ThinkBook 14 Review: My First Impressions And Any Issues
Hey everyone!
So, I recently got my hands on the new ThinkBook 14, and I'm super excited to share my initial thoughts and experiences with you guys. I've been needing a reliable and portable laptop for work and personal projects, and the ThinkBook 14 seemed like a solid contender. This laptop boasts a sleek design, a focus on productivity, and a price point that doesn't break the bank. In this article, I'm going to dive into what I like so far, any quirks I've encountered, and my overall impression after spending some time with it. Let's get started!
First Impressions and Design
When I first unboxed the ThinkBook 14, my first impression was how sleek and professional it looks. The mineral gray finish gives it a sophisticated vibe, and the aluminum chassis feels sturdy and well-built. It definitely looks like it can handle being tossed in a bag and taken on the go. The ThinkBook 14 definitely strikes a balance between portability and usability. It's slim enough to easily slip into my backpack, but the 14-inch screen still provides a comfortable viewing experience for extended work sessions. The keyboard is also a standout feature in terms of the design, which we'll get into more later.
I also appreciate the attention to detail in the design. The Lenovo logo is subtle and understated, and the overall aesthetic is clean and modern. There's nothing flashy or gimmicky about it, which I personally prefer. It's a laptop that looks like it means business, and that's exactly what I was looking for. The build quality feels solid, with minimal flex in the chassis and a sturdy hinge for the display. This gives me confidence that it can withstand the rigors of daily use. In a world where laptops can sometimes feel flimsy or cheap, the ThinkBook 14 definitely bucks that trend. The keyboard layout is also well-spaced, which makes typing comfortable and efficient. The keys have a decent amount of travel and a satisfying tactile feedback, which is crucial for long typing sessions. The touchpad is smooth and responsive, and the integrated fingerprint reader adds an extra layer of security. Overall, the design of the ThinkBook 14 is a major plus in my book. It's a laptop that looks good, feels good, and is built to last.
Display and Visual Experience
The display is obviously a crucial component of any laptop, and the ThinkBook 14's screen is certainly adequate for most tasks. The 14-inch Full HD (1920x1080) display provides sharp and clear visuals, making it ideal for everything from browsing the web to working on documents. The color accuracy is decent, although not quite at the level of professional-grade displays. However, for everyday use, it's more than sufficient. The brightness is also adequate for indoor use, but it might struggle a bit in direct sunlight. One thing I appreciate is the anti-glare coating on the display. This helps to reduce reflections and makes it easier to see the screen in brightly lit environments. It's a small detail, but it makes a big difference in terms of usability.
While the display isn't the most vibrant or color-accurate on the market, it's perfectly serviceable for everyday tasks. Watching videos and movies is enjoyable, and the screen is sharp enough to make text look crisp and clear. The viewing angles are also decent, meaning the image doesn't distort too much when viewed from the side. However, if you're a professional photographer or video editor who requires extremely accurate colors, you might want to consider a laptop with a higher-quality display. For most users, the ThinkBook 14's screen will be more than adequate. I've found it to be comfortable to use for long periods of time, and the anti-glare coating is a lifesaver when working in brightly lit environments. The bezels around the display are also relatively thin, which gives the laptop a modern and immersive feel. Overall, the display is a solid performer and a good fit for the ThinkBook 14's target audience.
Keyboard and Typing Experience
As someone who spends a lot of time typing, the keyboard is a critical factor for me. The ThinkBook 14's keyboard is one of its standout features. The keys have a good amount of travel and a satisfying tactile feedback, which makes typing a pleasure. The layout is also well-spaced, and I haven't had any issues with accidentally hitting the wrong keys. The keyboard also has a backlight, which is a must-have for working in low-light conditions. The backlight is adjustable, so you can customize it to your preference. I've been using this keyboard for hours on end, and I haven't experienced any fatigue or discomfort. That's a testament to the quality of the design and engineering.
