• Welcome to TechPowerUp Forums, Guest! Please check out our forum guidelines for info related to our community.

Lenovo Launches Project Athena ThinkPads

AleksandarK

News Editor
Staff member
Joined
Aug 19, 2017
Messages
2,190 (0.91/day)
Today, Lenovo announced its latest ThinkPad laptops providing smarter productivity, connectivity and security experiences built for the future workforce. With the latest X1 Carbon running Intel's 10th Generation CPU's, Lenovo unleashes its first commercial platform part of the Project Athena program, ready to take on a full day's work with all day battery life and the latest Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. The updated commercial laptop line-up also includes a 10th Gen Intel Core processor refresh on the premium ThinkPad X1 Yoga, the ThinkPad X390 and the ThinkPad T490. Also announced are new ThinkPad L13 and L13 Yoga laptops for those who seek ThinkPad attributes in an affordable, high-value package.

Designed and engineered around ThinkPad's core foundational principles, these new laptops address the needs of a new generation workforce and their dynamic workspaces. People are seeking devices that offer intuitive, secure features and faster, higher performance to improve their workday, and ThinkPad is here to help them accomplish their most important goals. ThinkPad features industry-leading security with ThinkShield, the ability to stay connected with LTE-A Wireless WAN and Wi-Fi 6 in the latest select models. The ThinkPad line-up continues to offer premium usability experience through vivid high-definition displays, immersive Dolby Audio, and the renowned ThinkPad keyboard.



In today's tech world, security is a top priority, and we have addressed this need by adding innovative ThinkShield security features to our machines. The hybrid HD+IR Camera with ThinkShutter protects users from prying eyes. Secure multi-factor authentication is possible with Windows Hello, along with a match-on-host fingerprint reader. The lightweight form factor, versatile connectivity options, and long battery life empower you to achieve more, no matter where your work takes you.

"We know from user insights that the next-gen workforce expects much more flexible working methods. This includes the need to work from anywhere, anytime with technological tools at their disposal that are fast, secure, intuitive and mobile," said Jerry Paradise, vice president, Commercial Product and Portfolio Management, Intelligent Devices Group, Lenovo. "Our unparalleled family of ThinkPad laptops gives business professionals smarter productivity, security and connectivity experiences along with greater choice in selecting the device that's right for them."

ThinkPad X1 Carbon
"Congratulations to Lenovo on their latest ThinkPad X1 Carbon. I am proud of the co-engineering between Intel and Lenovo to build exceptional performance into this device. With so many of today's workers on the go so much of the time, they need power for a full workday, ready-to-go responsiveness and the latest connectivity. This is the ultimate PC experience." said Stephanie Hallford, vice president in the Client Computing Group and general manager of Business Client Platforms at Intel Corporation.

  • Up to a 6-core 10th Gen Intel Core processor delivering multi-threaded performance, support for brilliant 4K content, and best-in-class connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+) and Thunderbolt 3 for on-the-go productivity whether you're in the office, with a customer or somewhere in between
  • Project Athena enabling optimized battery life, best-in-class connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+) and more that's co-engineered with Intel for mobile performance whether you're in the office, at a customer's or somewhere in between
  • Just 14.9 mm thin and starting at 2.4 pounds (1 kg)
  • A diverse selection of 14-inch display options is available, including the stunning 500 nit, 10 bit, 4K Dolby Vision enabled panel, or the option of a new, brighter 400 nit FHD display
  • The Dolby Atmos Speaker System, featuring two top-firing tweeters and two down-firing woofers, delivers a more immersive soundscape
  • Four far-field microphones enhance the experience of conferencing and collaboration
  • Enjoy up to 18.5 hours of productivity, and when the power gets low, Rapid Charge can deliver 80 percent battery in just 60 minutes
  • Global LTE-A Wireless WAN and new Wi-Fi 6 Gig+ option offer lightning-fast connection speeds for an always-on experience

ThinkPad X1 Yoga
This 4th generation multi-mode laptop is smaller, thinner and lighter than ever, and is constructed in a precision-machined aluminium chassis.

