What To Know
- The T490 offers a wider range of display options, including a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS panel and a 14-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS panel.
- The E490 offers a battery life of up to 13 hours, while the T490 can last up to 16 hours on a single charge.
- The T490 with its better display and Thunderbolt 3 support is a better choice for video editing, as it allows for faster data transfer speeds and external display connections.
In the competitive world of business laptops, Lenovo’s ThinkPad series stands out with its reputation for reliability, durability, and performance. The ThinkPad E490 and T490 are two popular models that cater to different user needs and budgets. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two laptops, helping you make an informed decision for your business.
Design and Build Quality
The ThinkPad E490 features a sleek and professional design with a black chassis and textured lid. It has a plastic construction, which makes it lightweight at 3.3 pounds. The T490, on the other hand, boasts a more premium build with a magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis. Its weight is slightly higher at 3.5 pounds, but it offers superior durability and a more rugged feel.
Display and Graphics
The E490 comes with a 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display. The T490 offers a wider range of display options, including a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS panel and a 14-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS panel. The IPS panels on the T490 provide better viewing angles, color accuracy, and brightness.
Performance and Features
The E490 is powered by Intel’s 8th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors, while the T490 offers a choice of 8th-generation Core i5, i7, or i9 processors. Both laptops come with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage as standard configurations. The T490 has the advantage of Thunderbolt 3 support, which allows for faster data transfer speeds and external display connections.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The E490 offers a battery life of up to 13 hours, while the T490 can last up to 16 hours on a single charge. Both laptops have a good selection of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet. The T490 also features a nano-SIM slot for optional cellular connectivity.
Security and Manageability
Both the E490 and T490 come equipped with Lenovo’s ThinkShield security suite, which includes a fingerprint reader, a TPM chip, and BIOS protection. The T490 offers additional security features such as a dTPM 2.0 chip and a physical webcam privacy shutter.
Price and Availability
The ThinkPad E490 starts at around $700, while the T490 starts at around $1,000. The price difference reflects the superior build quality, display options, and security features of the T490. Both laptops are widely available from Lenovo and authorized retailers.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Laptop for Your Needs
The Lenovo ThinkPad E490 and T490 are both excellent business laptops that offer different features and price points. The E490 is a budget-friendly option with a lightweight design and good performance. The T490 is a more premium laptop with a more durable build, better display options, and enhanced security.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize affordability and portability, the E490 is a solid choice. If you demand a more premium experience with superior durability, display quality, and security, the T490 is the better option.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The T490 offers a wider range of display options, including Full HD and WQHD IPS panels, which provide better viewing angles, color accuracy, and brightness.
Q: Is the T490 more durable than the E490?
A: Yes, the T490 has a magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis, which is more durable than the plastic construction of the E490.
Q: Which laptop offers longer battery life?
A: The T490 has a slightly longer battery life of up to 16 hours, compared to the E490’s 13 hours.
Q: Is the E490 suitable for business use?
A: Yes, the E490 offers good performance and security features, making it suitable for basic business tasks. However, the T490 provides a more premium experience with enhanced security and durability.
Q: Which laptop is better for video editing?
A: The T490 with its better display and Thunderbolt 3 support is a better choice for video editing, as it allows for faster data transfer speeds and external display connections.
