Lenovo ThinkPad L490

Technical Specifications

• Processor: Intel 8th Generation Core processors, including Intel Core i3-8145U, Intel Core i5-8265U (with optional vPro), and Intel Core i7-8565U (with optional vPro). An Intel Celeron 4305U option is also available.
• RAM: Up to 64GB DDR4, operating at 2400MHz or 2133MHz depending on the processor. Features two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, supporting dual-channel memory.
• Storage: Supports up to two drives, typically a 2.5-inch HDD/SSD and an M.2 2242 SSD, or an M.2 2242/2280 SSD with an M.2 2242 SSD. Configurations include up to 2TB HDD or up to 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD.
• Display: 14.0-inch options include HD (1366 x 768) TN, Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS anti-glare with 250 nits brightness, and Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS multi-touch anti-glare.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 is standard. An optional discrete AMD Radeon 535 with 2GB GDDR5 memory is available in some regions (not EMEA).
• Ports: Includes 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (one with Always On), 1x USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 (power delivery, DisplayPort), 1x USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 (power delivery, DisplayPort), HDMI, Ethernet (RJ-45), audio combo jack, microSD card reader, and a side docking connector. Optional nano-SIM card slot and smart card reader are available.
• Connectivity: Features dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11ac or 802.11ax options) and Bluetooth 4.2 or 5.0. Optional 4G LTE-A WWAN and Near Field Communication (NFC) are available.
• Battery: 3-cell, 45Wh battery provides up to 12 hours of life, with rapid-charging technology enabling 80% charge in 60 minutes.
• Dimensions & Weight: Starting weight is under 1.7 kg (3.72 lbs), with dimensions of 335 x 235 x 22.5 mm (13.19 x 9.25 x 0.89 inches).
• Keyboard: Features a spill-resistant keyboard, with an optional backlight.

Analysis of Technical Specifications: The ThinkPad L490 offers a range of configurations tailored for business and office use, balancing performance with cost-effectiveness. The 8th Gen Intel Core processors provide sufficient power for everyday tasks, though the system's thermal design may prioritize quiet operation over peak multi-core performance. The generous RAM support up to 64GB and flexible storage options, including fast NVMe SSDs, ensure good multitasking capabilities and quick data access. Display options are functional for productivity, with the Full HD IPS panel offering a decent viewing experience, though brightness levels are not top-tier. The comprehensive port selection, including multiple USB-C and traditional ports, enhances connectivity and peripheral compatibility. Optional discrete graphics are a minor enhancement for light graphical tasks but are not universally available. The robust battery life and rapid-charging feature are significant advantages for mobile professionals. The design, while durable, is somewhat bulky compared to more premium ThinkPads.

Support & Compatibility

• Operating System Support: Supports Windows 10 Pro 64-bit, Windows 10 Home 64-bit, and Windows 11 Pro 64-bit. Ubuntu Linux and configurations without a pre-installed operating system are also available.
• End of Support Date: The Lenovo ThinkPad L490 was released in June 2019. While a specific end-of-life date is not explicitly stated, it is considered a withdrawn model, and some BIOS vulnerability advisories list it as "End of life, Not Affected" for specific CVEs, indicating it is an older generation device.
• Available Drivers: Drivers and firmware updates are available through the official Lenovo support website.
• Docking Solutions: Compatible with Lenovo's Side Mechanical docking stations, as well as universal USB 3.0 and USB-C docking solutions, providing versatile expansion capabilities for a desktop setup.

Analysis of Support & Compatibility Status: The L490 offers broad operating system compatibility, including support for current Windows versions and Linux, which is beneficial for diverse enterprise environments. As an older model, direct manufacturer support for new features or major OS upgrades may be limited, but essential drivers and security updates are still accessible. Its compatibility with various docking solutions ensures seamless integration into existing office infrastructures, extending its utility and lifespan within an asset management strategy. The "End of life" status in some security advisories suggests that while critical patches are provided, the device is no longer in active development for new features.

Security Status

• Security Features: Incorporates Intel vPro technology for enhanced security and manageability. Features include an optional touch fingerprint reader, an optional IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition, a ThinkShutter physical webcam privacy cover, a Discrete Trusted Platform Module (dTPM) 2.0, and a Kensington lock slot. An optional Smart Card Reader is also available. The keyboard is spill-resistant, adding a layer of physical protection.
• Vulnerabilities:
  • **BIOS Vulnerabilities:** Identified vulnerabilities (CVE-2021-3718, CVE-2021-3843) in the ThinkPad BIOS could lead to privilege escalation or denial of service. These require firmware updates for mitigation.
  • **UEFI Security Flaws:** Three UEFI security flaws (CVE-2021-3970, CVE-2021-3971, CVE-2021-3972) were discovered, which could allow an attacker with local access to disable Secure Boot and execute arbitrary code. Lenovo has issued firmware patches for these.
  • **Legacy Fingerprint Manager Pro Vulnerability:** An older critical vulnerability in Lenovo Fingerprint Manager Pro (affecting Windows 7, 8, 8.1) exposed user credentials due to weak encryption and a hard-coded password. This specific issue does not affect Windows 10 devices, which utilize Microsoft's native fingerprint support.
• Recommendations: Users should ensure all system firmware and drivers are kept up-to-date by regularly checking the official Lenovo support website to mitigate known vulnerabilities.

