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Two Key Lenovo ThinkPad Laptop Lines Gain AI Brains, Sustainable Designs

The Lenovo ThinkPad family grows with new X- and L-series laptops, this time built around AI-enabled silicon from both AMD and Intel.

By Brian Westover
March 19, 2024
Lenovo ThinkPad L13 2-in-1 Gen 5 (Credit: Lenovo)

Getting offices ready for AI, Lenovo just announced a handful of new ThinkPad laptops for business users, with Intel Core Ultra-powered updates to the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and ThinkPad L-series model lines. With sizes ranging between 13-inch and 16-inch models, and both laptop and 2-in-1 form factors, these latest ThinkPads present the latest features and powerful processing to pro users.

These new models mark the fifth generation of both the X13 and L series, and the focus is on AI hardware and the latest in connectivity: The newest ThinkPads provide the choice of either Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen Pro processing, both with built-in AI capability. They also all support up to Wi-Fi 7 (depending on the model), and 4G LTE or 5G mobile connectivity is available on select configs.


Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 5: Available in Regular or Hybrid Flavors

The ThinkPad X13 packs Intel Core Ultra processors, and though the chip model isn't specified, Lenovo is promoting the laptop's AI-driven features, like Windows Copilot, which leverages Intel's neural processing unit (NPU)—specialized hardware that powers AI tasks as varied as image recognition, natural language processing, and machine learning.

Lenovo ThinkPad X13 2-in-1 Gen 5
(Credit: Lenovo)

Sold as both the ThinkPad X13 Gen 5 laptop and the ThinkPad X13 2-in-1 Gen 5, these professional laptops are also outfitted with up to 64GB of memory, as much as 2TB of SSD storage, and Intel Xe and Arc Graphics, depending on the configuration chosen.

Both the clamshell-laptop and 2-in-1 models use 13.3-inch panels with 1,920-by-1,200-pixel resolution and 16:10 aspect ratios. Other features include optional high-resolution 5MP cameras, complete with infrared sensing and physical shutters for privacy and security. 

Business-friendly features like Kensington lock slots make it easy to physically secure the laptop, further helped by built-in fingerprint sensors for secure login. As for connectivity, you get 10Gbps USB-C ports for speedy data transfer, and Wi-Fi 7 on Intel-powered models. If you need connectivity on the go, Lenovo will sell an option for 4G LTE or 5G Sub-6 mobile broadband. Intel vPro and IT management tools come standard.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 5 comes in two versions: standard laptop, and flexible 2-in-1. The ThinkPad X13 Gen 5 laptop will start at $1,239, while the ThinkPad X13 2-in-1 Gen 5 will have a base price of $1,399. Both models will begin selling in Q2 of this year.


Lenovo ThinkPad L-Series: Now in 16-Inch Size

The ThinkPad L-series is also back, continuing from the recently reviewed Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 4, with new models in a variety of screen sizes: 13-inch and 14-inch models, plus a new 16-incher.

Lenovo ThinkPad L13 2-in-1 Gen 5
(Credit: Lenovo)

Most of these L-series ThinkPads are available with either Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen Pro 7030 CPU options. Both support the latest AI-based features in Windows 11, such as Windows Copilot, as well as less-obvious features, such as smart video blur, automatic audio enhancement, and other AI-powered capabilities.

Like the X13 models mentioned above, the L-series ThinkPads are outfitted with 16:10-aspect-ratio display panels, Dolby Audio sound, and optional 4G LTE mobile networking. Intel models offer the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, while AMD-based models will be limited to Wi-Fi 6E.

The ThinkPad L14 Gen 5, in particular, also adds sustainable design to its list of features and capabilities, thanks to Lenovo extending a partnership with independent repairability watchdog iFixit announced last month. With enhanced reparability and more easily obtained replacement parts, the ThinkPad L14 and L16 models promise a longer usable lifespan, which will not only reduce the cost of ownership but also reduce landfill waste.

One key claimed improvement to the ThinkPad L14 Gen 5 is the use of cutting-edge 3M Optical Film, which uses brightness-enhancing DBEF5 technology to boost the backlight output of LCDs, delivering better display brightness and contrast without sacrificing battery life or placing additional strain on the screen components.

The Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Gen 5 and ThinkPad L13 2-in-1 Gen 5 will begin selling this spring for $1,199 and $1,319. The 14-inch Lenovo ThinkPad L14 is a laptop-only model, but comes in Intel- and AMD-powered versions, and will sell for $1,179 and $999, respectively.

Finally, the new Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 will be sold this spring with either Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen Pro 7030 series processors, starting-priced at $1,179 and $999, respectively. 

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About Brian Westover

Lead Analyst, Hardware

If you’re after laptop buying advice, I’m your man. I’ve been reviewing PCs and technology products for more than a decade. I cut my teeth in PC Labs, spending several years with PCMag.com before writing for other outlets, among them LaptopMag.com and Tom’s Guide. While computers are my main focus, I am also the resident Starlink expert, and an AI enthusiast. I’ve also written at length about topics ranging from fitness gear and appliances to TV and home theater equipment. If I’ve used it, I have opinions about it, whether somebody’s paying me to write them up or not.

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