Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 Laptop Review (21JN008YGP): Powerful Productivity Workhorse
Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 Laptop Review (21JN008YGP): Powerful Productivity Workhorse
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1, with its Intel Core i7-1355U processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, is a compelling option for professionals seeking a reliable and efficient laptop. I spent several weeks using this machine for both work and personal tasks, and I’m ready to share my comprehensive review. Here’s a breakdown of my experience.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1, with its Intel Core i7-1355U processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, is a compelling option for professionals seeking a reliable and efficient laptop. I spent several weeks using this machine for both work and personal tasks, and I’m ready to share my comprehensive review. Here’s a breakdown of my experience.
Features
The ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 boasts a range of features designed to enhance productivity and user experience. The 16″ WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS display offers a vibrant and sharp viewing experience, ideal for multitasking and demanding visuals. The backlit keyboard, with its familiar ThinkPad layout, is a joy to type on, even in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a fingerprint reader for secure login and a Thunderbolt 4 port for fast data transfers and device connectivity are significant bonuses.
Performance
The heart of the ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 lies in its Intel Core i7-1355U processor, paired with 8GB of DDR4-3200 RAM and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. This configuration delivers impressive performance for everyday tasks, including web browsing, document editing, and video conferencing. The NVIDIA GeForce MX550 graphics card handles moderate gaming and graphics-intensive applications with ease. I experienced smooth multitasking and quick app launches throughout my testing.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Powerful Intel Core i7-1355U processor
- Vibrant 16″ WUXGA IPS display
- Comfortable backlit keyboard
- Fast 512GB SSD
- Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX550 graphics
- Thunderbolt 4 port
- Fingerprint reader
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Limited RAM upgradeability (8GB soldered + 32GB SO-DIMM slot)
- No card reader
- Average audio quality
Final Verdict
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is a well-rounded laptop that excels in productivity tasks. Its powerful processor, generous storage, and comfortable keyboard make it ideal for demanding workflows. While the RAM upgradeability is limited and the audio could be better, these minor drawbacks are outweighed by its overall performance and value proposition. If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient laptop that can handle both work and personal tasks with ease, the ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is a worthy consideration.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i7-1355U, 10C (2P + 8E) / 12T, P-core 1.7 / 5.0GHz, E-core 1.2 / 3.7GHz, 12MB |
| Graphics | NVIDIA® GeForce MX550 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® 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 57Wh |
| Power Adapter | 65W USB-C® (3-pin) |
| Display | 16″ WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS 300nits Anti-glare, 45% NTSC |
| Touchscreen | None |
| Keyboard | Backlit, English (UK) |
| Case Color | Graphite Black |
| Case Material | Aluminium (Top), Aluminium (Bottom) |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | Starting at 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, 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 (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® 2.1, up to 4K/60Hz, 1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm), 1x Ethernet (RJ-45) |
| Docking | Various docking solutions supported via Thunderbolt™ or USB-C®. For more compatible docking solutions |
| Monitor Cable | None |
| Smart Card Reader | None |
| Security Chip | Firmware 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 |
| System Management | Non-vPro® |
| Bundled Accessories | Lenovo® 15.6″ Laptop Casual Toploader |
| Green Certifications | ErP Lot 6, ErP Lot 26, FSC certified package, RoHS compliant, TCO Certified 9.0 |
| Other Certifications | TÜV Rheinland® Low Blue Light (Software Solution) |
| Mil-Spec Test | MIL-STD-810H military test passed |
