I ordered a Lenovo T450S 10 days ago and just got it today!!! WooHoo...love it! Latest i7 intel processor.... windows 10 home... 256gb solid state....8gb ram memory! And touchscreen of course....
Tell me please. How is your fan in T430 and hinges. The first one is buzzing like an airplane, the second ones are shattered... It seems to me that there are really weak points of this wonderful device)
One of the best video comparison I have seen for Lenovo . Many of them are confusing because of variety of models , Thank you so much for making this great and professional video.
For business machines Lenovo's can't be beat, yet. Dell is catching up. But I still prefer the Lenovos. My only complaint with them is the mate black plastic. So many finger prints.
Really dig the carbon X1. One of my colleagues has it and I gave it the spin the other day. Actually grabbed myself the Yoga last year - needed something small but with a decent enough keyboard to type on. Pretty spiffy machine and quite a bit of heft for something this compact. The only drawback is the RAM is baked on. An SSD is a must for anyone with a Yoga as there are still some models that ship with mechanical drives.
Kinda wish they had kept with the standard desktop layout like on their older models, instead of creating a unique one which is only found on that laptop, which was the whole thing that made their keyboards better than everyone else's to begin with... And kinda wish they'd kept extended batteries that stuck out the back instead of making a lump on the bottom... When they sacrifice ports and specs to make the laptop thin, then have a battery that makes it thick again, it kinda defeats the whole purpose of sacrificing all the features and specs... whereas sticking an extra inch out the back doesn't affect the form factor as much... And kinda wish they'd kept 16;10 displays, which is better for any kind of work instead of switching to 16:9, which is worse for work but better for movies and games. And kinda wish they'd kept dedicated volume controls, instead of integrating them into the Function keys. Then you have to hold down Fn to use the volume controls. You can turn on Fn-lock, but then you have to hold down Fn to hit F5 to refresh a page, or F10 (which requires two hands because the Fn key is all the way in the corner away from the F10 key) to test code in visual studio, or Alt-F4 which is now Fn-Alt-F4... I guess they thought they were being clever consolidating the volume controls into the same keys and having Fn-lock, so whichever one you would rather have as the primary function you can choose... Guess they didn't think about, what if there are people who use volume controls AND function keys? Mind-blowing concept I know... But hey, I guess it doesn't matter that the keyboard has reduced functionality and the display is vertically cramped for work, I mean it looks sexier, 16:9 screen better for movies and games, less keys on the keyboard so you don't get confused! Exactly what I look for in a business laptop :)
My father used to have one, he gave it to me when his work gave him a new one. It still runs, even though it's 15 years old (it's technically an IBM), and it even plays HD movies. If looks aren't that important to you, but you want a Windows laptop that keeps working, no matter what, Lenovo is the way to go.
@Ryan Very good review. I've been a long time Lenovo X series fan. However, ever since the X230 model, Lenovo has gone downhill with the x-series line. *** cons *** * 8 GB maximum RAM upon release; now they finally offer a single 16 GB DIMM option. Honestly I would have greatly appreciated a 2nd DIMM slot, for 32 GB total RAM for running VM lab. * Only 2 USB slots; the two generation old X230 had three USB slots (two USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0). * Non-removable 3 cell battery. I understand that many will opt for the additional 6 cell, but I don't like that this has been transformed into an ultrabook form factor. * No PCIe SSD option. There is an M2 slot, but I believe it's intended purpose is for mobile broadband. * Camera standard; cannot be removed from online configuration. Many IT security consultants cover these Lenovo cameras with duct tape. Enough said. *** wish list *** (1) 32 GB maximum memory. (2) PCIe or M2 drive (3) discreet graphics; my X230's Intel i7 processor came with HD4000 graphics. I had the laptop connected to two external Dell Ultrasharp U2412M monitors (24" 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz) via mini display and VGA. When I'd watch a UA-cam video at 1080p @ 60 FPS, it would consume 80 - 95% of my CPU's resources. I would have paid a surprising amount of money for a discreet graphics option. * It's my opinion that Lenovo doesn't offer these options because they don't want to cannibalize their 4 core 15" laptop sales, but I think their are many professional that want these options in the 12.5" laptop form factor. Not 15" laptop and not 12.5 ultrabook; but laptop form factor.
Thank you for this informative video. I been a Apple guy since 2000 and don't know much about PC. My mother needs a Windows laptop and I been doing some research. From what I have found I think a refurbished Lenovo ThinkPads is going to be the best option. Thanks to this video I have a better idea of the options.
