Renewed Lenovo ThinkPad 13 (Thinkpad 13) Review: 6th Gen Intel Core i5 Business Laptop
Introduction
The renewed Lenovo ThinkPad 13 (Thinkpad 13) is a compact business laptop aimed at professionals needing portability without sacrificing performance. This review delves into my experience with this 6th generation Intel Core i5 powered machine, examining its features, performance, and overall value. I’ve put it through its paces with daily tasks, to see how it handles the demands of a busy workday.
Features
The ThinkPad 13 boasts a surprisingly robust set of features for its size and price point. The 13.3-inch anti-glare HD display is perfectly adequate for everyday tasks, though not ideal for high-resolution media consumption. The keyboard is comfortable, a hallmark of ThinkPad laptops, offering responsive keys and excellent tactile feedback. The trackpad is responsive, with smooth gliding. Connectivity is adequate with 2 USB ports, although additional ports might be beneficial for certain users.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Processor Speed | 2.4 GHz |
| RAM Size | 8 GB |
| Battery Size | 12 mAh |
| Internal Memory | 256 GB |
| Product Weight | 1.44 KG |
| Screen Size | 13.3 in |
| SIM Type | No SIM Card |
| Display Resolution | 1366×768 |
| Screen Features | Anti Glare |
| Colour Name | Black |
| Laptop Weight | 1 – 1.4 Kg |
| Keyboard Language | English |
| Display Type | LED |
| Display Resolution Type | HD |
| Average Battery Life | 2 Hours |
| Storage Type | SSD |
| Operating System Version | Windows 10 Pro |
| Operating System | Windows |
| Grade | Max |
| Usage Type | Business |
| Model Series | Lenovo ThinkPad |
| Processor Version Number/Generation | 6th Gen |
| What’s In The Box | Laptop and charger |
| Number of Cores | Dual Core |
| RAM Type | DDR4 |
| External Graphics | Integrated |
| Product Length | 322 mm |
| Product Height | 19.8 mm |
| Product Width/Depth | 222.8 mm |
| Model Number | Thinkpad 13 |
| Model Name | Thinkpad |
| Pixels Per Inch | 1366×768 |
| Number of USB Ports | 2 |
| Processor Version | Core i5-7400 |
Performance
For everyday business tasks, the ThinkPad 13 performs admirably. The 6th generation Core i5 processor, coupled with 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 256GB SSD, handles multitasking and applications with ease. Boot times are incredibly fast, and application loading is swift thanks to the SSD. However, the integrated graphics are not ideal for demanding tasks or gaming. The battery life, while advertised as 2 hours, fell a little short under heavy use, lasting closer to 1.5 hours. This would certainly benefit from an upgrade.
I tested the laptop with various applications, including Microsoft Office suite, web browsers and video conferencing software, all of which performed without any noticeable lag. While the display resolution isn’t the highest, the anti-glare screen reduces eye strain during long work sessions.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Lightweight and portable, comfortable keyboard, fast boot times, responsive SSD, good performance for everyday tasks, anti-glare display
- Cons: Limited battery life, low display resolution, only two USB ports, older generation processor.
Final Verdict
The renewed Lenovo ThinkPad 13 (Thinkpad 13) is a decent budget-friendly laptop, especially for business use. Its portability, comfortable keyboard, and fast performance in everyday tasks make it a viable option. However, the short battery life and older processor are significant drawbacks. If you’re looking for a portable machine for basic business tasks and aren’t concerned about cutting-edge technology or extensive battery life, then this is a worthwhile consideration. Otherwise, exploring newer models may be more beneficial.
