Review of the Lenovo T495 Laptop after Four Years of Use
This laptop is no longer available for purchase at Lenovo.com, but I wanted to share my personal insight after using it for almost four years. Many reviews are written when devices are new and with very limited usage, so I hope my experience over an extended period will be helpful.
Why I Chose the Lenovo T495
About four years ago, I made the switch from a fifteen-inch 2015 MacBook Pro to a Lenovo T495. One of the main reasons for this switch was the superior keyboards Lenovo had at the time. Additionally, I no longer needed a virtual machine with a Windows operating system to run IT-related applications.
Currently, while new Apple laptop keyboards have improved, I still wouldn’t go back to a MacBook because of the limited ports. If you're deciding between a MacBook Air or Pro and a Windows computer, this post may offer some valuable insights. Here, I’ll highlight some features and benefits of the Lenovo T490 series laptop.
Performance and Usability
The Lenovo T495 is my daily work computer, and overall, I’m very satisfied with its performance. One of the standout features is the Lenovo ThinkPad keyboard, which is among the best on the market.
If you are a college student, teacher, professor, business manager, or director, the Lenovo T490 laptops are a great buy for their price. The newer version of this laptop is the Lenovo T14 model. While they look and feel similar to the T490 series, the T14 has some internal updates, the most noticeable being the new glass-like trackpad and improved ports.
Improvements in Trackpad
Historically, Lenovo ThinkPad trackpads were considered one of the worst on the market due to poor clicking mechanisms and design. However, they have made significant improvements over the years, with the T14 model showcasing a vastly better trackpad design. My T495's trackpad is an improvement over previous models and still performs well.
Ports and Connectivity
Another great feature of this laptop is the variety of ports it offers. It includes:
- Two USB A ports
- One Thunderbolt port
- HDMI port
- Headphone/microphone jack
- MicroSD card slot
- Ethernet port (RJ45)
This wide range of ports eliminates the need for carrying a multiport adapter when connecting to external monitors or projectors. Despite the numerous ports, the laptop remains relatively slim and lightweight.
Design and Durability
The Lenovo T495 boasts a professional and sleek design. One aspect that stands out is its spill-resistant keyboard. In terms of build quality, the laptop is durable and has held up well over the years.
Comparison with MacBook Pros
One thing to note about the new Apple MacBook Pros is their size and weight. While they have a nice design, they are heavier devices to carry around. If I were to purchase a MacBook again, I might opt for the MacBook Air for its lighter weight. However, the Lenovo T495 perfectly meets my needs, balancing performance, portability, and design.
This summary should provide clear insights into the advantages and drawbacks of the Lenovo T495 based on extended usage.
