As is usual with Lenovo, the notebook lineup for the coming year has been unveiled already with some new models, and some updates to existing ones. In fact, the updates are so widespread that no less than 9 laptops have been either unveiled or modified.
On the hardware side perhaps the biggest feature is the Intel Optane caching drives, which will be used mainly for HDD caching at this stage. On the software side, the laptops come with Windows 10 Signature Edition which guarantees less bloatware and a more straightforward experience.
T Series
Let’s start with the new T Series lineup, which still falls under the ThinkPad moniker. These models include the ThinkPad T470, T470p, T470s and T570. These laptops are largely targeted at business users who value convenience and a laid-back design.
The T470 comes with a 14-inch display in a waistline slimmer than 2cm. It comes in IPS FHD flavor and has Kaby Lake processors from Intel, as well as Nvidia’s 940MX with 2 GB GDDR5 VRAM. There will be 32 GB DDR4 RAM to accompany, as well as both Thunderbolt USB Type-C or USB 3.0 ports. It features support for Intel Optane caching and option Windows Hello or fingerprint reader. It will be priced at $919.
The T470p is largely similar to the other model, except here you can get either an FHD or a 300 nits QHD 14-inch panel. Storage options include both HDD and SSD, including optional Optane caching, while there are stereo speakers, Ethernet, DisplayPort, HDMI, card reader and other solid connectivity options. It will be priced at $1049.
The 470s focuses on design as well as performance, weighing less than 3 pounds and looking decidedly much better in a Black or Silver outfit. It features the same display (with an optional touchscreen) and connectivity options (including as the 470p. Pricing is set at $1099.
Lastly, we have the ThinkPad T570 which is both thinner and lighter than before. It has a 15.6-inch FHD or UHD display, with more versatile storage and graphics options, including Intel Optane support. There will be a better security with a fingerprint scanner, as well as better longevity MIL-SPEC design. There are two batteries for a battery life longer than 16 hours. Pricing is set at $909.
L Series
Then there are the L series options which are targeted as a more mainstream offering. Both these laptops also come with Intel Optane caching.
The ThinkPad L470 comes with a 14-inch IPS FHD display on the front with Intel Kaby Lake processors as well as two modules for a combined 32 GB RAM. There’s discrete Radeon R5 M430 graphics as well as an impressive 95.5 Wh (split) battery. It starts at $799.
The L570 on the other hand comes with just a 1366 x 768 panel which you’ll find very hard to cut today. Thankfully there’s an FHD option, too. Like the L470, it has an optical drive and a number pad, 32 GB RAM, Kaby Lake, but unfortunately no discrete graphics or split battery. It starts at $809.
For the convertible buyer, there’s the new Yoga 370, which comes with a 13.3-inch FHD display on the front. Thunderbolt 3, same processor as well as an integrated pen. Weighing 3.2 pounds, it starts at $1264.
Then there’s the ThinkPad 13 which comes with a 13-inch FHD touchscreen, Intel Kaby Lake processor, 32 GB RAM as well as 512 GB of PCIe-based storage. There’s USB Type-C, USB 3.0 as well as SD card reader. It is being priced at $674.
Lastly, we have the ThinkPad X270, with its 12.5-inch display. There’s a Kaby Lake processor under the hood, as well as Type-C for connectivity. RAM options are between 4 or 16 GB, while storage involves either 2 TB HDD or a 512 GB PCIe SSD. There’s a split battery setup for a combined 95 Wh module as best. It will be priced at $909.
All of these laptops will be available starting from March 2017.
