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Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G2 ITL Laptop Review: A Solid Workhorse with MX450 Graphics

The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G2 ITL is a business-oriented laptop aimed at users who need a balance of performance and portability. This review delves into its features, performance, and overall value proposition. I’ve spent several weeks using this laptop for various tasks, from web browsing and document editing to light gaming and creative work, to give you a comprehensive assessment.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Key Features
• Performance
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The ThinkBook 15 G2 ITL features an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, coupled with NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics. It boasts a 15.6-inch FHD display and a durable design. This configuration positions it as a versatile machine capable of handling everyday tasks with ease, while also offering decent performance for creative tasks and light gaming.

Key Features

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features that make the ThinkBook 15 G2 ITL stand out:

• Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor: This powerful processor ensures smooth multitasking and efficient performance for everyday applications. It also handles light gaming and creative workloads with confidence.
• NVIDIA GeForce MX450 Graphics: The dedicated MX450 graphics card significantly boosts graphics performance compared to integrated graphics, allowing for smooth gaming at moderate settings and accelerated performance for creative applications like photo and video editing.
• 8GB RAM: The 8GB of RAM is sufficient for everyday tasks and light multitasking. However, if you plan to do heavy multitasking or demanding creative work, consider upgrading to 16GB or higher.
• 512GB SSD: The 512GB SSD provides ample storage space for your operating system, applications, and files. The fast boot times and snappy performance are a significant advantage over traditional hard drives.
• 15.6-inch FHD TN Display: The display offers good clarity for everyday use and web browsing, but the TN panel lacks the color accuracy and viewing angles of IPS panels.
• Durable Design: The ThinkBook 15 G2 ITL features a robust build, making it suitable for frequent travel and everyday use.
• Extensive Connectivity: The laptop offers a comprehensive selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet, providing flexibility for connecting to various peripherals and displays.

Performance

In real-world usage, the ThinkBook 15 G2 ITL delivered a smooth and responsive experience. Multitasking between multiple browser tabs, documents, and applications was effortless. The MX450 graphics card allowed for smooth gameplay at moderate settings in less demanding titles like Rocket League and League of Legends. It also handled photo editing tasks in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop efficiently, albeit with a slight increase in processing times for larger files compared to higher-end graphics cards.

The 512GB SSD provided fast boot times and quick application loading, significantly enhancing overall responsiveness. The battery life, however, could be better. It lasted for around 5-6 hours on a single charge with moderate usage, which might not be enough for a full workday for some users.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and drawbacks of the Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G2 ITL:

Pros:

• Powerful Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor for smooth multitasking and efficient performance
• Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics card for improved graphics performance and creative workflows
• Fast 512GB SSD for quick boot times and snappy application loading
• Durable and reliable build quality
• Extensive connectivity with Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet ports

Cons:

• Average battery life, potentially requiring frequent charging for all-day use
• TN display lacks the color accuracy and viewing angles of IPS panels
• RAM could be limiting for heavy multitasking or demanding creative tasks

Final Verdict

The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G2 ITL is a solid laptop for everyday tasks, offering good performance, a durable design, and a comprehensive set of features. The MX450 graphics card gives it a boost for light gaming and creative workflows, but the TN display might disappoint users who prioritize color accuracy and wide viewing angles. Overall, it’s a decent choice for students, professionals, and general users who need a reliable laptop for work, entertainment, and light creative tasks.

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Processor	Intel® Core™ i7-1165G7 (4C / 8T, 2.8 / 4.7GHz, 12MB)
Graphics	NVIDIA® GeForce MX450 2GB GDDR6
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® 3.0×4 NVMe® + Empty HDD Bay
Storage Support	HDD/SSD mode: up to two drives, 1x 2.5″ HDD + 1x M.2 SSD • 2.5″ HDD up to 2TB • M.2 2242 SSD up to 512GB • M.2 2280 SSD up to 1TB
Card Reader	4-in-1 Card Reader
Optical	None
Audio Chip	High Definition (HD) Audio, Realtek® ALC3287 codec
Speakers	Stereo speakers, 2W x2, Dolby® Audio™
Camera	HD 720p with Privacy Shutter
Microphone	2x, Array
Battery	Integrated 45Wh
Max Battery Life	MobileMark® 2018: 6 hr (45Wh)
Power Adapter	65W USB-C® (3-pin)
Display	15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) TN 220nits Anti-glare, 45% NTSC
Touchscreen	None
Keyboard	Non-backlit, Arabic
Case Color	Mineral Grey
Surface Treatment	Anodizing Sandblasting
Case Material	Aluminium (Top), PC-ABS (Bottom)
Dimensions (WxDxH)	357 x 235 x 18.9 mm (14.1 x 9.25 x 0.74 inches)
Weight	Starting at 1.7 kg (3.75 lbs)
Operating System	None
Bundled Software	None
Ethernet	100/1000M (RJ-45)
WLAN + Bluetooth	11ac 2×2 + BT5.1
Standard Ports	1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On) 1x USB-C® 3.2 Gen 2 (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 1.4) 1x Thunderbolt™ 4 / USB4® 40Gbps (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 1.4) 1x HDMI® 1.4b 1x Card reader 1x Ethernet (RJ-45) 1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm)