When it comes to business laptops, Lenovo's ThinkPad series has established a strong reputation. Renowned for its durability, robust performance, and impressive keyboards, the ThinkPad line caters to professionals who demand reliability and efficiency. The ThinkPad T470, in particular, stands out in the lineup, with features that appeal to those who require epic battery life and a great keyboard. This review delves deep into the design, performance, and overall user experience of the Lenovo ThinkPad T470, aiming to provide insights that help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Lenovo ThinkPad T470 exudes a professional aesthetic with its classic black finish and sturdy build. Crafted with high-quality materials, this laptop withstands the rigors of daily use. Its robust construction aligns with the military-grade specifications that many Lenovo ThinkPads are known for, ensuring that it can endure bumps and falls without sustaining damage.
Size and Weight
Weighing in at about 3.6 pounds (approximately 1.63 kg) and measuring 13.3 x 9.1 x 0.8 inches, the T470 is portable enough for business travel without compromising on screen size. The device strikes a good balance between size and portability, making it suitable for various work environments, whether in a conference room or a coffee shop.
Keyboard and Touchpad Experience
One of the hallmark features of the ThinkPad series is the exceptional keyboard, and the T470 is no exception. With a full-sized, spill-resistant keyboard that includes the iconic red TrackPoint in the center, users can expect an unparalleled typing experience.
Key Features of the Keyboard:
- Excellent Key Travel: The T470’s keys provide a satisfying tactile feedback, with adequate travel distance that makes typing feel natural and comfortable.
- Backlighting: The keyboard is backlit, making it usable in low-light conditions, a feature that's particularly handy during late-night work sessions or in dimly lit venues.
- Dedicated Function Keys: Users appreciate the inclusion of dedicated function keys, facilitating quick access to system functions.
The touchpad, while slightly smaller than some competitors, is highly responsive and supports multi-touch gestures. Combined with the TrackPoint, users can enjoy versatility in navigation, whether they prefer using the touchpad or the classic red nub.
Display Quality
The ThinkPad T470 is equipped with a 14-inch display, offering Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. This display delivers vibrant colors and crisp images, which are essential for tasks ranging from document editing to watching videos.
Brightness and Viewing Angles
With a brightness level of approximately 250 nits, the display performs reasonably well in various lighting conditions. However, outdoor use might pose some challenges in bright sunlight. The IPS technology provides excellent viewing angles, ensuring that colors remain accurate even when viewed from the side.
Optional Touchscreen
For those who prefer touch interaction, Lenovo offers an optional touchscreen model, allowing for a more interactive experience. This feature can be beneficial for professionals who frequently use styluses for notes or designs.
Performance
Under the hood, the ThinkPad T470 offers a variety of configurations, catering to different user needs. It supports Intel's 7th generation processors, including Core i5 and i7 options, along with the choice of various RAM capacities, ranging from 8GB to 32GB.
Processor and RAM Performance
Equipped with these components, the T470 can handle a wide range of applications smoothly, from basic productivity tasks to more demanding software like virtual machines or data analysis tools. Users report that multitasking is seamless, with several applications running concurrently without noticeable lag.
Storage Options
The T470 features multiple storage configurations, including HDDs and SSDs. The SSD options, in particular, elevate the performance significantly, providing rapid boot times and quick file access. With storage options up to 1TB, users can choose the capacity that best suits their workflow.
Epic Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Lenovo ThinkPad T470 is its epic battery life. Equipped with a 72Wh battery, users can expect all-day performance, making it an ideal choice for those who are always on the go.
Battery Longevity
In real-world usage, the T470 can last anywhere from 12 to 14 hours on a single charge, depending on usage patterns and settings. This longevity eliminates the worry of running out of power during critical meetings or while traveling, allowing for uninterrupted productivity.
Power Bridge Technology
Additionally, Lenovo’s Power Bridge technology allows users to swap the external battery without powering down the system. This feature provides added convenience during extended work sessions, making it easy to replace a drained battery on the go.
Connectivity and Ports
The ThinkPad T470 comes equipped with a comprehensive array of ports, ensuring connectivity in various scenarios.
Port Selection
- USB Ports: Users can find USB 3.0 and USB Type-C ports, which offer compatibility with a wide range of devices and accessories.
- HDMI and Ethernet: The inclusion of HDMI and RJ-45 Ethernet ports allows for easy connections to external displays and wired networks.
- SD Card Reader: A convenient SD card slot is also available for quick data transfers.
Wireless Connectivity
In terms of wireless capabilities, the T470 supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing for seamless connections to internet networks and peripherals. The inclusion of an optional LTE module provides added flexibility for users who require internet access on the move.
Audio Quality
The T470 features dual speakers located on the bottom of the chassis, delivering decent sound quality for conference calls and media playback. While it may not replace high-end external speakers, the audio quality is satisfactory for most business needs.
Operating System and Software
Lenovo typically ships the ThinkPad T470 with Windows 10 Pro, providing a secure and familiar environment for business users.
Pre-installed Software
Along with the operating system, users often find a range of Lenovo’s utilities, including the Vantage application, which helps manage system settings, updates, and health checks. This software improves the overall user experience by simplifying device management.
Value for Money
While the Lenovo ThinkPad T470 is competitively priced in the business laptop market, its combination of performance, reliability, and battery life positions it as a strong contender. Potential buyers will find that the investment translates to long-term productivity gains, making it an excellent value choice.
Conclusion
The Lenovo ThinkPad T470 is a remarkable business laptop that successfully combines epic battery life with an outstanding keyboard experience. Its solid performance, durable build, and extensive connectivity options make it a reliable partner for professionals. Whether you’re drafting reports, analyzing data, or participating in video conferences, the T470 can handle your workload with ease.
If you’re searching for a laptop that offers durability, comfort, and exceptional battery life, look no further than the ThinkPad T470. In a fast-paced work environment, this laptop not only meets but often exceeds expectations, ensuring that you stay productive throughout your day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does the battery last on the Lenovo ThinkPad T470?
The battery life of the Lenovo ThinkPad T470 can last between 12 to 14 hours, depending on usage patterns and settings.
2. Does the T470 have a touchscreen option?
Yes, Lenovo offers an optional touchscreen model of the T470, which can enhance user interaction.
3. What is the weight of the Lenovo ThinkPad T470?
The ThinkPad T470 weighs approximately 3.6 pounds (1.63 kg), making it relatively lightweight for a business laptop.
4. Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on the T470?
Yes, the T470 allows for RAM upgrades up to 32GB and offers various SSD storage configurations, up to 1TB.
5. What types of ports are available on the T470?
The ThinkPad T470 includes multiple USB ports, HDMI, Ethernet, an SD card reader, and USB Type-C ports for versatile connectivity.
With all these exceptional features and benefits, it’s clear that the Lenovo ThinkPad T470 stands as a significant choice for business professionals seeking reliability and performance in their work tools.