Lenovo ThinkPad L14 G2: Thinking on a Budget

Today we take a short look at this plastic ThinkPad, the L14 G2. Built to a budget, it has lots of sockets for swapping parts, which some of the more expensive models don't have in this generation. Thankfully, modern generations seem to be returning to upgradable parts.
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Looking for one yourself? Check eBay and your local classifieds. Amazon also has a series of parts and machines. By purchasing from the links below, as an Amazon and eBay Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases that go to supporting the channel.
eBay:
ebay.us/uDGgqz
Amazon.com
amzn.to/4dkIEIb
Amazon.ca
amzn.to/3we1Gz8
If you are looking for the latest and greatest version of this laptop, I suggest heading over to Lenovo's website to see what they have been up to recently. As a member of the Lenovo Affiliate Program, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through this link.
Lenovo Canada
lenovo.vzew.net/5XBWL (General)
lenovo.vzew.net/P2ZLR (ThinkPad)
Lenovo USA
lenovo.vzew.net/BXEK5B (General)
lenovo.vzew.net/zagjz0 (ThinkPad)
0:00 Introduction
0:37 Specifications
2:36 Ports and Features
4:03 Disassembly
6:59 Start-Up
7:38 Conclusions

[@juanignacioaschura9437]

Here you can see what separates the E-Series from the L-Series: Look at that interior! The configurations! The modularity! The sturdiness! What a beauty indeed.

[@LaptopRetrospective]

Lots to like for sure. Just so long as you don't need a super colour accurate screen.

[@jhnadrn07]

That’s one of the latest revisions of an 11th gen Intel ThinkPad as it has the new Windows 11 logo printed at the keyboard just like my T14 G2. It looks neat as not all 11th gen laptops have that new Windows logo

[@LaptopRetrospective]

Interesting detail, didn't notice until you mentioned it.

[@tedarmavan]

I personally always thought that first 2 generations of L14 kinda carrying a resemblance of the T480, they're quite similar in design term. Only real difference is type of storage: T480 can use 2.5" SSD, L14 gen 1/2 can't.

[@LaptopRetrospective]

Yes, by this point 2.5" storage is becoming a little antiquated from a generational perspective.

[@DeathlyHollows]

Always making concise informative vids. Thanks!

[@LaptopRetrospective]

Cheers!

[@ithinkabout4369]

The L14 G1 / G2 is significant because it's the only L series generation with a Magnesium roll cage frame

[@LaptopRetrospective]

Interesting, did they stop afterwards?

[@ithinkabout4369]

@@LaptopRetrospective Yes, newer L14 G3 and L14 G4 removed it again, probably to save cost

[@LaptopRetrospective]

Thanks for sharing!

[@express496]

Great machine, very upgradable. I actually like the build more then the T series because of the smooth surfaces. Reminds me of my old T450s I have done some mods to my i7 L15 g1(bought for 100€ with a bad dock port, barebone) tho: L15 gen2 AMD dualpipe copper heatsink, AX200 wifi (came without),16GB dual channel ram, 512GB samsung oem SSD and the new dock port. I also have a glass touchpad leftover from my old T580. Haven't tried fitting the second drive yet, but im overall impressed with this machine.

[@LaptopRetrospective]

Nice to hear it is serving you well. 👍

[@the_beefy1986]

I'm surprised the screws in the bottom aren't captive. I *really* wish they'd start putting the USB-C/Power on a daughter card like the rectangular DC jacks always were. I've replaced multiple DC jacks over the years because people are so rough on them.

[@LaptopRetrospective]

Given this is a refurbished unit, I'm not sure if they aren't captive normally. I also wonder if the change in geometry to a smaller connector reduces opportunities for damage.

[@ilyasElmaliki996]

Thanks man for the amazing review 👏🏻 i just wanna ask you if this laptop good foe video editing ( adobe premeir pro , photoshop .. color correcrion .. , medium tasks , not 3D editing .. )
Is its carte grafic good for this level of the above tasks !

[@ilyasElmaliki996]

I mean L14 i5 1145G7 16/512

[@LaptopRetrospective]

It should be able to handle medium level projects in 1080p. The more demanding the project, the more powerful machine you'll need. One thing I will say is because you mentioned colour correction, these don't have great colour accurate panel options so you might want to consider other options with more colour accurate displays.

[@ilyasElmaliki996]

@@LaptopRetrospective thank you man , can you please suggest me a good thinkpad laptop model that can handle color correction well !
Is it related to the graphics card or the type of screen?

[@LaptopRetrospective]

Colour accuracy is related to the panel. You'd be looking for 100% srgb or Adobe. These displays are more common on P series and X1 series. The rest is really dependent on your budget.

[@Bc232klm]

Solid model.

[@LaptopRetrospective]

That ThinkPad DNA.

[@ted-b]

Not a bad machine!

[@LaptopRetrospective]

Not at all for the right job.

[@blikblik5713]

What about thinkpad p52 ? If you had , can you review it?

[@LaptopRetrospective]

I've reviewed the P53, ua-cam.com/video/wSqKz87jFNo/v-deo.html but haven't seen the P52 yet.

[@luizeduardopacheco9174]

Have this model a good battery?

[@LaptopRetrospective]

Depends on your expectations. Most modern laptops in the last 3-4 years can do a workday on one charge depending on use.

[@mesopotamialover905]

I had the T570s before, processor wise, it was fast it has the intel core I5-730OU , but I did not like the small screen size which is 14 inch and its resolution or colour is very bad, I did like the long battery half life but the speakers were small and the sound is horrible.
Now I have the thinkpad T580 intel core I7-8550U it has 15´ bigger display with better resolution and colours. and the processor is fast and has good speakers.

[@LaptopRetrospective]

The T580 and 480 are very well liked machines.