Lenovo ThinkPad T480S 14" Vs Lenovo ThinkPad T490s 14"

The Lenovo ThinkPad T480s, released in 2018, and the Lenovo ThinkPad T490s, launched in 2019, are both 14-inch business-oriented laptops from Lenovo's reputable ThinkPad T-series. While they share the familiar ThinkPad design and run on the Windows operating system, the T490s introduces a more refined chassis and updated display options, whereas the T480s offers greater internal upgrade flexibility. Both models aim to provide a balance of portability and performance for professionals and students.

The practical lifespan of a laptop is influenced by its physical durability, software support, and the ability to upgrade components. Both the T480s and T490s are built to withstand daily use, but their age and upgrade paths present different longevity considerations.

• Release Timeline: The T480s was released in 2018, making it slightly older than the T490s, which launched in 2019. This difference in release year can impact the duration of official software support.
• Software Longevity: Both devices originally shipped with Windows 10. Microsoft's support for Windows 10 is scheduled to end on October 14, 2025. However, both models are generally capable of running Windows 11, which is expected to receive security updates until approximately 2031, extending their usable software life.
• Repairability and Upgradability: The T480s offers a notable advantage with its user-upgradeable RAM, allowing for memory expansion beyond the soldered base amount. In contrast, the T490s features entirely soldered RAM, which limits future memory upgrades. Both models typically allow for SSD replacement, contributing to their overall serviceability.

Both the ThinkPad T480s and T490s are equipped with 8th generation Intel Core processors, providing solid performance for everyday productivity and multitasking. The T490s features a slightly refreshed version of the 8th generation processors, which can offer marginal improvements in certain scenarios.

• Processor Capabilities: Both laptops handle demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, suitable for office suites, web browsing with numerous tabs, and light content creation. The T490s's slightly newer processor generation may offer a minor edge in efficiency and peak performance for intensive tasks.
• RAM Configuration: The T480s allows for RAM upgrades, with some configurations supporting up to 40GB by combining soldered and replaceable modules. This flexibility can be beneficial for users running virtual machines or working with large datasets. The T490s, with its entirely soldered RAM up to 32GB, offers less flexibility for future memory expansion.
• Storage Options: Both models utilize fast M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drives, ensuring quick boot times and rapid application loading. The T480s can be configured with up to 2TB of storage, while the T490s typically offers up to 1TB.

The visual experience on these laptops is primarily delivered through their 14-inch IPS displays, with both offering various panel options. The T490s generally provides more advanced display choices, enhancing clarity and brightness.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both models offer Full HD (1920x1080) IPS panels, providing wide viewing angles and good color reproduction for general use. The T480s also has a WQHD (2560x1440) IPS option. The T490s expands on this with additional Full HD options, including a low-power panel, and a WQHD HDR panel.
• Brightness and Clarity: The T490s introduces a low-power Full HD panel that can reach higher brightness levels, making it more suitable for outdoor use or brightly lit environments. Its WQHD HDR option also offers superior brightness and contrast compared to the T480s's WQHD panel.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: Both laptops feature a 14-inch screen, offering a comfortable workspace for productivity. The T490s has slightly thinner bezels, contributing to a more modern appearance and a slightly more immersive viewing experience.

For communication and media consumption, both ThinkPads offer integrated audio and visual components designed for business and general use. While neither is primarily focused on high-end multimedia, they provide reliable functionality.

• Webcam and Microphone Quality: Both the T480s and T490s typically include a 720p webcam, suitable for video conferencing and online meetings. They also feature dual-array microphones for clear voice capture. Some configurations of both models include a ThinkShutter, a physical privacy cover for the webcam.
• Speaker Output: Both laptops are equipped with stereo speakers, generally providing adequate audio for video calls and casual media consumption. User feedback suggests the speakers are functional but not exceptional for immersive audio experiences.
• Video Recording Features: The integrated webcams support standard video recording capabilities for basic use. Neither model is designed for advanced video production, focusing instead on clear communication.