  • Up to 6-core 10th Gen Intel Core processors
  • Weighs less than 2.9 pounds (1.4 kg) and is just 15.5 mm thin
  • Reinforced, precision machined "Iron Grey" aluminium chassis
  • Now supports all docking solutions, including ThinkPad Mechanical Dock
  • Enjoy up to 18.3 hours of productivity, and when the power gets low, Rapid Charge can deliver 80 percent battery in just 60 minutes.
  • Dolby Vision enabled display and Dolby Atmos Speaker System with far-field mics
  • Global LTE-A Wireless WAN
  • Integrated ThinkPad Pen Pro offers precise, multi-mode pen input

ThinkPad T490

  • Up to i7 10th Gen Intel Core processors
  • Just 17.9 mm thin and starting at 3.2 pounds (1.5 kg)
  • Impressive display selection, including the stunning 500 nit, WQHD Dolby Vision panel, or a new, brighter 400 nit FHD display.
  • Dolby Audio Premium, featuring two up-firing speakers
  • Dual far-field microphones improve conferencing audio
  • Enjoy up to 15 hours of productivity, and when the power gets low, Rapid Charge can deliver 80 percent battery in just 60 minutes
  • Global LTE-A Wireless WAN and new Wi-Fi 6 Gig+ offer lightning-fast connection speeds.

ThinkPad X390

  • Up to i7 10th Gen Intel Core processors
  • Just 16.5 mm thin and starting at 2.8 pounds (1.3 kg)
  • Impressive display selection, including a new, brighter 400 nit FHD display.
  • Dolby Audio Premium, featuring two down-firing speakers
  • Dual far-field microphones improve conferencing audio
  • Enjoy up to 16.8 hours of productivity, and when the power gets low, Rapid Charge can deliver 80 percent battery in just 60 minutes
  • Global LTE-A Wireless WAN for lightning-fast connection speeds.

New ThinkPad L Series

The new ThinkPad L13 and L13 Yoga combine enterprise-grade performance and mobility in a high value package. The bezels are thinner, offering you the same 13-inch screen size contained in a smaller footprint than their predecessors.

ThinkPad L13:

  • Up to i7 10th Gen Intel Core processors
  • Just 17.6 mm thin and starting at 3.1 pounds (1.4 kg)
  • Impressive display selection, including a 300 nit FHD IPS Touch Display.
  • Dolby Audio Premium, featuring two down-firing speakers
  • Enjoy up to 14 hours of productivity, and when the power gets low, Rapid Charge can deliver 80 percent battery in just 60 minutes

ThinkPad L13 Yoga:

  • Up to i7 10th Gen Intel Core processors
  • Just 17.6 mm thin and starting at 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg)
  • Impressive display selection, including a 300 nit FHD IPS Touch Display
  • Dolby Audio Premium, featuring two down-firing speakers
  • Enjoy up to 12 hours of productivity, and when the power gets low, Rapid Charge can deliver 80 percent battery in just 60 minutes

Pricing and Availability
ThinkPad X1 Carbon 7th Gen with Intel 10th Gen is expected to be available starting September 2019, starting at $1,479.
ThinkPad X1 Yoga 4th Gen with Intel 10th Gen is expected to be available starting September 2019, starting at $1,609.
ThinkPad T490 with Intel 10th Gen is expected to be available starting October 2019, starting at $1,129.
ThinkPad X390 with Intel 10th Gen is expected to be available starting October 2019, starting at $1,019.
ThinkPad L13 is expected to be available starting October 2019, starting at $749.
ThinkPad L13 Yoga is expected to be available starting October 2019, starting at $919.

Visit http://www.lenovo.com/think/ for more information.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site
 
Joined
Jul 9, 2015
Messages
3,413 (1.07/day)
System Name M3401 notebook
Processor 5600H
Motherboard NA
Memory 16GB
Video Card(s) 3050
Storage 500GB SSD
Display(s) 14" OLED screen of the laptop
Software Windows 10
Benchmark Scores 3050 scores good 15-20% lower than average, despite ASUS's claims that it has uber cooling.
No AMD, no buy, tx, bye.
 
Joined
Aug 20, 2007
Messages
20,714 (3.41/day)
System Name Pioneer
Processor Ryzen R9 7950X
Motherboard GIGABYTE Aorus Elite X670 AX
Cooling Noctua NH-D15 + A whole lotta Sunon and Corsair Maglev blower fans...
Memory 64GB (4x 16GB) G.Skill Flare X5 @ DDR5-6000 CL30
Video Card(s) XFX RX 7900 XTX Speedster Merc 310
Storage 2x Crucial P5 Plus 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs
Display(s) 55" LG 55" B9 OLED 4K Display
Case Thermaltake Core X31
Audio Device(s) TOSLINK->Schiit Modi MB->Asgard 2 DAC Amp->AKG Pro K712 Headphones or HDMI->B9 OLED
Power Supply FSP Hydro Ti Pro 850W
Mouse Logitech G305 Lightspeed Wireless
Keyboard WASD Code v3 with Cherry Green keyswitches
Software Windows 11 Enterprise (legit), Gentoo Linux x64
No AMD, no buy, tx, bye.

