Featuring a solid build and some well-chosen components, this laptop does a lot right on paper.
Just be sure you understand its limitations before dismissing other options around this price range.
Instead, you get aMIL-STD-810H-certifiedmachine that passed rigorous environmental testing.
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Despite this lack of overall rigidity, it’s not a laptop you’d be afraid to manhandle.
The all-graphite black design retains the classic ThinkPad look.
It’s a classy, unassuming laptop that’s appropriate for even the most sedate business environment.
There’s an undeniable appeal to the ThinkPad E16 Gen 1’s basic practicality and usability that just might make it a good option even for non-business users who don’t mind substance without much style. Just be sure you understand its limitations before dismissing other options around this price range.
On the downside, the exterior of the laptop case is a fingerprint magnet.
There’s 16GB of RAM, with 8GB soldered and a slot populated with an additional 8GB.
On the right, there’s USB-A 2.0, Ethernet (RJ45), and a Kensington Security Slot.
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A 3-cell li-polymer 47Wh battery provides eight hours or more of usage, which is fairly average.
The 10-point multi-touch touchscreen portion of the display is fast and responsive.
The two 2W stereo speakers support Dolby Atmos from an HD audio chip using the Synaptic CX11880 codec.
Sergio Rodriguez / How-To Geek
It’s an excellent typing experience and makes a good argument for laptops with some heft to them.
The trackpad is well-positioned slightly to the left center below the keyboard and is smooth and responsive.
All of the usual two-finger gestures like zoom in or out work flawlessly.
Sergio Rodriguez / How-To Geek
The more objective performance benchmarks usingPCMark 10,3DMark, andCinebench R23bore this out in most cases.
When the fan kicks in due to heavy system loads, there’s a low, but noticeable whir.
Should You Buy the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1?
Sergio Rodriguez / How-To Geek
There’s a lot of competition at or around the $1,000 price point for laptops.
TheThinkPad E16 Gen 1, doesn’t do much to stand out in this crowded field.
This is the anti-bling, low-fan noise alternative for those end users who want a solid daily driver laptop.
Sergio Rodriguez / How-To Geek
Despite its lackluster looks and plastic body, I enjoyed typing on the keyboard and working on the display.
Just be sure you understand its limitations before dismissing other options around this price range.
Sergio Rodriguez / How-To Geek
Sergio Rodriguez / How-To Geek
