Business professionals and students on the go rejoice! Lenovo's ThinkPad Z13 (2nd Gen) is here to redefine what a portable powerhouse can be. This ultra-slim laptop packs a serious punch in a sleek, lightweight design, making it the perfect companion for work, travel, or even kicking back at a coffee shop. But does it live up to the legacy of the ThinkPad name? We put the Z13 Gen 2 through its paces to find out.
Striking a Balance Between Modern and Classic
The ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 boasts a beautiful, modern design that departs slightly from the traditional, boxy ThinkPad aesthetic. Constructed from a premium aluminium chassis, it exudes an air of sophistication while remaining incredibly durable – a hallmark of the ThinkPad brand. It's incredibly thin and light, weighing in at just 2.78lbs (1.26kg), making it a breeze to carry around in your backpack or briefcase.
Despite its sleek design, the Z13 Gen 2 retains the iconic elements that ThinkPad users love. The signature red TrackPoint returns, offering a unique and precise navigation option alongside the responsive haptic touchpad. The spill-resistant keyboard, a cornerstone of the ThinkPad experience, remains a joy to type on, with excellent key travel and a satisfying tactile feel.
A Display Fit for Work and Play
The Z13 Gen 2 offers two display options: a Full HD+ IPS panel and a stunning 2.8K OLED display. The IPS panel delivers excellent clarity and colour accuracy, perfect for everyday tasks and productivity. However, the real star of the show is the OLED display. With its deep blacks, vibrant colours, and wide viewing angles, it's ideal for content creation, watching movies, or simply enjoying visually rich content.
No matter which display you choose, the Z13 Gen 2 offers ample brightness for indoor use and even some outdoor visibility. The bezels are slim, maximising screen real estate without feeling cramped.
Powering Through Your Day
Under the hood, the Z13 Gen 2 boasts the latest AMD Ryzen 7040 processors, offering impressive performance for both work and play. These processors can handle demanding applications like photo editing, video conferencing, and even light gaming with ease. Multitasking is a breeze, and the Z13 Gen 2 never feels sluggish, thanks to its ample RAM options.
One caveat to consider is battery life. While the Z13 Gen 2 can last a full workday on a charge with moderate use, AMD processors tend to be less power-efficient than their Intel counterparts. If you prioritise exceptional battery life, you might want to consider a laptop with an Intel processor. However, the Z13 Gen 2 does support rapid charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed.
Staying Connected
The Z13 Gen 2 comes equipped with all the connectivity options you need to stay productive on the go. Wi-Fi 6E ensures blazing-fast internet speeds, while Bluetooth 5.2 allows you to connect to wireless peripherals seamlessly. There are also two USB-C ports that support Thunderbolt 4, enabling you to connect high-speed peripherals, external displays, and even charge your laptop with a single cable. The inclusion of an HDMI port is a welcome addition for presentations or connecting to external monitors.
Security You Can Trust
Lenovo prioritises security in the Z13 Gen 2. The laptop includes a built-in fingerprint reader for secure login, along with a discrete TPM 2.0 chip for data encryption. Additionally, the webcam features a privacy shutter, giving you control over your video feed. These features give you peace of mind knowing your data and privacy are protected.
Is the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 Right for You?
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 is a compelling option for business professionals, students, and anyone who needs a powerful and portable laptop. Its sleek design, comfortable keyboard, stunning OLED display option (if you choose it), and AMD Ryzen processors make it a great choice for productivity on the go. However, battery life might be a concern for some users who prioritise all-day unplugged use.
Here's a quick recap of the pros and cons to help you decide:
Pros:
- Sleek, lightweight, and durable design
- Excellent keyboard for typing
- Stunning 2.8K OLED display option
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 7040 processors
- Ample RAM and storage options
- Excellent connectivity options with Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and Thunderbolt 4
- Strong security features
Cons:
- Battery life might not be ideal for all-day unplugged use
- Limited port selection (only two USB-C ports)
- No high refresh rate display option (stuck at 60Hz)
- Webcam might not be ideal for low-light conditions (depending on reviews)
- Starting price can be high depending on configuration
Finding the Right Screen Protector for the ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 offers a beautiful display, but you might want to consider adding a screen protector for an extra layer of protection against scratches and fingerprints. Here's our recommendation:
- Optic+ Anti-glare screen protectors: The ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 has a glossy display, which can be reflective in bright environments. An anti-glare screen protector like Optic+ Anti-glare screen protector helps reduce reflections and improve visibility, especially when you're working on the go.
