Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 Laptop Review Powerful Business Performance and Features

Description

Design and Build Quality

As I unpacked the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 G2 Business Laptop, the first thing that struck me was its sleek and professional black finish. The 16-inch WUXGA anti-glare screen is a standout, offering a resolution of 1920×1200 pixels, which makes everything look sharp and vibrant. While not the thinnest laptop I’ve encountered at 0.78 inches thick, it strikes a good balance between durability and portability. The weight of 3.99 pounds feels manageable for a device in this category, and carrying it around the house or to the office was no problem at all.

The backlit keyboard with a numeric keypad was a joy to type on. I often find myself typing away late at night, and the keyboard’s soft illumination made it easier to work without straining my eyes. Additionally, the fingerprint reader integrated into the power button is a nifty addition, combining security with convenience. It’s small details like these that make the laptop feel premium and well-thought-out.

Performance Prowess

This machine is an absolute powerhouse, thanks to the Intel Core Ultra 7-155H processor. With 16 cores and 22 threads, multitasking was a breeze. I ran heavy applications like Adobe Photoshop and multiple Chrome tabs simultaneously, and the laptop didn’t even flinch. The processor’s max turbo speed of 4.8 GHz ensures that even demanding tasks are handled with ease, making it perfect for anyone who needs serious computing power.

The 64GB DDR5 RAM and the 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD were more than adequate for my needs. I tested it with large video editing files and games, and the storage never felt lacking, nor did the system slow down for even a moment. The Intel Arc Graphics handled casual gaming and video rendering quite well, although it’s evident that this isn’t a laptop aimed at hardcore gamers. Still, for business use and light multimedia tasks, it excelled.

Highlights

• Massive 64GB DDR5 RAM ensures buttery-smooth multitasking.
• The 2TB SSD provides ample storage for large files and fast boot times.
• Wi-Fi 6E connectivity offers blazing internet speeds and stable connections.
• The hybrid FHD webcam with privacy shutter is perfect for video calls without worrying about accidental exposure.

Display and Multimedia

The 16-inch IPS display is bright and crisp, with 300 nits of brightness. While the 45% NTSC color gamut isn’t the most vibrant, the picture quality was still satisfactory for everyday use. Watching Netflix shows and editing photos felt immersive, though professionals in graphic design might wish for a wider color range.

The stereo speakers by HARMAN, combined with Dolby Atmos, delivered surprisingly rich audio. Whether I was listening to music or watching tutorials, the sound quality was clear and well-balanced. The laptop also features a dual-array microphone, which my colleague said picked up my voice clearly during video calls.

Key Benefits

• Sturdy and stylish design that feels premium in hand.
• The hybrid webcam with IR functionality adds an extra layer of security.
• Dolby Atmos speakers provide excellent audio for a laptop.
• The backlit keyboard is comfortable and perfect for low-light conditions.

Areas for Improvement

As much as I enjoyed using this laptop, there were some downsides.

• The 45% NTSC color gamut might not suffice for creative professionals who need accurate color representation.
• While the Intel Arc Graphics are decent, they’re not ideal for intensive gaming or highly demanding graphic tasks.
• The power adapter cable felt slightly short, which limited flexibility when charging.

Product Rivals

Comparing this laptop to some of its direct competitors, like the Dell XPS 15 and HP Spectre x360, revealed a few interesting differences. The ThinkPad E16 offers 64GB of RAM, which surpasses most in this price range. However, the Dell XPS 15 features a more vibrant display with better color accuracy, making it a stronger choice for designers. The HP Spectre x360, on the other hand, is lighter and offers a touchscreen, which could appeal to users seeking more versatility.

Where the ThinkPad E16 shines is in its business-focused design and features, like the fingerprint reader and robust security options. It might not have the flashiest display or the lightest build, but it does deliver uncompromised performance for professionals.

Price Performance

Assessing the price to quality ratio, this laptop feels like a solid investment for anyone in need of a powerful business machine. The combination of high-end hardware and practical design ensures that you’re getting your money’s worth. While it might seem like overkill for casual users, those who require reliable performance and ample storage will find this laptop to be a smart investment.

Additional information