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Lenovo’s updated ThinkPads include T480s with Nvidia MX150, affordable X-Series

Lenovo ThinkPad
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Just ahead of CES 2018, Lenovo has introduced a host of new ThinkPad products: Two new ThinkPad X Series ultrathin units for professionals, three ThinkPad T notebooks marketed specifically for the business market, and four ThinkPad L models for the enterprise sector. Lenovo even crammed in two business-oriented displays into the announcement.

Lenovo’s laptops and 2-in-1s rely on Intel-based processors up to an eighth-generation Core i7 with vPro support. Several models have options for discrete graphics chips, 4G LTE connectivity, NFC support, Thunderbolt 3, and USB-C ports. Several units even offer dual-battery configurations, so you’re not left in the dark while working on a plane trip that crosses the ocean. All devices also have built-in cameras with a mechanical shutter to block unwanted peeping from hackers and/or obnoxious bosses.

First, let’s start with Lenovo’s two ultrathin solutions:

Ultrathin

Lenovo ThinkPad X380 Yoga

Key Specs

  • CPU: Up to 8th Gen Intel Core i7 with vPro
  • Graphics: Intel UHD 620
  • Memory: Up to 16GB DDR4 @ 2,400MHz
  • Storage: Up to 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • Battery: Up to 13.6 hours
  • Display: 13.3-inch FHD IPS touch
  • Weight: 3.08 pounds
  • Thickness: 0.70 inches
  • Ports: Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, USB, SD card reader
  • Connectivity: Wireless AC (2 x 2), Bluetooth 4.2
  • Release date: January 2018
  • Price: Starting at $1,459

We kick off Lenovo’s laptop bonanza with the company’s 2-in-1 ThinkPad X380 Yoga, which packs a 360-degree hinge supporting laptop, stand, tent, and tablet modes. Powering this device is up to an eighth-generation Intel Core i7 processor with vPro, up to 16GB of system memory, and up to 1TB of storage using a speedy PCI Express-based SSD. The battery keeping all this hardware alive promises up to 13.6 hours on a single charge.

This 2-in-1 has a 13.3-inch screen based on In-Plane switching technology that promises deep colors and wide viewing angles. Other features include Thunderbolt 3 connectivity that promises data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps, HDMI video output, and Wireless AC connectivity supporting speeds of up to 867Mbps. Note that this 2-in-1 only measures 0.70 inches thin when closed, and weighs a mere 3.08 pounds, making it great for business trips locally and abroad.

Lenovo ThinkPad X280

Key Specs

  • CPU: Up to 8th Gen Intel Core i7
  • Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • Memory: Up to 16GB DDR4 @ 2,133MHz
  • Storage: Up to 1TB SSD
  • Battery: Up to 13 Hours
  • Display: 12.5-inches up to FHD IPS Touch
  • Weight: 2.56 pounds
  • Thickness: 0.70 inches
  • Ports: HDMI, USB, audio jack
  • Connectivity: Wireless AC (2 x 2), Bluetooth 4.2
  • Release date: January 2018
  • Price: Starting at $999

Next we have a thin-and-light notebook: the ThinkPad X280. This device sports a smaller 12.5-inch screen based on the same technology, only this version supports touch input. The screen is backed by Intel’s UHD Graphics 620 component, up to an eighth-generation Core i7 processor (no vPo), and up to 16GB of system memory. Storage options consist of up to a 1TB SSD (type not specified).

Overall, the ThinkPad X280 measures just 0.70 inches at its thickest point, and weighs just 2.56 pounds. As with the 2-in-1, Lenovo provides security options such as a fingerprint reader or infrared scanner, so you’re not forced to enter passwords in public places or in front of nosy employees/co-workers. Backing this laptop is a Rapid Charge-supported battery that promises up to 13 hours on a single charge. Ports include HDMI, USB, and audio output.

