Lenovo ThinkPad T495s: Ryzen 7 Pro Review

by Alex Braham 42 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Lenovo ThinkPad T495s powered by the Ryzen 7 Pro processor. If you're looking for a reliable, secure, and powerful business laptop, stick around. We'll break down everything you need to know, from performance and battery life to design and features.

Overview of the Lenovo ThinkPad T495s

The Lenovo ThinkPad T495s is a sleek and lightweight business laptop designed for professionals who need performance on the go. It's part of the renowned ThinkPad family, known for its durability, excellent keyboard, and robust security features. What sets the T495s apart is its AMD Ryzen Pro processor, offering a compelling alternative to Intel-based ThinkPads. This laptop aims to deliver a balance of power, portability, and security, making it an attractive option for business users and anyone needing a reliable machine for productivity tasks.

ThinkPads have always been about blending functionality with user-friendly design, and the T495s continues this tradition. The Ryzen 7 Pro processor is a key component, promising efficient performance for demanding applications, multitasking, and more. Before we get into the specifics, let's establish why this particular model might be the right choice for you. Are you a frequent traveler needing a light and sturdy laptop? Or perhaps a business professional requiring top-notch security features? Keep reading to see if the ThinkPad T495s fits the bill.

In the following sections, we'll dissect the performance, design, display, keyboard, security features, and battery life. We'll also compare it to other laptops in its class, so you can make an informed decision. So buckle up, and let's get started!

Performance: Ryzen 7 Pro in Action

When it comes to performance, the Ryzen 7 Pro processor in the Lenovo ThinkPad T495s doesn't disappoint. This CPU is designed to handle demanding workloads, making it suitable for multitasking, content creation, and even some light gaming. The Ryzen 7 Pro typically comes with multiple cores and threads, allowing for efficient processing of complex tasks. Compared to its Intel counterparts, the Ryzen 7 Pro often provides excellent performance per watt, meaning you get solid power without sacrificing battery life.

The ThinkPad T495s also features integrated AMD Radeon Vega graphics, which is sufficient for everyday tasks, video playback, and light photo editing. While it's not a dedicated graphics card for hardcore gaming or heavy video rendering, it holds its own for business presentations and casual use. The combination of the Ryzen 7 Pro and Vega graphics ensures a smooth and responsive user experience.

To give you a clearer picture, let's talk about real-world scenarios. Imagine you're a project manager juggling multiple spreadsheets, video conferencing with your team, and creating presentations simultaneously. The Ryzen 7 Pro shines in these situations, handling the load without significant slowdowns. Or, if you're a student researching and writing papers, you'll appreciate the ability to have numerous browser tabs open without your laptop grinding to a halt.

The performance isn't just about raw power; it's also about efficiency. The Ryzen 7 Pro is designed to optimize power consumption, leading to longer battery life. This is crucial for those who are often on the move and can't always rely on finding a power outlet. In summary, the ThinkPad T495s with Ryzen 7 Pro offers a balanced performance profile, ideal for professionals and anyone needing a reliable and efficient machine.

Design and Build Quality

The design and build quality of the Lenovo ThinkPad T495s are classic ThinkPad: understated, functional, and durable. The laptop features a matte black finish that resists fingerprints and gives it a professional look. Its slim and lightweight design makes it highly portable, perfect for those who need to carry their laptop around frequently. The ThinkPad T495s is built to withstand the rigors of daily use, meeting military-grade testing standards for durability.

One of the standout features of the ThinkPad design is its robust hinge, which allows the screen to be opened 180 degrees. This can be particularly useful for collaboration or when working in tight spaces. The keyboard, another hallmark of the ThinkPad series, provides excellent tactile feedback and comfortable key travel, making it a joy to type on for extended periods. The TrackPoint navigation system, along with the trackpad, offers precise cursor control.

In terms of ports, the Lenovo ThinkPad T495s includes a decent selection for connecting peripherals and accessories. You'll typically find USB-A ports, USB-C ports (some with Thunderbolt support), an HDMI port, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. This variety ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices, whether you need to connect an external monitor, a mouse, or a USB drive.

The build quality is impressive, with a sturdy chassis that minimizes flex. The materials used feel premium and contribute to the overall sense of durability. While the design might not be flashy or eye-catching, it's purposeful and practical, emphasizing functionality over aesthetics. This is a laptop designed to get the job done, and its build quality reflects that ethos. The Lenovo ThinkPad T495s is a testament to the idea that a laptop can be both robust and portable, making it an excellent choice for professionals who demand reliability and durability.

Display Quality

The display on the Lenovo ThinkPad T495s is designed to deliver a comfortable viewing experience for productivity tasks. The laptop typically comes with a Full HD (1920x1080) IPS display, which offers good color accuracy and wide viewing angles. This means that the screen looks clear and vibrant, even when viewed from different angles. Some models also offer brighter displays with lower power consumption, enhancing visibility in various lighting conditions.

While the display might not be the most color-accurate for professional photo or video editing, it's more than adequate for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, working on documents, and watching videos. The matte finish helps to reduce glare, making it easier to use the laptop in brightly lit environments. The bezels around the display are relatively thin, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience.

For those who spend long hours working on their laptops, the display's anti-glare properties are a significant advantage. They reduce eye strain and make it more comfortable to work for extended periods. The color reproduction is generally accurate enough for most business applications, ensuring that presentations and documents look professional.

