Lenovo ThinkPad 14" 21ML0056US Negro 2024

With 32GB of RAM in the 88th percentile, this ThinkPad is a multitasking beast in a 1.38kg package. The port selection is a standout, but the CPU is just average and the integrated graphics are a real letdown for anything beyond basic tasks. It's a great business laptop if you can find it for around $1450, but a poor value at its $2360 high price.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 135U is a 12-core chip, but don't let the core count fool you. In our database, it's a middle-of-the-pack performer, roughly on par with the median laptop CPU. For Office apps, browser tabs, and video calls, it's more than enough. But if you're compiling code or rendering video, you'll feel the lack of punch compared to something with an H-series chip. The integrated Intel Graphics are similarly average, landing in the 53rd percentile. It'll handle a second monitor and light photo editing, but gaming is a complete non-starter, scoring a dismal 20.4 out of 100.

The real star here is the 32GB of DDR5 RAM. That's a leading amount for an ultraportable, letting you keep dozens of Chrome tabs, Slack, and a few virtual machines open without a hiccup. The 512GB SSD is just okay, capacity-wise, but it's an NVMe drive so boot times and app launches will feel snappy. The 52Wh battery is a bit small for a modern 14-inch laptop, so don't expect all-day stamina if you're pushing the CPU.

Stacked against the Apple MacBook Pro M4 Pro, the ThinkPad gets absolutely crushed in raw performance. The M4 Pro is a top-of-the-charts chip, while the Core Ultra 5 135U is just average. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 and HP OMEN Transcend 14 are gaming-focused machines that also outclass the ThinkPad in CPU and GPU power, though they're heavier and have worse battery life. The Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro is a closer competitor, with a stunning OLED screen that makes the ThinkPad's 45% NTSC panel look dull, but the ThinkPad fights back with double the RAM and a much better port selection. The MSI Prestige is another lightweight business contender, but the ThinkPad's reliability and keyboard give it a clear edge for the office crowd.

Pricing on this model is all over the map, with a spread of $910 between vendors. At the low end of $1450, you're getting a solid deal for a business laptop with 32GB of RAM and a great port selection. But at the high end of $2360, it's a tough sell. For that kind of money, you're in MacBook Pro territory, which will run circles around this ThinkPad in CPU and GPU performance. If you can find it closer to the $1450 mark, the value proposition makes a lot more sense.

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 lands in a weird spot. It's got a generous 32GB of RAM, which puts it in the 88th percentile for memory, and the port selection is a standout at the 91st percentile. But the CPU and storage are dead average, sitting right at the 52nd percentile. So you're getting a machine that's built for multitasking and connectivity, not raw speed.

At 1.38kg, it's impressively light, ranking in the 83rd percentile for compactness. The 14-inch touchscreen is solid, with a 400-nit brightness that's above average, though the 45% NTSC color gamut tells you this isn't meant for creative work. It's a business laptop through and through, with a focus on reliability and a keyboard that'll make your fingers happy.

Anyone who needs serious CPU or GPU power should look elsewhere. The 52nd percentile CPU score and a gaming score of just 20.4 out of 100 mean this laptop will choke on video editing, 3D modeling, or any modern games. Creative professionals will also be disappointed by the screen's limited color gamut. If your workflow goes beyond Office, email, and web apps, a MacBook Pro or a Zephyrus G14 is a much better fit.

The ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 is a purpose-built machine. It's not trying to win any speed records, and it absolutely fails as a gaming laptop. But for a business traveler who needs a light, durable laptop with a fantastic keyboard and enough RAM to never think twice about multitasking, it's a strong choice. Just make sure you're paying a fair price for it. If you can snag it near the lower end of its price range, it's a dependable workhorse. If you're paying over two grand, you're getting fleeced.