Lenovo announces five new AMD laptops, but this one is my favorite

What you need to know

Lenovo announced five new AMD-powered laptops at IFA 2024, including ThinkPad, ThinkBook, IdeaPad Slim, and Yoga Pro models.
The ThinkPad T14s (Gen 6) shows the most promise, with next-gen AMD Ryzen AI PRO CPUs, low-power display, 5G connectivity, and Copilot+ AI tools.
The laptops with AMD’s Ryzen AI CPUs are expected to get access to Copilot+ AI tools in Windows starting in November.
Lenovo also announced a new ThinkShield feature and a new AI PC Fast Start tool for IT departments.
All laptops save the ThinkPad T14s (Gen 6) are available in EMEA markets only, with availability starting as early as September 2024.

As a seasoned professional who values both performance and portability, I find myself drawn to these latest offerings from Lenovo – the ThinkBook 16 (Gen 7+) and the sleek new Form laptops.

Over the past several days, there has been a flurry of activity leading up to the formal commencement of IFA 2024 on September 6. A multitude of laptop models, hailing from numerous prominent brands, have already been unveiled

Intel showcased its upcoming “Lunar Lake” Core Ultra Series 2 mobile processors (CPUs), which are engineered to compete with AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 and Qualcomm Snapdragon X chips. Meanwhile, Qualcomm revealed a new budget-focused model in the X Plus series

Here’s an example of rephrasing in simpler and easy-to-understand language: We also discovered that choosing Intel and AMD laptops equipped with the mentioned chips will have access to Copilot+ AI tools in Windows 11, starting in November. That frees up a new section of AI PCs for Microsoft’s program, and Lenovo was quick to unveil five AMD-powered laptops, three of which are suitable for Copilot+ thanks to a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with more than 40 TOPS of power. This condenses the process and makes it more efficient

The laptop that stands out among others is the Lenovo Thinkpad T14s (6th Generation). It’s unique as it’s the only PC released in North America. This device seems tailor-made for professionals who require connectivity, extended battery life, and a durable construction everywhere, which aligns perfectly with my preferences, particularly because I favor the ThinkPad keyboard

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Lenovo’s ThinkPad T14s (Gen 6) should be a top contender for best business laptop of the year

I reviewed the original ThinkPad T14s in 2020 when Lenovo made the naming change from T490s. It included 10th Gen Intel Core vPro and AMD Ryzen PRO 4000 mobile chips, optional LTE connectivity, and a slim design to fit into the “s” designation.

In my assessment, I described it as a “streamlined, business-oriented laptop, emphasizing user comfort, long battery life, and security.” I also suggested that for optimal performance (and typically a lower cost), one should go for AMD’s Ryzen PRO 4000 mobile CPUs. Now, nearly four years down the line, I’m eager to find out what advancements Lenovo has made on this exceptional business laptop, as it will gain Copilot+ capabilities in November

The latest Lenovo ThinkPad T14s (Gen 6) with Snapdragon Elite chip was launched in June, and its upcoming AMD variant boasts largely comparable specifications. Notable distinctions include a slightly increased weight for the AMD model (2.86 pounds versus 2.72 pounds), as well as alterations to the ports, camera, and display choices

The AMD version I’m highlighting here boasts full Thunderbolt 4, which isn’t usually the case considering Intel holds the licensing rights to the tech. There are otherwise still two USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm audio, and a SIM slot in models with 5G capabilities. Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 are closely matched (they use the same base tech), with the former offering some concrete assurances about power and performance. Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 are also on board.

The T14s (Gen 6) model featuring AMD technology boasts an advanced 5MP webcam complete with an IR sensor and privacy cover. Similar to its Snapdragon counterpart, it comes equipped with Human Presence Detection (HPD) for enhanced security convenience. Additionally, a fingerprint reader is integrated into the power button, catering to those who prefer to keep their camera concealed

On this model, you’ll find numerous security aspects: Lenovo’s ThinkShield suite, Microsoft Pluton, a Kensington lock slot, and robust security features from AMD integrated in their AI PRO processors

As an analyst, I’m intrigued by Lenovo’s subtle hint about the next-generation AMD Ryzen AI PRO hardware in their T14s launch, slated for October 2024. Given the timing, I anticipate that AMD will unveil these new chips within the coming weeks. If the whispers are true, they might be a spin-off of the Ryzen AI 300 CPUs introduced in June. Our team had a fantastic experience testing one of the standard Ryzen AI 300 chips in the ASUS Zenbook S 16, praising its remarkable performance and efficiency. If rumors hold, the Ryzen AI PRO is expected to boast a comparable Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with a powerful 50 TOPS

In the AMD model, Lenovo continues to opt for FHD+ IPS displays. The most widely preferred choice is expected to be the non-touch, power-efficient version, featuring an anti-glare coating, 100% sRGB color spectrum, and a brightness level of 400 nits. For users who require touchscreen functionality, it’s available, albeit with some impact on battery life. Lenovo estimates the system’s 58Wh battery to provide up to 17 hours of operation

The upcoming sixth generation of the ThinkPad T14s, equipped with AMD Ryzen AI PRO, is projected to be priced at around $1,699 upon its release in October

Lenovo’s new AI PC Fast Start tool seems … intrusive

Lenovo unveiled enhanced security and privacy features alongside the latest ThinkPad T14s (Gen 6) and their other AI-powered computers. I’ve always admired the ThinkPad series for its durability, excellent keyboard, long battery life, and versatile connectivity options, assuming it would safeguard my confidential data adequately. However, Lenovo understands its customer base, as many heavily rely on robust security features