Keep in mind that display quality can vary slightly depending on the specific configuration of the Lenovo ThinkPad T495s. Some models may offer touch screen capabilities, while others prioritize power efficiency. Overall, the display on the ThinkPad T495s is well-suited for its intended use as a business laptop, providing a clear, comfortable, and productive viewing experience.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The keyboard and trackpad are crucial components of any laptop, and the Lenovo ThinkPad T495s excels in both areas. The keyboard is a classic ThinkPad design, known for its exceptional tactile feedback, comfortable key travel, and overall typing experience. The keys have a slightly curved shape, which helps to guide your fingers and reduce typing errors. The keyboard is also spill-resistant, providing an extra layer of protection against accidental spills.

The layout is logical and intuitive, with well-spaced keys that make it easy to type quickly and accurately. Many users find the ThinkPad keyboard to be one of the best on the market, thanks to its responsiveness and comfortable feel. Backlighting is often included, allowing you to type comfortably in low-light environments.

In addition to the traditional trackpad, the Lenovo ThinkPad T495s features the TrackPoint navigation system, a small red nub located in the center of the keyboard. This allows you to control the cursor without lifting your fingers from the keyboard, which can be more efficient for some users. The trackpad itself is smooth and responsive, with precise tracking and multi-finger gesture support.

The trackpad buttons are integrated into the trackpad surface, providing a clean and seamless look. The combination of the TrackPoint and trackpad offers versatile navigation options, allowing you to choose the method that works best for you. Whether you prefer the precision of the TrackPoint or the convenience of the trackpad, the ThinkPad T495s provides excellent input options.

Overall, the keyboard and trackpad on the Lenovo ThinkPad T495s are designed to enhance productivity and provide a comfortable user experience. The attention to detail and ergonomic design make it a joy to type and navigate on this laptop, whether you're writing emails, creating documents, or browsing the web.

Security Features

Security is a top priority for business laptops, and the Lenovo ThinkPad T495s offers a comprehensive suite of security features to protect your data. The laptop typically includes a fingerprint reader, which allows you to securely log in with just a touch. This adds an extra layer of protection compared to traditional password logins.

In addition to the fingerprint reader, the ThinkPad T495s often features a ThinkShutter webcam cover, which allows you to physically block the webcam when it's not in use. This prevents unauthorized access to your camera and provides peace of mind knowing that you're protected from prying eyes. Many models also include an IR camera for facial recognition, providing another convenient and secure way to log in.

The Ryzen 7 Pro processor itself includes advanced security features, such as AMD GuardMI technology, which helps to protect against malware and other security threats. The ThinkPad T495s also supports various security protocols, such as TPM (Trusted Platform Module), which provides hardware-based encryption for your data.

Lenovo also offers a suite of software-based security tools, such as ThinkShield, which provides additional protection against threats. These tools include features such as data encryption, secure boot, and remote management capabilities. The combination of hardware and software security features makes the ThinkPad T495s a highly secure laptop for business users.

Overall, the security features on the Lenovo ThinkPad T495s are designed to protect your data and privacy, providing peace of mind knowing that your information is safe and secure. Whether you're working with sensitive business data or personal information, the ThinkPad T495s offers robust security features to keep your data protected.

Battery Life

Battery life is a critical factor for any laptop, especially for those who are frequently on the move. The Lenovo ThinkPad T495s is designed to provide all-day battery life, allowing you to work unplugged for extended periods. The laptop typically comes with a battery that can last for 8 to 12 hours on a single charge, depending on your usage patterns.

Factors that can affect battery life include screen brightness, the types of applications you're running, and your Wi-Fi usage. To maximize battery life, you can adjust the screen brightness, close unnecessary applications, and disable Wi-Fi when not in use. The Ryzen 7 Pro processor is designed to be energy-efficient, which also helps to extend battery life.

The Lenovo ThinkPad T495s also supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly recharge the battery when needed. With fast charging, you can typically get several hours of battery life from just a short charging session. This is particularly useful when you're traveling and don't have much time to plug in.

In real-world scenarios, the Lenovo ThinkPad T495s can easily last through a full workday on a single charge. This makes it an excellent choice for professionals who need a reliable laptop that can keep up with their demanding schedules. The combination of long battery life and fast charging ensures that you can stay productive, no matter where you are.

Overall, the battery life on the Lenovo ThinkPad T495s is impressive, providing the power you need to stay productive throughout the day. Whether you're working in the office, traveling, or attending meetings, the ThinkPad T495s offers the battery life you need to stay connected and productive.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Lenovo ThinkPad T495s:

Pros:

  • Excellent performance with the Ryzen 7 Pro processor
  • Lightweight and portable design
  • Durable build quality
  • Comfortable keyboard and trackpad
  • Comprehensive security features
  • Long battery life

Cons:

  • Integrated graphics may not be suitable for demanding gaming or video editing
  • Display might not be color-accurate enough for professional work
  • Design is understated and may not appeal to everyone

Alternatives to the Lenovo ThinkPad T495s

If the Lenovo ThinkPad T495s doesn't quite meet your needs, here are a few alternatives to consider:

  • Dell XPS 13: A premium ultrabook with a stunning display and excellent performance.
  • HP Spectre x360: A versatile 2-in-1 laptop with a premium design and long battery life.
  • Apple MacBook Air: A lightweight and powerful laptop with macOS and a sleek design.
  • Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon: Another excellent ThinkPad option with a focus on portability and performance.

Final Verdict

The Lenovo ThinkPad T495s with the Ryzen 7 Pro is a solid choice for business professionals and anyone needing a reliable, secure, and portable laptop. Its excellent performance, durable build quality, and long battery life make it a great option for productivity on the go. While it may not be the flashiest or most powerful laptop on the market, it excels in the areas that matter most for business users. If you value reliability, security, and performance, the ThinkPad T495s is definitely worth considering. So, if you are looking for a laptop for work, you should consider this one.