Lenovo ThinkPad T490s

Technical Specifications

• Processor: 8th Generation Intel Core i5 (i5-8265U, i5-8365U vPro) or Core i7 (i7-8565U, i7-8665U vPro) processors.
• RAM: 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB DDR4-2400, soldered to the motherboard and not upgradeable.
• Storage: M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive, configurable up to 1TB.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620. There is no discrete GPU option.
• Display: 14-inch IPS panel with various options:
  • Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare, 250 nits.
  • Full HD (1920x1080) touch, 300 nits.
  • Full HD (1920x1080) Low Power, 400 nits, anti-glare, 72% color gamut.
  • WQHD (2560x1440) HDR, 500 nits, glossy.
• Ports:
  • 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A (one Always On).
  • 1x USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 (Power Delivery, DisplayPort).
  • 1x USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 / Thunderbolt 3 (Power Delivery, DisplayPort).
  • 1x HDMI 1.4b.
  • 1x Ethernet extension connector (requires adapter).
  • 1x Headphone/microphone combo jack (3.5mm).
  • microSD card reader.
  • Optional Nano-SIM slot (for WWAN models).
  • Optional Smart Card reader.
  • Kensington Security Slot.
• Wireless: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (Intel Wi-Fi 6 Gig+), Bluetooth 5.0. Optional LTE-A WWAN connectivity.
• Battery: 57Wh Lithium-ion, supporting RapidCharge (80% in 60 minutes).
• Dimensions: 329 x 225.8 x 16.1 mm (12.94” x 8.85” x 0.63”).
• Weight: Starting at 1.27 kg (2.7 lbs).
• Chassis: Carbon fiber reinforced plastic and magnesium alloy construction, MIL-STD 810G tested for durability.

The Lenovo ThinkPad T490s features 8th Generation Intel Whiskey Lake U-series processors, offering solid performance for business and productivity tasks. Its memory is entirely soldered, limiting future upgrades, with configurations up to 32GB DDR4-2400. Storage is provided by fast M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs, available up to 1TB. Graphics are handled by the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620, which is suitable for general use but lacks the power for demanding graphical applications or gaming due to the absence of a discrete GPU. The 14-inch IPS display offers several options, including a bright 400-nit Low Power Full HD panel and a high-resolution 500-nit WQHD HDR option, catering to different user preferences for brightness, power efficiency, or pixel density. Connectivity is robust, featuring a Thunderbolt 3 port, multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI, and an Ethernet extension port, though a full-size Ethernet port requires an adapter. Wireless options include modern Wi-Fi standards and optional LTE-A WWAN for mobile connectivity. The 57Wh battery provides excellent endurance, often exceeding 10 hours in real-world usage, and benefits from RapidCharge technology. The T490s maintains the ThinkPad's reputation for durability with a thin and light chassis that meets MIL-STD 810G standards.

Support & Compatibility

• Operating System Support: Windows 10 Pro (64-bit), Windows 10 Home, Windows 11 Pro/Home, Windows 8.1 (64-bit), and various Linux distributions including Ubuntu.
• End of Support Date: Specific configurations may have an end-of-support date, such as April 19, 2025, for certain models.
• Available Drivers: All necessary drivers and firmware updates are available through the official Lenovo Support website.
• System Compatibility: Supports docking solutions via USB-C and Thunderbolt 3. It can drive up to three independent displays (native display plus two external monitors) via HDMI (up to 4096x2160@24Hz) and Thunderbolt (up to 4096x2304@60Hz).

The ThinkPad T490s offers broad operating system compatibility, supporting various Windows versions, including the latest Windows 11, and is well-regarded for its compatibility with Linux distributions like Ubuntu, with most hardware functioning out-of-the-box. Lenovo provides comprehensive driver support through its official channels, ensuring system stability and functionality. For enterprise environments, the T490s integrates seamlessly with docking stations through its USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports, facilitating expanded connectivity and desktop setups. Its ability to support multiple external displays enhances productivity for users requiring extensive screen real estate. While specific end-of-support dates can vary by configuration, Lenovo typically offers extended support and driver availability for its business-class ThinkPads.

