ZDNET’s key takeaways
- With costs beginning at $1,241, Lenovo’s ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 has the potential to turn out to be your new foremost laptop computer for work and leisure.
- The ThinkPad Z13 comes geared up with a strong AMD Ryzen processor and a great-looking, 2.8K decision display everybody can get pleasure from.
- Professionals, nevertheless, could discover its small quantity of ports, brief battery life, and restricted options missing.
It is not possible to be good at every little thing however that does not imply you should not no less than strive. That is the sensation I received when making an attempt out the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2, a laptop computer that goals to be an ideal leisure laptop computer and work laptop computer multi functional package deal. For my part, the Z13 exceeds doing each as a result of its light-weight type issue and a number of other key options.
Upon opening the laptop computer for the primary time, you will be greeted with a 13-inch, 2.8K decision (2,880 x 1,800 pixels) OLED touchscreen – no less than that is what greeted me. The evaluation unit I acquired from Lenovo was one of many higher-end builds – and it actually reveals. Content material proven on this show – particularly animation – seems gorgeous.
Lenovo’s second-generation ThinkPad Z13 homes highly effective {hardware} in its skinny body and likewise comes with a few hidden, attention-grabbing options.
For testing, I watched a few episodes of Pokemon Concierge. In the event you’re not acquainted, it is a stop-motion present consisting of characters made out of felt, paper, and different forms of supplies. I cherished how good it regarded on the OLED display. I may see the fuzz on Psyduck in all its glory. Watching Pokemon Concierge this manner gave me a newfound appreciation for the present. Characters look far more cuddly than once I watched it on my smartphone.
In fact, live-action films look superb too. I watched Joker on this laptop computer and the OLED show made Gotham Metropolis look far more disgusting and dingy in comparison with when the movie first got here out in theaters.
As a lot as I’ve harped on how a lot I just like the OLED show, my favourite side of the display was the skinny bezels surrounding it. You are free to benefit from the display’s visible goodness with out having thick black strains encroaching in. The highest bezel is a bit thicker than the remaining because it homes the laptop computer’s 1080p webcam (excellent for work video calls). What’s extra, the digicam has a steel bar jutting out from the highest. When closed, this serves as a deal with for opening the laptop computer. It is a small contact, however one which I enormously appreciated.
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Design-wise, Lenovo made a number of attention-grabbing decisions. One of many hallmarks of the ThinkPad Z-series is its concentrate on sustainability in varied kinds. A lot of the laptop computer is made out of recycled supplies. There’s even a model of the Z13 sporting an eco-friendly flax fiber cowl. Nevertheless, on the time of this evaluation, it does not seem like on sale. Nonetheless, it is good to see Lenovo go for greener supplies when creating laptops.
I want this concentrate on sustainability was current in its battery. Sadly, it does not final for very lengthy. Underneath the hood is an AMD Ryzen 7 Professional 7840U paired up with a Radeon 740M graphics card that collectively is meant to allow nice power effectivity. Nevertheless, based on my testing, the battery lasted solely about six hours earlier than it died. I carried out my standard technique of enjoying a looping YouTube video at 720p and 50 % brightness. I used to be shocked to see such a low quantity. With its {hardware}, I hoped to see eight hours, however alas it wasn’t meant to be.
It is not all unhealthy, in fact. I like what Lenovo did with the keyboard. Every key has a slight indentation and is roofed in a matte coating. All this, mixed with a keyboard that stretches backward and forward, culminates in a cushty typing expertise. In the event you learn my opinions, you will know that is one thing I particularly search for on laptops. Machines with mediocre keyboards lose factors.
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The keyboard does have a few “hidden” options (I am including the citation marks as a result of though these aren’t technically hidden, they don’t seem to be tremendous apparent).
First, it has backlighting. On the decrease left nook of the spacebar, you’ll discover a blinking mild icon. Urgent the nook with the Perform key allows you to activate the lights. I want Lenovo did a greater job letting individuals know that this can be a factor. I initially thought the keyboard lacked backlighting once I was typing at evening. I figured the corporate, for some unusual purpose, eliminated this characteristic. This side of the keyboard ought to’ve been made clearer to keep away from confusion.
The purple TrackPoint on the keyboard has a brand new perform to it. You possibly can nonetheless use it to regulate the cursor, however now double tapping it opens a Fast Menu for adjusting sure options just like the microphone’s directionality. This can be a neat secondary perform for the TrackPoint; nevertheless, I do want it may do extra.
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Talking of limitations, there are solely three ports obtainable: two USB-C inputs and a headphone jack. Which will sound slightly disappointing, however remember the fact that the ThinkPad Z13 is an ultraportable laptop computer. You need to anticipate such sacrifices on a pc this skinny.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
I do suggest the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 should you’re in search of a light-weight laptop computer for work, faculty, or as an leisure machine whereas touring. It is at the moment on sale on Lenovo’s web site in Artic Gray. Costs begin at $1,241.
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It’s configurable so you may add extra to the laptop computer — comparable to larger space for storing — or you may go for a decrease decision display to drop the value tag. If you need one thing larger, the corporate does have the second-generation ThinkPad Z16 as an choice as effectively.