The Thinkpad T450s is Lenovo'due south latest addition to the legendary Thinkpad T series. This update brings Broadwell and several other refinements, only about notably a much needed trackpad redesign. An ultrabook aimed squarely at professionals, the T450s carefully balances portability, power and features in a semi-rugged 3.5 pound package. It'south an earnest refinement to the T440s and I believe the best Thinkpad in contempo years. Let'southward take a look at how it stacks up.

Outset, a lilliputian background. Since IBM Thinkpads beginning debuted in the early 90s, the serial has been synonymous with business. For the past decade however, Lenovo has been the make's steward. Still, Thinkpads have remained wildly popular amidst enterprise and authorities customers for its continued blend of durability, performance and business-centric features.

Enter the Thinkpad T series. Nearly 15 years ago (wow, really?) I bought my first Thinkpad. As one of the earliest of its kind, my newly acquired T21 was seriously loftier-tech machinery in 2000. Since then, the Thinkpad lineup has expanded but the T remains Lenovo'south best selling laptop. It's clear the visitor has a winning formula and they are very careful non to deviate from it.

The T450s succeeds the T440s which debuted in Q3 2013. This latest model brings Broadwell and a small footprint reduction. Mayhap the about of import update though is a redesigned trackpad, only more than on that in a flake. The best qualities from its prior model endure, namely dual batteries, CFP (carbon cobweb reinforced plastic) lid and IPS display. Any and all changes made since the last model seem only positive.

Hardware Overview and CPU Functioning

Lenovo ThinkPad T450s
Starts at $953.10, $1,350 as tested

  • Intel Core i7-5600-U
  • 8GB DDR3L (4GB removable, 4GB non-removeable)
  • 128GB Toshiba SSD
  • 14-inch 1920x1080 IPS anti-glare display
  • three x USB 3.0 ports
  • 1 ten VGA port, mini DisplayPort, rectangular charging port, Kensington lock, 3.5mm headset jack
  • Smartcard reader
  • Backlit keyboard
  • 3.five pounds, 0.83 inches thick
  • 45Wh bombardment (two 10 iii-prison cell 27.5Wh)

At the fourth dimension of this review, our review unit (i7-5600U, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, 1080p IPS brandish, 3-yr warranty) was priced at $1350. For reference, the T450s base model (i5-5200U, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, 1600x900 LCD) runs about $900. Fully decked out (i7-5600U, 20GB RAM, 500GB SSD, 1080p IPS touchscreen), the T450s reaches north of $2100.

Design

Dearest or hate the aesthetic, there's no question this is a Thinkpad. Don't let its blackness plastic looks fool you: the lesser case and internal rollcage are made of magnesium alloy which eliminates flex just keeps things light. The carbon cobweb lid allows stable lid opening/closing with a unmarried manus. The Thinkpad T'due south customary mil-spec design, tight tolerances and spill-proof keyboard are all hither. All in all, our T450s gives me every indication it plans on sticking effectually.

The torso measures 0.83 inches thick and stands nearly 1-inch alpine at remainder cheers to its rubber feet. At three.v pounds, this 14-inch ultrabook is particularly lite for being semi-rugged. By comparing, it weighs about the same as a 13-inch 2014 Macbook Pro. A touchscreen upgrade though volition bump it to about 3.7 pounds.

Performing upgrades to the T450s is equally uncomplicated as popping off the bottom one-half of the case. It just takes a few screws, but removal is slightly more challenging than opening the typical modest compartment door on most laptops. Upgradeable items include storage drive, RAM and G.ii slots.

Connectivity

The Thinkpad T450s is well-equipped for connecting to a variety of devices. Dual video outputs (VGA, Mini DisplayPort), 3 ten USB 3.0 ports, 3.5mm headset jack (TRRS 4-usher) and an optional smartcard reader volition have the needs of most covered.

Gigabit ethernet is standard while various WLAN and WWLAN options are bachelor. Our unit shipped with a slightly upgraded 2x2 Intel Dual Ring Wireless-Air-conditioning 7265 WLAN + Bluetooth 4.0 module.

In that location's also a docking interface to connect an optional port replicator (e.1000. Ultradock Series 3) which makes floating betwixt mobile and workstation modes seamless. The dock adds tons of ports equally well.

Speakers, software and webcam

Our T450s shipped with Windows 8. And yes, Windows 7 is still an pick. Regardless of your choice, everyone qualifies for free upgrade to Windows 10. If you tin can forgive Lenovo for included a trial version of McAfee and various links to Lenovo services, our Thinkpad was effectively junkware costless. Historically, Thinkpads have featured Thinkvantage, a strong suite of software tools for managing power, wireless, hotkeys and organization features. These are even so available for Windows 7. However, Lenovo has essentially replaced this suite with its own cocky-branded, appified direction utilities for Windows 8 users.

As an ultrabook, the integrated speakers actually exceeded my expectations for loudness and fidelity. Don't get the incorrect impression: your guests won't be dancing to these at your next house political party. Simply they're above average for similarly sized ultrabooks. The speakers themselves are tucked away underneath the laptop. Rubber feet elevate the laptop, so this actually works pretty well.

The included Dolby audio control console gives users a surprising amount fine-tuning capability with features similar volume normalization and an equalizer. No thing the laptop all the same, headphones and external speakers will always provide superior sound.

The T450s' unimpressive 720p webcam is pretty much standard-issue for all laptops: low resolution and grainy low lite performance. It's not inspiring but yous'll be glad yous take it when y'all need it.

CPU/Processor

In that location are three Intel Core processors to choose from: i7-5600U, i5-5300U and i5-5200U. While the i7-5600U, commands a $300 premium over the base model, it's roughly x percent faster than the i5-5300U which costs $200 less. If you lot need extra power, the i5-5300U is probably the smart buy here. Otherwise, the i5-5200U should meet most users' needs.

Our review unit shipped with a i7-5600U. This CPU is a 15-watt ULV (ultra depression voltage) part based on Intel's Broadwell architecture. Broadwell is essentially Haswell with a die shrink (22nm to 14nm), updated graphics and some added optimizations. Like the Haswell i7-4600U, the i7-5600U is dual-cadre and quad-threaded. Nonetheless, Broadwell'south reward is pregnant ability savings, updated graphics (HD 4400 to 5500) and a tiny bump in performance (roughly five%).