Business

Lenovo ThinkPad T580

Key Specs

  • CPU: up to 8th Gen Intel Core i7 with vPro
  • Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620 or Nvidia GeForce MX150 (2GB)
  • Memory: Up to 32GB DDR4 @ 2,400MHz
  • Storage: Up to 2TB HDD; 1TB PCIe SSD
  • Battery: Up to 27 hours with dual battery (32Wh + 72Wh)
  • Display: 15-inch (FHD IPS, FHD IPS touch, and UHD IPS)
  • Weight: 4.34 pounds
  • Thickness: 0.79 inches
  • Ports: Thunderbolt 3, USB, Micro SD card reader, HDMI
  • Connectivity: Wireless AC (2 x 2), AC Bluetooth 4.2
  • Release date: January 2018
  • Price: Starting at $1,079

Moving on to Lenovo’s business-class products, the ThinkPad T580 is the largest of the trio with a 15-inch screen. It will be sold with three resolution configurations spanning a 1080p resolution, 1080p with Touch, and a meaty 2160p (aka Ultra HD). This screen is backed by a dual-battery setup — one 32WHr and one 72WHr — promising a combined uptime of up to 27 hours.

The specs show that the notebook will feature up to an eighth-generation Intel Core i7 processor with vPro support, and an option for a discrete GeForce MX150 graphics chip built by Nvidia. Other notable features include Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C connectivity, up to 32GB of system memory, up to 2TB of storage, and optional 4G LTE support. This laptop also supports Windows Hello via an optional fingerprint scanner, or an infrared camera.

Lenovo ThinkPad T480

Key Specs

  • CPU: Up to 8th Gen Intel Core i7 with vPro
  • Graphics: Intel UHD 620 or Nvidia GeForce MX150 (2GB)
  • Memory: Up to 32GB DDR4 @ 2,400MHz
  • Storage: 256GB OPAL2 / SSD; 1TB OPAL2 M.2 SSD; up to 1TB HDD
  • Battery: Up to 14.5 hours with dual battery (24wh+24wh)
  • Display: 14-inches (HD TN, FHD IPS touch, FHD IPS non-touch, WQHD IPS)
  • Weight: 3.49 pounds
  • Thickness: 0.78 inches
  • Ports: Thunderbolt 3, USB, Smart card reader, Nano SIM
  • Connectivity: Wireless AC (2 x 2), Bluetooth 4.2, 4G LTE
  • Release date: January 2018
  • Price: Starting at $989

Next we have Lenovo’s laptop designed for “serious business.” This model also includes a dual-battery design – twin 24WHr units – promising up to 14.5 hours on a single charge. The two batteries power up to an eighth-generation Intel Core i7 processor with vPro support, an optional discrete GeForce MX150 graphics chip, and up to 32GB of system memory.

Overall, the laptop is thin and light, measuring just 0.78 inches thick and weighing 3.49 pounds. It plays host to a 14-inch screen with four resolution options (depending on the screen type): 720p, 1080p, 1080p with touch, and 1440p.

It also includes Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C connectivity, an optional Smart Card reader, optional 4G LTE cellular support, an SD card reader, and a mechanical shutter on the built-in camera.

Lenovo ThinkPad T480s

Key Specs

  • CPU: Up to 8th generation Intel Core i7 with vPro
  • Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620 or Nvidia GeForce MX150 (2GB)
  • Memory: Up to 24GB DDR4 @ 2,400MHz
  • Storage: Up to 1TB SSD PCIe SSD
  • Battery: Up to 13.5 hours
  • Display: 14-inches (FHD IPS, FHD IPS touch, WQHD IPS)
  • Weight: 2.90 pounds
  • Thickness: 0.72 inches
  • Ports: Thunderbolt 3, USB, Micro SD, HDMI, Audio jack
  • Connectivity: Wireless-AC (2 x 2), Bluetooth 4.1, 4G LTE
  • Release date: January 2018
  • Price: Starting at $1,699

Our final laptop in Lenovo’s new business-class trio is the ThinkPad T480s designed for “mobile power.” The difference with this model appears to be in size and weight: its smaller than the vanilla T480 at 0.72 inches thick, and lighter at 2.90 pounds. That smaller form factor also means sacrifices were made, including limiting the maximum amount of memory to 24GB. There’s also no OPAL-based storage options as seen with the T480 model.

