Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 Laptop Review: 21JN0022GR – Powerful Performance in a Budget-Friendly Package
Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 Laptop (21JN0022GR) Review: A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 (21JN0022GR) is a budget-friendly laptop aimed at users looking for a reliable and powerful machine for everyday tasks, work, and light gaming. Boasting a 16-inch WUXGA display, an Intel Core i7-1355U processor, 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics, this laptop promises to deliver a smooth and efficient user experience.
Features
The ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is packed with features that cater to a wide range of users. Some notable features include:
- 16-inch WUXGA Display: The large display with a 1920×1200 resolution offers ample screen space for multitasking and immersive viewing experiences.
- Intel Core i7-1355U Processor: The powerful 12-core processor with its high clock speeds provides the necessary horsepower for demanding applications, multitasking, and light gaming.
- 8GB DDR4 RAM: The 8GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking and responsive performance, allowing you to run multiple applications simultaneously.
- 512GB SSD: The spacious and fast SSD ensures quick boot times, swift application loading, and ample storage for your files and programs.
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics: The integrated Iris Xe Graphics provide a smooth and enjoyable experience for casual gaming and graphics-intensive tasks.
- ThinkPad Keyboard: The renowned ThinkPad keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience with excellent key travel and a responsive layout.
Performance
During my testing, the ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 consistently impressed me with its performance. The Intel Core i7-1355U processor handled multitasking seamlessly, allowing me to effortlessly switch between applications without any lag or hiccups. The 8GB RAM provided ample memory for everyday tasks and light gaming. The 512GB SSD loaded applications and games quickly, reducing waiting times and enhancing overall responsiveness. While the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics won’t handle AAA titles at ultra settings, it delivered smooth performance for casual gaming and everyday tasks.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons I observed during my review:
Pros
- Powerful Intel Core i7-1355U processor
- Large 16-inch WUXGA display with excellent clarity
- Fast 512GB SSD for quick boot times and application loading
- Comfortable and responsive ThinkPad keyboard
- Good battery life
- Budget-friendly price
Cons
- No card reader
- Limited RAM upgrade options (8GB soldered + one SO-DIMM slot)
- Integrated graphics are not suitable for high-end gaming
Final Verdict
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 (21JN0022GR) is a solid choice for users looking for a powerful and reliable laptop at a reasonable price. Its performance, features, and overall build quality make it a great option for everyday tasks, work, and light gaming. While some might miss a card reader and the limited RAM upgrade options, its overall value proposition makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a well-rounded and affordable laptop.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i7-1355U, 10C (2P + 8E) / 12T, P-core 1.7 / 5.0GHz, E-core 1.2 / 3.7GHz, 12MB |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics Functions as UHD Graphics |
| Chipset | Intel® SoC Platform |
| Memory | 8GB Soldered DDR4-3200 |
| Memory Slots | One memory soldered to systemboard, one DDR4 SO-DIMM slot, dual-channel capable |
| Max Memory | Up to 40GB (8GB soldered + 32GB SO-DIMM) DDR4-3200 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe® 4.0×4 NVMe® Opal 2.0 |
| Storage Support | Up to two drives, 2x M.2 SSD • M.2 2242 SSD up to 1TB |
| Storage Slot | Two M.2 slots • One M.2 2242 PCIe® 3.0 x4 slot • One M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 x4 slot |
| Card Reader | No card reader |
| Optical | None |
| Audio Chip | High Definition (HD) Audio, Synaptic® CX11880 codec |
| Speakers | Stereo speakers, 2W x2, Dolby® Atmos® |
| Camera | FHD 1080p with Privacy Shutter |
| Microphone | 2x, Array |
| Battery | Integrated 47Wh |
| Power Adapter | 65W USB-C® (3-pin) |
| Display | 16″ WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS 300nits Anti-glare, 45% NTSC |
| Touchscreen | None |
| Keyboard | Non-backlit, Arabic |
| Case Color | Graphite Black |
| Case Material | Aluminium (Top), Aluminium (Bottom) |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | Starting at 356.1 x 247.7 x 19.85 mm (14.02 x 9.75 x 0.78 inches) |
| Weight | Starting at 1.81 kg (3.99 lbs) |
| Operating System | None |
| Bundled Software | None |
| Ethernet | 100/1000M (RJ-45) |
| WLAN + Bluetooth | Wi-Fi® 6, 11ax 2×2 + BT5.1 |
| WWAN | None |
| SIM Card | None |
| NFC | None |
| Standard Ports | 1x Ethernet (RJ-45)1x HDMI® 2.1, up to 4K/60Hz1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm)1x Thunderbolt™ 4 / USB4® 40Gbps (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 1.4)1x USB 2.01x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On)1x USB-C® 3.2 Gen 2 (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 1.4) |
