MWC 2024: Lenovo’s ThinkPads get faster and easier to use

Whereas the ThinkBook Clear Show Laptop computer Lenovo confirmed off at MWC 2024 is only a proof of idea, the corporate additionally introduced refreshed variations of a number of ThinkPads and ThinkBooks in addition to a number of equipment.

That features three refreshed ThinkPad T-series laptops: the ThinkPad T14 Gen 5, ThinkPad T14s Gen 5, and ThinkPad T16 Gen 3, all with Intel Core Extremely processors (or an AMD Ryzen 8040 possibility for the T14 Gen 5). All three get Lenovo’s communication bar, which extends a portion of the highest bezel to deal with the digicam and microphones, giving these laptops slimmer prime bezels and taller show ratios. Lenovo beforehand added this characteristic to different ThinkPad laptops, just like the X1 Carbon and X1 Nano.

The T-series keyboards additionally now have the identical tactile markings, (homing bars) on the Fn, Insert, Enter, and quantity keys because the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 and ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 laptops to make typing extra accessible to those that are visually impaired. Lenovo additionally broke with its long-standing custom of placing the Fn key on the outermost edge and swapped it with Ctrl, the place the vast majority of laptop computer and keyboard producers put them. There’s a bodily Microsoft Copilot key between proper Alt and Ctrl, too, however Lenovo left the Home windows key alone. (Phew!)

Lenovo additionally collaborated with iFixit to make it simpler to interchange sure {hardware} parts on the ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 and T16 Gen 3. This features a transfer again to completely socketed DIMM slots as an alternative of soldered RAM, user-replaceable cable-free batteries (with fewer screws to take away them), and accessible SSD and wi-fi adapter slots.

For customers who’re tremendous new to laptop computer repairs, the SSD and RAM slots are clearly marked, and Lenovo now contains QR codes contained in the laptop computer physique close to every repairable part with educational movies in regards to the course of. There are additionally indicators that time to the precise screws to take away if you happen to’re trying to simply exchange the keyboard and trackpad.

There may be another ThinkPad laptop computer up Lenovo’s sleeve: the ThinkPad X12 Removable Gen 2. We favored the first-gen mannequin so much when it was launched in April 2021; this upcoming model may have an Intel Core Extremely U processor, 32GB LPDDR5x soldered RAM, a 5MP front-facing webcam that helps Home windows Hiya, an 8MP outward-facing cam, and assist for a 4G LTE wi-fi adapter.

Lenovo has made some changes to its ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 laptop computer, too, by shortening the important thing journey to 1.5mm and enlarging the touchpad. It additionally has new peripherals and equipment, together with the ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 Cellular contact monitor and a USB-C Slim journey dock.

All Intel-configured ThinkPads hit shops beginning April 2024, with pricing anticipated to start out at $1,199. (The ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 AMD configuration might be accessible in Might 2024, beginning at $949.) The ThinkBook and USB-C dock arrive in March 2024, beginning at $1,169 and $89.99, respectively. The moveable monitor ($399) arrives in July 2024.