Lenovo ThinkPad T490

Technical Specifications

• Processor: Features 8th Generation Intel Core i5/i7 (Whiskey Lake) processors, including i5-8265U, i5-8365U, i7-8565U, and i7-8665U. Select configurations also offer 10th Generation Intel Core i5/i7 processors, such as i5-10210U, i7-10510U, and i7-10710U, though 10th Gen options are not available in all regions.
• RAM: Equipped with 8GB or 16GB of DDR4 RAM soldered to the system board, complemented by one SO-DIMM slot. This allows for a maximum total memory of 40GB or 48GB of DDR4-2400MHz RAM. While some memory modules operate at 2666MHz, they run at 2400MHz due to processor limitations.
• Storage: Supports M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs, with configurations available up to 1TB. Options include M.2 2242 SSDs up to 256GB or M.2 2280 SSDs up to 1TB. Intel Optane Memory is an optional feature. Aftermarket upgrades can extend storage capacity beyond 1TB, with some users successfully installing up to 4TB.
• Display: Offers a 14-inch display with multiple options:
  • HD (1366 x 768, 220 nits) anti-glare TN.
  • FHD (1920 x 1080, 250 nits) IPS anti-glare.
  • FHD (1920 x 1080, 300 nits) IPS anti-glare multi-touch.
  • FHD (1920 x 1080, 400 nits) IPS Low-power for extended battery life.
  • FHD (1920 x 1080, 400 nits) IPS with PrivacyGuard for screen privacy.
  • WQHD (2560 x 1440, 500 nits) IPS glossy with Dolby Vision HDR, offering 100% Adobe color gamut.
• Graphics: Integrates Intel UHD Graphics 620 (for 8th Gen CPUs) or Intel UHD Graphics (for 10th Gen CPUs). An optional NVIDIA GeForce MX250 discrete GPU with 2GB GDDR5 is available for enhanced graphics performance.
• Ports: Includes 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (one with Always On charging), 1x USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 (Power Delivery, DisplayPort, Data transfer), 1x USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 / Thunderbolt 3 (Power Delivery, DisplayPort, Data transfer), HDMI 1.4b, Ethernet (RJ-45), microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone/mic combo jack. It also features a side docking connector. Optional ports include a Smart card reader and a Nano-SIM card slot for WWAN models. The Thunderbolt 3 port operates with 2 PCIe lanes.
• Wireless: Provides Intel Dual-Band 9560 802.11 AC (Wi-Fi 5) (2x2) with Bluetooth 5.0. Some configurations include Intel AX201 11ax (Wi-Fi 6) (2x2) with Bluetooth 5.0, primarily with 10th Gen CPUs. Optional integrated 4G LTE-A WWAN is available.
• Battery: Features a 50Whr integrated battery, offering up to 16.1 hours of battery life under specific testing conditions (MobileMark 2014, low-power FHD display). Rapid Charge technology allows for an 80% charge in approximately one hour with a 65W AC adapter.
• Dimensions & Weight: Starts at 329mm x 227mm x 17.9mm (12.95" x 8.94" x 0.70"). Weight begins at 1.44 kg (3.17 lbs) for the WQHD model and 1.46 kg (3.23 lbs) for the low-power FHD model.
• Camera: Equipped with a 720p webcam featuring a ThinkShutter privacy cover. An optional IR camera with ThinkShutter is also available for Windows Hello facial recognition.
• Audio: Includes Dolby Audio Premium, dual far-field microphones, and 2x 2W speakers.

Analysis of Technical Specifications

The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 offers a robust set of specifications for a business-oriented laptop. Its processor options, spanning 8th and 10th Gen Intel Core CPUs, provide solid performance for everyday computing and multitasking. The RAM configuration, with soldered memory and an upgradeable SO-DIMM slot, allows for significant memory expansion up to 48GB, catering to demanding professional workloads. Storage is fast and ample with PCIe NVMe SSDs up to 1TB, and further expansion is possible through aftermarket solutions.

Display options are a strong point, ranging from power-efficient FHD panels to a stunning WQHD Dolby Vision HDR display, which is particularly suitable for creative professionals due to its color accuracy and brightness. The inclusion of an optional NVIDIA MX250 GPU provides a modest boost for graphics-intensive applications over the integrated Intel UHD Graphics.

Connectivity is comprehensive, featuring a variety of USB ports, including Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, and a full-size Ethernet port, which is a notable advantage over some thinner models. The optional WWAN ensures mobile connectivity. The battery offers respectable life, especially with low-power display configurations, and Rapid Charge is a convenient feature for quick power-ups.

