Introduction
The Lenovo ThinkPad T470p is a powerful and versatile business laptop designed for professionals who demand both performance and portability. It's the perfect choice for those who need a machine that can handle demanding tasks while still being easy to take on the go. We'll dive deep into the T470p's features, performance, and usability to give you a comprehensive understanding of what this laptop is capable of.
Design and Build Quality
The ThinkPad T470p embodies the classic ThinkPad design language: sleek, professional, and durable. The black magnesium-alloy lid features a textured finish that's both elegant and resistant to fingerprints. The iconic red TrackPoint nubbin sits prominently above the keyboard, a hallmark of the ThinkPad family.
The T470p is remarkably robust and passes MIL-STD-810G military-grade testing, which means it can withstand extreme conditions, such as drops, vibrations, and temperature changes. It's built to last, even in challenging environments.
Display
The T470p offers a range of display options, giving you flexibility to choose the one that best suits your needs. The base model comes with a 14-inch HD (1366x768) display, but you can opt for a Full HD (1920x1080) or even a 2560x1440 WQHD display for a sharper and more immersive viewing experience.
The display quality is excellent, with vibrant colors, wide viewing angles, and a comfortable anti-glare coating. The optional IPS panel ensures consistent color accuracy and clarity, even when viewed from an angle.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The ThinkPad T470p boasts a legendary keyboard that is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry. The keys are well-spaced, have a satisfying tactile feedback, and offer a good amount of travel. The keyboard is backlit, making it easy to type in dimly lit environments.
The touchpad is also excellent, with a smooth surface and accurate tracking. The trackpad supports multi-touch gestures, making navigation a breeze. The classic TrackPoint nubbin is perfect for those who prefer a more traditional way of controlling the cursor.
Performance
The T470p packs a punch, offering powerful performance for demanding tasks like video editing, software development, and data analysis. You have a choice of Intel's 7th generation Core i5 or i7 processors, with options for both dual-core and quad-core configurations.
The T470p can be equipped with up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, ensuring seamless multitasking and fast application loading times. For storage, the T470p offers a range of options, including PCIe SSDs for blazing fast boot times and application launches. You can even opt for a configuration with dual storage drives, allowing for ample storage space for your files, documents, and multimedia content.
The T470p's integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 delivers excellent performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming. For more demanding graphics-intensive tasks, you can opt for the dedicated NVIDIA GeForce 940MX graphics card, which provides a significant boost in performance for gaming, video editing, and other creative applications.
Ports and Connectivity
The T470p is packed with ports, ensuring you have all the connectivity you need. Here's what you can expect:
- USB: The T470p includes two USB 3.0 ports and one USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 3. Thunderbolt 3 is a powerful technology that allows you to connect to external displays, storage devices, and other peripherals at incredibly fast speeds.
- Video Output: The T470p has an HDMI port and a VGA port, allowing you to connect to external displays or projectors.
- Network: The T470p has a Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connections and a built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi adapter for wireless connectivity. It also includes Bluetooth 4.2 for connecting wireless peripherals.
- Audio: The T470p features a headphone jack and built-in stereo speakers.
Battery Life
The T470p is equipped with a long-lasting battery that can provide up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge, making it perfect for users who spend a lot of time on the go. The actual battery life will depend on your usage patterns and the configuration you choose.
Operating System
The T470p comes with Windows 10 Pro pre-installed, offering a robust and user-friendly operating system with a wide range of features and security enhancements.
Security
Lenovo prioritizes security, and the T470p is equipped with features to protect your data and privacy. These features include:
- Fingerprint Reader: The T470p features an optional integrated fingerprint reader for secure login.
- TPM (Trusted Platform Module): The T470p includes a TPM chip, a hardware-based security module that helps protect your data and ensure secure communication.
- Lenovo ThinkPad Security Software: Lenovo offers a suite of security software that provides features such as password management, data encryption, and intrusion detection.
Pricing and Configurations
The T470p is available in a wide range of configurations, allowing you to tailor the laptop to your specific needs and budget. The starting price for the T470p is around $1,000, and prices can increase depending on the specifications you choose. Here are some key factors that influence the price:
- Processor: A higher-end Core i7 processor will increase the price.
- RAM: More RAM will increase the price.
- Storage: Opting for a larger SSD or a configuration with dual drives will add to the cost.
- Display: A higher-resolution display will be more expensive.
- Graphics Card: A dedicated graphics card will also increase the price.
Conclusion
The Lenovo ThinkPad T470p is a compelling business laptop that strikes an excellent balance between performance, portability, and durability. Its robust build quality, powerful hardware, excellent display, and comfortable keyboard make it an ideal choice for professionals who demand the best from their laptops. Whether you're a business executive, creative professional, or student, the T470p has the power and features to handle your most demanding tasks. Its long battery life ensures you can stay productive throughout the day, and its comprehensive security features keep your data safe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the ThinkPad T470p a good choice for gaming?
While the T470p can handle some casual games, it's not designed for high-end gaming. If you're a serious gamer, you'll need a laptop with a dedicated graphics card that's designed for gaming.
2. Is the ThinkPad T470p upgradeable?
The T470p offers some upgrade options, such as adding more RAM and replacing the storage drive. However, the processor and graphics card are soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.
3. What are the main differences between the ThinkPad T470 and the ThinkPad T470p?
The main difference between the T470 and the T470p is the processor. The T470p offers a more powerful processor, making it a better choice for demanding tasks. It also has a dedicated graphics card, which the T470 lacks.
4. Is the ThinkPad T470p worth the price?
The T470p is a premium business laptop that comes with a premium price tag. Whether it's worth the price depends on your individual needs and budget. If you need a powerful, durable, and feature-rich laptop for work or school, the T470p could be a good investment.
5. What are some alternatives to the ThinkPad T470p?
Some good alternatives to the ThinkPad T470p include:
- Dell XPS 13: A stylish and powerful ultrabook with a stunning display.
- HP Spectre x360: A versatile 2-in-1 laptop with excellent performance and a premium design.
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 3: A sleek and well-made laptop with a comfortable keyboard and a long battery life.
The best alternative for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.