Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13" Vs Lenovo ThinkPad T490s 14"

The Lenovo ThinkPad L390, released in late 2018 and often considered a 2019 model, and the Lenovo ThinkPad T490s, launched in early 2019, are both business-oriented laptops designed for productivity. While sharing the robust ThinkPad lineage and running on the Windows operating system, they cater to slightly different user needs through variations in screen size, portability, and internal upgradeability. The L390 offers a more traditional, slightly thicker build with user-upgradeable RAM, whereas the T490s prioritizes a slimmer, lighter design with advanced display options and integrated memory.

When considering the long-term usability of these laptops, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, operating system support, and physical repairability.

• Release Timeline and OS Support: Both the ThinkPad L390 (late 2018/early 2019) and the ThinkPad T490s (early 2019) were released around the same period, meaning they benefit from similar durations of Windows operating system updates and security patches. Users can expect continued software support for several years, ensuring ongoing compatibility with modern applications and security standards.
• Repairability and Practical Lifespan: The ThinkPad L390 generally offers more flexibility for internal upgrades, particularly with its two RAM slots, allowing users to extend its practical lifespan by increasing memory capacity as needed. The T490s, while built with durable materials and tested against military standards, features soldered RAM, which limits future memory upgrades. Both models are constructed to withstand daily use, with MIL-STD 810G testing for ruggedness.
• Component Longevity: Both devices utilize PCIe M.2 SSDs, which are known for their speed and reliability, contributing to a responsive user experience over time. The ability to replace or upgrade the SSD in both models further enhances their longevity.

The performance of these ThinkPads is largely driven by their internal components, impacting how smoothly they handle various tasks from everyday computing to more demanding applications.

• Processor Capabilities: Both the L390 and T490s are equipped with 8th Generation Intel Core U-series processors, providing solid performance for general productivity, multitasking, and business applications. These processors efficiently manage tasks like document editing, web browsing with multiple tabs, and video conferencing. While not designed for intensive graphical work or high-end gaming, they offer a responsive experience for their intended use.
• Memory and Storage: The L390 supports up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM across two slots, allowing for post-purchase upgrades to enhance multitasking capabilities. The T490s also offers configurations with up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, but this memory is soldered to the motherboard, meaning it cannot be upgraded after purchase. Both models feature fast PCIe NVMe SSDs for storage, contributing to quick boot times and rapid application loading.
• Battery Behavior: The ThinkPad L390 typically offers a battery life ranging from 8 to 14 hours, depending on the specific configuration and usage patterns. The T490s, with its 57Wh battery and optional low-power display, can achieve longer durations, with some users reporting 11 to 15 hours or more in real-world scenarios. Both support Rapid Charge technology, allowing for quick recharges.

The visual experience on these laptops is shaped by their display technology, resolution, and brightness levels, which are important for both indoor and outdoor use.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The ThinkPad L390 primarily features a 13.3-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS display, offering clear visuals and good viewing angles. Some configurations might include lower-resolution HD panels. The ThinkPad T490s, with its 14-inch screen, provides a wider array of display options, including various Full HD IPS panels and a higher-resolution WQHD (2560x1440) HDR display.
• Brightness and Outdoor Use: The L390's display typically reaches brightness levels around 250-300 nits, which is suitable for indoor environments but may struggle in bright outdoor conditions. The T490s offers more versatile brightness options, with some FHD panels reaching 400 nits and the WQHD HDR option going up to 500 nits, making it more adaptable for varied lighting conditions, including outdoor use.
• Viewing Experience: Both laptops offer IPS panels, ensuring wide viewing angles. The T490s's optional WQHD HDR display provides enhanced color accuracy and contrast, which can be beneficial for tasks requiring visual precision or for media consumption. The L390's display, while clear, has been noted by some users as having narrower color coverage.

For communication and media, the camera, microphone, and speaker quality are important considerations for users.

• Camera System: Both the ThinkPad L390 and T490s are equipped with a 720p HD webcam, suitable for video calls and online meetings. A notable difference is that the T490s often includes a ThinkShutter, a physical privacy cover for the webcam, which is a feature not consistently found on the L390.
• Microphone Quality: Both models feature dual-array microphones, designed to capture clear audio and reduce background noise during calls or recordings. This setup aims to provide a good audio input experience for virtual meetings and voice commands.
• Speaker Output: The L390 comes with 2x 2W speakers with Dolby Audio, providing decent sound for a 13-inch convertible. The T490s features 2x 1W speakers with Dolby Audio Premium, offering a satisfactory audio experience for media consumption and presentations, though some users note a lack of strong bass tones.