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Lenovo ThinkBook vs ThinkPad: What are the differences? | Comparison

Lenovo ThinkBook vs ThinkPad: What are the differences? | Comparison

There are many differences as well as similarities between the ThinkBook and ThinkPad. When comparing the Lenovo ThinkPad vs Thinkbook it’s important to note the main difference is the advanced technical specs of the ThinkPad. 

The ThinkBook was created and built with the casual laptop user in mind, whereas the ThinkPad is aimed at business, work and student consumers due to its 12+ hour battery life, 1T (more storage), Dolby Audio, advanced security features, and sturdy design.

If you’re replacing your laptop as a desktop or plan on choosing between the ThinkPad and ThinkBook as a desktop replacement, then the ThinkPad is the ideal choice due to it’s increased storage capability, increased battery life and a step up amongst most technical specifications when compared to the ThinkBook.

Related: Lenovo ThinkPad vs IdeaPad: Which is better?

If you plan to use your laptop for two or less hours per session and only use google sheets, zoom or google docs, then the ThinkBook is a functional, very low-cost 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop for casual use.

In this post I will further cover in greater detail the differences between the two laptops: ThinkBook and ThinkPad (as well as Gen 2 models). I will explain in further detail my personal experience with both of these laptops and which is better as well as how they compare overall.

Lenovo ThinkBook vs ThinkPad: What is the difference between the two?

ThinkBook vs ThinkPad what are the differences_ comparison chart 2

There are major differences between the Lenovo ThinkBook and ThinkPad. The ThinkBook is a more affordable 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop aimed at moderately casual users. The ThinkPad on the other hand has double the battery life (12.1 hours) compared to the 6 hour battery life of the ThinkBook. The ThinkPad also has improved Dolby Audio system, 500GB more storage and a faster processor by .4Ghz on average.

As mentioned, the Lenovo ThinkPad, when compared to the ThinkBook, is more technically advanced and can be affordable when considering the ThinkPad E-series in particular. 

While the ThinkPad E14 & E15 have noticeable improvements compared to the ThinkBook 14 & 15 models, however the ThinkBook 14 Gen 2 has vastly improved specs and compare with the ThinkPad E models a bit more closely and at a really fair price compared to other laptops with similar specs. You can’t go wrong with either model.

Lenovo’s ThinkPad E14 & ThinkPad E15 have a similar price to the ThinkBook and boasts numerous features that are improved compared to the ThinkBook model. 

Between the two models, one of the most important aspects consumers overlook is the battery life. The ThinkPad E14 & E15 has 2x the battery life of the ThinkBook models and aren’t unreasonably pricey (especially considering you’ll want a laptop for years to come).

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Considering a cheap ThinkBook? Well, apart from the shorter battery life and non-Dolby sound system, the ThinkBook 14 & 15 are very good, well built, carefully designed laptops that work great for students or work professionals on a budget.

The Gen 2 ThinkBooks have improved features, but still lack quite a bit regarding battery life compared to the ThinkPad E-series. They also work well for CAD & AutoCAD work (see the best laptops for Autocad)

  • For consumers choosing between a ThinkBook and ThinkPad: the ThinkPad E models are priced similarly as the ThinkBook models and are the main competitors between the laptops in this price point.

ThinkBook vs ThinkPad Chart: Technical specifications & main differences

The Gen 2 models of the Lenovo ThinkBook series (14 & 15) have evolved and been improved to match the Thinkpad on certain specifications, yet the big difference (battery and storage) are still lacking. It’s also increased in price for the Generation 2 models, making the ThinkPad even more appealing.

SpecsLenovo ThinkBook 14 Gen 2Lenovo Thinkpad E14
ProcessorIntel i5AMD Ryzen 5
Battery Life6 hours12.8 hrs & rapid charge
StorageUp to 512 GBUp to 1 TB SSD
RAMUp to 16GBUp to 16GB
Display14″ FHD IPS 250 nits14″ FHD IPS 250 nits
AudioStereo/DolbyDolby Audio
GraphicsIntegrated Intel GraphicsIntegrated Intel Graphics

Which is better: Lenovo ThinkPad or ThinkBook?