They do offer an AMD Ryzen thinkpad option actually, just not in this particular launch. Your eagerness to call someone out is blinding you.
 
Joined
Jun 28, 2016
Messages
3,595 (1.27/day)
They do offer an AMD Ryzen thinkpad option actually, just not in this particular launch. Your eagerness to call someone out is blinding you.
Very limited choice in the top lines (T, X): T495 and X395. They're both slower and more power-hungry than Intel counterparts, although still offering all the other ThinkPad goodness. So the Intel-alergic people are certainly covered by Lenovo.
 
Joined
Aug 20, 2007
Messages
20,714 (3.41/day)
System Name Pioneer
Processor Ryzen R9 7950X
Motherboard GIGABYTE Aorus Elite X670 AX
Cooling Noctua NH-D15 + A whole lotta Sunon and Corsair Maglev blower fans...
Memory 64GB (4x 16GB) G.Skill Flare X5 @ DDR5-6000 CL30
Video Card(s) XFX RX 7900 XTX Speedster Merc 310
Storage 2x Crucial P5 Plus 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs
Display(s) 55" LG 55" B9 OLED 4K Display
Case Thermaltake Core X31
Audio Device(s) TOSLINK->Schiit Modi MB->Asgard 2 DAC Amp->AKG Pro K712 Headphones or HDMI->B9 OLED
Power Supply FSP Hydro Ti Pro 850W
Mouse Logitech G305 Lightspeed Wireless
Keyboard WASD Code v3 with Cherry Green keyswitches
Software Windows 11 Enterprise (legit), Gentoo Linux x64
Very limited choice in the top lines (T, X): T495 and X395. They're both slower and more power-hungry than Intel counterparts, although still offering all the other ThinkPad goodness. So the Intel-alergic people are certainly covered by Lenovo.

Ryzen's don't idle as well IIRC. That makes them at a disadvantage for mobile. But they do pretty well in desktop energy consumption.
 
Joined
Jun 28, 2016
Messages
3,595 (1.27/day)
Ryzen's don't idle as well IIRC. That makes them at a disadvantage for mobile. But they do pretty well in desktop energy consumption.
Well precisely, they fall behind in idle. And it is important to remember that is a result of design choices, which make Ryzen so efficient under full load. Not a coincidence and not something AMD can easily fix. That's what you get when you really aim at servers, but then try to force the same architecture into all other segments. ;-)

Also, apparently T495 gives you less options than T490.
Screens: you can't get T495 with the 2 most interesting screens: 1440p IPS and 1080p IPS PrivacyGuard. But AMD-land gets a 768p TN instead...
GPU: Intel has optional MX250, AMD just the APU.
Docking: Intel both standard and Thunderbolt, AMD just the former.

So you're getting a bit less, it weights a bit more, it stays on a bit shorter and the general impression is that it's somehow less responsive.
 

Frick

Fishfaced Nincompoop
Joined
Feb 27, 2006
Messages
18,914 (2.86/day)
Location
Piteå
System Name Black MC in Tokyo
Processor Ryzen 5 5600
Motherboard Asrock B450M-HDV
Cooling Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2
Memory 2 x 16GB Kingston Fury 3400mhz
Video Card(s) XFX 6950XT Speedster MERC 319
Storage Kingston A400 240GB | WD Black SN750 2TB |WD Blue 1TB x 2 | Toshiba P300 2TB | Seagate Expansion 8TB
Display(s) Samsung U32J590U 4K + BenQ GL2450HT 1080p
Case Fractal Design Define R4
Audio Device(s) Line6 UX1 + some headphones, Nektar SE61 keyboard
Power Supply Corsair RM850x v3
Mouse Logitech G602
Keyboard Cherry MX Board 1.0 TKL Brown
VR HMD Acer Mixed Reality Headset
Software Windows 10 Pro
Benchmark Scores Rimworld 4K ready!
Ryzen's don't idle as well IIRC. That makes them at a disadvantage for mobile. But they do pretty well in desktop energy consumption.

”In comparison to both sister models with the E590 model designation, battery life has almost remained the same. The different devices are separated by only a few percentage points despite having different hardware and equally large batteries. That is definitely a positive trend since battery life was quite a big weakness in AMD laptops in the past. The HP 14 achieves about 25 percent shorter run times with its slightly smaller battery; the TravelMate is marginally better.”

