Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G4 IAP Review: A Solid Workhorse with Potential
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G4 IAP is a mid-range laptop aimed at professionals and students who need a reliable machine for everyday tasks. It boasts a 14-inch display, an Intel Core i5-1235U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. I’ve had the chance to put this laptop through its paces, and here’s my detailed review.
Key Features
The ThinkBook 14 G4 IAP comes with a set of features that cater to its target audience:
- **14″ FHD TN Display:** The display is sharp and vibrant, offering good viewing angles. However, the TN panel doesn’t offer the same color accuracy as an IPS panel.
- **Intel Core i5-1235U Processor:** This processor provides ample power for everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and light productivity applications. It can also handle some light gaming and video editing.
- **8GB RAM:** The 8GB of RAM is sufficient for multitasking and running multiple applications concurrently.
- **512GB SSD:** The SSD is fast and responsive, providing quick boot times and fast application loading.
- **GeForce MX550 2GB Graphics:** The MX550 graphics card is capable of handling light gaming and video editing, but you won’t be able to run the latest games at high settings.
- **Free DOS:** The laptop ships with Free DOS, meaning you’ll need to install your preferred operating system.
- **English (UK) Keyboard:** The keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience with a good layout and key travel.
- **Mineral Grey:** The Mineral Grey finish gives the laptop a professional look and feel.
Performance
The ThinkBook 14 G4 IAP performs admirably for its intended purpose. The Intel Core i5-1235U handles everyday tasks with ease. I was able to run multiple browser tabs, productivity software, and a few light games without any noticeable lag. The MX550 graphics card allowed for smooth gameplay at lower settings on games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. However, more demanding games required lower settings or resulted in frame rate drops.
The SSD provides a significant speed boost compared to traditional hard drives, making boot times and application loading remarkably fast. This makes for a smooth and efficient user experience. The battery life is decent, lasting for around 6-7 hours on moderate usage.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Solid performance for everyday tasks
- Fast SSD storage
- Comfortable keyboard
- Decent battery life
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- TN display lacks color accuracy
- Limited gaming performance for demanding titles
- Comes with Free DOS, requiring operating system installation
Final Verdict
The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G4 IAP is a solid choice for students and professionals who need a reliable laptop for everyday tasks. It offers good performance, a comfortable keyboard, and a long battery life. However, the TN display and limited gaming performance may be drawbacks for some users. If you are looking for a powerful laptop for gaming or demanding creative tasks, you might want to look at other options. However, for the price, the ThinkBook 14 G4 IAP delivers good value and is a great option for everyday productivity and light entertainment.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Display | 14″ FHD TN Display |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1235U |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Graphics | GeForce MX550 2GB |
| Operating System | Free DOS |
| Keyboard | English (UK) |
| Color | Mineral Grey |