ThinkPad vs ThinkBook which is better and how_ 2

The ThinkPad models E14 and ThinkPad E15 have better specs when compared to the ThinkBook 14 and ThinkBook 15; particularly regarding the 6 hour increase in battery life, Dolby Audio, processing speed. The overall design/functionality is also technically more advanced making the Lenovo ThinkPad the better laptop in terms of technical capability. However, the ThinkBook is more affordable and is it’s only real benefit between the two laptops.

Lenovo ThinkBook: Is it worth it?

The improved specs and build design of the ThinkPad series will benefit you a bit more in the long run compared to the ThinkBook considering the 6 hour battery life of a ThinkBook will end up lasting only 2-3 hours after 6 months of use, which I’ve personally tested myself.

For the slight increase in price of the ThinkPad you’re getting a Lenovo device that is both faster and has a longer battery life than the ThinkBook.

If you’re truly on a budget and need to go the ThinkBook route, then the ThinkBook 13s may be of consideration as it proved to be worth it’s pricepoint when I tested it.

If you’re looking for a strong, business laptop for work or school, the ThinkPad E14 or ThinkPad E15 is worth it since it’s particularly more cost-effective than other laptops of the same price range.

Related: Lazarite Pen: Best alternative stylus for Lenovo Flex & Tablets – Full Review

Which is better for work?

The Lenovo ThinkPad series have a stronger processor, more storage, increased battery life and improved functionality as a whole in regards to using the laptop for business or work needs. 

The Laptops are more lightweight for moving around the office or school setting, making the ThinkPad better than the ThinkBook in regards to every aspect besides pricepoint and trackpad, where they both compete fairly closely.

If you’re on a budget and want a ThinkBook with a longer lasting battery, then the ThinkBook Yoga or ThinkBook 13s is most ideal for you as they have improved RAM and battery life amongst the ThinkBook models.

That’s not the only choice you have in the affordable price range: The ThinkPad X395 laptop, ThinkPad T490s as well as the ThinkPad L13 Gen 2 can also compete price wise with ThinkBook models.

Which is better for casual use?

The ThinkBook is aimed towards more casual users and any model above the ThinkPad E & L series may be overkill in regards to technical specifications for a casual user. Casual laptops users in this sense can be defined as those that only need to browse the web, use google spreadsheets or utilize light video streaming via social media, youtube or netflix.

See the Best Tablets for Social Media (Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat)

Which is best for gaming: ThinkBook vs ThinkPad?

Is the ThinkBook and Thinkpad good for gaming and games_ 2

The Best gaming laptop between the ThinkPad and ThinkBook is the Thinkpad, howeer both models only have an integrated graphics card and is not ideal for any application that requires advanced graphics.

If you’re looking for an advanced gaming laptop series from Lenovo, then the ThinkBook and ThinkPad aren’t it. 

You’ll want to check out the Lenovo Legion 5 or IdeaPad gaming 3. These will solve both your standard laptop needs and your gaming needs and aren’t overly expensive.

ThinkBook vs ThinkPad: model comparison

Lenovo ThinkBook 14 & 15 vs ThinkPad E14 & Thinkpad E15 differences compared 2

The thinkBook and thinkPad models have a wide range of different technical specifications and hardware that may cause the casual user to reconsider their choice if they also plan to use CPU-intensive tasks such as certain applications or software. Each Lenovo model relevant to the comparison of the ThinkBook vs ThinkPad will be compared in this section.

Lenovo ThinkPad Series and Model compared to ThinkBooks

While ThinkPads are more expensive and feature rich- the Lenovo ThinkBook models compete with the lower priced ThinkPad L & E models. Historically, these two laptop models have evolved to become the most comparable choices for those buying a lenovo laptop will be choosing between at the $900 price point and lower.