Lenovo’s built-in security tools for its business computers, known as ThinkShield, are receiving an upgrade through the integration of SentinelOne’s Singularity toolkit. This enhancement is projected to enhance its capabilities in detecting threats using artificial intelligence and automating responses to recognized dangers

AI Quick Launch is the latest addition to Lenovo’s lineup of business laptops, catering especially to large corporations with IT departments managing multiple AI-equipped computers. While Lenovo hasn’t disclosed extensive details, it seems this feature involves an AI assistant that assesses individual users, pinpointing those who demonstrate proficiency in using AI tools

AI PC Fast Start will no doubt save companies a lot of money as they can now see who truly benefits from AI tools and the PCs that run them, but it also sounds like the start of something dystopian. The last thing most of us want is an ever-present AI watching and reporting back on any small lapses in productivity when using a work PC, but it’s easy to see that happening sometime in the near future. I look forward to getting more details once it’s in action.

Lenovo’s Yoga Pro 7 14 (Gen 9) is a creator’s dream come true

The Yoga Pro 7 Gen 9 appears designed as an ideal device for mobile creators. This foldable laptop is set to debut exclusively in Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions in September, with a starting price of €1,699. Unfortunately, this means North American users won’t have the opportunity to purchase it

This device is equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 CPU, which includes an integrated AMD Radeon 880M GPU and NPU capable of delivering 50 TOPS for local AI processing. This makes it suitable for use with Copilot+ tools in Windows 11. Lenovo provides options for up to 32GB of high-speed LPDDR5x-6400MHz RAM and a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD for storage

The star of the show is undoubtedly its display. It boasts a size of 14.5 inches and offers a high resolution of 2880×1800, an OLED panel for vibrant colors, a swift 120Hz refresh rate, brightness of 600 nits, and the ability to reproduce all colors within the sRGB, AdobeRGB, and DCI-P3 color spaces. Whether you’re working on color-critical tasks or not, the Yoga Pro 7 has got you covered

For a comfortable typing experience throughout the day, this device features 1.5mm key travel depth and a spacious touchpad beneath. Two speakers positioned at the top fire sound towards you while you type, and above the screen is an FHD webcam equipped with IR technology and a privacy cover. While a higher resolution might be desired, Windows Studio Effects can significantly enhance the image quality using AI technology

Lenovo’s IdeaPad Slim 5 13 and 15 (Gen 10) are budget PCs for European markets

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 laptops (13-inch and 15-inch Gen 10 versions) are labeled as AI PCs, but they won’t be compatible with the Copilot+ feature because they use AMD Ryzen 7000 processors. These older CPUs lack the 50 TOPS of power found in their Ryzen AI counterparts, which prevents them from utilizing Microsoft’s AI toolset

What makes these IdeaPad Slim laptops particularly appealing is their affordable pricing. Starting from a competitive €699, they will be available for purchase in the EMEA markets come October

You can select between two display sizes, either 13.3 inches or 15.3 inches, both offering FHD+ resolution (1920×1200). The larger model offers an additional QHD+ OLED option with a higher 165Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, and is ideal for creators

Lenovo ventured beyond its standard business colors and introduced Cloud Grey and Frost Blue for both models, with an additional optional Seafoam Green available on the 15.3-inch model. The lighter weight of just 2.54 pounds for the smaller laptop makes it a convenient choice for frequent travelers

It appears that Lenovo has chosen to economize in certain places to keep the cost low, as these laptops do not support USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 but offer dual USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2), HDMI 2.1, USB-A 3.2, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD card reader instead. Despite this, you should still be able to connect your preferred laptop accessories. These devices also come equipped with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity options

Lenovo’s ThinkBook 16 (Gen 7+) carefully balances price, performance, and features

The ThinkBook 16 (Gen 7+) represents another Windows-based laptop set for release exclusively in the EMEA region, and it’s projected to begin at a price point of €999. Compared to its more expensive counterpart, the ThinkPad, the ThinkBook is often seen as a more budget-friendly option, which aligns with this starting price range

This AI-powered laptop sports an AMD Ryzen 9 365 CPU with a built-in Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that offers 50 TeraOps (TOPS), granting access to advanced Copilot+ AI tools starting in November. The graphics are handled by the integrated Radeon 880M, while it can accommodate up to 32GB of high-speed LPDDR5x RAM running at 7500MHz. It also offers dual 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs for ample storage. Lenovo asserts that its 85Wh battery can last up to 17 hours during 1080p video playback

Although this Lenovo device boasts AMD high-performance hardware, it comes equipped with Thunderbolt 4 ports instead of USB4. It offers USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2), two USB-A 3.1, and even slower USB-A 2.0 ports, along with HDMI 2.1, RJ45 Ethernet, a 3.5mm audio jack, and an SD card reader. This variety of ports makes it an excellent choice for creators

This keyboard features a numeric keypad and a spacious tactile touchpad beneath it. Two speakers are positioned at the device’s base, delivering enhanced sound quality thanks to Dolby Atmos tuning. Above the screen, you’ll find an FHD RGB camera equipped with a dedicated IR sensor for Windows Hello and a privacy cover

As an enthusiast, I can’t help but be thrilled about the 16-inch display that boasts a sharp 3.2K resolution and a swift 165Hz refresh rate. This bad boy reaches 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and even supports Dolby Vision, making it an ideal companion for professionals seeking a more budget-friendly laptop with impressive creative capabilities

2024-09-05 19:11