Lenovo ThinkPad E15 Review (Is It A Good Business Laptop?)

Pros & Cons Of The ThinkPad E15 

Unique Features Of The Lenovo ThinkPad E15

Lenovo has been in the technology industry since 1984. No wonder it has produced one of the best computers and parts in the world. It has been living up to customers’ expectations, and the company tries to improve every device they produce. That’s why Lenovo Thinkpad E15 is packed with unique features perfect for various businesses. Here’s what you can expect from this device:  

Up To 11th-Generation Intel Processor 

Lenovo Thinkpad 15 Gen 2 laptop uses the power of an 11th Gen Intel® Core™ processor combined with DDR4 memory that delivers high performance to whatever task you have at hand.

Because of its powerful processor, you can handle simple to heavy tasks that come your way. It can even intelligently maintain optimum performance while running multiple apps, so you won’t have to worry about overheating. It comes in both Intel i5 and i7 processors.  

Anti-Glare Display 

This E series laptop has an anti-glare panel with 100% sRGB color gamut rendering crystal-clear visuals. Since it cuts down the amount of light that reflects off the display, you can now use your computer in bright light settings, such as when working outdoors or near the window.

It also reduces the stress on your eyes, making it perfect for those who sit in front of their computer most of the time.  

AI-Based Noise Canceling Microphone 

In every Thinkpad E15, you’ll get an AI-based noise cancellation embedded microphone. This can enhance every meeting you take on your computer. You also have the option to choose between two predefined modes for seamless conferencing, whether you're at home or working outdoors.  

Productivity Features 

Since it’s specifically built with business needs in mind, it has built-in productivity features that can help you be more efficient while saving time. For example, the Thinkpad E15 comes with a Modern Standby mode that allows you to receive emails, IM notifications, updates, and calls even with the lid closed. 

It also has a Wake-on-Voice that turns your system on with voice control and connects you to the internet right after it wakes up. It also features a Smart Power On, which lets you log in and boot up your computer with one touch. Lastly, you can easily answer, make, and disconnect from calls by simply pressing the F9 to F11 function keys.  

Maximum Security Features 

Lenovo understands how crucial security is. That’s why Thinkpad E15 laptops come with ThinkShield, a suite of built-in security solutions that protects your data and device. It also has a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) that encrypts data, making your computer difficult to hack.

It also features an optional fingerprint reader and IR camera that works together with Windows Hello, enabling a near foolproof biometric authentication, preventing unauthorized access to your device.  

USB Type-C Port 

The Thinkpad E15 series boasts three USB ports, 2 USB 3.1 Gen1 TypeC, and one USB 2.0. This also includes the industry-leading Intel® Thunderbolt™ 4, which can support up to two independent displays and speed up file transfers to as much as 40Gbps.

In addition, USB-C can carry significantly more power compared to older USBs, which is why it has a faster data transfer speed. Apart from that, it has a sleek and reversible design which is smaller than your traditional USB, so it’s easier to plug in. 

Lenovo ThinkPad E15 Review 

There are so many notebooks and laptops on the market today, which is why it's challenging to see which one is best suited for your needs. While there are new laptops that are specifically manufactured for a particular use, such as gaming laptops, most notebooks are made to cater to almost every imaginable task. However, they only differ in specs and other features.  

To help you filter out all these choices, we created an in-depth review of the Lenovo Thinkpad E15, so you can decide if this laptop fits your needs.  

Design 

Lenovo Thinkpads have similar designs. So whatever the series is, you know what to expect from it. Thinkpad E15 captures the same look but with a fresh spin. The second-generation E15 has redesigned its look, with most of its parts found in different locations, such as the speakers. There’s also a slight alteration in the bottom plate and some weight reduction.  

Even though it still is 18.9mm thick, this laptop has lost 200 grams of its weight, now at 1.70 kg. The lid is still difficult to open with one hand, but its material and feel compensate for this. Overall, its design meets functionality, making Thinkpad E15 an excellent and professional-looking business laptop.

Display/Screen 

Compared to other laptops, the display is relatively low, but we think that business types won’t mind because watching videos would probably be the last thing in mind when in a business meeting. As mentioned, this laptop is equipped with an anti-glare screen, which makes it an ideal choice for individuals who work mostly in front of their computers.  

Performance Features For Business 

Lenovo Thinkpad E15 comes in different specifications that cater to every type of business. The Intel variants come in two different processors and with two different types of storage. Here’s how each performs:  

Keyboard & Touchpad 

Its keyboard is still one of the best business keyboards in the market with its long key travel and quiet feedback. It also has a NumberPad portion, a backlight, and is spill-resistant. The fingerprint reader is found inside the power button and Thinkpad’s mandatory red nipple, which is a little confusing because the touchpad works well, unlike the prior models.

Nevertheless, it won't hurt to have two TrackPoints. When you turn the laptop down, you will see the ventilation grills and the speaker cutouts. 

