The E class of Lenovo’s ThinkPad sequence is designed for enterprise, and that’s precisely what the ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 means: enterprise. Premium {hardware}, user-friendly options, and a hefty price ticket combined with a couple of disappointing design selections make for a succesful work machine greatest purchased on sale.
If you happen to’re a author, tech help agent, pupil, or maintain one other occupation that is dependent upon an environment friendly pc for much less hardware-intensive on-line work, hold this laptop computer in consideration and search for a reduction. However for those who’re planning on video modifying or operating machine studying algorithms with any type of velocity, you’re going to want an improve.
Efficiency: Glorious, With Room for High-Tier Enhancements
- 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7, 2.40 GHz, 4-Core, Eight Threads
- 8GB DDR4 RAM, 3200 MHz, Single Channel
- Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
- Home windows 11 Professional
- 256GB SSD
Relating to enterprise laptops, it’s all eyes on the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and RAM (Random Access Memory).
Word: This assessment unit contained Intel internals, however you even have the choice to pick ThinkPads with AMD Ryzen integrated graphics and CPUs. Equally, the assessment unit showcases Home windows 11 Professional, however you possibly can select Home windows 10 variants as nicely.
The CPU and SSD (Solid State Drive) combo deal with issues with velocity and precision. Opening File Explorer to examine your Paperwork or Downloads is swift, and sifting by way of knowledge with the search perform takes subsequent to no time in any respect—one thing you undoubtedly gained’t see with an HDD (Exhausting Disk Drive). An admirable level of the ThinkPad sequence is its {hardware} customization choices; if you need one thing stronger than an Intel Core i5 and 256GB of storage, get it. However be warned, worth follows efficiency.
RELATED: How to Upgrade Your Existing Hard Drive in Under an Hour
Whereas 8GB of RAM is ample for gentle work, I’d go for 16GB or extra for one of the best efficiency. The RAM utilization hovered round 66 to 75% with simply Four to five Chrome tabs and Activity Supervisor open—not precisely an in depth workload.
And it in all probability goes with out saying, however with integrated graphics, you’re not going to be doing an excessive amount of high-profile gaming on this machine. 4K Elden Ring is out of the image, however if you wish to play one thing simpler to run like Rocket League or FTL: Quicker Than Gentle at 60+ FPS on the work pc now and again, the ThinkPad can deal with it (albeit on low to medium video settings).
Design and Show: Ups and Downs
- 14-inch FHD Show, 1920×1080
- 250 Nits Max Brightness
- 3.5 lbs, 17.99mm Skinny
- Anodized Aluminum Covers
When your eyes take within the ThinkPad E14 Gen 2, they suppose “gentle,” however when your palms elevate it up, they suppose “oh, sort of heavy.” Weighing in at 3.5 kilos, it’s light-weight however not the one most transportable laptop computer available on the market. Evaluate it to the MacBook Air’s 2.Eight kilos, and it’s clear which you’d quite carry round in a bag all day.
That mentioned, the anodized aluminum covers that are available in Black or Mineral Metallic contribute to a good portion of that weight, and I wouldn’t commerce them for a pound. They offer off a sturdy, smooth really feel that runs the size of the laptop computer. They do, nonetheless, appeal to fingerprints and smudges like moths to a flame.
The very first thing that struck me concerning the show after I powered on the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 was how dim the display was. I believed it was set to the bottom brightness out of the field, however to my dismay, it was up over the midway mark. For this worth vary, I count on to see a wider vary of brightness choices. At 250 nits max brightness, this laptop computer has a show 4 instances darker than that of an iPhone 13 Pro.
I used the utmost brightness setting practically 100% of the time. It’s vivid sufficient to go on the highest setting, however the battery actually doesn’t recognize it. You gained’t need to make this your foremost movie-watching gadget; it simply isn’t sharp or vibrant sufficient. That’s okay, although; it’s not designed for media enjoyment. It’s designed for enterprise, and it’s vivid sufficient for enterprise. However a 250 nits bump would go a great distance.
This ThinkPad mannequin additionally retains the signature 180-degree display tilt potential, which is…neat. The explanations for these excessive angles of tilt are far and few between, with the one actual profit being safety from bending your display again till it breaks.
The underside of the ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 options cooling grates that permit warmth to flee and rubber ft that forestall your laptop computer from operating across the desk whilst you sort on it.
Lenovo’s ThinkPads all have extraordinarily related type components, and for good purpose; it discovered a recipe that works and retains baking high quality computer systems with it. There are completely a bunch of options to understand, however a couple of weak factors maintain me again from going full Group Lenovo.
Peripherals: Keyboard, Trackpad, and Trackpoint
The keys have a spring of their step; that’s to say, they’ll pop again up as rapidly as you push them down. This produces snappy haptic suggestions that, when mixed with the close to non-existent deck flex because of anodized aluminum covers, creates a laptop computer keyboard value engaged on.
The laptop computer options an ordinary QWERTY keyboard layout, although you’re lacking some media keys like Play/Pause and Skip Ahead/Backward (however you continue to have quantity management, brightness, and name dealing with keys). I additionally recognize the addition of a screenshot key that, whereas not needed since screenshots are just a shortcut away, is sweet to have on deck every so often.