I have and mostly love my T430 (I wish the display port was not electrically connected to the anemic Fermi based Quatro and the 1440x900 screen is a little too small). I would consider the T450 (or more likely the Skylake or Kaby Lake version). This is the sweet spot of features for my use case. Ryan is on the money when he talks about the keyboard. I get tempted by other vendors, particularly some of the higher end MSI, Asus, Dell, and Razor, but as soon as I touch their keyboards I immediately miss my Thinkpad. I have loved the keyboards on this line for decades.
I was forced to buy a lenovo thinkpad w541 (quadro 2100m) for university and I can say it was quite the letdown... Overheating in some cases, and a flimsy frame that actually bulges around the middle...
+Gundamrules301 Yeah, the W54x series wasn´t on par...Lenovo has announced the new P50 as the replacement of the W541, which should be much better with dual-cooling and in general a better design.
Are there still some Lenovo Laptops on sale with the Bigfish adware installed? This is the reason why I don't recommend Lenovo Laptops to anyone anymore when I'm asked. It's a shame really because they build some really nice ones.
Any machine that uses that OneLink dock sucks. Just wish they had a Carbon X1 that didn't use that stupid dock...would love to have a 13" machine that sits between the t450 and then x250 but weighed less than either of them.
While I live the Carbon series?...I p[refer the T Series...or if I can't get those?...then the X series....they might not be that thin?...or that light?...but they're completely "mod-able". Which is what makes them more valuable to me than sleek thin and light.,..what good is having a thin and light laptop if all it has inside (and soldered to the MoBo...which means you're not doing much upgrading!) is 8GB of RAM..and a 128GB / 256GB internal storage drive?
My father owns a 2014 Thinkpad Carbon and is really happy with it coming from a Asus ultrabook with a terrible keyboard. I as a student have a 2014 Macbook pro retina 13' and that I got cheap from the Uni and I have to admit, I have never gotten through the battery. Mind you I don't use the CPU much.
I can't decide between the X1 and the T450s: Pro T450s, Con X1: + Ethernet Jack on board (yeah I had a retina MacBook two years now and I totally hate searching for adapters!) + Battery Bridge and removable 2nd battery + 2.5inch Bay + Nvidia GeForce 940M as Option + Up to 20 Gigs of RAM Con T450s Pro X1: + WQHD Resolution + HDMI Port (see above why this is a strong pro!) + PCIe based SSD + No VGA (I don't need that) + Form factor Now I can live with having no HDMI Port on the T450s it just needs miniDP adapter, but why no WQHD option as the panel is available and no PCIe based m.2 slot? I'd totally want a T450s with a rapid x2 SSD, 1 TB Hard drive, 4G and WQHD and pay three to four grands for that but it is not available! I think I'll wait until they come out with the T460s or a T450p with Skylake CPUs or NVMe,
great review! in Russia its hard to find comprehensive info on lenovothinkpads. I was choosing between t450s and x1 carbon and you helped me to lean to t450s, it is the most of all of thinkpads! thanks!
I wish the monitors had high refresh rates like 120hz with gsync to reduce eye strain. Anyone know if higher he are coming to laptop lcds? Maybe power consideration though I'd like the option.
+highvoltage12v they're equiped with IPS Panes by default (at least in EU) Only the Thinkpad EDGE Models (like the HP ProBooks now) are with crappy TN Panels.
T450s does not have a HDMI output! Like everything is HDMI today! It does have a VGA output however! I don't think there are many of today's monitors/TVs that uses as the best choice a VGA input! I looking at the X1 Carbon but with only 4 hours of battery life; I might just get a rMBP and call it a day!
- Helix get return for overheating issues. - Lenovo can't get their shit straight when it comes to the MOBO design of the X1 - X2xx series IMHO.. well I don't think about it. - T4xx series is probably the best spot. Still a bit cheaply made but price per performance ratio is what I would take over the other ones.
430s Lenovo works perfect and a great all - rounder i bought second -hand for £170,best Laptop since my old Toshiba i-core 5 & 6 gig on SSD -Drive am over the moon . Now getting a whole new chip & memeory with 4 bays to use it's a winner 0/
watching this video on my X220t :D would've been mt t420s but I killed it by mistake :( really best laptop keyboard I've ever used. the only thing I hate about thinkpads is they never have good cooling solution...
what really annoys me about thinkpads is the location of the ctrl and fn keys. if lenovo interchanges those two keys, the keyboard will be perfect for me
Tell me please. How is your fan in T430 and hinges. The first one is buzzing like an airplane, the second ones are shattered... It seems to me that there are really weak points of this wonderful device)
Look for a used one, companies are getting rid of them in bulk and they pop up in mint condition in EU used laptop market. I bought a used Swedish top spec'd W541 in a prefect condition from some Estonian shop.