Connectivity 

If you’re always on the go, you need a laptop that can connect with anything and everything. This laptop comes with many different types of ports. The Thinkpad E15 boasts two USB-C ports that level up how you connect external devices by increasing the data transfer speed. It also has one USB 2.0 port, an HDMI port, and an RJ-45, allowing you to connect all your current and other accessories. 

It also features an optional WiFi 6, which lets you hop on crowded public platforms almost instantaneously and enjoy a smooth online experience with greater bandwidth, lower latency, and stable network connectivity.  

Battery Life & Energy Consumption 

The battery life of the Lenovo Thinkpad E15 is mediocre. But, it features a 48Wh battery pack, which can last for 6 hours and 57 minutes of Web browsing, and 6 hours and 54 minutes of video playback. However, if you use battery-consuming programs, expect this number to go lower as battery life isn’t one of its strengths. You can read our complete guide to Lenovo laptop battery and lifespan here.

Audio 

There’s nothing exceptional with the audio of Thinkpad E15. Its sound is good enough for average users. So if you’re looking for outstanding audio quality, buy an external speaker instead and connect it using Bluetooth. 

Accessories 

With Thinkpad E15, you can add as many accessories as you like. Wireless headphones for your meetings? You can use the built-in Bluetooth connection of this device. Need an additional monitor? You can connect it using its HDMI port. External keyboard? No problem!  

Maintenance & Warranty 

There are no special care or maintenance requirements needed for Thinkpad E15. However, you still should care for it like how you would take care of any laptop. When it comes to warranties, the base warranties range from one to three years of coverage, and the level of service varies from depot to onsite, depending on the product’s model.  

Price  

Thinkpad E15's price starts at just over $1,100 for the Intel i5 version and can go as high as $1,700 for the higher versions. However, the price isn't a lot, given that it’s packed with unique features and excellent specs.  

Who Is It Best For?

If you don’t require a lot of computing power, then Thinkpad E15 is for you. While it can handle some heavy programs, it can be noisy if you overwork this laptop and the fan is ramping up.

However, if you're only using it for simple tasks like meetings, research, typing documents, and saving data on excel sheets, you’re in for a treat. The computer’s speed is good enough for these tasks and can even exceed expectations.  

Who is it not suitable for? 

If you require a powerful GPU and work with heavy programs all the time, Thinkpad E15 isn’t your best choice. The specs may be better compared to other laptops, but it wasn’t designed for tasks like rendering 3D graphics or editing videos and photos. However, it can handle the occasional usage of these programs.  

Specifications

Comparing With Other Business Laptops 

Lenovo Thinkpad E15 Vs Lenovo Ideapad 320 

When it comes to performance, Thinkpad E15 has a better processor, but IdeaPad 320 15″ has more memory. If you want a better screen display, go for ThinkPad E15 since it has a higher resolution screen (Full HD). This laptop is also ideal for individuals on the go since it’s lighter than IdeaPad 320. But if you’re on a budget, go for IdeaPad 320.  

Lenovo Thinkpad E15 Vs Acer Aspire E15

Both Lenovo and Acer are trusted computer manufacturers, so whichever you choose between the two, you know you’re in good hands. However, Thinkpad E15 wins when it comes to performance, memory, and portability. But if you need something cheaper with a faster GPU, Aspire E15 is your best bet.  

Lenovo Thinkpad E15 Vs HP Pavilion Business Laptop 

If performance is more important for you, there’s no doubt that Lenovo ThinkPad E15 is the best choice. It has a faster processor and memory. It also comes with Windows 10 Pro, which is safer than Windows 10 Home in HP Pavilion business laptop. However, Pavilion is cheaper and has more SSD storage.  

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Does the Lenovo ThinkPad E15 have a backlit keyboard? 

Lenovo Thinkpad E15 supports a backlit keyboard, but it depends on the configuration of the device. You can see a light icon on the space bar if your laptop has a backlit keyboard.  

Can you upgrade the RAM on the Lenovo ThinkPad E15? 

Yes, you can upgrade the RAM of your Lenovo Thinkpad E15. But you can only upgrade it up to a maximum of 16 GB.  

Does the Lenovo ThinkPad E15 have an HDMI port? 

Yes, Thinkpad E15 comes with an HDMI port.  

Can you run games on Lenovo ThinkPad E15? 

Yes, you can run games on this laptop. However, it is recommended to play games occasionally to not overwork your Thinkpad E15. If you're looking for a true high-end gaming laptop to play the latest AAA games, check out our guide here.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a powerful and lightweight laptop, Lenovo Thinkpad E15 should definitely be one of your top choices. Its performance can be compared to other powerful high-end laptops, minus the expensive price tag that comes with them. 

However, it’s not a match to notebooks with higher GPUs, so if you need a powerful graphics card to support your daily work, find a more suitable computer.