In the world of laptops, Lenovo has long been a dominant player, known for their robust ThinkPad series that caters to business professionals. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 3 21CQ004TUS is one of their latest offerings, and in this review, we'll dive into its various aspects to understand the strengths and weaknesses of this laptop.
Display
The ThinkPad T14s Gen 3 21CQ004TUS features a 14-inch touchscreen display with a WUXGA resolution of 1920 x 1200. The capacitive touchscreen is responsive to finger touches, making it convenient for tasks like swiping through documents or web pages. However, it's worth noting that this touchscreen doesn't support a standard stylus. The display uses IPS technology, providing wide viewing angles and a bright 300-nit screen. While the screen quality is decent, it falls short of the vibrant displays found in some premium laptops.
Processor
Under the hood, this laptop is powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U processor. With 8 cores and 16 threads, it's a formidable choice for business professionals who demand seamless multitasking and performance. AMD's Ryzen processors have gained recognition for their capabilities, and the 6000 Series continues the trend. This processor excels at handling a variety of tasks, from creating presentations to managing emails and conducting virtual meetings. However, in a world where Intel processors often dominate the business laptop scene, Lenovo's choice of AMD might be seen as a gamble.
Graphics
The laptop boasts integrated AMD Radeon graphics. While this might not be the best choice for gaming enthusiasts or those working with heavy-duty graphics applications, it's efficient for most tasks that a business professional would undertake. However, it's essential to consider the potential limitations if your work involves resource-intensive graphics tasks.
System Memory (RAM)
With 16 gigabytes of LPDDR5 RAM, the ThinkPad T14s Gen 3 21CQ004TUS provides ample memory for multitasking. This LPDDR5 RAM offers high bandwidth, making it suitable for running graphics-heavy applications and handling numerous programs and browser tabs simultaneously. It ensures a smooth and responsive computing experience, which is crucial for productivity.
Storage
The laptop features a 512-gigabyte solid-state drive (SSD). SSDs are known for their speed and efficiency, offering faster startup times and data access compared to traditional hard drives. They are also more durable since they lack moving parts. The 512GB capacity should be sufficient for most business needs, but if you require extensive storage for large files, you might find it lacking. It's a trade-off for the speed and reliability that SSDs provide.
Design and Portability
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 3 21CQ004TUS is designed with portability in mind. Weighing just 2.71 pounds and measuring 0.6 inches thin, it's a lightweight and slim laptop, making it easy to carry around. The 14-inch screen strikes a balance between screen real estate and portability, but some users might miss a slightly larger display for enhanced productivity. Furthermore, the laptop's design is notably professional and conservative, adhering to the classic ThinkPad aesthetics.
Connectivity
When it comes to connectivity, the laptop offers a 1 x HDMI 2.1 output, which allows you to connect to an HDTV or high-definition monitor, expanding your viewing options. Additionally, it features 2 x USB-A 3.2 and 1 x USB-C 3.2 ports, providing a decent number of USB ports for connecting peripherals. With a total of four USB ports, you should have enough connectivity options for your devices.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the ThinkPad T14s Gen 3 21CQ004TUS is its impressive battery life. Lenovo claims up to 19.52 hours of battery life. For business professionals who are constantly on the move, this extended battery life is a significant advantage, allowing you to work without the constant need for recharging. However, real-world usage may vary, so it's essential to consider your specific usage patterns.
Camera and Other Features
This laptop is equipped with a built-in HD webcam and microphone, making it convenient for video conferencing and virtual meetings. The inclusion of a backlit keyboard is a useful feature for working in dimly lit environments, enhancing your typing experience. Additionally, a built-in fingerprint reader streamlines security settings, offering a quick and secure way to access your laptop without the need for passwords. This is particularly useful for business professionals who prioritize security.
Operating System
The ThinkPad T14s Gen 3 runs on Windows 11 Pro, providing a secure and feature-rich environment for business users. However, the transition to Windows 11 might involve a learning curve for users accustomed to older Windows versions. It's crucial to ensure that your existing software and applications are compatible with Windows 11 before making the switch.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Impressive battery life, ideal for professionals on the move.
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 Pro processor with excellent multitasking capabilities.
- Lightweight and portable design, perfect for frequent travelers.
- Decent amount of RAM for smooth multitasking.
- Fingerprint reader for enhanced security.
Cons
- Integrated AMD Radeon graphics might not satisfy demanding graphics tasks.
- Screen quality falls short of premium laptops.
- The design might be too conservative for users seeking a more modern look.
- 512GB of storage may be insufficient for users with extensive file storage needs.
- Transitioning to Windows 11 might involve a learning curve for some users.
Conclusion
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 3 21CQ004TUS is a laptop designed for business professionals who need a portable and reliable device for their work. It offers an impressive battery life, a powerful processor, and a secure operating system. However, it has its limitations, such as integrated graphics and a conservative design. Ultimately, whether this laptop is the right choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
