What To Know
- The Lenovo ThinkPad X270 and T470 share the iconic ThinkPad design language, characterized by a black chassis and a red TrackPoint nubbin.
- The T470, on the other hand, is a 14-inch laptop with a larger footprint and slightly heavier build.
- The display is a crucial aspect for any laptop, and the X270 and T470 offer distinct options.
Choosing the right business laptop can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two popular options like the Lenovo ThinkPad X270 and T470. Both models boast impressive features and a reputation for durability, but each caters to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Lenovo ThinkPad X270 and T470, helping you determine which one best suits your professional requirements.
Design and Build Quality: Compact vs. Robust
The Lenovo ThinkPad X270 and T470 share the iconic ThinkPad design language, characterized by a black chassis and a red TrackPoint nubbin. However, their design philosophies diverge when it comes to size and portability.
The X270 is a compact 12.5-inch ultrabook, making it incredibly portable and ideal for frequent travelers. Its lightweight design and slim profile make it easy to slip into a briefcase or backpack.
The T470, on the other hand, is a 14-inch laptop with a larger footprint and slightly heavier build. While still portable, it’s designed for a more stationary work environment. Its sturdier construction and larger display provide a more immersive experience for extended work sessions.
Both models feature a durable magnesium alloy chassis and pass rigorous MIL-STD-810G testing, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of daily use and accidental drops.
Display: Size and Resolution Considerations
The display is a crucial aspect for any laptop, and the X270 and T470 offer distinct options.
The X270 comes with a 12.5-inch display, available in both HD (1366×768) and FHD (1920×1080) resolutions. The smaller screen size makes it ideal for tasks like web browsing and email, but it might feel cramped for demanding applications like video editing or graphic design.
The T470 boasts a larger 14-inch display, also available in HD and FHD resolutions. The additional screen real estate provides a more comfortable viewing experience for multi-tasking and content consumption.
Both models offer optional IPS panels for enhanced viewing angles and color accuracy. However, the X270’s smaller display might limit its suitability for graphics-intensive tasks.
Performance: Powering Through Your Workday
When it comes to performance, both the X270 and T470 offer a range of configurations to suit different needs.
The X270 is equipped with Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, coupled with up to 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. This configuration is sufficient for everyday productivity tasks, web browsing, and light multitasking.
The T470 offers a wider range of processor options, including Intel Core i5, i7, and even Core i7 vPro processors, designed for enhanced security and manageability. It can also be configured with up to 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. This makes it a more powerful option for demanding applications like video editing, software development, or data analysis.
Battery Life: Staying Productive on the Go
Battery life is crucial for mobile professionals, and both the X270 and T470 excel in this area.
The X270 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 11.5 hours, thanks to its efficient processor and compact design. This makes it an ideal choice for travelers who need to stay productive on the go.
The T470 also offers a respectable battery life of up to 10 hours. While slightly less than the X270, it’s still sufficient for most users.
Both models feature fast-charging technology, allowing you to quickly top up the battery for extended use.
Connectivity: Staying Connected Wherever You Go
Modern business laptops require robust connectivity options to stay connected and productive. Both the X270 and T470 offer a wide range of ports and connectivity features.
The X270 includes a variety of ports, including USB 3.0, HDMI, and a microSD card reader. It also supports optional features like a fingerprint reader and a WWAN module for mobile broadband connectivity.
The T470 offers similar connectivity options, with the addition of a dedicated docking port for easy connection to external monitors and peripherals. It also supports optional features like a fingerprint reader, a WWAN module, and a dedicated SD card reader.
Keyboard and Trackpad: A ThinkPad Legacy
ThinkPads are renowned for their comfortable and responsive keyboards, and both the X270 and T470 uphold this legacy.
The X270 features a full-sized keyboard with a comfortable typing experience. The keys have a good amount of travel and provide a satisfying tactile feedback. It also includes the iconic red TrackPoint nubbin for precise cursor control.
The T470 also boasts a full-sized keyboard with a similar typing experience. The keys are slightly larger than the X270, offering a spacious and comfortable typing experience. It also includes a large, responsive trackpad and the signature red TrackPoint nubbin.
Price and Value: Finding the Best Fit for Your Budget
The price of the Lenovo ThinkPad X270 and T470 varies depending on the configuration and features.
The X270 typically starts at a lower price point than the T470, making it a more budget-friendly option. Its compact design and long battery life make it an excellent value for mobile professionals who prioritize portability and efficiency.
The T470 is generally priced higher due to its larger display, more powerful processor options, and enhanced connectivity features. It’s a better value for users who require a more powerful laptop for demanding applications and extended work sessions.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right ThinkPad for Your Needs
Ultimately, the choice between the Lenovo ThinkPad X270 and T470 depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Choose the X270 if:
- You prioritize portability and battery life.
- You need a lightweight and compact laptop for travel.
- Your work primarily involves web browsing, email, and light multitasking.
Choose the T470 if:
- You need a more powerful laptop for demanding applications.
- You prefer a larger display for multi-tasking and content consumption.
- You need robust connectivity options for external peripherals.
Information You Need to Know
Q1: Which laptop is better for gaming?
Neither the X270 nor the T470 are designed for gaming. They lack dedicated graphics cards, making them unsuitable for high-performance gaming.
Q2: Which laptop has a better webcam?
Both laptops offer HD webcams, but the T470’s webcam is slightly better in terms of image quality and clarity.
Q3: Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on either laptop?
Yes, both the X270 and T470 offer upgradeable RAM and storage. You can easily increase the RAM and storage capacity to meet your evolving needs.
Q4: How do the X270 and T470 compare in terms of security features?
Both laptops offer a range of security features, including a fingerprint reader, a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), and support for Windows Hello. The T470 also offers optional features like a dTPM chip and Intel vPro technology for enhanced security and manageability.
Q5: Which laptop is better for students?
Both laptops are suitable for students, but the X270’s portability and long battery life make it a more appealing option for students who need a laptop for on-the-go work and study.
