Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G4 IAP Review: A Solid Workhorse with Potential

Table of Contents

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

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.