Overall, the T490's technical specifications position it as a versatile and capable workhorse, balancing performance, portability, and a wide array of configuration choices to suit diverse business needs. Its design prioritizes functionality and durability, aligning with the ThinkPad legacy.

Support & Compatibility

• OS Support: Supports Windows 10 Home and Pro editions. Refurbished units may come with Windows 11 Pro. It also offers official support for various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu.
• End of Support Date: The ThinkPad T490 was released in 2019. While no explicit end-of-support date is provided, it remains a viable option, particularly for Linux users, due to its solid performance and hardware compatibility.
• Available Drivers: Lenovo provides a full suite of drivers and software updates for supported operating systems through its official support channels.
• Compatibility: Compatible with Lenovo's Side Mechanical docking solutions, including the ThinkPad Pro Docking Station (2018), and various USB 3.0 and USB-C docking stations. The Thunderbolt 3 port further enhances compatibility with a wide range of external peripherals and displays.

Analysis of Support & Compatibility Status

The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 demonstrates strong support and compatibility, characteristic of the ThinkPad line. Its broad operating system support, encompassing both Windows and Linux, makes it a flexible choice for diverse enterprise environments. The availability of official drivers ensures optimal performance and stability across supported OS versions.

Compatibility with Lenovo's mechanical and USB-C docking stations is a significant advantage for office integration, allowing seamless connection to multiple external monitors and peripherals. The Thunderbolt 3 port further expands its utility, supporting high-speed data transfer and external display configurations. While the device was released in 2019, its robust build and continued software support from Lenovo contribute to its longevity in enterprise settings.

Security Status

• Security Features: Includes a Discrete Trusted Platform Module (dTPM 2.0) chip for hardware-based security. Features an enhanced Fingerprint Reader for biometric authentication and an optional IR Camera for Windows Hello facial recognition. A physical ThinkShutter camera cover ensures webcam privacy. An optional PrivacyGuard screen limits viewing angles to prevent visual hacking. It also has a Kensington lock slot for physical security. Specific "Secure Access" models offer an integrated RFID reader for tap-to-logon functionality and an optional Antimicrobial Surface Treatment.
• Vulnerabilities: No specific widespread vulnerabilities are identified in the provided information.
• Recommendations: Users should enable and utilize all available security features, including dTPM 2.0, fingerprint reader, and ThinkShutter. For sensitive work, the optional PrivacyGuard display is highly recommended. Regular operating system and driver updates are crucial to mitigate potential software vulnerabilities. Adherence to organizational security policies, such as strong password practices and data encryption (e.g., BitLocker with Windows 10 Pro), further enhances the asset's security posture.

Analysis on the Security Status

The ThinkPad T490 boasts a comprehensive suite of security features, making it a highly secure asset for enterprise use. The presence of a dTPM 2.0 chip provides a hardware root of trust for secure boot and encryption. Biometric authentication options, including an enhanced fingerprint reader and optional IR camera, offer convenient and robust login methods. The ThinkShutter and optional PrivacyGuard display directly address privacy concerns related to webcam usage and shoulder surfing.

For specialized environments, the "Secure Access" variant with an RFID reader and antimicrobial treatment further enhances its security and hygiene profile. These features collectively contribute to a strong security foundation, protecting both data and user privacy. The T490 aligns with enterprise security requirements, supporting multi-factor authentication and regulatory compliance.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores:
  • PCMark 10: Achieves scores around 4,000 points, considered excellent for productivity and content-creation workflows.
  • PCMark 8 Storage: SSDs demonstrate quick performance.
  • Cinebench R15: Performs well in CPU-intensive workloads.
  • GeekBench 4: An i5-8265U configuration scored approximately 4,158 for single-core and 12,395 for multi-core performance.
• Real-world Performance: Delivers solid performance for everyday computing, multitasking, web browsing, video streaming, and office applications. Video encoding of 11 minutes of 1080p footage takes around 17 minutes 51 seconds on an i5-8265U with 16GB RAM. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 handles most tasks adequately, but the optional NVIDIA GeForce MX250 provides a performance boost for GPU-accelerated applications like some video editing software. Fan noise is generally well-controlled and quiet during light usage, becoming audible under heavy loads but remaining within acceptable limits for an ultrabook.
• Battery Life: Offers up to 16.1 hours based on MobileMark 2014 testing with a low-power FHD display. Real-world usage varies, typically ranging from 7 to 11 hours depending on the display configuration (e.g., around 7 hours with WQHD display, over 11 hours with low-power FHD) and workload.
• Comparison with Similar Devices: The T490 is thinner and lighter than its predecessor, the T480, but foregoes the modular battery option. Compared to the T490s, the T490 offers more versatility with upgradeable RAM, a full-size Ethernet port, and a dedicated GPU option.