+Christian Fontaine but for a good qualty machine. imo worth every Cent. The only competitors on Lenovos Thinkpads are HP Elitebooks - check out their Prices :)
I ran over my work thinkpad. Set the case down behind the car and backed up over it. No one ever knew. That made me a believer.
I ordered a Lenovo T450S 10 days ago and just got it today!!! WooHoo...love it! Latest i7 intel processor.... windows 10 home... 256gb solid state....8gb ram memory! And touchscreen of course....
I love my t430s, and all I want from a new thinkpad is basically the T430s with an IPS screen and updated internals.
something they have yet to do.
Tell me please. How is your fan in T430 and hinges. The first one is buzzing like an airplane, the second ones are shattered... It seems to me that there are really weak points of this wonderful device)
One of the best video comparison I have seen for Lenovo . Many of them are confusing because of variety of models , Thank you so much for making this great and professional video.
For business machines Lenovo's can't be beat, yet. Dell is catching up. But I still prefer the Lenovos. My only complaint with them is the mate black plastic. So many finger prints.
Still using my x230 personally. Decent i3, 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD. Things a tank and still gets about 5 hours on the battery.
Thank you for this review it has truly helped me on my decision in which will be the T450s
Did u get t450s??
Did you get it ?
First time on this channel. This guy looks like Mark Zuckerberg
I would take T450s! Currently happy owner of T420, if only the screen was upgradable to IPS...
Really dig the carbon X1. One of my colleagues has it and I gave it the spin the other day.
Actually grabbed myself the Yoga last year - needed something small but with a decent enough keyboard to type on. Pretty spiffy machine and quite a bit of heft for something this compact. The only drawback is the RAM is baked on. An SSD is a must for anyone with a Yoga as there are still some models that ship with mechanical drives.
2020 here. Still using a T450. Replaced both batteries. 8 gig of Ram. 2.5 SSD and m.2 ssd. Still my fav laptop.
Kinda wish they had kept with the standard desktop layout like on their older models, instead of creating a unique one which is only found on that laptop, which was the whole thing that made their keyboards better than everyone else's to begin with...
And kinda wish they'd kept extended batteries that stuck out the back instead of making a lump on the bottom... When they sacrifice ports and specs to make the laptop thin, then have a battery that makes it thick again, it kinda defeats the whole purpose of sacrificing all the features and specs... whereas sticking an extra inch out the back doesn't affect the form factor as much...
And kinda wish they'd kept 16;10 displays, which is better for any kind of work instead of switching to 16:9, which is worse for work but better for movies and games.
And kinda wish they'd kept dedicated volume controls, instead of integrating them into the Function keys. Then you have to hold down Fn to use the volume controls. You can turn on Fn-lock, but then you have to hold down Fn to hit F5 to refresh a page, or F10 (which requires two hands because the Fn key is all the way in the corner away from the F10 key) to test code in visual studio, or Alt-F4 which is now Fn-Alt-F4... I guess they thought they were being clever consolidating the volume controls into the same keys and having Fn-lock, so whichever one you would rather have as the primary function you can choose... Guess they didn't think about, what if there are people who use volume controls AND function keys? Mind-blowing concept I know...
But hey, I guess it doesn't matter that the keyboard has reduced functionality and the display is vertically cramped for work, I mean it looks sexier, 16:9 screen better for movies and games, less keys on the keyboard so you don't get confused! Exactly what I look for in a business laptop :)
My father used to have one, he gave it to me when his work gave him a new one. It still runs, even though it's 15 years old (it's technically an IBM), and it even plays HD movies. If looks aren't that important to you, but you want a Windows laptop that keeps working, no matter what, Lenovo is the way to go.
@Ryan Very good review. I've been a long time Lenovo X series fan. However, ever since the X230 model, Lenovo has gone downhill with the x-series line.
*** cons ***
* 8 GB maximum RAM upon release; now they finally offer a single 16 GB DIMM option. Honestly I would have greatly appreciated a 2nd DIMM slot, for 32 GB total RAM for running VM lab.
* Only 2 USB slots; the two generation old X230 had three USB slots (two USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0).
* Non-removable 3 cell battery. I understand that many will opt for the additional 6 cell, but I don't like that this has been transformed into an ultrabook form factor.
* No PCIe SSD option. There is an M2 slot, but I believe it's intended purpose is for mobile broadband.
* Camera standard; cannot be removed from online configuration. Many IT security consultants cover these Lenovo cameras with duct tape. Enough said.
