ThinkPad T14 Gen 4

Technical Specifications

• Processor: Up to 13th Gen Intel Core i7 (U-series or P-series, including vPro options) or AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 7000 series (e.g., Ryzen 7 PRO 7840U).
• RAM: Up to 40GB DDR5 (16GB or 8GB soldered, with one SO-DIMM slot for expansion up to 32GB). Some configurations may use LPDDR5x soldered memory up to 32GB.
• Storage: Up to 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD.
• Display: 14-inch, 16:10 aspect ratio. Options include WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS (touch or non-touch, 300-400 nits, anti-glare), 2.2K (2240 x 1400) IPS, or 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED (400 nits, HDR 500).
• Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics (requires dual-channel RAM) or Intel UHD Graphics. Optional discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX550 4GB GDDR6 (with Intel P-series processors). AMD Radeon 780M Graphics with AMD processors.
• Ports: 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4 (Intel models) or 1x USB4 and 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (AMD models), 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet (RJ45), Headphone/mic combo. Optional Smart Card Reader, optional SIM slot.
• Battery: Options include 39.3Whr or 52.5Whr.
• Dimensions: Starting at 17.9mm x 317.7mm x 226.9mm.
• Weight: Starting at 1.32kg (2.92 lbs).
• Camera: HD 720p or 1080p with webcam privacy shutter. Optional 5MP with IR for Windows Hello.

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 offers a robust selection of components, catering to diverse business needs. Processor options span 13th Gen Intel Core U-series for efficiency and P-series for higher performance, alongside AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 7000 series for strong multi-core capabilities and integrated graphics. The RAM configuration is flexible, with a portion soldered and an available SO-DIMM slot, allowing for upgrades up to 40GB, which is ample for demanding multitasking. Storage is fast with PCIe Gen 4 SSDs up to 2TB. Display choices are a highlight, offering various 14-inch 16:10 panels, including high-resolution IPS and a vibrant 2.8K OLED option, enhancing visual clarity and productivity. Connectivity is comprehensive, featuring modern Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 ports, multiple USB-A ports, HDMI, and a rare-in-this-class Ethernet port, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of peripherals and network environments. The inclusion of optional discrete NVIDIA graphics on some Intel models provides a performance boost for light graphical workloads, while AMD models benefit from capable integrated Radeon graphics. The design maintains the ThinkPad's professional aesthetic, balancing portability with a durable build.

Support & Compatibility

• Operating System Support: Windows 11 Pro. Certified for Linux.
• End of Support Date: ThinkPads typically receive long-term support, but specific end-of-life dates vary by model and configuration. Lenovo provides ongoing driver and BIOS updates.
• Available Drivers: Drivers are available through Lenovo's official support website, Lenovo Commercial Vantage, and Windows Update.
• Compatibility: Compatible with various docking stations via Thunderbolt 4/USB4. Supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Optional 4G LTE mobile broadband.

The ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 demonstrates strong support and compatibility, aligning with its enterprise focus. It ships with Windows 11 Pro and is officially certified for Linux, though some users report driver-related issues with certain Linux distributions, particularly concerning graphical artifacts and USB-C dock functionality. Lenovo offers comprehensive driver and BIOS updates through its support channels and the Commercial Vantage application, which also provides system settings and warranty information. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 ports ensures broad compatibility with modern docking solutions and external displays, facilitating a flexible workstation setup. Wireless connectivity is current with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, and optional 4G LTE provides mobile broadband capabilities. This robust support infrastructure is crucial for enterprise deployments, offering manageability and longevity.

Security Status

• Security Features: ThinkShield suite, discrete Trusted Platform Module (dTPM) 2.0, Human-Presence Detection (with IR camera), webcam privacy shutter, optional fingerprint reader (match-on-chip), optional IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition, Kensington Nano Security Slot, self-healing BIOS, full disk encryption, remote secure erase. Intel vPro platform support for enhanced hardware-level security and remote management.
• Vulnerabilities: General BIOS/UEFI vulnerabilities can affect ThinkPad models, requiring timely firmware updates. Lenovo actively releases security advisories and updates to address these.
• Recommendations: Regularly update system firmware (BIOS), operating system, and drivers. Utilize multi-factor authentication, including fingerprint and facial recognition. Enable and configure ThinkShield features. Implement strong password policies and full disk encryption.

The ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 boasts a comprehensive security posture, integral to its business-oriented design. The ThinkShield suite provides a layered defense, incorporating hardware and software features. Key elements include a discrete TPM 2.0 for data encryption, a physical webcam privacy shutter, and optional biometric authentication like a match-on-chip fingerprint reader and IR camera for Windows Hello. Human-Presence Detection enhances privacy by automatically locking the device when the user steps away. For IT administrators, Intel vPro support offers advanced hardware-level security, remote deployment, and manageability capabilities. While ThinkPads are generally secure, like all complex systems, they can be subject to BIOS/UEFI vulnerabilities. Lenovo addresses these through regular security advisories and firmware updates, emphasizing the importance of keeping the system updated. Recommendations focus on proactive measures such as consistent updates, leveraging all available security features, and adhering to best practices for data protection.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores:
  • Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core (Intel Core i7-1355U): Approximately 458.
  • Cinebench (Intel Core i7-1355U, without charger): Single-core ~1161, Multi-core ~3487.
  • Cinebench (Intel Core i7-1355U, with charger): Single-core ~1758, Multi-core ~8419.
  • 3DMark Time Spy (Graphics): Scores vary based on integrated or discrete GPU configuration.
  • SSD Speeds: PCIe Gen 4 SSDs offer blazing-fast performance.
• Real-World Performance: Handles demanding tasks, multitasking, office applications, and web browsing efficiently. Capable of light CAD work and casual gaming with integrated graphics.
• Comparison with Similar Devices: Performance is competitive within the business laptop segment, often matching or exceeding more expensive ThinkPads in synthetic benchmarks. AMD Ryzen PRO 7000 series offers a strong balance of performance and power efficiency, with capable integrated graphics.

