Lenovo ThinkPad T490s review

Where the ThinkPad T490s stands

The Lenovo ThinkPad T490s is a 2019 business ultrabook positioned at the upper edge of the budget tier — roughly $288, slightly below the category median of $297. As the slim sibling in Lenovo's 2019 ThinkPad T-series, it leads on portability rather than graphics or performance. The GPU score of 0 places it at the bottom of its category for graphics; the reliability index of 25 is 41% below the median of 42.5; the performance index of 26 is 37% below the median of 41.

Portability: the defining strength

The T490s's value proposition is its portability. As the slim variant of the T490, it carries a lighter chassis and a thinner profile than its mainstream sibling — meaningful advantages for buyers whose primary concern is carry weight. For workflows that involve frequent transport between meetings, classrooms, or travel locations, the T490s offers a credible portable business-laptop experience.

Graphics, reliability, and performance: the triple caveats

The T490s's trade-offs are graphics capability, long-term reliability, and overall performance. The GPU score of 0 means no graphics headroom beyond basic display output. The reliability index of 25 reflects six years of cumulative wear. The performance index of 26 indicates below-median compute. For portability-focused workflows that do not depend on graphics, compute, or longevity, these trade-offs are acceptable; for other workflows, they are not.

Price trajectory

From its launch price to $288 today, the T490s has depreciated to the flat tail of its curve. The projected price two years out represents a modest further decline. As a 2019 machine, the depreciation is past its steepest phase but the remaining service horizon is moderate.

How it compares

In the $270-$310 refurbished business range, the T490s sits among several 2019-2020 alternatives. The Dell Vostro 15 3578 at $309 and the HP ProBook 470 G4 at $297 are direct competitors, with similar trade-offs but larger chassis. The T490s's distinguishing factor is its portability — for buyers who prioritize carry weight above all else, it is the strongest pick in this band.

Bottom line

The ThinkPad T490s is a 2019 business ultrabook defined by its portability. Its slim chassis and light weight make it a credible pick for buyers whose primary concern is carry weight. The trade-offs — no graphics capability, below-median reliability and performance — define the limits of its value proposition. At $288, it is fairly priced for its class for the specific buyer who prioritizes portability above all else.