Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 Laptop Review AMD Ryzen 7 Performance and Features

Description

Upsides of the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 G2

The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 G2 has been my go-to device for work, and I can honestly say it packs a lot of power and functionality in a sleek, professional package. From the moment I unboxed it, the 16-inch WUXGA IPS display caught my attention. The 1920×1200 resolution is sharp, and the anti-glare coating is a lifesaver during long hours of work, preventing eye strain even under bright lighting.

What truly sets this laptop apart is the AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor. With 8 cores and 16 threads, it handles everything I throw at it, from running multiple browser tabs to editing videos. The performance is seamless, and I noticed almost no lag, even with demanding tasks. 32GB of DDR5 RAM and the 1TB PCIe SSD add to the speed, making multitasking feel effortless.

The backlit keyboard deserves a special mention. As someone who often works late, I found the illumination incredibly practical. Typing feels comfortable and precise, and the fingerprint reader integrated into the power button is a brilliant touch for quick, secure logins. Windows 11 Pro, pre-installed, runs smoothly and takes advantage of the hardware’s capabilities.

Some standout features include:

• Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster connectivity.
• A 1080p hybrid webcam with a privacy shutter, which is perfect for video calls and maintaining privacy.
• Dolby Atmos stereo speakers that deliver impressive sound for a laptop this slim.

Areas for Improvement

While there’s much to love about this device, a few less favorable aspects caught my attention. For starters, the display brightness maxes out at 300 nits, which feels a bit dim when working outdoors. I found it manageable indoors, but for those who frequently work in cafes or on-the-go, this could be a minor inconvenience.

The 45% NTSC color gamut isn’t ideal for color-sensitive work. If you’re into photo or video editing, the limited color reproduction might not meet professional standards. Additionally, the 3.9 lbs weight is slightly on the heavier side compared to some ultrabooks, making it less portable for frequent travelers.

Here are a few points to consider:

• Limited color accuracy for creatives.
• The non-touch display, while not a dealbreaker for me, might be a drawback for others.
• No optical drive, which, although common in modern laptops, may inconvenience those relying on physical media.

Design and Build Quality

The minimalist black chassis gives the laptop a professional, understated look. It feels robust in hand, thanks to Lenovo’s signature durability, which has always been a hallmark of the ThinkPad series. The 14.02 x 9.75 x 0.78-inch dimensions make it compact enough to slip into my backpack, though the weight is noticeable when carried around for extended periods.

Port selection is another area where this device exceeds expectations. With two USB-C ports (supporting Power Delivery and DisplayPort), two USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 connection capable of 4K/60Hz output, and even an Ethernet port, it covers almost every connectivity need. The inclusion of a Kensington Nano Security Slot provides added protection against theft.

Performance and Everyday Use

From day one, I was impressed with the speed and efficiency of this laptop. Boot times are incredibly fast, thanks to the PCIe NVMe SSD, and I never experienced crashes or slowdowns, even when running heavy applications like Photoshop and Premiere Pro simultaneously. The AMD Radeon 680M integrated graphics are more than capable of handling casual gaming or light rendering tasks, though it’s not meant for hardcore gamers.

For day-to-day tasks, including web browsing, video calls, and document editing, this machine is a beast. The high-definition audio system, tuned by HARMAN with Dolby Atmos, elevates the experience of streaming music or watching movies. I found myself using the laptop for entertainment almost as much as for work.

Product Rivals

Comparing this with alternatives like the Dell XPS 15 or the HP Spectre x360, the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 G2 holds its ground in terms of performance and reliability. However, while the Dell XPS 15 boasts a more vibrant and color-accurate display, it comes at a much higher cost. The HP Spectre x360, on the other hand, includes a touchscreen and better battery life but lacks the rugged build and extensive port selection of the ThinkPad.

Where this laptop excels is in its price-to-performance ratio. The AMD Ryzen 7 processor outperforms many Intel i7 models in the same price bracket, and the security features, like the TPM 2.0 chip and IR camera for Windows Hello, add significant value. However, creative professionals might lean towards rivals with better displays and lighter builds.

True Value

This laptop strikes a great balance between performance and affordability. While it isn’t the cheapest option on the market, the features packed into this device justify the price tag. The combination of powerful hardware, robust build quality, and excellent connectivity options makes it a solid choice for students, professionals, and anyone looking for a reliable workhorse.

Comparing it to similar laptops, I’d say this is a smart investment for those prioritizing performance and security over ultra-portability. It’s not the flashiest device, but it’s dependable and gets the job done well. Lenovo’s reputation for reliability shines through with this model, making it a trustworthy companion for daily work.

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