Lenovo ThinkPad T495s

[HEXUS]

The best AMD laptop we've tested in years.

Read more.

[Tabbykatze]

I mean, the bads aren't horrific bads, making a specific note about IPC knowing that these are Zen+ cores not Zen 2 cores feels a bit disingenuous.

But qualms aside, as you say it is nice to see an AMD laptop that does not have the gimping archetype common to a lot of AMD laptops recently.

[KultiVator]

Really hoping Microsoft have some AMD Zen 2 APU goodness in their new October 2019 Surface Pro/Book/Laptop line-up... the Intel Iris graphics in the current models are underpowered, run hot and very long in the tooth.

[philehidiot]

I mean, the bads aren't horrific bads, making a specific note about IPC knowing that these are Zen+ cores not Zen 2 cores feels a bit disingenuous.

But qualms aside, as you say it is nice to see an AMD laptop that does not have the gimping archetype common to a lot of AMD laptops recently.

Do you think, given the lack of R&D on AMD stuff for decades, that it has taken them quite some time to get everything optimised for a serious product? I know nothing about this stuff, I just throw bits together in a case and it works when I press on. I was thinking that this is last gen due to the extended R&D time required for the first product and now that groundwork is done, the current gen Zen stuff should come out soon?

Myself, I'm glad to see this stuff. I have a macbook air which has been awesome but due to how Apple treated me I don't want to go back to an Apple laptop. They also aren't fulfilling my criteria for a laptop anymore. I don't want to be ripped off for a decent, robust laptop that'll last and so to see AMD enter the game with this kind of product makes me happy.

[Maffy]

I bought one of these at work to attach to a bit of scientific kit. Very impressed by it. Doesn't feel quite as well made as some of the other laptops we have, but the performance is excellent. I would definitely buy more if the need arises.

[fail_quail]

the absence of an SD card reader could be disappointing for some

If it's anything like my Lenovo A285 (very similar chassis, but 12" and with a R7 2700u CPU) The phone-style slot on the rear panel is either a microSD slot or a combo SIM + MicroSD slot depending on whether you got the WAN option or not.

Not the easiest to swap cards (need a pin to open it) and it's not full size SD, but there IS a SD reader

[Parm]

I mean, the bads aren't horrific bads, making a specific note about IPC knowing that these are Zen+ cores not Zen 2 cores feels a bit disingenuous.

Is there a question mark that some may assume Zen 2 cores going by the 3000-series branding?

If it's anything like my Lenovo A285 (very similar chassis, but 12" and with a R7 2700u CPU) The phone-style slot on the rear panel is either a microSD slot or a combo SIM + MicroSD slot depending on whether you got the WAN option or not.

You're absolutely right, the WWAN slot does include support for a microSD card. It sure is fiddly, but thanks for pointing it out - the review has been updated accordingly.

[sykobee]

This looks like a decent machine. Better than my (now one year old) HP Elitebook with a 2700U.

But yeah, that 500 nits 1440p display would be a nice option to have.

Might wait for Zen 2 APUs to arrive in this chassis and upgrade then.

[albert89]

The reason why single threaded performance is 'still' important to fangirls is
because its the same software that hasn't been updated since the ATARI came out.
Software CEO's have decided to venture into alien territory, by coding their
software to use multiple cores........go figure.

[AGTDenton]

I'd love to see a bigger screen and better graphics with a Ryzen TP, (which you can get on their intel line).

P.S. There's currently a coupon: THINKSAVE
Not sure what % it gives off but currently £135 off on the one I have in my basket which is changing as I alter the spec.