The backlighting controls are a bit odd; at first, I believed there might not truly be any backlighting on this keyboard, as a result of it isn’t managed with the perform keys. After a minute or two, I noticed you even have to make use of the perform key (Fn) and the Area Bar to toggle by way of the three lighting variations: Low, Excessive, and Off. The Low setting is sweet for navigating the keyboard in the dead of night if you’re making an attempt to not blind your vital different as you’re employed away, and the Excessive setting is just a bit bit brighter. Just like the display, I’d wish to see a brightness bump right here.
Briefly, this ThinkPad’s keyboard is a house run with exceedingly little to gripe about.
Proper subsequent to the keyboard is the fingerprint ID energy button—I’m not a fan. It feels squishy and downright flimsy in comparison with the keyboard. And whereas the fingerprint reader is a neat novelty to have when paired with one-touch energy on, I might quite see the cash and focus invested in different ache factors of this funds mannequin to make it really excel in its weight class.
Now, onto the trackpad that I believe falls a bit brief. Coming from a 15-inch MacBook Pro each day driver, the ThinkPad E14 Gen 2’s small monitoring space doesn’t provide you with a lot room to work with. You’re additionally barred from highlighting textual content and scrolling on the identical time by design—one thing simply fastened with a cheap wireless mouse, however I don’t sometimes have house for a mouse in areas the place I work on my laptop computer (like on a sofa).
There undoubtedly appears to be sufficient house to increase the trackpad horizontally, and even an inch or so vertically—one thing I believe the person expertise of this laptop computer would profit enormously from.
One notable plus is the vary of clicking choices you’ve gotten. I’m a fan of tapping the trackpad, however you can even use the buttons above or under it at any time. The tapping methodology is responsive, and every set of buttons has a uniquely snug really feel to them with the loud and proud prime set producing a satisfyingly audible “click on” and the hid backside set providing a low profile expertise on the decibel scale.
The trackpoint is there, too. I couldn’t discover a explicit use for it as you’ll nonetheless should click on the trackpad or buttons in any case to pick one thing, however it’s responsive sufficient and positively isn’t a mark in opposition to the laptop computer because it has no impression on the keyboard format or really feel.
Briefly, the peripherals are glorious apart from the missing trackpad. Not too shabby for a piece pc.
Webcam, Microphone, and Audio system
- 720p HD Webcam, 30 FPS
- Twin 2W Stereo Audio system
With the skilled atmosphere quickly trending in the direction of distant work, the digicam and microphone on this enterprise laptop computer higher be good. And the decision: they’re!
function moka_gallery_jumptoslide(galleryNo, directToSlideIndex) // Deselect old slide: document.querySelector('.moka_gallery_wrap_outer[data-galleryno="' + galleryNo + '"] .activeslide').classList.remove('activeslide');
// Set our new one: document.querySelector('.moka_gallery_wrap[data-galleryno="' + galleryNo + '"] .moka_gallery_slidewrap[data-slideno="' + directToSlideIndex + '"]').classList.add('activeslide');
// Set the counter to reflect it document.querySelector('.currentSlide[data-galleryno="' + galleryNo + '"]').innerHTML = +directToSlideIndex + 1;
// Set the border of nav thumbs var oldItem = document.querySelector('.moka_gallery_wrap_outer[data-galleryno="' + galleryNo + '"] .moka_gallery_nav_item.active'); if (oldItem) oldItem.classList.remove('active'); var newItem = document.querySelector('.moka_gallery_wrap_outer[data-galleryno="' + galleryNo + '"] .moka_gallery_nav_item[data-slideno="' + directToSlideIndex + '"]'); if (newItem) newItem.classList.add('active');
function moka_gallery_changeslide(galleryNo, direction) var slides = document.querySelectorAll('.moka_gallery_wrap[data-galleryno="' + galleryNo + '"] .moka_gallery_slidewrap'); var targetSlide = -1; for (var i = 0; i 0) targetSlide++; else targetSlide--;
// Allow wrap-around: if (targetSlide > slides.length - 1) targetSlide = 0; else if (targetSlide
x.classList.remove('moka_gallery_wrap_cls');
detectSwipe(x, function(el, dir) // Direction will be opposite what we want to go - natural swipe direction var numericDirection = 1; if (dir == 'right') numericDirection = -1; moka_gallery_changeslide(el.getAttribute('data-galleryno'), numericDirection); ); ); , 800);
The 720p HD digicam does have the standard noise and muddled colours you’ve come to count on from laptop computer webcams, however it works fairly nicely in low-light areas and has such clean monitoring that I believed it might be recording in 60 FPS—a fast webcam FPS take a look at revealed it’s locked to a continuing 30 FPS, although.
The microphone is surprisingly clear and freed from the “you’re in a fishbowl” ambiance that’s all too frequent with inside laptop computer mics. With higher background noise blocking than your common Apple headphones, you may very well need to use the interior microphone over different accessible choices. Lenovo wanted to ace this portion for the laptop computer to cope with different enterprise notebooks, and it completely did.
