The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 is a fascinating addition to the laptop market, combining the capabilities of a Windows laptop with the convenience of an Android tablet. It’s a bold attempt by Lenovo to blend two different operating systems seamlessly into a single hybrid device, promising versatility for both productivity and leisure. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the design, features, performance, and usability of the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 to see if it delivers on its promise of a unique computing experience.
Design and Build Quality
The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 follows a modern aesthetic with a sleek, aluminum finish, making it feel premium in hand. At first glance, it appears like a typical Windows laptop, but its real magic is revealed when the display detaches from the keyboard dock. Once separated, the screen transitions into an Android-powered tablet, allowing users to enjoy the best of both worlds. The laptop's ability to transform instantly from a productivity-focused Windows 11 laptop to a versatile Android tablet gives it a distinct advantage in terms of multi-tasking and usage scenarios.
The device’s hinge is robust, providing a secure connection between the keyboard and the tablet. The build quality feels durable, which is crucial for a device that aims to serve as both a traditional laptop and a detachable tablet.
Display Quality
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 features a 12.4-inch 2K touchscreen with excellent color accuracy and brightness levels, making it suitable for various tasks such as content creation, streaming, and light gaming. The 2K resolution ensures sharp visuals, which enhances productivity work and media consumption. The touchscreen is responsive, providing a smooth experience for swiping, tapping, and using the stylus for sketching or note-taking.
On the other hand, using it as an Android tablet delivers a different experience. The touch controls are intuitive, and the Android interface feels natural when using the device in tablet mode. This hybrid capability allows the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 to stand out from other detachable laptops, which usually don’t offer dual operating systems.
Performance and Internals
Under the hood, the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 is powered by Intel’s latest-generation processors, ensuring reliable performance across a variety of tasks. The device comes with options for up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, providing sufficient headroom for multitasking and running demanding applications. The processor's power is evident in everyday tasks, from browsing and video streaming to more intensive workloads like photo editing or coding.
However, when used in Android tablet mode, the hardware may feel overpowered for the simpler tasks typically associated with Android devices, such as app usage or light mobile gaming. This could be seen as a positive for those who want to push the Android tablet to its limits but may be seen as unnecessary for users who primarily want the device for tablet functions.
Software Experience: Windows 11 Meets Android
The dual-OS nature of the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 is what truly sets it apart. Running Windows 11 when docked, the device performs as a conventional laptop. Users can take advantage of the familiar desktop environment, Microsoft Office applications, and other productivity tools that are essential for professional use.
When detached, the device switches to Android OS, providing access to mobile apps, Google Play Store, and other functionalities typically associated with Android tablets. The transition between operating systems is seamless, thanks to well-optimized software and hardware integration. This ability to switch between a laptop and tablet makes it ideal for students, digital artists, and professionals who require flexibility in their workflows.
Battery Life
Battery life is an essential aspect of any portable device, and Lenovo claims that the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 can deliver up to 10 hours of mixed usage. In real-world conditions, the device performs close to this mark during standard usage, such as web browsing and document editing in Windows mode. When using the Android tablet mode exclusively, the battery life extends slightly due to the lighter resource demands of Android applications.
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The device also supports fast charging, which is useful for quickly topping up the battery when needed.
Connectivity and Ports
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 includes a fair selection of ports, including USB Type-C, USB Type-A, and HDMI outputs, making it compatible with a range of peripherals. Wireless connectivity is handled via Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth, ensuring stable connections for both work and leisure. The inclusion of a fingerprint reader adds an extra layer of security, making it easier to switch between users or unlock the device quickly.
Who is the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 For?
The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 is aimed at users who want the versatility of a hybrid device without compromising on the performance of a traditional laptop. It’s particularly appealing to professionals who need a device that can function as a productivity tool and also switch seamlessly to a media consumption device. Artists and creatives may also find the hybrid nature appealing, thanks to the stylus support and responsive touchscreen.
Final Verdict
The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 is an ambitious attempt to merge two distinct computing worlds into one hybrid device. While it may not replace every user's need for a separate tablet and laptop, it comes impressively close, offering a flexible solution for multi-purpose use. Its dual-OS functionality, high-quality display, and solid build make it a standout option in the hybrid laptop market.
For those looking to simplify their tech gear by combining a laptop and tablet into a single device, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 is certainly worth considering. However, users who don’t need the Android functionality or prefer a more traditional laptop experience may find better value in other devices.
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