Security Status

• Security Chip: Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0), TCG certified.
• Physical Security: Kensington Security Slot for physical locking.
• Biometric Authentication: Touch-style fingerprint reader with Match-on-Chip technology, compatible with Windows Hello. Optional IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition.
• Privacy Features: ThinkShutter physical webcam cover. Optional PrivacyGuard display technology to prevent visual hacking.
• BIOS Security: Features Power-on password, Supervisor password, Hard disk password, and Self-healing BIOS, with UEFI-based security enhancements.
• Optional Features: Smart Card reader and RFID reader for enhanced multi-factor authentication. Optional Antimicrobial Surface Treatment.

The Lenovo ThinkPad T490s boasts a robust suite of security features, aligning with enterprise requirements. It includes a discrete TPM 2.0 chip for hardware-level encryption and a Kensington Security Slot for physical theft deterrence. Biometric authentication is strong, with a Match-on-Chip fingerprint reader and an optional IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition, ensuring secure and convenient logins. User privacy is addressed through the ThinkShutter webcam cover and the innovative optional PrivacyGuard display, which helps protect sensitive information from prying eyes. The BIOS offers comprehensive security options, including various password protections and a self-healing BIOS, complemented by UEFI enhancements for improved manageability. For highly secure environments, optional Smart Card and RFID readers provide additional layers of multi-factor authentication. While no specific vulnerabilities are widely reported, the integration of Windows 10 Pro's built-in security features like BitLocker and Windows Defender Antivirus is recommended for comprehensive protection.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Processor Performance: Powered by 8th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 U-series processors, offering strong performance for everyday productivity.
• Geekbench 4.1 (i5-8265U): Scores around 11,572 (overall).
• Geekbench 4.4.2 (i5-8365U): Single-Core score of 4983, Multi-Core score of 14635.
• Cinebench R15 (i5-8265U): Initial score of 693.5, stabilizing around 550 under sustained load.
• 3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited (Intel UHD Graphics 620): Scores 73,874.
• SSD Read/Write Speed: Approximately 509.8 MBps for file copy operations.
• Real-world Performance: Described as "peppy" for typical Windows tasks, office applications, and multitasking with numerous browser tabs and applications. Sufficient for spreadsheets, documents, and general office use.
• Battery Life: Achieves upwards of 10 hours with low-power display options, with some tests showing 10 hours and 20 minutes of continuous web surfing. Real-world usage averages around 7 hours and 40 minutes.
• Thermal Management: Operates quietly with minimal fan noise and heat during standard use. Sustained heavy loads can lead to thermal throttling, impacting peak CPU performance.

The Lenovo ThinkPad T490s delivers solid performance for its target audience of business and productivity users. Its 8th Gen Intel Core processors handle daily computing, multitasking, and office applications with ease, often described as "peppy" and efficient. Benchmark scores like Geekbench 4.1 and 4.4.2 indicate strong CPU capabilities for its class. However, under prolonged intensive workloads, the system may experience thermal throttling, causing a dip in sustained performance, as observed in Cinebench R15 tests. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 provides adequate visual performance for business tasks and media consumption but is not designed for demanding graphics applications or modern gaming. The NVMe SSD ensures fast boot times and quick application loading. A significant strength is its exceptional battery life, often exceeding 10 hours, especially with the low-power display option, making it an excellent companion for mobile professionals. Compared to its sibling, the T490, the T490s lacks a discrete GPU option and has soldered RAM, but it offers superior portability and often better battery life.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback for the Lenovo ThinkPad T490s is largely positive, highlighting its blend of portability, durability, and classic ThinkPad features. Users consistently praise the thin, light, and robust chassis, which is MIL-STD 810G tested, making it an ideal travel companion. The keyboard receives widespread acclaim for its comfortable typing experience, deep key travel, and spill-resistant design, often cited as one of the best in the laptop market. The useful selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 3, is appreciated for connectivity, though the absence of a full-size Ethernet port (requiring an adapter) and the inconvenient placement of the microSD slot are minor points of contention. Battery life is a significant strong point, with many users reporting all-day usage, especially with the low-power display options. The display options, particularly the 400-nit Low Power FHD panel, are well-regarded for brightness and anti-glare properties, although the base 250-nit panel is considered dim in bright environments. Performance is generally deemed excellent for productivity and business tasks, with the system feeling responsive and quiet during typical use.