  • Lenovo ThinkPad E model: Built for moderately casual business users; the ThinkPad E models will suit both a small business owner and employees that uses google sheets, internet, and wordpad for several hours each day. They’re very well made, highly capable laptops built to be affordable.
    • Lenovo ThinkPad E15: Compared to the ThinkBook 15 the ThinkPad E15 is similar in certain aspects like RAM, but different because it has more storage (1TB vs 500GB), 6 hours more battery (12.2 hours of use vs 6 hours of the ThinkBook 15) and improved Dolby audio speakers. A very affordable, stylish, feature rich 15 inch Laptop. The ThinkPad E15 will be a step up from most ThinkBooks.
    • Lenovo ThinkPad E14: the E14 is a 14 inch display and has similar specs to the ThinkPad E15 model; Nearly 2x the battery life compared to the ThinkBook as well as Dolby audio and an optional 500gb more storage.
  • Lenovo ThinkPad T, P, X & Yoga: These models are much stronger than ThinkBooks on average: they’re higher priced with more premium features and are best used as a portal workstation for speed and advanced business software processes. The ThinkPad P, X, Yoga and T models typically have a longer battery life than the Thinkbook and are more lightweight. It’s common that these more expensive models also better utilize the Lenovo pens, such as the Lenovo active pen 2 & 1.

Lenovo ThinkBook Series and Model Comparison 

The ThinkBook models cost significantly less than the ThinkPad models. The Lenovo ThinkBook is more affordable and is aimed at a moderately casual user that also may have business needs. It’s portable, lightweight and has similar specs & affordability of the ThinkPad E & L models. Additionally, both models have touch screens.

  • ThinkBook 15: While the ThinkBook 13, 14 & 15 models may be cheaper, they also have lesser battery and storage capabilities. For example, the ThinkBook 15 Gen 2 has a similar processor, display size and quality, and RAM (16GB) as the ThinkPad E15, but it has half the battery life (6 hours compared to 12) and 500GB less max storage. (1TB of the ThinkPad E15 vs 500GB of the ThinkBook 15). The speaker system is also not dolby audio. These small features add up.
  • ThinkBook 14: Similar speed and processing power as the ThinkBook 15, however it does have a 14 inch screen display instead of 15. Making it a very strong, more affordable competitor to the ThinkBook E14 for those that are okay with lesser storage, audio and less sleek design build. Similar ports & connectivity across all models.
  • ThinkBook 13s: This model simply has more battery life (12.1hours) yet a smaller screen size. It’s more affordable and slim, but is just as powerful as the ThinkBook 14 and 15. This is an ideal choice for students and professionals who are okay with a smaller screen size (which works well for many students since its more portable)
    •  While it may have a smaller screen size it has a 50 nit increase (300 nit) IPS antiglare display with Dolby Vision. It’s processor and RAM are similar to that of other ThinkBook models and is a great budget competitor of the ThinkPad E & L models.
  • ThinkBook 14s Yoga: Nearly 2 and a half hours more battery life than the ThinkBook 15 with rapid charge technology and 500GB more max storage. The ThinkBook Yoga is a strong budget competitor to the ThinkPad E14 model for this reason. It also has memory up rto 24GB, making it 8GB RAM capable than the ThinkPad 15E, which is the most comparable price-wise to the ThinkBook models. Not to mention an integrated smart pen.

Tests: Comparing the ThinkPad and ThinkBook individually

Tests Comparing the ThinkPad and ThinkBook individually

The ThinkBook models, in general, are more sleek and lightweight compared to ThinkPad laptops. In terms of performance, ThinkBook laptops are generally similar to ThinkPad laptops, but they may not have all of the same features and capabilities.

It is important to note that Lenovo Yoga models in general are good laptops for drawing as both artists and business professionals need to scribble, draw, sketch, and write for different purposes.

Thinkpad

Thinkpad

Lenovo ThinkPad laptops are known for their durable design, high-quality keyboards, and overall consistent performance. They are often used by business professionals and IT departments in addition to those who are casual laptop users (think web browsing and general email).

Pros

  • On average, has a faster processor than the ThinkBook model (Ghz)
  • Similar RAM, but some models have different upgradable options
  • Very long battery life; sometimes 2x of that of the ThinkBook models

Cons

  • For casual users, tech specs can be overkill for some depending on their needs; meaning you’re paying for something you may not need
  • While secure, a bit more susceptible to damage; especially compared to the durability of a MacBook Air for example.

Thinkbook

Thinkbook

Lenovo ThinkBook laptops, on the other hand, are targeted more towards small business users and some users consider them to be a step down from the ThinkPad models, but this really depends on which model you choose; which can be tough to decipher without looking at the tech specs of each.