The 3500/3700u are big improvements over the 2xxxU series. Some models with poor cooling throttles, so one has to take that into account. But the E595 at least (no reviews for the e495 yet, hoping its as good) seems like a very decent machine indeed.
 
Joined
Apr 8, 2008
Messages
328 (0.06/day)
No AMD, no buy, tx, bye.

Sadly, Current AMD APU's doesn't use Zen2 cores, even the latest 3000 series APU's.

And even with that, most OEM's considers AMD as a second citizen with their systems, it's a rare thing to find a high-end AMD based laptop, by high-end I mean a high-end in each segment, like Ultraportables, mainstream, high-end, workstation, etc...

I would love to see Thinkpad X1 and P1 with an 8C/16T Zen2 based AMD APU.. hopefully with Navi based iGPU. Sadly the latest rumours suggests that their first Zen2 based APU's will be using Vega iGPU.
 
Joined
Dec 18, 2005
Messages
8,253 (1.24/day)
System Name money pit..
Processor Intel 9900K 4.8 at 1.152 core voltage minus 0.120 offset
Motherboard Asus rog Strix Z370-F Gaming
Cooling Dark Rock TF air cooler.. Stock vga air coolers with case side fans to help cooling..
Memory 32 gb corsair vengeance 3200
Video Card(s) Palit Gaming Pro OC 2080TI
Storage 150 nvme boot drive partition.. 1T Sandisk sata.. 1T Transend sata.. 1T 970 evo nvme m 2..
Display(s) 27" Asus PG279Q ROG Swift 165Hrz Nvidia G-Sync, IPS.. 2560x1440..
Case Gigabyte mid-tower.. cheap and nothing special..
Audio Device(s) onboard sounds with stereo amp..
Power Supply EVGA 850 watt..
Mouse Logitech G700s
Keyboard Logitech K270
Software Win 10 pro..
Benchmark Scores Firestike 29500.. timepsy 14000..
Well precisely, they fall behind in idle. And it is important to remember that is a result of design choices, which make Ryzen so efficient under full load. Not a coincidence and not something AMD can easily fix. That's what you get when you really aim at servers, but then try to force the same architecture into all other segments. ;-)

Also, apparently T495 gives you less options than T490.
Screens: you can't get T495 with the 2 most interesting screens: 1440p IPS and 1080p IPS PrivacyGuard. But AMD-land gets a 768p TN instead...
GPU: Intel has optional MX250, AMD just the APU.
Docking: Intel both standard and Thunderbolt, AMD just the former.

So you're getting a bit less, it weights a bit more, it stays on a bit shorter and the general impression is that it's somehow less responsive.

the amd option is a cheaper bottom of the range option which is why it wont come with the better screens..

trog
 
Joined
Jun 28, 2016
Messages
3,595 (1.27/day)
the amd option is a cheaper bottom of the range option which is why it wont come with the better screens..
Exactly. Lenovo wants this notebook to look slightly cheaper than Intel variant.
But does it?
They gave it a rubbish 768p TN just to lower the "starting from" MSRP and "battery life up to", but choosing it makes absolutely no sense.
Similar configs cost more or less the same, with Intel delivering a bit more in terms of battery life and features.
And only the Intel variant gets the premium screens and MX250 option.

Hence, what I said earlier: there is no reason to buy the Ryzen model other than strong brand preference.

edit:
You can also get T495 with a *slow* 3300U (4 cores, no SMT). T490 has a choice of 4C/8T CPUs.
Just like with the basic screen: it's really unlikely someone would choose 3300U for such a premium notebook, but it surely helps the advertised battery life and starting price...
I find this fairly disappointing - no idea why Lenovo decided to to this...
Thick bezels in 2019. Nope.
Thick? They're very ordinary.
Sure, this laptop looks a bit conservative and bulky compared to more elegant/modern competition (e.g. Dell XPS). But it does for a reason. All earlier generations have.
 