*** wish list ***
(1) 32 GB maximum memory.
(2) PCIe or M2 drive
(3) discreet graphics; my X230's Intel i7 processor came with HD4000 graphics. I had the laptop connected to two external Dell Ultrasharp U2412M monitors (24" 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz) via mini display and VGA. When I'd watch a UA-cam video at 1080p @ 60 FPS, it would consume 80 - 95% of my CPU's resources. I would have paid a surprising amount of money for a discreet graphics option.
* It's my opinion that Lenovo doesn't offer these options because they don't want to cannibalize their 4 core 15" laptop sales, but I think their are many professional that want these options in the 12.5" laptop form factor. Not 15" laptop and not 12.5 ultrabook; but laptop form factor.
Thank you for this informative video. I been a Apple guy since 2000 and don't know much about PC. My mother needs a Windows laptop and I been doing some research. From what I have found I think a refurbished Lenovo ThinkPads is going to be the best option. Thanks to this video I have a better idea of the options.
I have and mostly love my T430 (I wish the display port was not electrically connected to the anemic Fermi based Quatro and the 1440x900 screen is a little too small). I would consider the T450 (or more likely the Skylake or Kaby Lake version). This is the sweet spot of features for my use case.
Ryan is on the money when he talks about the keyboard. I get tempted by other vendors, particularly some of the higher end MSI, Asus, Dell, and Razor, but as soon as I touch their keyboards I immediately miss my Thinkpad. I have loved the keyboards on this line for decades.
I was forced to buy a lenovo thinkpad w541 (quadro 2100m) for university and I can say it was quite the letdown...
Overheating in some cases, and a flimsy frame that actually bulges around the middle...
+Gundamrules301 Yeah, the W54x series wasn´t on par...Lenovo has announced the new P50 as the replacement of the W541, which should be much better with dual-cooling and in general a better design.
T450S with Skylake and a 1440p or 4K screen and I'm sold. Especially if they can put a decent graphics card in there, GTX 960M or something similar.
Still using T61 :)
Are there still some Lenovo Laptops on sale with the Bigfish adware installed? This is the reason why I don't recommend Lenovo Laptops to anyone anymore when I'm asked. It's a shame really because they build some really nice ones.
Any machine that uses that OneLink dock sucks. Just wish they had a Carbon X1 that didn't use that stupid dock...would love to have a 13" machine that sits between the t450 and then x250 but weighed less than either of them.
I used to love Lenovo X series laptops.
While I live the Carbon series?...I p[refer the T Series...or if I can't get those?...then the X series....they might not be that thin?...or that light?...but they're completely "mod-able". Which is what makes them more valuable to me than sleek thin and light.,..what good is having a thin and light laptop if all it has inside (and soldered to the MoBo...which means you're not doing much upgrading!) is 8GB of RAM..and a 128GB / 256GB internal storage drive?
My father owns a 2014 Thinkpad Carbon and is really happy with it coming from a Asus ultrabook with a terrible keyboard. I as a student have a 2014 Macbook pro retina 13' and that I got cheap from the Uni and I have to admit, I have never gotten through the battery. Mind you I don't use the CPU much.
I can't decide between the X1 and the T450s:
Pro T450s, Con X1:
+ Ethernet Jack on board (yeah I had a retina MacBook two years now and I totally hate searching for adapters!)
+ Battery Bridge and removable 2nd battery
+ 2.5inch Bay
+ Nvidia GeForce 940M as Option
+ Up to 20 Gigs of RAM
Con T450s Pro X1:
+ WQHD Resolution
+ HDMI Port (see above why this is a strong pro!)
+ PCIe based SSD
+ No VGA (I don't need that)
+ Form factor
Now I can live with having no HDMI Port on the T450s it just needs miniDP adapter, but why no WQHD option as the panel is available and no PCIe based m.2 slot? I'd totally want a T450s with a rapid x2 SSD, 1 TB Hard drive, 4G and WQHD and pay three to four grands for that but it is not available! I think I'll wait until they come out with the T460s or a T450p with Skylake CPUs or NVMe,
great review! in Russia its hard to find comprehensive info on lenovothinkpads. I was choosing between t450s and x1 carbon and you helped me to lean to t450s, it is the most of all of thinkpads! thanks!
Does anyone know if Superfish is still around in Lenovo computers or is it non existent?
the Thinkpad T450s(broadwell) can be equipped with a 940M, Same with the Thinkpad Yoga 14(broadwell) or the new Thinkpad Yoga 460(skylake)
+sid12345678910 The ThinkPad Yoga 460 has a 2GB model of the GT940M, the T450s only the 1GB model if I am correct.
