Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 Review – Still a Great Linux Laptop?

Summary

In this video, the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Generation 1 is thoroughly reviewed, highlighting its robust design, impressive hardware specs, and upgradeability. Released in 2020, the T14 boasts a durable magnesium alloy chassis, a responsive keyboard, and a variety of ports, including Thunderbolt 3 and Ethernet. The review also explores its performance with an Intel i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and Ubuntu Linux. The T14 excels in repairability and upgrades, with easy access to RAM and SSD. Though slightly bulkier than the T14S, it remains a solid choice for engineers and developers, offering excellent value, especially secondhand.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 1, released in 2020, is a reliable and durable laptop available at a good secondhand price.
• 💻 The T14 features a 14-inch screen and comes with both AMD and Intel CPU options, with the reviewed model featuring an Intel i5 processor.
• 🔋 The laptop offers 16GB of soldered RAM with an additional slot for RAM upgrade, allowing up to 24GB total in the reviewed model.
• 🔌 The ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 has a variety of connectors including USB-C (Gen 1 & 2), Thunderbolt 3, HDMI 1.4B, Ethernet, and a smart card reader.
• 🔒 A security feature on the T14 is the ThinkShutter, which physically covers the webcam for privacy.
• 🎧 The laptop has excellent Dolby audio speakers located above the keyboard, providing better sound than other ThinkPad models like the T14s.
• 🔧 The T14 is easy to upgrade, with the ability to swap the SSD and add more RAM, making it a good option for tech enthusiasts and developers.
• ⚙️ The BIOS features various firmware options, such as temporarily disabling the battery for repairs and running hardware diagnostics without booting an OS.
• 🖥️ The T14’s display is Full HD (1920x1080) with an IPS panel, while lower-end models may have an HD or TN display, so checking the display type before buying is important.
• 💡 Despite its bulk compared to the T14s, the T14 offers more connectivity options, making it a better choice for those needing a range of ports.
• 🚀 The laptop runs well with Linux, specifically Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, and boots to the login screen in about 25 seconds.
• 👍 Overall, the ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 is highly recommended for engineers and developers due to its upgradeability, solid performance, and extensive connectivity options.

Q & A

What is the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 1, and when was it released?

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 is a business laptop released in 2020, manufactured until 2021. It is known for its durability, performance, and value, especially when purchased secondhand.

What are the key features of the ThinkPad T14 Gen 1’s build and design?

The ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 has a sleek, professional chassis made from durable magnesium alloy. It features a 14-inch screen, a UK keyboard layout, and a large Enter key for comfortable typing.

What processors are available for the ThinkPad T14 Gen 1, and which one is in the unit reviewed?

The ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 is available with either Intel or AMD processors. The unit reviewed in the video is powered by an Intel i5 processor.

How much RAM can the ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 support, and what configuration does the reviewed unit have?

The ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 comes with 16GB of soldered RAM, but it also has an additional slot for RAM expansion. The reviewed unit has 24GB of RAM, thanks to an upgrade.

What connectivity options are available on the ThinkPad T14 Gen 1?

The ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 includes multiple connectivity options: USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (Thunderbolt 3 capable), HDMI 1.4B, Ethernet (RJ45), microSD reader, a headphone/microphone jack, and an optional nano SIM card for GSM modems.

What is the significance of the ThinkShutter on the ThinkPad T14 Gen 1?

The ThinkShutter is a physical privacy feature that allows users to block or unblock the camera. This ensures enhanced security, as it physically prevents the camera from being used when turned off.

How does the audio performance of the ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 compare to other ThinkPads?

The ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 is equipped with a Dolby audio speaker system, providing better sound quality than most other ThinkPads. The speakers are located above the keyboard, providing a more direct and richer sound experience compared to models like the T14s.

What firmware options does the ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 offer for hardware management?

The ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 offers advanced firmware options, such as the ability to disable the built-in battery temporarily for repairs or upgrades. It also provides hardware diagnostics without booting the operating system, accessible via the UEFI BIOS.

What operating system does the reviewer use on their ThinkPad T14 Gen 1, and why?

The reviewer uses Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, a Linux distribution, on the ThinkPad T14 Gen 1. As an open-source enthusiast, the reviewer wiped the original Windows installation to install Ubuntu for better control and customization.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the ThinkPad T14 Gen 1?

Advantages include a compact 14-inch design, excellent upgradeability (RAM and SSD), good keyboard, and decent speakers. Disadvantages include being bulkier than the ThinkPad T14s and lacking an external GPU option, though the ThinkPad P14s has an Nvidia GPU for users who need one.

What makes the ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 a good choice for engineers and developers?

The ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 is ideal for engineers and developers due to its powerful processors, excellent connectivity options (including Thunderbolt 3), compact design, and upgradeability. It also has solid Linux support and a full set of professional features like a high-quality keyboard and good audio performance.