Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 (21JK0020GP) Review: A Solid Business Laptop?

The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 (21JK0020GP) is a budget-friendly business laptop that aims to provide a balance between performance and affordability. This review will delve into its features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your needs.

Table of Contents

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

Introduction

The ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 is designed for professionals who need a reliable and capable laptop without breaking the bank. It boasts a 14-inch WUXGA display, an Intel Core i7-1355U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. This combination of components aims to deliver solid performance for everyday tasks, productivity software, and even light gaming. The laptop also features a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX550 graphics card, a welcome addition for those who need some extra graphical horsepower.

Features

The ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 offers a range of features designed to enhance productivity and user experience. Some notable features include:

• 14-inch WUXGA display: The 1920×1200 resolution provides sharp visuals, and the IPS panel delivers wide viewing angles, making it suitable for both work and entertainment.
• Intel Core i7-1355U processor: This 12-thread processor delivers efficient performance for multi-tasking and demanding applications. You won’t struggle with most everyday tasks or even lighter creative applications.
• 8GB RAM: Enough for everyday use and multitasking, but might feel restrictive for demanding tasks or heavy multitasking.
• 512GB SSD: Fast storage ensures quick boot times and rapid application loading. The PCIe 4.0 interface provides high speed transfer rates, making it ideal for data-intensive tasks.
• NVIDIA GeForce MX550 Graphics: The dedicated graphics card provides a boost in performance for graphics-intensive applications and light gaming. It’s not going to run the latest AAA titles at high settings, but it can handle most casual games or creative work just fine.
• Full-sized keyboard: The classic ThinkPad keyboard is known for its comfortable typing experience. However, the lack of backlighting may be a drawback for some users.
• Fingerprint reader: The integrated fingerprint reader provides an extra layer of security for logging in.
• Battery life: The 57Wh battery should provide ample power for a full workday on a single charge, but you’ll need to find a power outlet when using demanding applications.
• Ports and connectivity: It boasts a wide range of ports, including a USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port, making it easy to connect peripherals and external displays. The inclusion of a Thunderbolt 4 port is a welcome addition, enabling faster data transfer speeds and support for external displays with higher resolutions.

Performance

During testing, the ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 delivered solid performance. The Intel Core i7-1355U processor handled everyday tasks with ease. It smoothly multitasked between multiple applications, including web browsing, productivity software, and light photo editing. The dedicated MX550 graphics card provided noticeable performance gains in games like Fortnite and Rocket League, allowing for smooth gameplay at medium settings. The SSD provided fast loading times for applications and operating system boot up. The battery life was satisfactory, lasting roughly 7-8 hours on moderate usage.

However, the 8GB RAM might feel limiting for demanding applications or heavy multitasking. For users requiring more memory, it’s important to note that the laptop only has one SO-DIMM slot, meaning upgrading to a higher capacity RAM module will be necessary.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Powerful Intel Core i7 processor for smooth performance.
• Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX550 graphics card for enhanced multimedia and light gaming.
• Fast 512GB SSD for rapid loading times.
• Comfortable and responsive ThinkPad keyboard.
• Good battery life for all-day use.
• Wide range of ports, including a Thunderbolt 4 port.
• Durable build quality.
• Affordable price point.

Cons:

• Limited RAM upgrade options.
• Non-backlit keyboard.
• Average display quality.
• No card reader.

Final Verdict

The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 (21JK0020GP) is a competent business laptop that offers a solid blend of performance and affordability. Its powerful processor, dedicated graphics card, and fast SSD make it capable of handling everyday tasks, productivity software, and even light gaming. The comfortable keyboard and long battery life further enhance its appeal for professionals on the go.

However, the limited RAM upgrade options and the lack of a backlit keyboard might be dealbreakers for some users. The display quality, while adequate, could be better, especially for those who work with visuals or spend a lot of time in front of the screen. Ultimately, the ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 is a solid choice for users who prioritize performance and affordability without compromising on essential features. If you’re looking for a laptop with more RAM upgrade options, a better display, or a backlit keyboard, you might want to consider other options in a higher price range.