Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 review Powerful business laptop with Ryzen 7 and 32GB RAM

Description

Merits of the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2

I had the chance to dive into the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2, and honestly, it feels like a solid option for anyone juggling between demanding work tasks and entertainment. What immediately caught my attention was the AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor. With 8 cores and 16 threads, this machine doesn’t just handle multitasking; it thrives on it. Running multiple applications, including software like Photoshop and Excel, felt seamless. The 32GB DDR5 RAM also deserves a shoutout—it’s an absolute multitasking beast.

The 16-inch WUXGA IPS display adds to the experience. The anti-glare screen with a resolution of 1920×1200 offers sharp visuals. I found it perfect for editing images and streaming shows. Colors are decent, though the 45% NTSC coverage might feel limiting for hardcore creative professionals. The Dolby Atmos stereo speakers enhanced the entertainment vibe, delivering rich sound whether I was on a Zoom call or binging Netflix.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 impressed me with its sleek yet durable design. At 3.9 lbs, it strikes a good balance between being lightweight and sturdy. The black matte finish is classic ThinkPad, and the keyboard—oh, it’s a joy to type on. The backlit keys make working in dim lighting a breeze, and the tactile feedback is just right. The inclusion of a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button adds a layer of security and convenience.

One thing that stood out to me was the privacy shutter on the 1080p webcam. It’s a small feature, but in an era where privacy concerns are paramount, it’s a welcome touch. The array microphones also ensure clear audio during video calls, which is crucial for remote work.

Performance and Speed

This business laptop shines in the performance department. The AMD Radeon 680M integrated graphics handle casual gaming and graphic-intensive applications reasonably well. While it’s not a dedicated gaming laptop, it held up impressively during light gaming sessions. The 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD not only offers ample storage but also ensures blazing-fast boot times and file transfers.

The Windows 11 Pro operating system complements the hardware beautifully. Navigating through the interface felt snappy, and features like virtual desktops and Snap Layouts were a joy to use. I genuinely appreciated the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, which provided stable and speedy connectivity.

Key Benefits

• High-performance AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor for seamless multitasking.
• Generous 32GB DDR5 RAM for heavy workloads.
• 1TB SSD storage offering quick boot times and plenty of space.
• WUXGA anti-glare display ideal for productivity and entertainment.
• Durable and lightweight build with a user-friendly keyboard.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its many strengths, the ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 isn’t without its quirks. Here are a few less favorable aspects I noticed:

• The 45% NTSC color gamut might not satisfy professionals working in color-sensitive fields.
• While the design is functional, it lacks the pizzazz of some ultra-modern laptops.
• Battery life could be better. Under heavy usage, it seemed to drain faster than expected, requiring frequent recharges.

Competing Products

Looking at the market, the ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 finds itself competing with models like the Dell XPS 15 and the HP Spectre x360 16. The Dell XPS 15 offers a more vibrant screen with better color accuracy, which might appeal to creatives. However, it comes at a higher price point and lacks some of the ThinkPad’s robust business-oriented features, like the privacy shutter and fingerprint reader.

On the other hand, the HP Spectre x360 16 wins in terms of design and versatility, thanks to its 2-in-1 convertible build. That said, the ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 edges ahead in raw performance, especially with 32GB DDR5 RAM and the Ryzen processor.

Worth Every Penny

From a price-to-quality ratio, this laptop delivers solid value. The combination of high-speed performance, ample storage, and security features makes it a tempting option for professionals and students alike. While it might not be the cheapest option out there, the reliability and features it brings to the table justify the investment. It’s a workhorse that doesn’t compromise on essentials.

All in all, I found the ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 to be an impressive laptop that caters to both work and play, though it does leave room for minor refinements.

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