Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 1 Workstation for Professionals

Lenovo describes the ThinkPad T16 Gen 1 laptops as workhorses, including a new case design, 16:10 display, and the latest processors. The ThinkPad T series has been the core of the ThinkPad laptop lineup for the business market since 2000 – when it came out, IBM was still the manufacturer.

The step back to 16:10 is accompanied by a major redesign, the Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 1 is not a simple adaptation of the previous design as the first ThinkPad of the T series with a 16-inch display.

With the new ThinkPad T16, Lenovo keeps the easy-to-swap keyboard while making access through the base panel easier than before. It uses more magnesium than the previous models because the palm rest is now made of light metal.

While this move can undoubtedly be called an improvement, we would see the keyboard redesign as more of a step backward. Instead of a stroke of 1.8 mm, the new ThinkPad of the T series only offers 1.5 mm. That’s not the only change to the input devices, the touchpad is now much wider than before at 115 mm.

In addition to the external changes, Lenovo also includes some innovations internally. For example, the ThinkPad T16 G1 has two internal battery options instead of one as its predecessor. The T16 is available with either the 52.5 Wh battery or a much larger battery with a capacity of 86 Wh. To still offer the fast charge function with this battery, Lenovo introduces a new 135-watt USB-C power adapter.

Keeping with the workhorse ethos, the ThinkPad T16 G1 comes with a 16-inch 16:10 2.2K / 2.5K screen (2560 x 1600 and a full-size RJ45 port. The mechanical side-docking port is no longer available, and there is no longer a microSD card reader. Also somewhat disappointing: Lenovo refuses the AMD models USB 4.0 in this case.

So far, the standard models of the T series offered 8 to 16 GB of soldered RAM plus a SO-DIMM slot. It can be upgraded to a maximum of 48 GB DDR4-3200. However, Lenovo chooses a different approach for the AMD variant the T16 G1 AMD relies on LPDDR5-6400.

This type of memory is much faster, which should increase the performance of the integrated AMD Radeon GPU significantly; LP-RAM is also more energy efficient. However, it is always completely soldered; T16 G1 AMD will be available with a maximum of 32 GB of RAM.

While the variant with AMD Ryzen 6000 focuses on integrated graphics, the opposite applies to the Intel models. For the first time, Lenovo will sell the normal T series with an optional RTX graphics chip, even if it’s “only” the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2050.

Price and availability

Whether with AMD or Intel, the Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 1 costs at least $1,289, and it can be purchased through the Amazon.com, Newegg.com, and Amazon.co.uk websites.

Lenovo ThinkPad T16 specifications

• CPU: 12th Gen Intel Core i vPro / AMD Ryzen Pro 6000 (20W)
• GPU: AMD: Integrated AMD Radeon 600M / Intel Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics / Nvidia GeForce MX550 / GeForce RTX 2050
• RAM: AMD: Up to 32GB LPDDR5-6400 (onboard: Up to Windows 11 Pro, Linux, Windows 10 Pro (via downgrade rights)
• Storage: Up to 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
• OS: Up to Windows 11 Pro, Linux, Windows 10 Pro (via downgrade rights)
• Display: 16 inch, 16:10 aspect ratio, WUXGA IPS (touch optional), 300 cd/m², 45% NTSC, matte / WUXGA IPS Low Power, 400 cd/m², 100% sRGB, Matte / WUXGA IPS Touch, 500 cd/m², 100% sRGB, Matte, Privacy Guard / 2.2K IPS, 300 cd/m², 100% sRGB, Matte (14 inch only) / WQXGA/2.5K IPS, 400 cd/m², 100% sRGB, Matte (16 inch only) / WQUXGA IPS Touch, 500 cd/m², 100% DCI-P3, Semi-Glossy
• Camera: HDRGB, FHD RGB, ThinkShutter, FHD RGB + IR, ThinkShutter
• Security: Match-on-Chip FPR in Power Button, dTPM 2.0, Kensington Lock Slot
• Input: Full-size keyboard, 1.5mm travel, backlit, 115mm trackpad, TrackPoint w/buttons, Number pad
• Audio: Dolby Audio Speaker System, Dolby Voice, Dual Array Mics
• Ports: 2x USB C (Intel: 2x Thunderbolt 4; AMD: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1), 2x USB A 3.2 Gen1, 1x HDMI 2.0b, 3.5mm audio, RJ45
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 4G LTE CAT 16, 5G CAT 20, NFC (optional)
• Battery: 39.3 or 52.5 Wh, Rapid Charge
• Dimensions: 361.9 x 255.5 x 19.5 mm
• Weight: 1.69 kg

Lenovo also made available the ThinkPad X13s Gen 1 powerful and versatile laptop designed for business professionals. With a slim and lightweight design, the X13s Gen 1 is perfect for those on the go and is easy to carry around in a backpack or briefcase.