Coming from a mechanical keyboard on my desktop, I was initially concerned about the typing experience on a laptop. However, the ThinkBook 14's keyboard has exceeded my expectations. The keys have a nice, responsive feel, and the travel distance is just right. I appreciate the fact that Lenovo has put a lot of thought into the keyboard design, as it makes a huge difference in the overall usability of the laptop. The touchpad is also smooth and responsive, and the integrated fingerprint reader is a nice touch. I haven't had any issues with the touchpad tracking or registering my inputs. The fingerprint reader is quick and reliable, making it easy to log in securely. Overall, the keyboard and touchpad are two of the strongest aspects of the ThinkBook 14. They're both comfortable and efficient to use, which is crucial for productivity.
Performance and Speed
Under the hood, my ThinkBook 14 is equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. This configuration provides plenty of power for my everyday tasks, such as browsing the web, working on documents, and streaming videos. I haven't experienced any lag or slowdowns, even when multitasking. The SSD ensures that the laptop boots up quickly and applications load in a snap. While this configuration isn't designed for heavy gaming or video editing, it's more than capable of handling most productivity tasks. I've been impressed with the ThinkBook 14's performance so far. It's snappy and responsive, and I haven't had any complaints.
The Intel Core i5 processor is a workhorse, and it provides a good balance of performance and efficiency. The 8GB of RAM is sufficient for most multitasking scenarios, although power users might want to consider upgrading to 16GB. The 256GB SSD is a bit on the smaller side, but it's fast and efficient. If you need more storage, you can always opt for a model with a larger SSD or use an external hard drive. Overall, the performance of the ThinkBook 14 is excellent for its price range. It's a capable machine that can handle most everyday tasks with ease. I've been particularly impressed with its responsiveness and the speed at which it boots up and loads applications. For my needs, it's the perfect balance of power and portability.
Battery Life
Battery life is always a crucial consideration for a laptop, especially one that's designed for portability. The ThinkBook 14 boasts a respectable battery life, and I've been able to get around 7-8 hours of use on a single charge with moderate usage. This includes browsing the web, working on documents, and streaming some videos. Of course, battery life will vary depending on your usage patterns and screen brightness, but I've been generally happy with the results. It's enough to get me through a full workday without needing to plug in.
One thing that I appreciate is the ThinkBook 14's fast charging capabilities. It can charge up to 80% in just an hour, which is incredibly convenient when you're in a hurry. This means that you can quickly top up the battery during a lunch break or a short meeting. The battery life is also impressive considering the laptop's slim profile. Lenovo has done a good job of optimizing the power consumption of the components. While it's not the longest-lasting laptop on the market, the ThinkBook 14's battery life is certainly adequate for most users. I've found it to be reliable and consistent, and I haven't had any issues with it running out of power unexpectedly. For a portable laptop, battery life is key, and the ThinkBook 14 delivers in this area.
Any Quirks or Issues?
So far, my experience with the ThinkBook 14 has been mostly positive. However, there are a few minor quirks that I've noticed. The speakers, while decent, aren't the loudest or clearest. They're fine for watching videos or listening to music casually, but if you're a serious audiophile, you might want to use headphones or external speakers. Another minor issue is the placement of the power button, which is located on the side of the laptop. I've accidentally pressed it a few times when picking up the laptop. These are minor nitpicks, but I thought they were worth mentioning.
Overall, the ThinkBook 14 is a solid laptop, and the quirks I've encountered are relatively minor. I haven't experienced any major issues or deal-breakers. The pros definitely outweigh the cons, and I'm confident that this laptop will serve me well for a long time. Of course, every user's experience is different, and what might be a minor issue for me could be a major annoyance for someone else. However, based on my experience so far, I would definitely recommend the ThinkBook 14 to anyone looking for a reliable and portable laptop for work or personal use.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I'm quite impressed with the ThinkBook 14. It offers a great balance of performance, portability, and price. The sleek design, comfortable keyboard, and solid performance make it a compelling option for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a reliable laptop for everyday use. While there are a few minor quirks, they don't detract from the overall positive experience. If you're in the market for a new laptop, the ThinkBook 14 is definitely worth considering.
I'll continue to use the ThinkBook 14 and share any further thoughts or updates in the future. But for now, I can confidently say that it's a great laptop that I'm happy to have in my arsenal. Thanks for reading, guys, and I hope this initial review was helpful! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below.
