The Lenovo ThinkPad T470 is a well-known member of Lenovo’s esteemed ThinkPad lineup, renowned for its durability, performance, and business-friendly features. Originally released in early 2017, the ThinkPad T470 has since become a favorite among professionals who require a reliable and efficient laptop that can handle a wide range of tasks. Despite being a few years old, the ThinkPad T470 remains a solid choice for users looking for a powerful yet affordable laptop, especially in the used market where it can be found at a significantly reduced price.
In this detailed review, we will explore the various features, specifications, and performance aspects of the Lenovo ThinkPad T470, with a focus on the model featuring the Intel Core i5 6300U processor, 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and Intel HD 520 graphics. We’ll also discuss the value proposition of purchasing this model used at a price point of ₨ 42,000, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Design and Build Quality
Lenovo’s ThinkPad series has long been synonymous with robust build quality and a design that prioritizes function over form. The ThinkPad T470 continues this tradition with a design that is both understated and highly functional. The laptop’s chassis is made from a combination of glass-fiber reinforced plastic and magnesium, providing a solid feel while keeping the weight down to around 1.58 kg (3.48 lbs). The T470 is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, with military-grade certification (MIL-STD 810G) for durability. This means it can handle extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, and even minor drops, making it an ideal choice for users who need a dependable laptop for on-the-go use.
The black finish of the ThinkPad T470 gives it a professional appearance, and the classic ThinkPad aesthetic, complete with the red TrackPoint in the center of the keyboard, remains intact. The lid is adorned with the iconic ThinkPad logo, which includes a red LED dot over the “i” that blinks when the laptop is in sleep mode. While the design might not be the most stylish by modern standards, it is undeniably practical, with a focus on durability and usability.
Display and Visuals
The Lenovo ThinkPad T470 comes with a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display that delivers sharp and clear visuals. The 1080p resolution is ideal for productivity tasks, offering plenty of screen real estate for multitasking and viewing documents, spreadsheets, and web pages. The IPS technology ensures wide viewing angles and good color reproduction, making it suitable for tasks that require accurate color representation, such as photo editing or graphic design.
With a 60Hz refresh rate, the display is smooth enough for everyday tasks, though it may not be the best choice for high-end gaming or professional video editing. However, for typical business and productivity use, the display performs admirably. The matte finish of the screen reduces glare and reflections, making it easier to use in bright environments, such as near windows or under fluorescent lighting.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the ThinkPad T470 is powered by the Intel Core i5 6300U processor, a dual-core CPU from Intel’s 6th generation Skylake lineup. The i5 6300U operates at a base clock speed of 2.4 GHz, with the ability to boost up to 3.0 GHz under load. While it may not be the latest processor on the market, the i5 6300U is still capable of handling a wide range of tasks with ease, from basic web browsing and office work to more demanding applications like light photo editing and programming.
The 8GB of DDR4 RAM included in this model is sufficient for most users’ needs, providing enough memory for smooth multitasking and running multiple applications simultaneously. For those who require more memory, the T470 offers the option to upgrade to a maximum of 32GB of RAM, making it a future-proof choice for users who anticipate needing more performance down the line.
Storage is provided by a 256GB solid-state drive (SSD), which offers fast boot times and quick access to files and applications. SSDs are generally more reliable and faster than traditional hard drives, and the 256GB capacity should be adequate for storing documents, media files, and software. If additional storage is needed, the ThinkPad T470 includes an easily accessible 2.5-inch drive bay that can accommodate a secondary storage device, such as a larger HDD or an additional SSD.
Graphics and Multimedia
The ThinkPad T470 is equipped with Intel HD 520 integrated graphics, which, while not intended for gaming or intensive graphical work, is more than capable of handling everyday tasks such as streaming video, light photo editing, and running office applications. For users who require more powerful graphics performance, Lenovo also offers configurations of the T470 with dedicated NVIDIA GeForce 940MX graphics, though these models are typically more expensive.