Pros

  • Comfortable to use for long periods of time compared to some ThinkPad models
  • Aimed at more casual users in many models, for example the 13X Gen 2 is less powerful than other laptop models from Lenovo – but still fully functional.
  • Has all the ports you may need, and can accept all types of micro sd cards.

Cons

  • Has a powerful, reliable processor in most models.
  • Models continue to evolve and improve as Lenovo creates new ThinkBooks.
  • Older models may not have Dolby Audio (besides the ThinkBook Yoga model).

Thinkpad vs ThinkBook: Hardware & Design comparison

Thinkbook vs Thinkpad technical specifications tested and researched compared 2

This section will cover in detail the design and tech specs I’ve personally tested and researched over the past few years as well as recent models introduced by Lenovo.

Processor 

The ThinkBook 15, 14 and 13 all have an 8 thread processor with 2.4GHz, the ThinkBook YogaS model has slightly improved stats than the ThinkBook 15, 14, and when it comes to the processor at 2.8Ghz and higher turbo boost capability. 

However, the ThinkBook Yoga model is also pricier and doesnt compete with some of the more premium ThinkPad models you could get for the same price. It will come down to quality, build, aesthetics and portability when choosing amongst the ThinkBook Yoga and the ThinkPad models.

RAM

ThinkBook models 13, 14, and 15 have a LPDDR4x Ram range of up to 16GB. The ThinkBook 14s Yoga however has 8GB improved storage of 24GB total. This is on par with most cheaper ThinkPad models (E & L); which also have 16GB of Ram. 

As a rule of thumb 16GB is ideal moving forward and 8GB is considered on the slow side if you’re using the most up to date applications and softwares. 16GB Ram on your Lenovo ThinkBook and ThinkPad is ideal because it will allow you to multi-task.

Graphics & Gaming

The Lenovo ThinkBook models aren’t build for gaming as they each included integrated graphics and do so because it allows for an overall lower cost. The Lenovo ThinkBook and IdeaPad series are also built specifically with business professionals, security, and students in mind. 

If you’re looking for a gaming model that will work great with each. Then You’ll want to check out the Lenovo Legio 5n or IdeaPad gaming 3.

Display & Portability:

All ThinkBook models are over 250 nits with the Yoga having 300 nits total amongst their FHD displays. All displays are touchscreen and the ThinkBook 13 actually is slightly more improved spec-wise when comparing to the larger displays of the 14” and 15”. 

The smaller screen size of 13 inches also allows for longer battery life which is something many consumers forget or ignore when choosing between models. This is a very important spec trade-off to consider, especially if you’re a student who needs a longer battery life and more slim touchscreen laptop with a pen.

Related: Best Surface Pro Alternatives

Battery:

The battery of the ThinkBook smaller sized models is almost double that (2 times) as long lasting as the ThinkBook 14 and 15 models. The Yoga model of the Thinkbook also has a longer lasting battery of roughly 8 hours when I tested this.

The ThinkPad battery is on average significantly longer lasting than the ThinkBook models. While the price point on the ThinkPad E14 & E15 is higher, it’s for a good reason. The ThinkPad E14 and 15 will outlast the battery in a single session compared to the ThinkBook 14 and 15 inch by almost 100% duration. 

A Benchmark of 6 hours on the Thinkbook  compared to 12.1 hours of the ideaPad battery. These models also have a faster charge speed.

Keyboard, Trackpad and build quality/design

The Trackpad of the ThinkPad models are very similar to each other, however the keyboard on the ThinkPad series was more functional than the ThinkBook laptop series when I tested the two. 

The Thinkpad also has an improved, more aesthetically pleasing appearance overall with more functional design and comfort. All keyboard models are both backlit and versatile amongst the various models.

Price

Since the ThinkBook is more casual and the Thinkpad designed as a more business friendly laptop, the difference in price ranges since the hardware of the two needs to be designed for different tasks. 

Historically, the ThinkBook is cheaper at an affordable $500 – $1,200 price point from most online shops. The ThinkPad has more elite, premium features and specs making it pricier at roughly $800-$2100 online. Yoga is the most popular amongst Thinkpad. 

However, there is a Yoga Thinkbook, which is more casual, and has less features regarding speed and display than the Yoga Thinkpad model, yet it has higher specs compared to it’s other ThinkBook models.

