For many years, the ThinkPad has been the ultimate business laptop. In addition to its distinctive red TrackPoint, this PC range has made a name for itself thanks to features adapted to the needs of workers, but also thanks to durability that stands up to the urban jungle. So, what can we expect from Lenovo this year? It is the L series which will be in the spotlight in the coming weeks, with particularly notable improvements in its components.
The ThinkPad L14 Gen 5 will be available in two models, one equipped with an AI-oriented Intel Core Ultra processor, the other with an AMD Ryzen 7030. Both are equipped with up to 64 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a PCIe 4×4 M.280 2280 SSD drive with a maximum capacity of 2 TB. The new addition to the series, the ThinkPad L16 Gen 1, has the same technical sheet, but has a 16-inch screen in 16/10 format.
For their part, the ThinkPad L13 Gen 5 and ThinkPad L13 Gen 5 2-in-1 will only be equipped with Intel Core Ultra chips, and will be limited to a maximum of 32 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 1 TB of 4×4 M PCIe SSD storage. 2 2280. However, like their larger counterparts, they will be entitled to Windows 11 Professional, Dolby Audio certified speakers and a 5 megapixel HD RGB or HD RGB+infrared webcam. Finally, on the connectivity side, all devices in the series will benefit from Bluetooth 5.3, wifi 7 or 6E, and optional 4G LTE.
The ThinkPad L15 is therefore not part of the 2024 range. However, let those who are disappointed rest assured, Lenovo has a little something that could make them smile again.
When modernity rhymes with repairability
Like the writing of Digital explained to you a few weeks ago, Lenovo collaborated with iFixit to offer devices that are easier to repair, and not just for technicians. So, even if the ThinkPad L looks like their predecessors, their components will be more accessible and above all designed to be replaced.
Here, only the ThinkPad L14 and L16 benefit from these improvements, which guarantee a longer average lifespan. On the one hand, this makes it possible to upgrade certain characteristics (RAM, SSD, network cards) over time and at lower cost; on the other hand, components more sensitive to workload and the external environment, such as keyboards or displays, can be replaced with less hassle.
For Tom Butler, executive director at the Chinese manufacturer, these changes “underline Lenovo’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, providing benefits such as ease of repair, increased use of recycled materials and more efficient energy management“. Which is not trivial, since the company is the leader in the sector, ahead of HP, Dell and Apple. It remains to be seen if it will be able to develop this philosophy for the rest of its devices.
The next-generation Lenovo ThinkPad L13, L14 and L16 will launch in the second quarter of 2024. They will all be priced from $1,199 in their Intel version and $999 in their AMD version. However, we do not yet know the prices for Europe.