Similar to the T480, this model provides Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C connectivity, HDMI output, wired networking, and optional 4G LTE mobile connection support. You can also configure this model with a discrete MX150 graphics chip, which is ideal for CAD processionals, video editors, and 3D animation specialists. The screen still resides at 14 inches, although Lenovo ripped out the HD resolution option for this thinner model. Storage is oprovided on a PCI Express-based SSD, with no hard drive option available.

Enterprise

Lenovo ThinkPad L580

Key Specs

  • CPU: Up to 8th Gen Intel Core i7 with vPro
  • Graphics: Intel UHD 620 or AMD Radeon 530
  • Memory: Up to 32GB DDR4 @ 2,400MHz
  • Storage: Up to 512GB PCIe SSD / Up to 2TB HDD
  • Battery: Up to 11 hours
  • Display: 15 inches (HD TN, FHD IPS)
  • Weight: 4.46 pounds
  • Thickness: 0.90 inches
  • Ports: USB, VGA, HDMI, Micro SD, audio jack
  • Connectivity: Wireless AC (2 x 2), Bluetooth 4.2, 4G LTE
  • Release date: January 2018
  • Price: Starting at $769

Moving on to Lenovo’s enterprise-class laptops, the ThinkPad L5870 relies on AMD for customers wanting a discrete GPU option. In this case, it’s the Radeon 530 for notebooks, which technically is designed for gaming, but that’s okay — gaming-focused GPUs target extreme performance, and that’s definitely what you want for CAD-based design or 3D rendering. Intel’s integrated graphics component is great for everything else.

This notebook packs a 15-inch display with 720p and 1080p resolution options. Backing the screen is up to an 8th-generation Intel Core i7 processor with vPro support, up to 32GB of system memory, and storage options ranging from hard drives to PCI Express-based SSDs. Other ingredients include USB-C and HDMi connectivity, an old-school VGA video port, an optional 4G LTE connection, and a battery promising up to 11 hours on a single charge. This laptop measures 0.90 inches thin and weighs 4.46 pounds.

Lenovo ThinkPad L480

Key Specs

  • CPU: Up to 8th Gen Intel Core i7 with vPro
  • Graphics: Intel UHD 620 or AMD Radeon 530
  • Memory: Up to 32GB DDR4 @ 2,400MHz
  • Storage: Up to 512GB PCIe SSD / Up to 1TB HDD
  • Battery: Up to 12 hours
  • Display: 14-inches (HD TN, FHD IPS, FHD IPS touch)
  • Weight: 3.7 pounds
  • Thickness: 0.89 inches
  • Ports: USB, Micro SD, HDMI, audio jack
  • Connectivity: Wireless AC (2 x 2), Bluetooth 4.2, 4G LTE
  • Release date: January 2018
  • Price: Starting at $779

Next up is the ThinkPad L480 with a 14-inch screen sporting an optional resolution of 720p, 1080p, or 1080p with touch. This screen is backed by an optional AMD Radeon 530 discrete chip, or the integrated UHD Graphics 620 component in one of Intel’s eighth-generation processors. The main ingredients also include up to 32GB of system memory, and storage on either a PCI Express-based SSD (up to 512GB), or a hard drive (up to 1TB).

This enterprise-grade laptop boasts two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, HDMI output, and more. On a wireless connectivity front, it supplies Wireless AC networking (up to 867Mbps), Bluetooth 4.2, and optional 4G LTE connectivity. It’s one of the larger solutions in Lenovo’s CES 2018 rollout, measuring 0.885 inches thick and weighing 3.7 pounds. On the security front, Lenovo mentions integrated chip-level support and facial recognition, but the specs don’t list any hardware specifics.

Lenovo ThinkPad L380

Key Specs

  • CPU: Up to 8th Gen Intel Core i7
  • Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • Memory: Up to 32GB DDR4 @ 2,400MHz
  • Storage:Up to 512GB PCIe M.2.SSD
  • Battery: Up to 12 hours
  • Display: 13.3-inches IPS FHD Touch
  • Weight: 3.22 pounds
  • Thickness: 0.74 inches
  • Ports: USB, HDMI
  • Connectivity: Wireless AC (2×2), Bluetooth 4.2, NFC
  • Release date: January 2018
  • Price: Starting at $609

The third solution in Lenovo’s enterprise-based rollout, the ThinkPad L380, offers a 13.3-inch screen with a set 1080p resolution and touch support. Under the hood, the laptop relies only on the integrated graphics provided in Intel’s eighth-generation Core processors. Also on the menu is up to 32GB of system memory, and up to 512GB of storage on a PCI Express-based M.2 “stick” SSD.