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 delivers strong performance suitable for a business workhorse. Equipped with 13th Gen Intel Core processors or AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 7000 series, it handles a wide range of productivity tasks with ease. Benchmark results indicate solid CPU performance, particularly when connected to power, showcasing its capability for complex computations and rendering. Integrated graphics, such as Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon 780M, provide sufficient power for everyday visual tasks, photo editing, and even light gaming. The PCIe Gen 4 SSD ensures rapid boot times and application loading. Users report smooth multitasking and responsiveness. While not designed for heavy gaming or intensive graphical workloads without the optional discrete GPU, its performance profile is well-suited for its target audience of business professionals. The AMD variants are particularly noted for their balance of performance and lower power consumption.

User Reviews & Feedback

• Praises: Excellent build quality, world-class keyboard with good key travel and tactile feel, ample port selection (including Ethernet), strong security features, good display performance (especially OLED options), fast startup, reliable performance for business tasks, long battery life (especially AMD models and larger battery configurations), quiet operation.
• Criticisms: Base IPS screen options can be mediocre (300 nits, slow reaction times), some users prefer glass trackpads over plastic, potential for cooling issues with Intel versions under heavy load, RAM can be partially soldered limiting full upgrade flexibility, fingerprint magnet chassis, some reported driver and compatibility issues with Linux (despite certification), occasional software glitches (e.g., Miracast, HDMI port issues, sleep mode problems) on some units.
• Overall Sentiment: Generally positive, recognized as a reliable and capable business laptop. Users appreciate its traditional ThinkPad strengths like durability, keyboard, and security. The AMD version often receives higher praise for performance and battery life.

User feedback for the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 is largely positive, reinforcing its reputation as a dependable business laptop. Consistent praise targets the legendary ThinkPad keyboard, noted for its comfortable typing experience and tactile feedback. The robust build quality, comprehensive port selection (including the increasingly rare Ethernet port), and strong security features are also frequently highlighted. Display options, particularly the OLED panel, receive acclaim for brightness and color performance. Many users find the performance sufficient for daily business operations, with quick startups and smooth multitasking. The AMD variants, in particular, are lauded for their balance of performance and impressive battery longevity, often operating silently. However, some criticisms exist. The base IPS display options are sometimes described as underwhelming in terms of brightness and response times. While the trackpad is functional, some users express a preference for a glass surface. Concerns about potential cooling issues on Intel models and the chassis being a fingerprint magnet are also noted. Furthermore, despite official Linux certification, some users have reported driver-related challenges, including graphical artifacts and issues with external display connectivity. Overall, the T14 Gen 4 is seen as a solid choice, especially for those prioritizing reliability, security, and a superior typing experience, with the AMD configurations often being a preferred option.

Summary

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 stands as a quintessential business laptop, embodying the core strengths of the ThinkPad lineage: durability, security, and a superior user experience. It offers a highly configurable platform with a choice of 13th Gen Intel Core or AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 7000 series processors, providing a balance of performance and efficiency for diverse enterprise needs. The ability to expand RAM up to 40GB and utilize fast PCIe Gen 4 SSDs ensures it can handle demanding workloads and large datasets. Its 14-inch 16:10 display options, including vibrant OLED panels, enhance productivity and visual comfort. Connectivity is a major strength, featuring modern USB-C Thunderbolt 4/USB4 ports, traditional USB-A, HDMI, and an integrated Ethernet port, catering to a wide array of peripherals and network environments. Security is paramount, with the comprehensive ThinkShield suite, dTPM 2.0, biometric authentication, and Intel vPro support, making it a secure choice for corporate environments.

Strengths include its renowned keyboard, robust build quality, extensive port selection, and strong security features. The AMD configurations are particularly praised for their excellent balance of performance, power efficiency, and battery life. The laptop generally performs well in real-world scenarios and benchmarks for its class.

Weaknesses include some reports of mediocre base display options and occasional driver-related issues, particularly with Linux distributions, despite official certification. Some users also note the chassis's tendency to attract fingerprints and the partially soldered RAM limiting full upgrade flexibility.

Recommendations for potential users include opting for higher-tier display options (like OLED) if visual quality is a priority. For those requiring maximum performance and battery life, the AMD Ryzen PRO configurations are often a strong choice. Enterprises should leverage Lenovo's robust support ecosystem for driver and BIOS updates to maintain optimal security and performance. While generally compatible with Linux, users should be prepared for potential troubleshooting or consult community forums for specific distribution compatibility. The ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 remains a highly recommended asset for professionals seeking a reliable, secure, and performant business laptop.

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.