Lenovo’s latest ThinkPad L-series laptops include new models with 13, 14, and 16 inch displays, Intel or AMD processors, and prices that start at around $999. But which features you get vary a bit from model to model.
For example, the ThinkPad L13 Gen 5, ThinkPad L13 2-in-1 Gen 5, and ThinkPad L14 i Gen 5 all feature Intel Core Ultra processors based in Intel’s Meteor Lake architecture. But the new ThinkPad L14 Gen 5 is an AMD-powered model with a Ryzen 7030 series processor based on AMD’s aging Barcelo-R architecture.
That’s probably one reason why these 14 inch laptops are the most affordable members of Lenovo’s new line of L-series systems. But it’s also a bit disappointing to see Lenovo charging $999 and up for a laptop that ships with a processor featuring Zen 3 CPU cores and Radeon Vega graphics rather than a Ryzen 7040 or 8040 chip with RDNA 3 graphics, Zen 4 processor cores, and an integrated Ryzen AI NPU.
A few other things to keep in mind:
- Lenovo’s new ThinkPad L14 laptops support up to 64GB of user-replaceable DDR5 memory, while the 13.3 inch L13 models top out at 32GB of non-upgradeable LPDDR5 RAM.
- The 14 inch models also have aluminum and plastic bodies, RJ45 Ethernet jacks, and optional support for larger batteries.
- But only the 13.3 inch model is available in an optional 2-in-1 style, with a 360-degree hinge that lets you switch between laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes.
Lenovo says aside from the new processor options, this year’s ThinkPad L-series laptops are available with optional support for displays that feature a 3M Optical Film solution for increased brightness (up to 400 nits) and lower power consumption (up to a 16% reduction).
The company also says the L14 models score 9 out of 10 on iFixit’s repairability ratings thanks to a bunch of user-replaceable parts including memory, keyboards, storage, and wireless cards.
| ThinkPad L13 Gen 5 | ThinkPad L13 2-in-1 Gen 5 | ThinkPad L14 i Gen 54 | ThinkPad L14 Gen 5 | |
| Display | 13.3 inches 1920 x 1200 pixels IPS LCD
| 13.3 inches 1920 x 1200 pixels IPS LCD
| 14 inches 1920 x 1200 pixels IPS LCD
| |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra | AMD Ryzen 7030 | ||
| RAM | Up to 32GB LPDDR5 | Up to 64GB DDR5 | ||
| Storage | Up to 1TB PCIe 4×4 M.2 2280 SSD | Up to 2TB PCIe 4×4 M.2 2280 SSD | ||
| Battery & Charging | 46 Wh battery 65W adapter | 46.5 Wh or 57 Wh 65W adapter | ||
| Audio | 2 x speakers 2 x microphones Dolby Audio Dolby Voice | |||
| Camera | HD RGB or 5MP RGB+IR | HD RGB or 5MP RGB+IR 5MP world-facing (optional) | HD RGB or 5MP RGB+IR | |
| Security | Fingerprint reader IR camera (optional) Webcam privacy shutter | |||
| Ports | 1 x Thunderbolt 4 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.1 1 x 3.5mm audio 1 x nano SIM | 1 x Thunderbolt 4 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.1 1 x 3.5mm audio 1 x RJ45 Ethernet 1 x nano SIM | 1 x USB4 Type-C 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.1 1 x 3.5mm audio 1 x RJ45 Ethernet 1 x nano SIM | |
| Wireless | WiFi 6E Bluetooth 5.3 4G LTE (optional) | WiFi 7 Bluetooth 5.3 4G LTE (optional) | WiFi 6E Bluetooth 5.3 4G LTE (optional) | |
| Materials | Plastic | Aluminum and plastic | ||
| Dimensions | 305 x 218 x 17mm 12″ x 8.6″ x 0.7″ | 314 x 226 x 19mm 12.4″ x 8.9″ x 0.7″ | ||
| Starting weight | 1.26kg 2.78 pounds | 1.36kg 2.99 pounds | ||
| Price | $1199 | $1319 | $1179 | $999 |
| Availability | April, 2024 | March, 2024 | ||
Lenovo has also announced new ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 models with a choice of Intel of AMD processors and starting prices of $1179 and $999 respectively. They should also hit the streets in the coming weeks.
TERRIBLY THICK frames around the display (in 2024 !!!)………….
I feel like we’re regressing to a version of the pre-Ryzen days, where AMD products would be halfheartedly offered by OEMs with inexplicably low specs compared to their Intel counterparts (see: every Carrizo laptop). The difference here is that the other specs are fine, but they’re still hamstringing the laptop by using a mid-tier/older processor.
Probably Intel lobbying with manufacturers not to put the latest AMD APUs to help regain their dominant position.
I suspect it’s really Lenovo trying to do a little more to differentiate between the L series and the higher end T series, which comes with Ryzen 7040 variants. The L14 has progressed to the point that it has most of the business features of the T14, and has upgradeable memory as well. If it had the same processor it would eat into the sales of the higher priced machine even more than it already is.
It still begs the question why someone would drop top dollar for the highest-spec variant of the L series and max it out with 64 GB of RAM, etc. but be satisfied with a B-tier AMD processor. I understand the point of differentiation, but who is the intended audience?