There’s no Thunderbolt 3 connectivity with this laptop, but customers will find a handful of other ports including USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI. The specs mention optional NFC support, replacing the 4G LTE connectivity option provided on the other models. They also list a Mil-Spec (military specification) durability, meaning this laptop can withstand the abuse of crowded airports and cramped taxi rides. The battery promises up to 12 hours on a single charge, which is recharged using a USB-C port.

Lenovo ThinkPad L380 Yoga

Key Specs

  • CPU: Up to 8th Gen Intel Core i7
  • Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • Memory: Up to 32GB DDR4 @ 2,400MHz
  • Storage: Up to 512GB PCIe SSD
  • Battery: Up to 12 hours
  • Display: 13.3-inches IPS FHD touch
  • Weight: 3.44 pounds
  • Thickness: 0.74 inches
  • Ports: USB, HDMI
  • Connectivity: Wireless AC (2×2), Bluetooth 4.2, NFC
  • Release date: January 2018
  • Price: Starting at $1,049

Finally, we have Lenovo’s only 2-in-1 in its new enterprise-class refresh — the ThinkPad L380 Yoga. Thanks to its 360-degree hinge, the device supports laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes, making it a great solution for any business-related occasion. The screen itself measures 13.3 inches and sports a locked, touch-supporting resolution at 1080p. Overall, the 2-in-1 measures just 0.74 inches and weighs 3.44 pounds.

Rounding out this professional 2-in-1 is a processor up to an 8th-generation Core i7, up to 32GB of system memory, and up to 512GB of storage on a PCI Express-based SSD. The output list is rather abundant, offering USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI ports. NFC is an optional connectivity feature to complement the 2-in-1’s standard Bluetooth and Wireless AC networking features.

Monitors

Lenovo ThinkVision P32u

Key Specs

  • Display size: 32 inches
  • Display type: In-Plane Switching
  • Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160
  • Max brightness: 300 nits
  • Contrast ratio: 1,000:1
  • Response time: 6ms
  • Release date: March 2018
  • Price: Starting at $1,349

Of the two displays introduced prior to CES 2018, the P32u is the flagship model. Sporting a 32-inch screen, it focuses on “extreme” colors and speed, with support for 99.5 percent of the Adobe RGB color space, and a response time of six milliseconds. The maximum brightness is an average 300 nits, and the viewing angles are 178 degrees in both directions thanks to the use of In-Plane Switching technology.

According to the product photos, the panel provides two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort connector, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, and a USB-B port. Other features include a contrast ratio of 1,000:1, a dynamic contrast ration of 3M:1, and a thickness of nearly 9 inches. The panel will measure 33.23 inches wide and stand roughly 20.79 inches tall when it hits the market this March.

Lenovo ThinkVision X24

Key Specs

  • Display size: 23.8 inches
  • Display type: In-Plane Switching
  • Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
  • Max brightness: 250 nits
  • Contrast ratio: 1,000:1
  • Response time: 4ms to 14ms gray-to-gray
  • Release date: January 2018
  • Price: Starting at $249

The second of two displays introduced before CES 2018 focuses on “extreme” sharpness and beauty. It’s the company’s thinnest display yet, measuring just over four inches thick. It’s backed by In-Plane Switching technology promising wide viewing angles and deep colors. But according to the specifications, it supports 99 percent of the sRGB color space, making the P32u a better choice for Adobe-based designers. It also supports a full 170-degree viewing angle only in one direction.

As the list shows, the display provides a 1080p resolution at a maximum but somewhat low brightness of 250 nits. The response time ranges between 4ms to 14ms gray-to-gray, which is the amount of time a pixel uses when moving from one color to another, and then back to the first color. On an I/O level, you’ll find DisplayPort and HDMI connectors along with an audio-out jack for headphones or an external speaker system.

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Kevin Parrish
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
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