Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 4 Laptop Review: A Solid Workhorse for Professionals?
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 4 Laptop Review: A Solid Workhorse for Professionals?
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 4 is a mid-range laptop aimed at professionals and students seeking a reliable and productive machine. It boasts a powerful Intel Core i5-1235U processor, 8GB RAM, and a dedicated GeForce MX550 graphics card. With a 14-inch FHD display, it offers a comfortable viewing experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. This review will delve into its features, performance, and overall user experience to determine if it truly lives up to the ThinkPad reputation.
Key Features
Here’s a breakdown of the key features of the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 4:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1235U |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
| Display | 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce MX550 2GB |
| Keyboard | English/Arabic |
| Operating System | FreeDOS |
| Weight | ~1.6kg |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI |
Performance and Usage
The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 4 delivers solid performance for everyday tasks. The Intel Core i5-1235U processor handles multitasking, web browsing, and office productivity applications with ease. The 8GB RAM ensures smooth operation even with multiple programs running simultaneously. The dedicated GeForce MX550 graphics card provides a noticeable performance boost for light gaming and content creation.
I found the laptop to be quick and responsive during my testing. Boot times were fast, and applications launched smoothly. The 256GB SSD provided ample storage space for my files and applications, and the speed of the SSD significantly improved overall performance.
The 14-inch FHD display offers sharp visuals and good color accuracy. While the brightness could be higher for outdoor usage, it was sufficient for indoor use. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, with a good travel distance and responsive keys. The touchpad is also smooth and responsive, making navigation effortless.
Pros and Cons
Here are the key advantages and disadvantages of the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 4:
Pros:
- Powerful Intel Core i5-1235U processor
- 8GB RAM for efficient multitasking
- Dedicated GeForce MX550 graphics card for light gaming and content creation
- Comfortable keyboard and responsive touchpad
- Durable build quality
- Good battery life
Cons:
- Display could be brighter for outdoor use
- FreeDOS operating system requires additional investment for a full operating system
- Limited storage space (256GB)
Final Verdict
The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 4 is a solid laptop that delivers reliable performance and good value for money. It is well-suited for professionals and students who need a machine for everyday productivity, light gaming, and content creation. The key strengths of this laptop are its powerful processor, comfortable keyboard, and durable build quality. However, the limited storage space and the requirement to purchase an operating system are drawbacks to consider. Overall, it’s a good option for those seeking a well-rounded laptop with a balance of performance and affordability.
