3 months ago
10
Lenovo is a popular name in the world of professional laptops. Even in consumer-grade laptops, the company has made its mark.
Lenovo has three main laptop tiers. The first is the IdeaPad, which is focused on consumer-level computing power. The best Lenovo ThinkPads are targeted at business professionals. And ThinkBooks like the ThinkBook 16 G7 IML sit somewhere in the middle, aimed at prosumers.
But is is one of the best business laptops for those who need a machine for work and play? We put it to the test.
Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML: Unboxing & first impressions
The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G7 IML Laptop was securely packaged in an eco-friendly box. Inside were the laptop, a 65W USB-C charger, and the documentation. All around, it was a pretty average unboxing experience.
When I pulled the packing sleeve off the laptop, I appreciated its build quality. It feels high quality and sturdy, and it looks professional. I also didn't mind the grey color. While I prefer black or darker computers, grey still looks pretty good.
Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML: Design & build quality
Processor: Up to Intel Core Ultra 7
Memory: Up to 64GB DDR5
Storage: Up to two M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs
Display: 16” WQXGA (2560x1600) IPS, 350 nits, 100% sRGB, 120Hz
Graphics: Intel Arc graphics
Battery: 45Wh or 71Wh options, with Rapid Charge support
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro/Home
The ThinkBook 16 G7 IML has an aluminum top and PC-ABS bottom construction. It has a smooth-typing, spill-resistant keyboard and a large touchpad. It's worth noting that, unlike the ThinkPad, the ThinkBook does not have buttons with the touchpad, nor does it have the iconic red TouchPoint in the center of the keyboard.
As this is the newer generation of ThinkBooks, a dedicated Copilot button at the bottom of the keyboard allows quick and easy access to the Microsoft Copilot Ai assistant. This key is to the right of the right-most alt button, so it's easy to access when desired.
One of the benefits of having a 16-inch screen is that the space allotted for a keyboard is much larger. Because of this, Lenovo was able to add a full numpad to the right of the full-size keyboard. For those who work with numbers or data entry, this could help speed up input exponentially, especially if you are already used to using a numpad.
Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML: In use
I've had this laptop in rotation for a few months. Writing articles (such as this one) and spreadsheets or managing projects in programs like Notion, Asana, Monday.com, or Trello has been lovely. Thanks to the larger screen and quick processing power, this has also been fantastic for business admin tasks. I've flown through emails, putting together documents, basic photo editing, and a lot of internet-based work.
The 16-inch, high-resolution screen has also been great for portable work, especially around the house. It's larger than I would want to carry around as a remote/hybrid worker, but this has been great around the house. For example, I am writing this review sitting on my front porch while my kids play outside. The keyboard is comfortable enough that I don't need an external keyboard, and the trackpad is responsive. Today is overcast, making the screen bright for outdoor use. If it was a clear sky, and I had more direct sun on the screen, it would be harder to see but still usable.
The entire UI feels fast and responsive, and everything loads quickly. The function row has a mic mute button, volume controls, screen brightness, smart keys, and more.
This laptop features Windows Hello for easy and secure sign-in, allowing you to log in using your face or fingerprint. The ports are excellent, with USB-A on both sides, Thunderbolt and a USB-C on the left side, full-size HDMI on the left side, and an Ethernet port and an SD card reader on the right.
Using this laptop for my business has been a great experience. It's surprisingly powerful and user-friendly. The addition of Copilot has significantly boosted productivity, and the enhanced power is a great bonus.
Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML: Final verdict
The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML is a powerhouse for professionals who demand top-tier performance at the prosumer end of the market. It has a quality 16-inch display and a robust, stylish design. Its comprehensive connectivity options and high memory capacity make it ideal for demanding business tasks. While its weight and battery life in certain configurations might be minor drawbacks, the overall package is highly compelling for anyone seeking a reliable and powerful business laptop.
For more Lenovo laptops, we reviewed the best mobile workstations.