Last edited:
Joined
Dec 18, 2005
Messages
8,253 (1.24/day)
System Name money pit..
Processor Intel 9900K 4.8 at 1.152 core voltage minus 0.120 offset
Motherboard Asus rog Strix Z370-F Gaming
Cooling Dark Rock TF air cooler.. Stock vga air coolers with case side fans to help cooling..
Memory 32 gb corsair vengeance 3200
Video Card(s) Palit Gaming Pro OC 2080TI
Storage 150 nvme boot drive partition.. 1T Sandisk sata.. 1T Transend sata.. 1T 970 evo nvme m 2..
Display(s) 27" Asus PG279Q ROG Swift 165Hrz Nvidia G-Sync, IPS.. 2560x1440..
Case Gigabyte mid-tower.. cheap and nothing special..
Audio Device(s) onboard sounds with stereo amp..
Power Supply EVGA 850 watt..
Mouse Logitech G700s
Keyboard Logitech K270
Software Win 10 pro..
Benchmark Scores Firestike 29500.. timepsy 14000..
lenovo target business markets.. the 768 12.5 inch tn panel has been standard for years.. i have one in an X270 model.. its okay for mobile use on you lap when you are looking straight at it but the viewing angles are crap.. it does have dual batteries though and a superb battery life.. lenovo has ditched the dual batteries with the X280..

i also have an X380 yoga.. the 13.3 inch 1080 ips panel in that is way better.. there is no X290 thinkpad now so i think lenovo has ditched that.. the 13.3 inch X390 has replaced it.. thinner bexels make it about the same overall size..

i think its a complement to amd that lenovo has included an amd option.. even if it is right at the bottom end.. i doubt many businesses will buy it though..

trog
 
Joined
Apr 13, 2012
Messages
45 (0.01/day)
Exactly. Lenovo wants this notebook to look slightly cheaper than Intel variant.
But does it?
They gave it a rubbish 768p TN just to lower the "starting from" MSRP and "battery life up to", but choosing it makes absolutely no sense.
Similar configs cost more or less the same, with Intel delivering a bit more in terms of battery life and features.
And only the Intel variant gets the premium screens and MX250 option.

Hence, what I said earlier: there is no reason to buy the Ryzen model other than strong brand preference.

edit:
You can also get T495 with a *slow* 3300U (4 cores, no SMT). T490 has a choice of 4C/8T CPUs.
Just like with the basic screen: it's really unlikely someone would choose 3300U for such a premium notebook, but it surely helps the advertised battery life and starting price...
I find this fairly disappointing - no idea why Lenovo decided to to this...

Thick? They're very ordinary.
Sure, this laptop looks a bit conservative and bulky compared to more elegant/modern competition (e.g. Dell XPS). But it does for a reason. All earlier generations have.
When Dell XPS and Gigabyte Aero 15 can do super thin bezels, Lenono should upgrade their design if they wanna compete.
 
Joined
Jun 28, 2016
Messages
3,595 (1.27/day)
When Dell XPS and Gigabyte Aero 15 can do super thin bezels, Lenono should upgrade their design if they wanna compete.
As I said: there's a reason why Lenovo makes ThinkPads this way. And the target audience appreciates this.
lenovo target business markets.. the 768 12.5 inch tn panel has been standard for years.
It seems that you think high resolution is good for games, while business users can live with 1366x768.

It's exactly the opposite. :)

Anyway, we're talking about 14" TN 1366x768, not 12.5".
The only reason to put this screen in a high-end notebook is marketing (seriously: MSRP and battery life).

Let's say you need a notebook for Excel (not unlike most of ThinkPad buyers).
Top panel in Excel 2016: 218px.
Bottom panel: 50px
Windows 10 task bar: 40px
That's already almost half of the screen.

And then you open cell context menu and it's 496px tall. :laugh:
 

Frick

Fishfaced Nincompoop
Joined
Feb 27, 2006
Messages
18,914 (2.86/day)
Location
Piteå
System Name Black MC in Tokyo
Processor Ryzen 5 5600
Motherboard Asrock B450M-HDV
Cooling Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2
Memory 2 x 16GB Kingston Fury 3400mhz
Video Card(s) XFX 6950XT Speedster MERC 319
Storage Kingston A400 240GB | WD Black SN750 2TB |WD Blue 1TB x 2 | Toshiba P300 2TB | Seagate Expansion 8TB
Display(s) Samsung U32J590U 4K + BenQ GL2450HT 1080p
Case Fractal Design Define R4
Audio Device(s) Line6 UX1 + some headphones, Nektar SE61 keyboard
Power Supply Corsair RM850x v3
Mouse Logitech G602
Keyboard Cherry MX Board 1.0 TKL Brown
VR HMD Acer Mixed Reality Headset
Software Windows 10 Pro
Benchmark Scores Rimworld 4K ready!
@trog100 @notb About the screens: there is no low res option in Lenovos swedish stord, so fwiw it's a regional think. And they seem to start at the 3500u, a 4c/8t part. Not even the budget E series has the 3300u. But again, likely a regional thing.
 
Top