Lenovo ThinkPad T490s · Intel Core i5 (8th Gen) · 14" Full HD · 8 GB / 256 GB SSD

Here's a slim ThinkPad T-series that has already proven itself in a corporate fleet, now tested and ready for its second life with you. The 's' in this ThinkPad's name means 'slim'. It's the thinner, lighter version of Lenovo's T-series — the workhorse laptop that big IT companies issue to their staff by the thousand. The T490s is a premium slim ThinkPad with an aluminium lid — it looks and feels a class above its price.

The Core i5 is the sweet spot for most people — quick enough for multitasking, Office, coding and online classes, without the extra cost of an i7. 8th generation was a big jump for Intel: it was the first time thin business laptops got four cores instead of two. In practice that means noticeably smoother multitasking than older models — this is the generation we most often recommend. 8 GB of RAM is comfortable for everyday multitasking — browser, Office, music and a video call. The 256 GB SSD means it boots in seconds and apps open quickly. The 14-inch Full HD screen gives you sharp text and room for two windows side by side.

Build and everyday use

Around 1.3 kg with a magnesium-reinforced body. Slim, but it still passes the same military-grade durability tests as its thicker siblings. The keyboard is excellent: good travel, quiet, and the red TrackPoint is there if you like it. It comes with genuine Windows 11 Pro installed and activated.

Upgrades

On the slim T models some or all of the RAM is soldered, so pick the memory you need now. The M.2 SSD can be upgraded easily.

Who it suits

Working professionals and students who carry their laptop everywhere and type a lot. It sits in our picks for programmers, startups, freelancers.

Condition and what's in the box

Grade A means it looks very clean — at most, light marks you have to look for. Every unit is tested on our checklist, securely wiped, cleaned and shipped with a compatible charger, a GST invoice and 12-month warranty.