Lenovo ThinkPad P14s G4: A Compact OLED Workstation with Limitations

Introduction:

The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s G4 is a compact and portable workstation designed for professionals in fields such as design, engineering, and data science. Its sleek design and powerful hardware make it a compelling option for professionals seeking a portable and capable workstation. However, certain limitations, particularly in terms of endurance, may be a consideration for potential buyers.

Design and Build Quality:

The P14s G4 sports a sleek and understated design, weighing in at just 1.45 kilograms. The chassis is constructed from a durable carbon fiber composite, ensuring both lightweight portability and ruggedness. The ThinkPad signature black color scheme exudes a professional aesthetic.

Display:

The highlight of the P14s G4 is its stunning 14-inch OLED display with a 2880 x 1800 resolution. The OLED panel delivers exceptional color reproduction, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles. The display is also coated with Gorilla Glass for added protection against scratches and damage.

Processor and Graphics:

The P14s G4 is powered by Intel's 12th-generation Core i7-1270P processor, which provides ample power for demanding workloads. The integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics is capable of handling light graphics tasks and basic gaming. For more demanding graphical applications, external GPUs can be connected via the Thunderbolt 4 ports.

Memory and Storage:

The P14s G4 comes equipped with 16GB of LPDDR5 memory, providing fast and efficient multitasking capabilities. The storage consists of a 512GB NVMe SSD, offering ample storage space for files and applications.

Battery Life:

One potential limitation of the P14s G4 is its battery life. Despite its compact size, the battery capacity of 52 watt-hours is relatively small. In real-world testing, it managed to endure only around 6 hours of continuous video playback or light productivity tasks. This may be a concern for users who require extended battery life.

Ports and Connectivity:

The P14s G4 offers a comprehensive selection of ports and connectivity options. It features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-C ports, an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, and a microSD card slot. The built-in Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 provide fast and reliable wireless connectivity.

Security Features:

Being a ThinkPad device, the P14s G4 incorporates robust security features to protect user data and privacy. It includes a fingerprint reader, webcam privacy shutter, and TPM 2.0 security chip. The ThinkShield suite of security software provides additional layers of protection.

Conclusion:

The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s G4 is a well-designed and powerful compact workstation that is suitable for professionals requiring a portable and capable computing solution. Its OLED display, powerful processor, and comprehensive connectivity options make it an excellent choice for design, engineering, and data science applications. However, its limited battery life may be a concern for users who demand extended unplugged usage.