Lenovo ThinkPad T470 in the test. Advantages, disadvantages, specifications
Our test model is the ThinkPad T470, which cost €1,500 when it was launched. The device is equipped with a modern Core i5-6300U processor, 8 GB RAM, a 256 GB NVMe SSD and a matte IPS Full HD display. The security features are extensive as usual and Lenovo has now also introduced a full Thunderbolt 3 port with USB Type-C.
Lenovo ThinkPad T470 notebooks: Robust construction and high build quality
The Lenovo ThinkPad T470 is one of Lenovo's notebooks that marks the start of the new version of the ThinkPad chassis. The dimensions of the device have hardly changed, but the new T470 is still easy to distinguish from its predecessor. The Chinese manufacturer has once again opted for a black casing and has dispensed with the dark grey color scheme.
Overall, both the stability and the build quality are very good. One of the T470's strengths is the external battery (two batteries in total), which is easily accessible from the rear. It is located in the middle and has no feet, which means that the device is very stable on the desk even after removing the battery.
Lenovo ThinkPad T470: Ports
Lenovo has also used the new casing to improve the connections. The slot for the SIM card (micro-SIM) is now once again located in the battery compartment on the back of the device. The most important difference to the previous model is the implementation of the Thunderbolt 3 port, which is also a USB Type C (Gen2) port and can be used for charging (Power Deliver 2.0). TB3 is extremely versatile and therefore future-proof. The supported protocols also include DisplayPort 1.2a. This supports high-resolution 4K screens at 60 Hz, while the HDMI 1.4 output only supports 4K at 24 Hz.
Lenovo makes very good use of the available space on both sides of the chassis and adds three standard USB 3.0 ports (USB 3.1 Gen1, 1x always active), an RJ45 Ethernet port, a full SD card reader and a SmartCard reader. Docking stations (older models are still compatible) can be connected via the docking port on the underside. I really like the layout - all the ports are on the side. There is also enough space between the individual ports. The performance of the normal USB ports is good, we measured them and they achieve a transfer speed of over 380 MB/s.
T470: Communication
In addition to the integrated Gigabit controller (Intel I219V) for wired networks, wireless networks can of course also be accessed. Lenovo offers various adapters, our test model is equipped with the Intel Dual-Band Wireless-AC 8265 module. As the name suggests, this is a dual-band module (2x2, 2.4 and 5 GHz) with a maximum transmission speed of 867 Mbps. All modern WiFi standards are supported, including the fast 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2
Our standardized Wi-Fi test with a router (at a distance of one meter) delivers very good results for our test model. We measured a speed of 650 Mbps receiving and 512 Mbps transmitting, making the T470 one of the fastest systems in this range.
The ThinkPad is also available with an optional WWAN module. Lenovo offers two different models: Intel XMM 7160 (Fibocom L831-EAU, 4G LTE) and Qualcomm Snapdragon X7 LTE-A (Sierra Wireless EM7455). It is also possible to install the corresponding module after purchase, as all the necessary antennas are already prepared. The WWAN module uses the M.2-2242 slot, so no additional SSD drive (M.2-2242) can be used in this case.
The security features of the ThinkPad T470 are very comprehensive and leave nothing to be desired. This starts with the extensive BIOS, in which various passwords can be set and all ports can be individually configured. Lenovo has also implemented a Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) and supports Computrace
The Windows login can be secured with a standard password, a smartcard or a fingerprint reader. In contrast to the old ThinkPad T460, Lenovo has now implemented a very convenient touch scanner that you simply place your finger on. This works very quickly and reliably in practice. Face recognition via the camera is not supported.
T470: Interior
To gain access to the components, the entire bottom cover must be removed. Before opening, the 6 small Phillips screws must be loosened. It is recommended to use a suitable tool for this. It is best to start at the back and work your way to the front
After opening, there are some advantages over modern consumer ultrabooks, as only the processor is soldered to the mainboard. There are two SO-DIMM slots, only one of which is fitted with an 8 GB module (DDR4-2400) in our test model. There is a free M.2-2242 slot between the WiFi module and the 2.5-inch slot, which can either be used for a WWAN module (with prepared antennas) or an SSD. The NVMe SSD (M.2-2280) in our test model is housed in a 2.5-inch slot with an adapter. The fan, CMOS battery and internal battery are also easily accessible
Lenovo equips all ThinkPads with good keyboards, with the P and T series models generally performing the best. Compared to the old ThinkPad T460, Lenovo has of course not changed anything, which is not a bad decision. The black chiclet key layout is still one of the best in the notebook class. The response and key travel are excellent and those who type a lot will be very happy with the slightly concave keys. Another advantage over the somewhat thinner ThinkPad T460s and the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is the relatively long key travel
We also like the general typing noise, only large keys such as Enter or the space bar sound a little louder. As always with ThinkPads, the layout differs slightly from the standard assignment, but you can swap the functions of Fn and Ctrl in the BIOS settings. The function keys start additional functions by default (such as brightness control, volume etc.), which can be changed with FnLock (Fn+Esc) or in the BIOS
Precision touchpad
Lenovo continues to use a two-stage white keyboard illumination. This makes typing in dark environments easier, but we would like to see a brighter third lighting mode.
Lenovo equips its new ThinkPads with so-called Precision Touchpads. This means that the inputs are supported directly by the operating system and not by a third-party driver. The Synaptics touchpad can still be found in the settings menu, but its functionality is severely limited compared to previous models. You can only adjust the sensitivity and the palm deflector. You can also define a zone at the edges in which clicks are not recognized. All other settings, such as the gesture configuration, are now limited to the Windows system settings
The ClickPad from Synaptics is sufficiently large (10 x 7 cm) and works very well. It has good gliding properties and gestures are recognized reliably. The dedicated mouse buttons (lower half of the touchpad) perform clicks reliably, but are somewhat loud. The touchpad is firmly integrated into the palm rest and does not make any noise
The TrackPoint with three dedicated mouse buttons above the touchpad is also available to move the cursor. This works as well as ever and the buttons accept clicks across the entire width. Only the clicking noise is not optimal. The left button is pleasantly quiet, but the right button was audible on our test model. Nevertheless, the device is on a high level.
Operation of the Lenovo ThinkPad T470
The Lenovo ThinkPad T470 is a very quiet notebook. In idle mode and under low load, the fan is usually switched off, which enables quiet working. We only occasionally notice phases in which the fan starts up, but the generated noise level of 29 dB(A) is only audible in a very quiet environment. The fan reacts to the load with a certain delay and increases the speed gradually (not continuously). Our measuring device shows an average of 31 dB(A) at medium load and almost 35 dB(A) at full load. The noise is audible, but in our opinion does not interfere with work
The two stereo speakers are located at the front on the sides and direct the sound downwards. This dampens the sound on soft surfaces. Both modules achieve a reasonable maximum volume of approx. 80 dB(A). Our WLAN test with adjusted brightness of approx. 150 nits (2nd level on our test model) resulted in a good battery life of 6 hours, which clearly surpasses the predecessor model ThinkPad T460 (46 Wh, 5 hours).
The new ThinkPad T470 was able to convince me in many areas. The keyboard is still one of the best in the notebook class. Lenovo has also improved the spacing between the ports and implemented all relevant standards, including Thunderbolt 3. The laptop's performance is very good and there are no limitations even under extreme load. The T470 is a notebook worth recommending