The laptop’s speakers, located on the bottom of the chassis, produce clear and reasonably loud audio, suitable for conference calls, watching videos, and listening to music. However, as with most business laptops, the sound quality is average, lacking deep bass and high-end clarity. For the best audio experience, users may prefer to use external speakers or headphones.
The T470 also includes a 720p HD webcam, which is adequate for video conferencing and casual video chats. The camera produces decent image quality in well-lit conditions, though it may struggle in low-light environments. The inclusion of dual-array microphones helps to ensure clear audio during calls, with noise-canceling technology to reduce background noise.
Keyboard and Trackpad
One of the standout features of the Lenovo ThinkPad series has always been its keyboard, and the T470 is no exception. The laptop features a full-sized, spill-resistant keyboard with Lenovo’s signature ThinkPad layout. The keys are well-spaced, with a comfortable amount of travel and tactile feedback, making typing on the T470 a pleasure, even during long typing sessions. The inclusion of a backlit keyboard is a welcome feature, allowing users to type in low-light environments without sacrificing visibility.
In addition to the standard keyboard, the T470 includes the iconic red TrackPoint, a small joystick-like device located in the center of the keyboard that allows for precise cursor control without the need to use the trackpad. This feature is particularly useful for users who prefer to keep their hands on the keyboard while navigating the screen.
The trackpad on the T470 is similarly well-executed, with a smooth surface that provides accurate and responsive tracking. It supports multi-touch gestures, such as pinch-to-zoom and two-finger scrolling, and includes physical buttons for left and right clicks. The combination of the TrackPoint and trackpad offers a flexible and efficient way to interact with the laptop, catering to a wide range of user preferences.
Connectivity and Ports
The Lenovo ThinkPad T470 offers a robust selection of ports and connectivity options, making it a versatile tool for business and professional use. On the left side of the laptop, you’ll find a USB Type-C port (which also serves as the charging port), a USB 3.0 port, and an HDMI output. The right side of the laptop includes two additional USB 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, a headphone/microphone combo jack, an SD card reader, and a SIM card slot for mobile broadband.
This comprehensive array of ports allows users to connect a wide range of peripherals, from external monitors and storage devices to printers and network equipment. The inclusion of USB Type-C ensures compatibility with modern devices and future-proofs the laptop for the transition to this new standard.
For wireless connectivity, the T470 is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.1, providing fast and reliable connections for internet access and peripheral devices. Additionally, the T470 includes a Smart Card reader and an optional fingerprint reader, enhancing security by providing multiple options for secure login and authentication.
Battery Life and Portability
One of the key selling points of the Lenovo ThinkPad T470 is its impressive battery life. The laptop comes with a dual-battery system, consisting of an internal 3-cell battery and a removable 3-cell battery. This combination allows for extended use without needing to recharge, with Lenovo claiming up to 18 hours of battery life under ideal conditions. In real-world usage, users can expect around 8 to 12 hours of battery life, depending on the workload and usage patterns.
The removable battery also offers the convenience of swapping out the battery for a fully charged one, extending the laptop’s uptime even further. This feature is particularly useful for users who need to work long hours away from a power source, such as during business trips or while traveling.
Despite its robust build and extensive battery life, the ThinkPad T470 remains relatively portable, weighing just under 1.6 kg. While not the lightest laptop in its category, it strikes a good balance between durability, performance, and portability, making it an excellent choice for users who need a reliable laptop on the go.
Operating System and Software
The Lenovo ThinkPad T470 comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro, an operating system designed for business and professional use. Windows 10 Pro includes a range of features that enhance productivity and security, such as BitLocker encryption, Remote Desktop, and the ability to join a domain or Azure Active Directory.
In addition to the standard Windows 10 Pro features, Lenovo includes a suite of utilities and software to enhance the user experience. This includes Lenovo Vantage, an application that allows users to manage system settings, update drivers, and access support resources. Lenovo also includes a variety of other pre-installed software, some of which may be useful, while others may be considered bloatware. Fortunately, any unnecessary applications can be easily uninstalled to free up space and resources.