The audio system truly get fairly loud, however they’ve a considerably muted high quality to them. Wealthy crescendos and heavy bass drops gained’t billow out from the ThinkPad the best way they’d from a JBL Charge 5, however the audio system are passable for the work atmosphere.
Battery Life: Lengthy Lasting, Excessive-Velocity Charging
- 45Wh Battery
- 65W AC Fast Charging
The ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 has a battery life that, whereas greater than ample for gentle work on the go, might have a charger close by if burning the midnight oil is in your agenda. Gentle work and a few Chrome looking noticed about eight and a half hours of battery life, whereas extra intense work and lightweight gaming fetched nearer to seven.
Fortunately, the 65W AC Thunderbolt Four charging is quick—rise up to seize a cup of espresso and the battery life has jumped 20% quick. It took one hour and 41 minutes to cost from zero to 100 % utilizing the included charger (with very gentle utilization through the cost time).
It is a big plus when touring because you’ll typically have 15 minutes ready right here and one other 30 minutes there earlier than getting the place that you must go. These little chunks of time imply you possibly can work away and be sure that you just’ll nonetheless have a charged battery if you will discover an outlet (higher but, carry your personal portable charger with you).
Connectivity and Compatibility: Every part You Want
- Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
- Bluetooth 5.2
- 2 USB Ports, 1 HDMI 1.Four Port, 1 Thunderbolt Four Port
- RJ45 Ethernet Port
Relating to Wi-Fi and ethernet connectivity, you’re lined. Essential ports? You’re lined. What about Bluetooth for taking vital hands-free calls? You guessed it: lined.
The ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 scored extremely in Wi-Fi velocity checks, and extra importantly, it did so constantly. Whereas my iPhone XR routinely racked up about 250 Mbps in obtain velocity, the ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 scored greater than 450 Mbps each time.
Lenovo checks all of the containers within the compatibility division, apart from a DisplayPort (DP). If it’s important you join a DP cable to your laptop computer, you possibly can decide up an HDMI to DP adapter (and whilst you’re at it, chances are you’ll need to look into an HDMI splitter).
The Bluetooth connection labored like a appeal, promptly pairing with my JBL Pulse speaker and filling my condominium with the groovy sounds of the Bee Gees’ “Evening Fever.” No connection drops or hassle with setup, only a easy “join and play” expertise.
Lining the left aspect of this Lenovo laptop computer, you’ll discover a 3.5mm audio jack for a headphone and microphone combo (or simply headphones), a single HDMI 1.Four port, USB Kind-A 3.2 port, a Novo button (for simple BIOS and restoration entry), and the ultra-fast Thunderbolt Four charging port.
Flipping to the precise aspect, there’s a USB Kind-A 2.Zero port, an RJ45 ethernet port for high-speed work at home connections, and a Kensington lock slot for an additional layer of safety.
Most of your connection wants should be taken care of with this choice, however for those who discover one thing is lacking, you can probably discover an adapter for it these days.
Upkeep and Enlargement: RAM and Storage Upgrades
With the elimination of seven Philips head screws and a pop of the underside cowl, you’re below the hood of the ThinkPad E14 Gen 2. Right here, you’ll discover a single SODIMM RAM slot rated for as much as 32GB of reminiscence and two M.2 SSD slots for storage growth. If you happen to haven’t skilled the near-instantaneous Home windows startup instances with an M.2 SSD, you’re severely lacking out.
You don’t have probably the most luxurious improve alternatives, however with a enterprise laptop computer like this, you in all probability shouldn’t count on to—with RAM and storage lined, you’ve gotten nearly every little thing you want.
The ThinkPad’s robust exterior, proficient cooling, and premium components imply you gained’t have to fret a lot about upkeep; give the internals a very good dusting each occasionally to ensure mud and particles don’t gum up the works and you have to be good to go.
Ought to You Buy the ThinkPad E14 Gen 2?
The ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 from Lenovo is a funds enterprise laptop computer greatest suited to individuals who need a no-frills machine that does what they want it to with effectivity. If you happen to’re aiming for a laptop computer with a top-of-the-line show, you’d do greatest to search out one other mannequin.
However if you need high-end {hardware} for work, think about the ThinkPad at full worth and watch carefully for any offers which will come your method.
Right here’s What We Like
- Satisfyingly sturdy keyboard
- Crisp digicam and microphone
- Highly effective {hardware}
- Fast charging
- Modern, resilient exterior
And What We Do not
- Darkish display
- Meager trackpad
- Fingerprint Reader Energy button
xmlhttp.open("GET", 'https://px1.lifesavvy.com/rm/796569/' + to + '/feedbasket/' + htg, true); xmlhttp.onreadystatechange = function() if (xmlhttp.readyState === 4) self.location = e.target.href;
xmlhttp.send();
- › Your Phone Is Filthy and You Should Be Cleaning It
- › Is Fast Charging Your Smartphone Bad for Its Battery?
- › Why Is a PC Called a PC?
- › Wi-Fi 7? Wi-Fi 6? What Happened to Wi-Fi 5, 4, and More?
- › Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra Review: The Complete Package
- › What You Need to Try GrapheneOS, the Privacy-Focused Android ROM