Laptops Showdown: Lenovo ThinkPad E490 vs T490 – Which Reigns Supreme?

For business professionals seeking reliable and versatile laptops, the Lenovo ThinkPad E490 and T490 emerge as top contenders. Both devices offer exceptional performance, durability, and security features, but they differ in certain key aspects. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each model to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The ThinkPad E490 boasts a sleek and lightweight design, weighing in at just 3.31 pounds. Its chassis is made of a combination of plastic and reinforced fiberglass, ensuring durability without adding excessive bulk. The T490, on the other hand, features a more robust construction with a magnesium alloy chassis. It is slightly heavier at 3.5 pounds, but its rugged design makes it ideal for demanding environments. Both models come in a classic black color scheme with subtle ThinkPad branding.

Display

The E490 offers a 14-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It provides vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, making it suitable for presentations and multimedia consumption. The T490 boasts a slightly larger 14.1-inch IPS display with a higher resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. This enhanced resolution offers sharper text and images, making it ideal for detailed work and content creation.

Performance

Both the E490 and T490 are powered by Intel Core i5 or i7 processors of the 8th or 10th generation. The E490 offers up to 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, while the T490 can be configured with up to 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. This performance difference allows the T490 to handle more demanding tasks with ease, such as video editing or running multiple virtual machines.

Battery Life

The ThinkPad E490 has a 45Wh battery that provides up to 13 hours of battery life. The T490 comes with a larger 57Wh battery that offers up to 16 hours of battery life. This extended battery life is crucial for professionals who spend long hours on the go. Both models support Rapid Charge technology, enabling them to charge up to 80% in just one hour.

Connectivity and Ports

The E490 and T490 offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options. Both models feature two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, one USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port, an HDMI port, and a microSD card reader. The T490 has the additional advantage of a Thunderbolt 3 port, which provides faster data transfer speeds and allows for external display connections.

Security Features

ThinkPads are renowned for their exceptional security features, and both the E490 and T490 are no exception. They come equipped with a fingerprint reader, a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip, and a camera shutter for privacy. The T490 also includes an optional dTPM 2.0 chip and a smart card reader for enhanced security measures.

The Bottom Line: Making the Right Choice

The Lenovo ThinkPad E490 and T490 are both excellent choices for business professionals. The E490 offers a lightweight and affordable option with a solid performance and a decent display. The T490, on the other hand, provides a more robust build, a higher-resolution display, and increased performance, making it ideal for demanding users. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which model is more suitable for heavy workloads?
A: The ThinkPad T490 with its higher performance capabilities is better suited for demanding tasks.

Q: Does the E490 have a backlit keyboard?
A: Yes, the E490 comes with an optional backlit keyboard.

Q: Can the T490 be upgraded with a dedicated graphics card?
A: No, the T490 does not have a dedicated graphics card option.

Q: Which model has better audio quality?
A: Both models have built-in speakers, but the T490 offers a slightly better audio experience.

Q: Is the T490 compatible with external docking stations?
A: Yes, the T490 supports docking stations via its Thunderbolt 3 port.