Analysis on Security Status: The ThinkPad L490 is designed with a strong emphasis on enterprise-grade security, offering a comprehensive suite of hardware-based features like dTPM 2.0, vPro, fingerprint readers, and IR cameras. These features provide robust protection against unauthorized access and data breaches. However, like many devices, it has experienced firmware and BIOS vulnerabilities. Lenovo actively addresses these issues with patches, underscoring the importance of regular system updates. The identified UEFI flaws highlight the need for vigilance, even with local access requirements. The older Fingerprint Manager Pro vulnerability serves as a reminder to leverage native OS security features when available. Overall, with proper management and timely updates, the L490 maintains a solid security posture for business use.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Processor Performance: Equipped with 8th Generation Intel Core (Whiskey Lake) processors, the L490 delivers reliable performance for typical office and business applications. While the newer i5-8265U processor theoretically offers higher boost clocks than its predecessor, some real-world tests indicate that multi-core performance can be slower than expected. This is attributed to Lenovo's thermal management prioritizing quiet operation and extended battery life over raw processing power under sustained load.
• Storage Performance: Features a faster SSD compared to its predecessor, contributing to quicker boot times, application loading, and overall system responsiveness.
• Battery Life: Offers up to 12 hours of battery life, making it suitable for all-day use without constant recharging.
• Display Performance: The Full HD IPS display typically reaches around 238 nits of brightness, an improvement over previous models but still not class-leading. Some panel variants may exhibit compromises in black values and contrast. It is generally adequate for office work and indoor use.
• Thermal and Noise: The device runs quietly, even under load, due to its thermal design that favors lower power draw and reduced fan noise.
• Comparison with Similar Devices: Positioned below the more expensive ThinkPad T-series and above the more economically priced E-series, the L490 offers a balance of features and price. Its performance characteristics are well-suited for its target market of business and office users who prioritize stability, battery life, and quiet operation over maximum computational power.

Analysis of Performance Status: The ThinkPad L490 provides a solid, albeit not groundbreaking, performance profile for its intended audience. Its 8th Gen Intel processors handle daily business tasks efficiently. The trade-off between raw performance and thermal/acoustic comfort is evident, as the system prioritizes quiet operation and battery longevity. The fast SSD significantly enhances user experience, while the battery life is a strong point for mobile productivity. The display, while improved, remains a functional rather than premium aspect. Overall, the L490 is a reliable workhorse, delivering consistent performance for general business applications and offering a good balance for its price segment.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback on the Lenovo ThinkPad L490 generally highlights its strengths as a durable and secure business laptop, while also noting some areas for improvement. Many users appreciate its adequate price point and the comfortable, spill-resistant keyboard, which is a hallmark of the ThinkPad line. The quiet operation, even under load, is frequently praised, contributing to a pleasant work environment. The comprehensive array of input/output (I/O) ports and robust security features, including optional fingerprint readers and IR cameras, are also well-received for a business-oriented device. Its "built like a tank" durability is a recurring positive comment.

Conversely, some users find the design to be average and the laptop somewhat heavy for a 14-inch model. The display, while improved from its predecessor, is often described as dim compared to competitors, with some concerns about contrast and black values. Feedback also indicates that the plastics around the keyboard, similar to other L-series models, might show signs of wear or cracking over time with rough handling. Performance, particularly multi-core CPU performance, can be perceived as underwhelming given the specifications, as the system tends to prioritize quietness and battery life. Some users suggest that the T-series offers better value for a slightly higher price.

In summary, the L490 is often seen as a capable work computer for companies and students, a mid-tier ThinkPad that delivers on durability and security, making it a reliable choice for those prioritizing these aspects over cutting-edge performance or a premium display.

Summary

The Lenovo ThinkPad L490 positions itself as a robust and secure business-oriented laptop, offering a compelling balance of features for its segment. It is powered by 8th Generation Intel Core processors, supported by up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM and flexible storage configurations including fast NVMe SSDs, ensuring efficient handling of daily business applications and multitasking. Its comprehensive port selection, including multiple USB-C and traditional options, provides excellent connectivity and compatibility with various peripherals and docking solutions. The battery life, extending up to 12 hours with rapid-charging capabilities, makes it a strong contender for mobile professionals.

Key strengths of the L490 include its renowned ThinkPad durability, often described as "built like a tank," and its extensive suite of security features such as Intel vPro, dTPM 2.0, optional fingerprint and IR cameras, and a physical webcam shutter. The spill-resistant keyboard is comfortable for extended typing sessions and adds to its resilience. It operates quietly, a benefit for office environments, as its thermal design prioritizes low noise and sustained battery performance.

However, the L490 does present some weaknesses. Its design, while functional, is somewhat bulky and heavier than some contemporary 14-inch laptops. The display, despite offering Full HD IPS options, is generally considered dim compared to competitors, and some panel variations may compromise on contrast and black levels. While equipped with capable processors, real-world performance benchmarks sometimes indicate that the CPU may not reach its full potential under sustained multi-core loads, a trade-off for quieter operation. Furthermore, as an older model, it has been subject to BIOS and UEFI vulnerabilities, necessitating diligent firmware updates.

Recommendations: The Lenovo ThinkPad L490 is highly recommended for enterprise users, students, and professionals who prioritize durability, robust security features, excellent battery life, and a comfortable typing experience for general office and business tasks. It is an ideal asset for environments where reliability and manageability are paramount, and where the budget does not stretch to the premium T-series. Users should ensure regular firmware and driver updates to maintain optimal security. Those requiring top-tier display quality or maximum raw CPU performance for demanding applications might consider other options.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.