Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G6 IRL Laptop Review: A Solid Business Machine (21KH00B5AU)

Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G6 IRL Laptop Review: A Solid Business Machine (21KH00B5AU)

The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G6 IRL is a business-oriented laptop aimed at professionals seeking a balance of performance, portability, and reliability. This in-depth review dives into its features, performance, pros & cons, and final verdict, giving you a clear understanding of whether it’s the right choice for your needs.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G6 IRL, with its model number 21KH00B5AU, is a 16-inch laptop designed to meet the demands of professionals. It boasts a spacious WUXGA display, a powerful Intel Core i5-1335U processor, and ample RAM and storage. In this review, we’ll explore whether this laptop lives up to its promise.

Features

The ThinkBook 16 G6 IRL comes packed with features geared towards productivity and security.

  • 16-inch WUXGA Display: The large, high-resolution display offers a vibrant and detailed visual experience, perfect for multitasking and content creation.
  • Intel Core i5-1335U Processor: The latest 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor delivers robust performance for everyday tasks, light gaming, and demanding applications.
  • 16GB DDR5 RAM: The generous RAM ensures smooth multitasking and efficient application loading, enabling you to work seamlessly across multiple programs.
  • 256GB SSD: The fast PCIe SSD provides ample storage for your files and programs, with quick boot times and rapid application launches.
  • Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics: The integrated graphics handle basic visuals and casual games with ease.
  • Backlit Keyboard: The backlit keyboard allows for comfortable typing in low-light conditions, ensuring productivity even in dimly lit environments.
  • Windows 11 Pro: The laptop comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, offering a user-friendly interface and advanced security features.
  • Security Features: The ThinkBook 16 G6 IRL includes fingerprint reader, camera privacy shutter, and a Kensington Nano Security Slot for comprehensive security.
  • Ports and Connectivity: The laptop offers a wide range of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet, ensuring versatile connectivity options.

Performance

In real-world usage, the ThinkBook 16 G6 IRL performs admirably. The Intel Core i5-1335U processor handles everyday tasks, including browsing, email, and office applications, with effortless grace. The 16GB RAM allows for smooth multitasking, even when running multiple demanding programs simultaneously.

While not a gaming powerhouse, the integrated Iris Xe Graphics handles light gaming and video editing with reasonable performance. The SSD offers fast boot times and application loading, making for a responsive user experience. The display is bright and sharp, offering a pleasant visual experience for both work and entertainment.

Pros & Cons

  • Pros:
    • Powerful Intel Core i5-1335U processor
    • Ample 16GB RAM for smooth multitasking
    • Spacious and vibrant 16-inch WUXGA display
    • Fast PCIe SSD for quick boot times and application loading
    • Backlit keyboard for comfortable typing
    • Comprehensive security features
    • Wide range of ports and connectivity options
  • Cons:
    • Integrated graphics may not be suitable for demanding gaming or professional video editing
    • Battery life could be slightly better
    • The design is a bit generic and lacks the premium feel of some other business laptops

Final Verdict

The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G6 IRL is a reliable and capable business laptop that strikes a balance between performance and affordability. It’s a strong contender for professionals seeking a well-rounded machine for everyday tasks, productivity, and light creative work.

While its integrated graphics may not be ideal for hardcore gamers or video editors, its overall performance, features, and security measures make it a solid choice for most business users. If you’re looking for a dependable and feature-rich laptop at a reasonable price, the ThinkBook 16 G6 IRL is worth considering.

Specifications

Feature Specification
Processor Intel® Core™ i5-1335U, 10C (2P + 8E) / 12T, P-core 1.3 / 4.6GHz, E-core 0.9 / 3.4GHz, 12MB
Graphics Integrated Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
Chipset Intel® SoC Platform
Memory 2x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR5-5200
Memory Slots Two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, dual-channel capable
Max Memory Up to 64GB DDR5-5200
Storage 256GB 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 Drive None
Audio Chip High Definition (HD) Audio, Realtek® ALC3287 codec
Speakers Stereo speakers, 2W x2, Dolby Audio™
Camera FHD 1080p with Privacy Shutter
Microphone 2x, Array
Battery Integrated 45Wh
Power Adapter 65W USB-C® (3-pin)
Special Features Modern Standby
Display 16″ WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS 300nits Anti-glare, 45% NTSC
Touchscreen None
Keyboard Backlit, English
Touchpad Buttonless Mylar® surface multi-touch touchpad, 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), PC-ABS (Bottom)
Dimensions (WxDxH) 356 x 253.5 x 17.5 mm (14.01 x 9.98 x 0.69 inches)
Weight Starting at 1.7 kg (3.75 lbs)
Operating System Windows® 11 Pro, English
Bundled Software Office Trial
Ethernet 100/1000M (RJ-45)
WLAN + Bluetooth Wi-Fi® 6E, 802.11ax 2×2 + BT5.3
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 combo, 1x Ethernet (RJ-45), 1x SD card reader
Docking Thunderbolt™ or USB-C® docking solutions
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®
Green Certifications ENERGY STAR® 8.0, EPEAT™ Gold Registered, 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