ThinkBook 14 vs ThinkPad E14: Which should you get? (Gen 2)

Which should I get the Thinkbook 14 or Thinkpad E14 and what about 13s and yoga 2

I’ve personally tested both of these models. The ThinkBook 14 is a well designed 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop, however the ThinkPad is a step up and is not too much more regards to price.

Even though the Gen 2 or higher ThinkBook models are as powerful as the IdeaPad; the battery lasts half as long (6 hours). This is why I’d still rather go with a ThinkPad if I were to personally choose between the two.

The Thinkpad E14 & ThinkPad E15 laptop models have significantly improved, advanced features when compared to the ThinkBook 14 & ThinkBook 15 models. These features are a 6 hour longer battery life, faster processor and more comfortable keyboard. The price-point is similar, but the ThinkBook is more affordable.

On the ThinkBook, the trackpad was the only feature that felt functionally the same as the ThinkPad E14, all other features, including aesthetics were noticeably improved as mentioned.

A big benefit to getting the ThinkBook is the significantly lower pricepoint because Lenovo is very good at cutting corners. In the ThinkBook models you’ll notice the specs such as the RAM stay similar, because that’s what consumers look for as a common benchmark. However, it’s rare the person choosing between a ThinkBook 14 and ThinkPad E14 consider the sound system and overall build quality. 

The build quality of the ThinkBook isn’t particularly bad, but it’s not as well designed aesthetically as the ThinkPad. The Audio is significantly improved on the Lenovo ThinkPad models, yet most don’t check this before buying. If you’re one to use airpods or earphones, then the lack of audio won’t be noticeable. The 6 hour reduction in battery life, however will. 

Processor & RAM

While there are many modded versions of the Lenovo ThinkBook and ThinkPad to choose from (especially from online sources such as amazon), the Processor of the ThinkPad is on average faster regarding GHz amongst the ThinkBook E14 series. 

It’s important to check which Generation you’re getting when comparing the two models. The ThinkPad Gen 2 vs the ThinkBook will have similar RAM if you’re getting it from Lenovo. However, many professionals and experts in the laptop space sell improved version of each model, so it can be tough to determine which is better if you don’t understand the underlying touchscreen laptop you are getting.

Battery

The battery is where the two models, thinkbook 14 & 15 and thinkpad E14 E15 greatly differ. I’m also mentioning the battery first herem because it’s where most other experts lack their research. 

I’ve performed extensive research on the two model’s battery differences and the ThinkPad has nearly a 2x increase in battery life when compared to the ThinkBook. On average the Thinkbook has a battery life of 6 hours (non 13s and non-Yoga model) and the ThinkPad commonly has 12.1 hours or longer battery life amongst the various models.

If you’re getting the ThinkBook 13s, then the battery is greatly improved. This is possible because the display is smaller and it’s built for portability.

Audio

The Audio differences between the two devices can be characterized as Dolby vs non dolby speaker system. Many movies and video use Dolby audio to enhance the listening experience. However, the ThinkPad is the only model that allows for the Dolby audio (unless you’re going for the ThinkBook Yoga model).

When choosing between the two devices, having the Dolby sound system in the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 was a necessary upgrade for most students or anyone that decides to watch youtube or netflix on their device (even for a short period of time).

Related: 17 Best Tablets for Netflix

Display

Displays are very similar with 250nits across the two models. These are FHD and both looked great when I used them next to each other. I was able to watch and stream videos without a problem and the entire experience felt comfortable. No clear winner between the two regarding the display.

For those in search of a touchscreen 2-in-1 laptop, then you’ll likely be considering alternate choices, especially if you’re drawing. For example, the Surface pro 7 vs iPad Pro for drawing would ideally be considered for artists instead of a business laptop like Lenovo due to the aim each brand had in mind for their device.

Build: Keyboard, TrackPad &

The build of the ThinkBook feels quite premium, however it’s no match for the ThinkPad, it’s simply less complex/advanced overall. There were no bends and the overall keyboard area felt solid. The Lenovo keyboards of the ThinkPad felt more premium when side-by-side to the ThinkBook.

Stylus

As far as the Lenovo Thinkpad and Ideapad stylus and pen, these devices typically use the integrated included pen. However, the more premium models such as the IdeaPad use the Lenovo Active pen 1 & 2. For example, the Lenovo Yoga vs flex can be compared if you are drawing or writing using the stylus pen on your touchscreen as your main focus.