Analysis of the Performance Status

The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 delivers strong and consistent performance for its class, making it a reliable workhorse for business professionals. Its Intel Core processors, particularly the 8th and 10th Gen i7 variants, provide ample power for demanding productivity tasks, multitasking, and even light content creation. Benchmark scores indicate above-average CPU performance, suitable for office-centric and some processor-intensive workloads.

While the integrated graphics are sufficient for daily use, the optional NVIDIA MX250 GPU offers a noticeable advantage for applications that can leverage discrete graphics, such as certain video editing tasks. The fast PCIe NVMe SSDs ensure quick boot times and application loading. Battery life is a strong point, especially with the low-power FHD display, often lasting a full workday. However, the higher-resolution WQHD display, while visually stunning, can impact battery duration.

The T490 strikes a good balance between performance and portability, offering a more versatile configuration set than its slimmer T490s counterpart, particularly regarding upgradeability and port selection.

User Reviews & Feedback

• Pros: Users frequently praise the ThinkPad T490 for its excellent build quality and durability, often noting its ability to withstand rigorous use. The keyboard consistently receives high marks for its comfort and tactile feedback, along with a responsive touchpad. The optional WQHD Dolby Vision HDR display is a standout feature, lauded for its stunning visuals, brightness, and color accuracy. The generous port selection, including a full-size Ethernet port, is highly appreciated for connectivity. The ability to upgrade RAM and SSD post-purchase is a significant advantage. Performance is generally considered strong for business tasks, and battery life, especially with the low-power FHD display, is often sufficient for a full workday. USB-C charging and the ThinkShutter camera cover are also well-received features.
• Cons: Some users report fan noise under heavy system load. While battery life is generally good, it is not considered class-leading in all configurations, particularly with the WQHD display. A common point of contention is the removal of the modular battery option present in older ThinkPads, which allowed for hot-swapping. The glossy finish of the WQHD display can be reflective. Some base displays may exhibit a slight blue tint out of the factory. The Thunderbolt 3 port operates with 2 PCIe lanes, which is less than the full 4 lanes found in some competitors. The absence of a full-sized SD card slot and the average quality of the built-in speakers are also noted.

Analysis of User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback positions the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 as a highly regarded business laptop, embodying the core strengths of the ThinkPad brand. Its reputation as a "workhorse" is well-earned, with consistent praise for its robust construction, legendary keyboard, and comprehensive port selection. The optional WQHD display is a significant draw, offering a premium visual experience that elevates the device beyond a typical business machine.

However, the T490 is not without its criticisms. The departure from a modular battery, a hallmark of previous T-series models, is a notable drawback for some long-time ThinkPad users who valued the ability to hot-swap batteries for extended uptime. While performance is generally strong, the fan noise under stress and the 2-lane limitation of the Thunderbolt 3 port are minor concerns. Despite these points, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with users valuing its reliability, upgradeability, and strong feature set for professional use.

Summary

The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 stands as a formidable enterprise asset, embodying the ThinkPad legacy of durability, functionality, and security. Released in 2019, it remains a highly capable machine for business professionals. Its technical specifications are robust, featuring 8th or 10th Generation Intel Core processors, up to 48GB of upgradeable DDR4 RAM, and fast PCIe NVMe SSD storage up to 1TB (with potential for higher aftermarket upgrades). The diverse display options, particularly the stunning WQHD Dolby Vision HDR panel, cater to a wide range of user needs, from power efficiency to high-fidelity visual work.

Strengths of the T490 include its exceptional build quality, the renowned ThinkPad keyboard, and a generous array of ports, including full-size Ethernet and Thunderbolt 3. Its security features, such as dTPM 2.0, fingerprint reader, ThinkShutter, and optional PrivacyGuard display, provide comprehensive data and privacy protection. Performance is solid for daily productivity and multitasking, with optional discrete graphics offering a modest boost for specific applications. Battery life is generally good, especially with power-efficient display configurations, and Rapid Charge capabilities enhance user convenience.

However, the T490 does have some weaknesses. The removal of the modular battery, a feature present in its predecessor, is a notable change. Some configurations may experience fan noise under heavy load, and the Thunderbolt 3 port operates with 2 PCIe lanes rather than the full 4. The glossy WQHD display, while beautiful, can be reflective. Despite these points, the T490 is highly recommended as a reliable, secure, and versatile workhorse for enterprise environments, offering a strong balance of features and performance. Its upgradeability for RAM and storage further extends its lifespan and adaptability.

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.