Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 Laptop Review (i7-1355U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 Laptop Review (i7-1355U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is a mid-range business laptop aimed at professionals who need a reliable and capable machine for everyday tasks. Sporting a 16″ display, the E16 Gen 1 packs a punch with its 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1355U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the strengths and weaknesses of this laptop to see if it lives up to its ThinkPad heritage.
Key Features
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is a well-equipped laptop that packs a range of useful features for professionals on the go. Here’s a breakdown of its key highlights:
Display
The 16″ WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS display with its 300 nits brightness provides a comfortable viewing experience. The anti-glare coating helps reduce eye strain, especially during extended use. The colors are vibrant and the viewing angles are wide, making it ideal for working with documents, presentations, and even some light photo editing.
Processor
The Intel Core i7-1355U processor is a capable choice for productivity and light multitasking. The 10-core (2P + 8E) / 12T architecture with its high clock speeds ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks, such as web browsing, email, and office applications. While it’s not a powerhouse for demanding gaming or video editing, it’s more than adequate for most professional use cases.
Storage
The 512GB SSD is fast and responsive, providing quick boot times and rapid application launches. The PCIe 4.0 interface adds an extra layer of speed, allowing for faster data transfers compared to older SSD technologies.
Keyboard
The ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 features a classic ThinkPad keyboard with a comfortable typing experience. The keys offer a good amount of travel and tactile feedback, making it a joy to use for extended typing sessions. The layout is familiar and intuitive, even for users accustomed to other ThinkPad models. While it lacks backlighting, the keyboard performs well in well-lit environments.
Security
Lenovo emphasizes security with features like a discrete TPM 2.0 chip, a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button, and a Kensington Nano Security Slot. These measures offer a good level of protection against unauthorized access and data theft. The camera privacy shutter provides an extra layer of peace of mind when privacy is paramount.
Performance
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 delivers a solid performance for most everyday tasks. It handled web browsing, multitasking between applications, and basic photo editing without any noticeable lag. The laptop’s quiet operation and moderate heat generation make it comfortable for extended use. While not designed for gaming or video editing, the Intel Iris Xe Graphics handled light tasks like video playback and casual games smoothly.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a summary of the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1’s strengths and areas for improvement:
Pros:
- Comfortable and responsive keyboard
- Solid performance for everyday tasks
- Bright and vibrant 16″ display
- Fast SSD storage for quick boot times and application launches
- Strong security features, including TPM 2.0, fingerprint reader, and privacy shutter
- Quiet operation and moderate heat generation
- Durable build quality with a sturdy chassis
Cons:
- Lack of backlit keyboard
- No dedicated graphics card for demanding tasks
- Limited RAM upgradeability (only one SO-DIMM slot)
- No card reader
- No dedicated SD card slot
Final Verdict
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is a solid choice for professionals who need a reliable and capable laptop for everyday tasks. Its comfortable keyboard, solid performance, and robust security features make it an excellent option for work and productivity. However, the lack of a backlit keyboard, limited RAM upgradeability, and absence of a dedicated graphics card may be drawbacks for some users. Overall, the ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is a capable and well-rounded laptop that offers excellent value for its price.
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 system board, 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, English (UK) |
| 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) |
| Docking | Various docking solutions supported via Thunderbolt™ or USB-C®. For more compatible docking solutions, please visitDocking for ThinkPad® E16 Gen 1 (Intel®) |
| Monitor Cable | None |
| Smart Card Reader | None |
| Security Chip | Discrete 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 |