ThinkBook 13s Gen 2: Best cheap Lenovo ThinkBook for students.

Lenovo ThinkBook 13s_ How is it different than other think books and think pads_ 2

If you’re a student the ThinkBook 13s will be one of the most affordable, yet portable laptop as it’s spec’s are essentially tailored to those in school.

That means this model has an increase of over 6 hours when compared to the 14 and 15 inch models from Lenovo! This is a huge difference. The only other model of the ThinkBook that has a longer than average battery life is the Yoga which is as pricey as a ThinkPad E-series.

The device is also significantly lighter than other models at 2.78lbs! This is a very lightweight laptop compared to it;s larger models and it’s processor is just as strong: 8 threads with a 2.8GHz. This is likely possible at such a low price point due to the ThinkBook 13s lacking Dolby audio and a fwe other small differences such as the graphics card.

For example, the ThinkBook 13s has more battery life (12.1 hours total) when compared to other ThinkBook models

The ThinkBook 13s, like all other ThinkBook and ThinkPad E series laptops are not specifically created with gaming in mind. If you’re in search of a gaming laptop, this is not it.

Processor & RAM

The Processor and Ram of this device is fairly quick at 16GB of LPDDR4X ram. The 13s will perform well for nearly all school related tasks and softwares. If you are an animator or drawing on the device as a profession, then you may want to consider a different device because Lenovo does not specialize their thinkBooks in this regard.

Display & Design

The screen size 13.3” actually has Dolby Vision built in and it favors a low power design with 300 nits. This is a truly premium display considering it’s low cost. Historically, other models of the ThinkBook such a the 14 and 15, can’t compete with the quality of the display the 13s boasts.

Battery

The battery of the ThinkBook 13s is significantly longer than that of the other models such as the ThinkBook 14 or 15. In fact, the battery difference is over 6 hours longer on a single charge. This means you’re getting one of the highest charge durations i na battery that Lenovo offers amongst the majority of it’s devices. 

The long battery life allows for students and work professionals experience much less stressful since most batteries don’t last as long as they claim, at least after years of continuous use. Laptops in the classroom, especially college are growing immensely and are evolving from Desktop to laptops quicker than expected (source).

Keyboard & TrackPad

The Keyboard and Trackpad are on par with the ThinkPad, which is a higher level quality than that of other devices. The Think Book 13s vs the Thinkbook 14 or 15 can be characterized as great keyboards, budget price, and low duration battery excluding the 13s model. 

The keyboard design felt comfortable overall on the 13s and it’s smaller size didn’t pose any differences when I tested each device listed in this post. 

Audio

The Audio on the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s was quite different than the other models from Lenovo. 

For example other models will have either a standard speaker system or Dolby Audio; whereas the Thinkbook 13s has 2 x 2 ‘Harmon Kardon” speakers, which aren’t bad, but certainly don’t sound like Dolby or match the other Lenovo 2-in-1 laptops.

This may had been a keen strategy for Dolby to cut back on price while still maintaining a highly functional laptop. 

This is good news since most consumers can benefit by grabbing the 13s at a lower cost than other 13 models with similar specs, such as the Asus or HP models; which don’t excel for business use the way lenovo allows.

Applications & Software

Lenovo Laptops are business laptops, so by default, they run Windows and the Microsoft Office software so as it’s compatible with documents, spreadsheets, excel and other work related activities that require security and ease of use. This means that Lenovo Laptops can also run desktop versions of other important software like Adobe photo or Lightroom.

The ThinkBook and IdeaPad are not made with running these advanced animation softwares in mind; so if you’re looking for the best tablets for Adobe Lightroom, then visit our post here to learn in detail what works best and why.

How to choose: Lenovo ThinkPad or ThinkBook?

Lenovo ThinkBook Yoga model compared to other think books and models 2

When choosing between the Lenovo ThinkPad or ThinkBook there are various factors you’ll want to consider based on whether you’re a student or work professional. For example, if you value portability, battery & affordability over speed & power, then you’ll want to choose a cheaper Lenovo ThinkBook model with a longer battery life, like the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s. 

If you’re looking for a workstation the ThinkPad X or T series are the ideal choice due to an overall technically advanced processor & build quality.

