The Lenovo ThinkPad T570 is a business-oriented laptop that was released in 2017. It's known for its durability, security features, and excellent keyboard. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the T570, diving deep into its specs, performance, and overall user experience. We'll analyze its strengths and weaknesses to help you determine if it's the right machine for your needs.
Design and Build Quality
The ThinkPad T570 follows the classic ThinkPad design language, characterized by its black matte finish and robust build. The lid features the iconic ThinkPad logo, and the bottom has a textured rubberized finish that adds to its grippy feel. The T570 is constructed with magnesium alloy and reinforced with carbon fiber, making it extremely durable and resistant to scratches and dents. It's a laptop built to withstand the rigors of everyday use and even the occasional accidental drop.
The keyboard is a highlight of the T570. It's known for its excellent tactile feedback and key travel. The keys are well-spaced and comfortable to type on, making it a pleasure to work on long documents. The trackpoint, a small red nubbin located between the G and H keys, is another distinctive feature of ThinkPad laptops. It provides a precise and efficient way to control the cursor, offering a more subtle and less obtrusive alternative to the touchpad.
The T570's display options include a range of resolutions, from a standard 1366 x 768 to a higher resolution 1920 x 1080 display. The display quality is decent, offering good brightness and viewing angles. However, it doesn't offer the same level of vibrancy and color accuracy found in higher-end displays.
Performance
The T570 is equipped with 7th Generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, coupled with up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM. This combination provides ample power for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and light multitasking. It can also handle more demanding tasks like video editing and gaming with some limitations.
The T570 offers a range of storage options, including traditional hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), and even hybrid drives. While the hard drive provides ample storage space, it's significantly slower than SSDs. SSDs offer considerably faster boot times, application loading speeds, and overall system responsiveness. The T570 also features an optional discrete graphics card, the Nvidia GeForce 940MX, which enhances its multimedia capabilities and gaming performance.
Battery Life
The T570's battery life is a strong point. With a 48Wh battery, it provides an average of 8-10 hours of usage on a single charge. This makes it suitable for long work sessions or travel, especially with its power-saving features. However, the battery life can vary based on usage patterns and display brightness.
Ports and Connectivity
The T570 offers a decent selection of ports, including two USB 3.0 ports, one USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3 support, HDMI, and a microSD card reader. It also features a gigabit Ethernet port for wired network connectivity. For wireless connectivity, it comes equipped with Intel's 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1.
Security Features
Security is a top priority for Lenovo ThinkPad laptops. The T570 comes with a variety of security features, including a fingerprint reader, a TPM chip, and a Kensington lock slot. It also supports several security software solutions, including Lenovo's own ThinkPad Security Manager and Microsoft's BitLocker encryption.
Software and Operating System
The T570 ships with Windows 10 Professional pre-installed, providing a stable and familiar user experience. Lenovo also includes a few of its own utilities, such as Lenovo Vantage for system management and Lenovo Companion for customer support.
Strengths
Here are some of the key strengths of the Lenovo ThinkPad T570:
- Durability: The T570 is built to withstand the rigors of everyday use and even accidental drops. Its magnesium alloy and carbon fiber construction ensure its longevity.
- Excellent Keyboard: The keyboard is a standout feature, offering excellent tactile feedback and key travel, making it a pleasure to type on.
- Solid Performance: The T570 delivers sufficient performance for most everyday tasks and even some more demanding workloads.
- Long Battery Life: The T570 offers impressive battery life, allowing users to work for extended periods without needing to recharge.
- Security Features: The T570 is equipped with various security features, including a fingerprint reader, TPM chip, and Kensington lock slot, providing a secure computing experience.
Weaknesses
While the T570 excels in many areas, it has a few drawbacks:
- Average Display: The display, while functional, isn't particularly impressive. It lacks the vibrancy and color accuracy found in higher-end displays.
- Limited Upgradability: The T570's RAM and storage are soldered onto the motherboard, limiting its upgradability potential.
- Price: The T570 can be quite expensive, especially when configured with higher-end components.
- Limited Ports: The T570's port selection is somewhat limited, lacking some commonly desired ports like a USB-A port on the left side.
Who Is It For?
The ThinkPad T570 is a solid choice for professionals, students, and anyone looking for a durable and reliable laptop for everyday tasks. Its excellent keyboard, long battery life, and strong security features make it suitable for users who prioritize productivity and security. However, its price and limited upgradability could deter some potential buyers.
Conclusion
The Lenovo ThinkPad T570 is a well-rounded business laptop with a strong focus on durability, security, and productivity. Its excellent keyboard, long battery life, and robust build make it a compelling option for professionals and anyone seeking a reliable workhorse. However, its average display and limited upgradability might be drawbacks for some users. Overall, the T570 is a solid laptop with a lot to offer, making it a worthy contender in the business laptop market.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Lenovo ThinkPad T570 good for gaming?
While the T570 can handle some games, its performance might not be ideal for demanding titles. The optional Nvidia GeForce 940MX graphics card provides a boost in gaming performance, but it's still a low-end graphics card that can struggle with more graphically intensive games.
2. Can the RAM and storage be upgraded in the ThinkPad T570?
No, the RAM and storage in the ThinkPad T570 are soldered onto the motherboard, meaning they cannot be upgraded.
3. How is the trackpoint on the ThinkPad T570?
The trackpoint is a classic ThinkPad feature, offering a precise and efficient way to control the cursor. It's an excellent alternative to the touchpad, providing a more subtle and less obtrusive input method.
4. What are the main differences between the ThinkPad T570 and the ThinkPad T470?
The ThinkPad T570 is a larger laptop with a 15.6-inch display, while the ThinkPad T470 features a smaller 14-inch display. The T570 also offers a more powerful graphics card option.
5. Is the ThinkPad T570 worth the price?
The ThinkPad T570 can be quite expensive, especially when configured with higher-end components. If you prioritize durability, security, and a good keyboard, and are willing to pay a premium for those features, then the T570 might be a worthwhile investment. However, if you're on a tight budget or need a more powerful laptop for demanding tasks, there might be better options available.
Note: This review is based on general information and user feedback. Actual performance and features may vary depending on specific configurations and individual use cases. It's always recommended to check detailed specifications and user reviews before making a purchasing decision.