Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G6 IRL Laptop Review: Powerful and Portable, but With Some Drawbacks | 21KG00U0AK
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G6 IRL Laptop Review: A Balanced Performer
Introduction
The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G6 IRL is a mid-range laptop designed for professionals and students. It features a powerful Intel Core i5-13420H processor, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The 14-inch WUXGA display is sharp and vibrant, making it suitable for everyday tasks, web browsing, and light productivity. This review explores its strengths and weaknesses after weeks of extensive testing.
Features
The ThinkBook 14 G6 IRL comes packed with features that aim to enhance productivity and user experience. It boasts a modern design with a sleek Arctic Grey finish and a durable aluminum build. The keyboard is comfortable for typing, and the trackpad provides accurate and responsive input.
One of the highlights is the 14-inch WUXGA IPS display with 300nits brightness and 45% NTSC color gamut. The screen delivers sharp visuals and ample detail, making it a pleasant experience for working and watching videos. The inclusion of an integrated HD 720p camera with a privacy shutter adds a layer of security for video calls.
Performance
Powered by the 12th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor, the ThinkBook 14 G6 IRL delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks. It handles web browsing, document editing, and light multitasking smoothly. While it’s not ideal for demanding applications like video editing or gaming, it can handle basic tasks with ease.
The 8GB DDR5 RAM is sufficient for everyday computing, but users might experience slowdowns when running several demanding programs simultaneously. The 512GB PCIe SSD provides ample storage for everyday files and programs, with fast boot times and quick file access. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics handles basic graphics tasks and light gaming, but don’t expect to run high-end games at high settings.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the ThinkBook 14 G6 IRL’s advantages and disadvantages:
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Pros
- Powerful Intel Core i5-13420H processor
- Sharp and vibrant 14-inch WUXGA display
- Fast 512GB PCIe SSD storage
- Durable aluminum build
- Comfortable keyboard and responsive trackpad
- Good battery life
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Cons
- Limited RAM (8GB) may be insufficient for heavy multitasking
- Integrated graphics are not suitable for demanding applications or gaming
- No backlit keyboard
- Limited port selection
Final Verdict
The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G6 IRL is a solid choice for everyday users looking for a reliable and portable laptop. Its powerful processor, sharp display, and durable build make it suitable for work, school, and entertainment. However, its limited RAM and lack of a backlit keyboard might be drawbacks for some users. If you need more RAM or a dedicated graphics card, consider exploring other options. Overall, it’s a balanced performer that offers good value for its price.
Specifications
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Processor | Intel® Core™ i5-13420H, 8C (4P + 4E) / 12T, P-core 2.1 / 4.6GHz, E-core 1.5 / 3.4GHz, 12MB |
Graphics | Integrated Intel® UHD Graphics |
Chipset | Intel® SoC Platform |
Memory | 1x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR5-5200 |
Memory Slots | Two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, dual-channel capable |
Max Memory | Up to 64GB DDR5-5200 |
Storage | 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe® 4.0×4 NVMe® |
Storage Support | Up to two drives, 2x M.2 SSD: M.2 2242 SSD up to 1TB, M.2 2280 SSD up to 2TB |
Storage Slot | Two M.2 2280 PCIe® 4.0 x4 slots |
Card Reader | SD 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 60Wh |
Power Adapter | 65W USB-C® (3-pin) |
Special Features | Modern Standby |
Display | 14″ WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS 300nits Anti-glare, 45% NTSC |
Touchscreen | None |
Keyboard | Non-backlit, English (UK) |
Touchpad | Buttonless Mylar® surface multi-touch, supports Precision TouchPad (PTP), 75 x 120 mm (2.95 x 4.72 inches) |
Case Color | Arctic Grey |
Surface Treatment | Anodizing Sandblasting |
Case Material | Aluminium (Top), Aluminium (Bottom) |
Dimensions (WxDxH) | 313.5 x 224 x 16.9 mm (12.34 x 8.82 x 0.67 inches) |
Weight | Starting at 1.38 kg (3.04 lbs) |
Operating System | None |
Bundled Software | None |
Ethernet | 100/1000M (RJ-45) |
WLAN + Bluetooth | Wi-Fi® 6, 802.11ax 2×2 + BT5.2 |
Standard Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 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 jack |
Docking | Various docking solutions supported via Thunderbolt™ or USB-C® |
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 |