Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 Laptop Review: A Solid Workhorse with Room for Improvement
Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 Laptop Review: A Solid Workhorse with Room for Improvement
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is a 16-inch business laptop aiming to strike a balance between performance and affordability. Equipped with the latest Intel Core i5-1335U processor, a spacious WUXGA display, and a comfortable keyboard, it promises a reliable experience for everyday work tasks. But does it live up to the expectations? Let’s delve into the details in this comprehensive review.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is a 16-inch laptop that targets business professionals and everyday users. It comes with a sleek Graphite Black finish, a durable build, and a decent set of specifications. The model I tested was equipped with an Intel Core i5-1335U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, making it suitable for general productivity tasks, web browsing, and light multitasking. It is also equipped with a 16-inch WUXGA display, offering sharp visuals and ample screen real estate for productivity. However, it lacks a dedicated graphics card, making it unsuitable for demanding gaming or graphic-intensive tasks.
Key Features
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 boasts a solid set of features for a business laptop. Here are some of the key highlights:
- 16-inch WUXGA IPS Display: The display delivers vibrant colors, crisp visuals, and a comfortable viewing experience. The anti-glare coating makes it ideal for working in various lighting conditions.
- Intel Core i5-1335U Processor: This 12-thread processor provides sufficient power for everyday tasks, multitasking, and demanding applications. It offers a noticeable performance boost compared to previous generations.
- 8GB RAM: The 8GB of RAM is sufficient for general productivity tasks and web browsing. However, if you plan on using memory-intensive software, you might consider upgrading to 16GB or 24GB.
- 512GB SSD: The SSD offers fast boot times and quick application loading, significantly enhancing the overall user experience. The PCIe 4.0 interface ensures excellent read and write speeds.
- Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics: While the integrated graphics are sufficient for basic tasks, they won’t handle demanding games or creative software effectively. The performance is suitable for casual gaming and some photo editing, but heavy-duty tasks might require a dedicated graphics card.
- Backlit Keyboard: The ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 features a comfortable backlit keyboard with a well-spaced layout. The keys offer a responsive feel and precise feedback, making it ideal for extended typing sessions.
- Durable Build: The laptop is built with a durable aluminium chassis, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of everyday use. The sturdy construction provides a sense of security and reliability.
Performance and Battery Life
In terms of performance, the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 performed admirably for everyday tasks. The Intel Core i5-1335U processor handled general productivity applications, web browsing, and light multitasking smoothly. I was able to open multiple browser tabs, run productivity software, and even stream videos without any noticeable lag. The 8GB of RAM was sufficient for my typical workload, but I might consider upgrading to 16GB if I frequently run memory-intensive applications. The 512GB SSD provided fast boot times and quick application loading, making the overall user experience significantly faster.
The battery life was slightly disappointing. I was able to get around 5-6 hours of moderate usage, which included web browsing, email, and light document editing. However, the battery life significantly reduced when using more demanding applications, such as video editing or gaming. I recommend carrying a power adapter if you plan on using the laptop for extended periods away from a power outlet.
Pros and Cons
Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1:
Pros:
- Spacious and comfortable 16-inch WUXGA display.
- Responsive and reliable Intel Core i5-1335U processor.
- Fast 512GB SSD for quick boot times and application loading.
- Durable aluminium chassis for long-lasting use.
- Comfortable and responsive backlit keyboard.
- Plenty of ports for connectivity.
Cons:
- Average battery life for a 16-inch laptop.
- Integrated graphics are not suitable for demanding games or creative tasks.
- No dedicated graphics card for better performance in resource-intensive applications.
Final Verdict
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is a solid choice for users looking for a reliable and affordable 16-inch business laptop. It offers a spacious display, a comfortable keyboard, and sufficient performance for general productivity tasks and web browsing. However, the battery life is average, and the lack of a dedicated graphics card limits its capabilities for demanding applications.
Overall, if you are looking for a budget-friendly laptop for everyday work and basic entertainment, the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is a decent option. However, if you need better performance or a longer battery life, you might want to consider other models in the market.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i5-1335U, 10C (2P + 8E) / 12T, P-core 1.3 / 4.6GHz, E-core 0.9 / 3.4GHz, 12MB |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics (Functions as UHD Graphics) |
| Chipset | Intel® SoC Platform |
| Memory | 8GB Soldered DDR4-3200 |
| Memory Slots | One memory soldered to systemboard, one DDR4 SO-DIMM slot, dual-channel capable |
| Max Memory | Up to 40GB (8GB soldered + 32GB SO-DIMM) DDR4-3200 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe® 4.0×4 NVMe® Opal 2.0 |
| Storage Support | Up to two drives, 2x M.2 SSD: M.2 2242 SSD up to 1TB |
| Storage Slot | Two M.2 slots: One M.2 2242 PCIe® 3.0 x4 slot, One M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 x4 slot |
| Card Reader | No card reader |
| Optical | None |
| Audio Chip | High Definition (HD) Audio, Synaptic® CX11880 codec |
| Speakers | Stereo speakers, 2W x2, Dolby Atmos® |
| Camera | FHD 1080p with Privacy Shutter |
| Microphone | 2x, Array |
| Battery | Integrated 47Wh |
| Power Adapter | 65W USB-C® (3-pin) |
| Display | 16″ WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS 300nits Anti-glare, 45% NTSC |
| Touchscreen | None |
| Keyboard | Backlit, English (EU) |
| Case Color | Graphite Black |
| Case Material | Aluminium (Top), Aluminium (Bottom) |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 356.1 x 247.7 x 19.85 mm (14.02 x 9.75 x 0.78 inches) |
| Weight | Starting at 1.81 kg (3.99 lbs) |
| Operating System | None |
| Bundled Software | None |
| Ethernet | 100/1000M (RJ-45) |
| WLAN + Bluetooth | Wi-Fi® 6, 802.11ax 2×2 + BT5.1 |
| WWAN | None |
| SIM Card | None |
| NFC | None |
| Standard Ports | 1x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On), 1x USB-C® 3.2 Gen 2, 1x Thunderbolt™ 4 / USB4® 40Gbps, 1x HDMI® 2.1, 1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm), 1x Ethernet (RJ-45) |
| Docking | Various docking solutions supported via Thunderbolt™ or USB-C® |
| Smart Card Reader | None |
| Security Chip | Discrete TPM 2.0 Enabled |
| Fingerprint Reader | Touch Style, Integrated in Power Button |
| Physical Locks | Kensington® Nano Security Slot™, 2.5 x 6 mm |
| Other Security | Camera privacy shutter |
