Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 review
The Lenovo Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 ranks as the #630 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 68. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #356-ranked connectivity among 530 laptops. Consider the Lenovo Yoga 9i or HP Pavilion Gaming 16, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 is a solid business laptop that offers great value for its price. The design remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, but now features a Thunderbolt 4 port and upgraded internals in the same rigid chassis. The keyboard is excellent, and the legendary TrackPoint is still a highlight. While the battery life falls short with less than seven hours of web browsing, the device's capable hardware and good build quality make it a worthwhile purchase. Even the most affordable option with an Intel Core i3 processor packs a punch, making this laptop a great choice for business users who prioritize functionality over frills.
Build
The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 boasts an aluminum lid and a plastic body, resulting in a lightweight machine that tips the scales at around 1.6 kilos. The rigid chassis provides excellent build quality, while the large back foot ensures ample breathing space for the fan. The keyboard is a highlight of this device, offering great tactile feedback. The trackpoint feature is also included, catering to those who prefer it over traditional touchpads. Overall, the ThinkPad E14 Gen 2's sturdy construction and comfortable design make it an appealing choice for business users. It’s worth checking out Lenovo IdeaPad 3i, delivering remarkable build.
Display
The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 2's display is a standard 1080p IPS panel with wide viewing angles and good contrast ratio (1150:1). However, it only covers 50% of the sRGB gamut, resulting in a dull image. On the plus side, the panel doesn't use PWM for brightness adjustment, making it comfortable to work on for long periods. The display is sufficient for business purposes, but not ideal for creative work that requires vibrant colors and nuanced visuals. Overall, it's an average display that gets the job done, but won't impress with its color accuracy or vibrancy. Give Lenovo IdeaPad 3i a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled display.
Performance
The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 boasts impressive performance, thanks to its capable hardware. The top model features a Core i7-1165G7 and an NVIDIA GeForce MX450, while our test unit had a Core i3-115G4 processor. Despite the latter, we were impressed by the laptop's ability to run at 3.6GHz for over 15 minutes straight, thanks to its effective cooling solution. This makes it well-suited for demanding tasks and business use, even with the more affordable Core i3 option. Overall, the ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 delivers solid performance that's hard to fault. Get your hands on Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 3 if you're looking for better performance.
Battery and Charging
The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 has an underwhelming battery life, with less than seven hours of web browsing or five hours of video playback. This is disappointing, especially considering the laptop's capable hardware. Despite this, the device still manages to be a small powerhouse, even with the most affordable Core i3 processor option. However, users may need to charge it more frequently, which could impact its overall usability.
Connectivity
The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 boasts an impressive array of ports, including a Thunderbolt 4 connector, USB Type-A 3.2, HDMI 1.4b, and an audio jack on the left side. On the right, you'll find a Kensington lock slot, RJ45 connector, and another USB Type-A 2.0 port. A single SDOM slot allows for memory upgrades up to 32GB, while two M.2 storage slots fit drives of various sizes, giving users flexibility in configuration. You might prefer Lenovo ThinkBook 14p Gen 2, designed with an upgraded connectivity for a better experience.
Features
The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 boasts an aluminum lid and plastic chassis, resulting in a lightweight machine (1.6 kg) with a thickness under 19mm. It features a Thunderbolt 4 port, upgraded internals, and a legendary Track Point. The laptop offers one SO-DIMM slot for memory upgrades and two M.2 storage slots. Connectivity options include HDMI, USB-A, and an RJ45 connector. For a superior features, Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 1 could be the right choice.
Support and Maintenance
The ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 offers reliable support and maintenance. With its sturdy aluminum lid and rigid plastic case, the laptop feels built to last. The legendary TrackPoint and great keyboard ensure seamless productivity. Additionally, one SODIMM slot for memory upgrades and two M.2 storage slots provide flexibility and convenience. This business-focused device also boasts a durable cooling solution, allowing processors to run efficiently for extended periods.
Pros
1. The laptop's visual design is rarely changed, but the ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 offers a Thunderbolt 4 port and upgraded internals in the same rigid chassis.
2. The machine is surprisingly light, weighing around 1.6 kilos and having a thickness of under 19 millimeters.
3. The keyboard is great, typically found on Thinkpad devices, and this one is no exception.
4. The laptop offers excellent upgrade options, including one SODIMM slot for memory upgrades and two M2 storage slots.
5. The 1080p IPS display has wide viewing angles and a good contrast ratio of 1150:1.
6. The processor can run at 3.6 GHz for more than 15 minutes straight thanks to the cooling solution.
Cons
1. The laptop's battery life is underwhelming, lasting less than seven hours of web browsing or about five hours of video playback.
2. The display covers only 50% of the sRGB gamut, resulting in a dull-looking image.
3. Despite its capable hardware, the top model featuring an Intel Core i7-1165G7 and NVIDIA GeForce MX450 is not available in this specific review unit.
4. The laptop's battery life could be better compared to other similar devices.
5. The display doesn't use PWM for brightness adjustment, but it may still cause eye strain for some users.
FAQ
Compare with other laptops
See how this item stacks up against any other model
Choose two different items to see a detailed comparison of their specifications, performance, and features