laptops. The ThinkPad L1 i and L15 i run on 11th Gen Intel Core vPro processors, and the ThinkPad L14 and L15 run on AMD Ryzen 5000 series mobile processors.
These are more budget-friendly ThinkPad laptops. They have a much lower starting price than other ThinkPad devices, but still feature plenty of ports and power for work on the go.
ThinkPad P14s and P15s
The ThinkPad P14s, P14s i, and P15 laptops are mobile workstations that can handle more demanding workloads while remaining mobile-friendly. Lenovo highlights that they can run programs like AutoCAD LT, Autodesk Revit, and SolidWorks despite their more compact form factors. The P14s runs on an AMD Ryzen 5000 series mobile processor with integrated AMD Radeon graphics. There are also options for P series laptops with 11th Gen Intel Core processors with NVIDIA T500 discrete graphics.
These laptops also have X-Rite factory color calibration, meaning they’re color accurate out of the box.
These are mobile workstations that provide power on the go while still having a portable form factor. There are options with NVIDIA T500 discrete graphics.
ThinkPad T series
The ThinkPad T series focuses on productivity and comes in a variety of sizes and configurations. The lineup includes the T14s, T14, and T15 powered by 11th Gen Intel vPro processors and the T14s and T14 powered by AMD Ryzen 5000 series mobile processors.
You can get up to a 14-inch UHD HDR Dolby Vision display that can reach up to 500 nits of brightness or up to a 15.6-inch UHD HDR Dolby Vision display that can reach up to 600 nits. The displays should be bright enough for most settings, including outdoor use, depending on how much sunlight you’re dealing with.
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The T14s models integrate a fingerprint reader into the power button and feature Human Presence Detection.
ThinkPad T15
This lineup has a variety of sizes and configurations available. You can choose between 14 or 15-inch models with Intel or AMD processors
ThinkPad X13 and X13 Yoga
The ThinkPad X13 and X13 Yoga are lightweight laptops that prioritize portability. They feature a 16:10 aspect ratio, which allows you to see more on a screen at once without bulking up the body too much. They have always-on always-connected technology, which makes it quicker to jump right into work.
The ThinkPad X13 i and X13 Yoga are powered by 11th Gen Intel Core vPro processors, and the ThinkPad X13 runs on an AMD Ryzen 5000 series mobile processor.
The X13 is a traditional clamshell laptop, though it can open flat, which is useful for presenting. The X13 Yoga is a flexible 2-in-1 that can flip around into different modes, including working as a tablet.
These laptops come in either a traditional clamshell form factor or a flexible 2-in-1. They have always-on always-connected technology to help you jump right into your work.
Many of the new ThinkPad laptops start rolling out in March 2021, though you’ll have to wait until as late as May 2021 to purchase some of them.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