However, some common criticisms include the soldered RAM, which prevents future upgrades and requires careful configuration at purchase. The lack of a discrete graphics card limits its utility for graphically intensive work or gaming. While improved over previous generations, the integrated speakers are considered merely adequate. The 720p webcam, while functional and equipped with a ThinkShutter, is not considered high quality. Despite these minor drawbacks, the T490s is often seen as a "sweet spot" in Lenovo's 14-inch lineup, offering a compelling balance of features, portability, and ThinkPad reliability at a competitive price, especially when on sale. Its compatibility with Linux is also a noted positive for a segment of users.

Vulnerabilities

• CVE-2020-8341
  Published: 2020-09-01 - Updated: 2020-09-11 - CVSS: 2.4 - EPSS: 0.06%
  In Lenovo systems, SMM BIOS Write Protection is used to prevent writes to SPI Flash. While this provides sufficient protection, an additional layer of protection is provided by SPI Protected Range Registers (PRx). After resuming from S3 sleep mode in various versions of BIOS for some Lenovo ThinkPad systems, the PRx is not set. This does not impact the SMM BIOS Write Protection, which keeps systems protected.
• CVE-2020-8336
  Published: 2020-06-09 - Updated: 2020-06-22 - CVSS: 6.8 - EPSS: 0.05%
  Lenovo implemented Intel CSME Anti-rollback ARB protections on some ThinkPad models to prevent roll back of CSME Firmware in flash.
• CVE-2023-2290
  Published: 2023-06-26 - Updated: 2024-09-16 - CVSS: 6.7 - EPSS: 0.04%
  A potential vulnerability in the LenovoFlashDeviceInterface SMI handler may allow an attacker with local access and elevated privileges to execute arbitrary code.
• CVE-2022-48189
  Published: 2023-10-30 - Updated: 2023-11-03 - CVSS: 6.7 - EPSS: 0.03%
  An SMM driver input validation vulnerability in the BIOS of some ThinkPad models could allow an attacker with local access and elevated privileges to execute arbitrary code.
• CVE-2022-40134
  Published: 2023-01-30 - Updated: 2023-02-08 - CVSS: 4.4 - EPSS: 0.05%
  An information leak vulnerability in the SMI Set BIOS Password SMI Handler in some Lenovo models may allow an attacker with local access and elevated privileges to read SMM memory.

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Summary

The Lenovo ThinkPad T490s stands out as a highly capable and portable business laptop, embodying the core strengths of the ThinkPad lineage in a slimmed-down form factor. Its robust, MIL-STD 810G tested chassis, constructed from carbon fiber and magnesium alloy, ensures exceptional durability while maintaining a lightweight profile, making it an excellent choice for mobile professionals. The device offers a strong foundation with 8th Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, providing ample power for demanding productivity tasks and multitasking.

Key strengths include its industry-leading, spill-resistant keyboard, which delivers a superior typing experience crucial for extensive document work. Battery life is another major advantage, with configurations featuring low-power displays consistently delivering over 10 hours of use, supported by RapidCharge technology for quick top-ups. The comprehensive suite of security features, including a discrete TPM 2.0, fingerprint reader, optional IR camera, ThinkShutter webcam cover, and optional PrivacyGuard display, provides robust protection for sensitive data and user privacy. Connectivity is versatile, featuring Thunderbolt 3 and a good array of USB ports, along with optional LTE-A WWAN for constant connectivity.

However, the T490s does have notable limitations. The RAM is entirely soldered, meaning users must carefully select their memory configuration at the time of purchase, as no upgrades are possible later. The absence of a discrete graphics card limits its suitability for graphically intensive applications, relying solely on the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620. While display options are generally good, the base 250-nit Full HD panel can be dim in bright environments, and the 720p webcam is merely adequate for video conferencing.

Overall, the Lenovo ThinkPad T490s is an outstanding choice for business users and professionals who prioritize portability, durability, exceptional keyboard quality, long battery life, and robust security features. It excels in typical office environments, remote work, and frequent travel. For users requiring upgradeable RAM, a discrete GPU, or a full-size Ethernet port, the standard ThinkPad T490 or other ThinkPad series might be more suitable. However, for those seeking a premium, lightweight, and secure workhorse, the T490s represents a compelling and well-balanced option.

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.