The most important factor being the battery and audio since the other specs remain quite similar; meaning you won’t have to worry too much about those specs varying to a degree that causes a fuss amongst your decision making process.

Will you need to replace your desktop with Lenovo? Then the Lenovo ThinkPad models are more ideal for your situation. If you’re a student and only need google sheets, spreadsheets, wordpad, streaming, internet tabs or google docs, then the Lenovo ThinkBook may work best for you, particularly if you’re also on a budget.

FAQ

What are the Lenovo ThinkBook and ThinkPad?

The Lenovo ThinkBook and ThinkPad are the Lenovo lines of 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop’s that have different models based on both casual and business needs. If you’re a small business owner the ThinkPad may be ideal. If you’re a casual user, then the ThinkBook is likely the most affordable option without buying extra features you won’t need or use.

What is a ThinkPad laptop?

The ThinkPad model from Lenovo is a series of laptop models that range from having a trendy, sleek design with the business-first design in mind toa  less costly features that cut the corners and sacrifice  hardware such as audio and graphics in order to provide higher quality, more affordable laptops that are good for browsing the web and fast enough to not cause frustration during use.

What is a ThinkBook laptop?

The ThinkBook is a laptop that is both affordable and meets the technical specifications of a casual user such as 500GB of Storage and up to 16GB of ram. It also has an integrated graphics card and lower tier audio systems (non-Dolby) that allow it to be more cost-effective for casual users who are not using the laptop for CPU-tasks. The ThinkBook is best for those who are streaming video on Youtube or Netflix and occasionally browse the web and download files. 

Can I use an active stylus pen on the Lenovo ThinkBook or ThinkPad?

The Lenovo ThinkPads do have stylus pen support and require the pen’s settings app to be installed on the device. The ThinkPads have more compatibility for pens; particularly the Yoga models are best amongst the ThinkBook and ThinkPad for using the Pen. For example, the ThinkBook Yoga is compatible with the ThinkBook Yoga Integrated Smart Pen, whereas the ThinkPad’s Yoga S1 on the other hand uses the ThinkPad Yoga Pen.

The best stylus for drawing pen is the Lenovo Active Pen 2, which is used by the ThinkPad X1 tablet models, Standard ThinkPad Yoga models like the 720 or 920. For more, see our post on the 7 Best Stylus Pens for Lenovo Yoga, ThinkPad and ideaPad.

Conclusion

In this post, I’ve explained every objective benchmark I’ve achieved through various testing of both the ThinkPad vs Ideapad with a focus on allowing you to make the best choice possible based on your needs.

ThinkBooks are affordable and nothing is particularly lacking in terms of a functional laptop besides the lack of battery life and slightly less dull audio system compared to that of the ThinkPad

The improved features of the ThinkPad are hard to ignore; including the 2x longer battery life and Dolby audio system built-in. However, the display, processor and RAM are fairly similar, yet the ThinkPad has a slight edge amongst all other techincal specifications.

Amongst my testing I found the battery life per a single charge and audio system quality were the biggest differences between the ThinkPad and ThinkBook. 

There are also other differences to compare such as the ThinkBook’s smaller storage capacity and overall price. In short, the ThinkBook line of touchscreen 2-in-1 laptops are a series of more affordable laptops with with lesser performance regarding speed, battery life and storage, whereas the ThinkPad is a more premium device on average amongst their different models.

The E-Series and L-series ThinkPad is the most comparable to the ThinkBook 14 and 15. The ThinkBook also has a Yoga model and a 13s model that have greater battery life, ram capability and other improved features and are comparable to the price points of the ThinkPad.

If you’re a casual user, the ThinkBook is likely more suited for you given you’re on a budget. If you’re a business or work professional who needs a strong laptop to last them for both casual and professional use, then the ThinkPad is well designed and have great technical specifications for doing so.

About the author:

Photo of Paul Michael, Founder of MediaPeanut

Paul Michael

Paul Michael is a media and technology expert whose research reveals how technology and media are being used in the world today. He has expertise on computers, the internet, streaming, Roku, electronics, and education. He also enjoys graphic design & digital art. Paul has his Bachelors of Arts and Science(s) from Rutgers University-New Brunswick, NJ