Hi there is there a real difference in thinkpad keyboards you can actually feel with your fingers?
Between an x1 and a cheaper model for example?
Which one, out of the x250 and the x1 carbon, would you recommend for college? I'm looking for portability, battery and performance.
X250
I wish the monitors had high refresh rates like 120hz with gsync to reduce eye strain. Anyone know if higher he are coming to laptop lcds? Maybe power consideration though I'd like the option.
what about something with broadwell laptop with iris pro graphics OR something like these that are in the 400 to 900 price range.
dont lower yourself pcper , dont use imperial metric in reviews
+vabalokis Just convert and you'll be fine.
Don't raise yourself, get back down and clean my shoes where you belong
what do you think about the l450
Are the displays still washed out like my T420 and T430.
+highvoltage12v no you can get IPS screens.
+highvoltage12v
they're equiped with IPS Panes by default (at least in EU)
Only the Thinkpad EDGE Models (like the HP ProBooks now) are with crappy TN Panels.
T450s does not have a HDMI output! Like everything is HDMI today! It does have a VGA output however! I don't think there are many of today's monitors/TVs that uses as the best choice a VGA input!
I looking at the X1 Carbon but with only 4 hours of battery life; I might just get a rMBP and call it a day!
Just got my T450s for $100 ! sweeet!
is there not a T550 15 inch model? I really like larger laptops
Do these laptops (specially the x250) work well with linux ?
+GangsterChamois of course yes. Many programmers use the thinkpad series and Linux is their main programming interface.
Yes they do.
I count quite a few Super Fishes.
I love me some ThinkPad Yoga.
sir put video Thinkpad l570 i7 7gen
thanks...nail in the coffin for me for thhe t450s.... feb.2019
- Helix get return for overheating issues.
- Lenovo can't get their shit straight when it comes to the MOBO design of the X1
- X2xx series IMHO.. well I don't think about it.
- T4xx series is probably the best spot. Still a bit cheaply made but price per performance ratio is what I would take over the other ones.
430s Lenovo works perfect and a great all - rounder i bought second -hand for £170,best Laptop since my old Toshiba i-core 5 & 6 gig on SSD -Drive am over the moon . Now getting a whole new chip & memeory with 4 bays to use it's a winner 0/
Yes T450s is my choice
No thinkpad yoga 14?
+Cherwin Bissumbhar That's one of the models we didn't have in for testing.
+pcper ah... Its a very good blend of the 450s and the x1 with touchscreen... Pretty good if you ask me... Please do a review :)
+Cherwin Bissumbhar The Yoga Lineup comes from the Consumer Side of Lenovo, i personally wouldn't use them.
Dominik Klär aha I actually have one and its not that bad... They should really do a review because it's really not that bad
+Dominik Klär There are many models of Yoga, some are ThinkPad branded and they are very solid laptops.
watching this video on my X220t :D would've been mt t420s but I killed it by mistake :( really best laptop keyboard I've ever used.
the only thing I hate about thinkpads is they never have good cooling solution...
is the keyboard really smaller on the X series (buttons smaller and less space between them) or is it just the buttons on the right hand side?
what really annoys me about thinkpads is the location of the ctrl and fn keys. if lenovo interchanges those two keys, the keyboard will be perfect for me
+Martin Iñaki Lazatin Its a 1 click swap option in bios.
+Kristian Hagene oh. i never knew that. our IT department locks the bios. thank you! i will visit them tomorrow.
Kristian Hagene It worked! Thank you so much!
***** no problem :)
My favorite is the one with the root kit. Obviously I like them all equally.
LoL
T430s :)
Tell me please. How is your fan in T430 and hinges. The first one is buzzing like an airplane, the second ones are shattered... It seems to me that there are really weak points of this wonderful device)
In Sweden we pay $1712 for the worst X1 Carbon model, and we only get 4GB of RAM.
Lenovo's prices are a joke.
Look for a used one, companies are getting rid of them in bulk and they pop up in mint condition in EU used laptop market. I bought a used Swedish top spec'd W541 in a prefect condition from some Estonian shop.
1200 dollars that is a lot of money
+Christian Fontaine but for a good qualty machine. imo worth every Cent. The only competitors on Lenovos Thinkpads are HP Elitebooks - check out their Prices :)
this is true, however, the word "affordable"is misleading.
X240 otg ;)
X1 won
Lenovo? No, thanks. I don't need a rootkit on my PC. That company is blacklisted forever here.
Rootkit on your machine? What do you mean, how is that?
Where is my W541 :( ?
Superfish