At the recent MWC 2024 event in Barcelona, Lenovo teamed up with repair specialist iFixit to reveal a family of laptops designed for easier at home maintenance. The reveal, highlighted by reports from The Verge, centers on devices built with user replaceability and straightforward upgrades in mind.
The refreshed ThinkPad lineup features three updated models in the T series: ThinkPad T14 Gen 5, ThinkPad T14s Gen 5, and ThinkPad T16 Gen 3. All three models come equipped with Intel Core Ultra processors, with a notable option on the ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 to select AMD Ryzen 8040, offering a varied choice for different performance needs.
Typing comfort gets a renewed focus across the T series. The keyboards now include the familiar tactile cues on keys such as Fn, Insert, Enter, and the Volume row, mirroring the layout found on the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 and ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9. Lenovo also shifts away from the traditional Fn key placement, adopting the Ctrl key position that is common among many laptops and keyboards today, signaling a broader move toward more intuitive shortcuts for users who rely on productivity workflows.
One standout aspect of the new ThinkPads is the emphasis on upgradable hardware. Unlike many modern laptops that hide components behind fixed boards, these models offer a broader array of removable modules. RAM and solid state storage are designed for user replacement, with each removable part accompanied by a scannable QR code. Scanning the code provides detailed, step-by-step replacement instructions, making upgrades approachable for both hobbyists and professionals who want to extend the machine’s life without professional service.
In terms of availability and pricing, Lenovo announced that all Intel-based ThinkPad configurations would go on sale in April 2024, with starting prices around 1,199 USD. The AMD configuration for the ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 will arrive later, in May 2024, with a starting price of approximately 949 USD. These details place the line as a compelling option for those who value repairability and easy upgrades alongside reliable business-grade performance.
There is a separate note regarding Honor, which previously demonstrated a laptop equipped with ChatGPT functionality, illustrating the ongoing market interest in AI-assisted features across premium notebooks. This reference highlights how manufacturers continue to experiment with on-device AI experiences as part of the broader laptop ecosystem that Lenovo is now integrating around repairability and modularity.