The Lenovo T490s: A Discontinued Laptop or Still Alive?

The Lenovo ThinkPad T490s is a popular laptop among business users and professionals due to its lightweight design, long battery life, and robust performance. However, there has been a lot of speculation about the laptop’s current status, with some users wondering whether it has been discontinued or not. In this article, we will delve into the topic and provide you with the latest information on the Lenovo T490s’ availability and what it means for potential buyers.

What Does It Mean for a Laptop to be Discontinued?

Before we dive into the specifics of the Lenovo T490s, let’s first understand what it means for a laptop to be discontinued. When a laptop model is discontinued, it means that the manufacturer has stopped producing and selling it to retailers and consumers. This can happen for various reasons, such as:

  • The model has reached the end of its life cycle, and the manufacturer has introduced a newer version with improved features and technology.
  • The model is no longer profitable due to declining sales or increased competition.
  • The manufacturer is facing supply chain issues or component shortages.

When a laptop is discontinued, it can be challenging for users to find new units for purchase, and the manufacturer may no longer provide warranty support or software updates.

The Lenovo T490s: A Brief Overview

The Lenovo ThinkPad T490s is a 14-inch business laptop that was first released in 2019. It is designed to be lightweight and portable, weighing just 2.98 pounds and measuring 0.7 inches thick. Despite its slim profile, the laptop packs a punch with up to 16 hours of battery life, making it ideal for business users who are always on the go.

The T490s is powered by up to 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processors, up to 64GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of SSD storage. It also features a range of connectivity options, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and an SD card reader. The laptop’s display is available in either Full HD or 4K resolutions, making it suitable for a variety of tasks, from productivity to entertainment.

Is the Lenovo T490s Discontinued?

Now, let’s get to the million-dollar question: is the Lenovo T490s discontinued? The short answer is yes, but there’s more to it than that. Lenovo officially discontinued the T490s in 2020, as part of its efforts to simplify its product lineup and focus on newer models.

However, despite being discontinued, the T490s is still available for purchase from some retailers, albeit in limited quantities. You can still find new units on online marketplaces like Amazon, Newegg, and eBay, as well as from Lenovo’s own website. Keep in mind that these units may be leftover stock or refurbished models, which can affect their warranty and support status.

What Does This Mean for Potential Buyers?

So, what does this mean for potential buyers who are interested in purchasing the Lenovo T490s? Here are a few things to consider:

  • Limited availability: As the T490s is no longer in production, you may have difficulty finding new units for purchase. You may need to search online marketplaces, check with local retailers, or opt for a refurbished or used model.
  • No warranty support: Since the T490s is discontinued, Lenovo may no longer provide warranty support or software updates for the laptop. This can leave you vulnerable to security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues.
  • Outdated technology: The T490s was released in 2019, which means it may not have the latest and greatest technology. You may miss out on newer features, such as Wi-Fi 6, Thunderbolt 4, or improved processor performance.

On the other hand, buying a discontinued model can have its advantages. You may be able to find deals or discounts on remaining stock, which can make the laptop more affordable. Additionally, the T490s is still a capable laptop that can handle most business tasks, so it may be worth considering if you’re on a budget or don’t need the latest technology.

Alternative Options

If you’re in the market for a new laptop and are considering the Lenovo T490s, here are some alternative options to consider:

  • Lenovo ThinkPad T495s: The T495s is a newer version of the T490s, featuring improved processor performance, longer battery life, and newer technology like Wi-Fi 6 and Thunderbolt 4.
  • Dell Latitude 7400: The Latitude 7400 is a business laptop that offers similar features to the T490s, including a lightweight design, long battery life, and robust performance.
  • HP Envy 14: The Envy 14 is a consumer-focused laptop that offers a more affordable alternative to the T490s, with a similar display size and features like Wi-Fi 6 and USB-C.
Laptop Model Processor RAM Storage Battery Life Weight Price
Lenovo ThinkPad T490s Up to 10th Gen Intel Core i7 Up to 64GB Up to 2TB SSD Up to 16 hours 2.98 pounds $800-$1,500
Lenovo ThinkPad T495s Up to 11th Gen Intel Core i7 Up to 64GB Up to 2TB SSD Up to 18 hours 2.87 pounds $1,000-$2,000
Dell Latitude 7400 Up to 10th Gen Intel Core i7 Up to 64GB Up to 2TB SSD Up to 24 hours 2.99 pounds $1,000-$2,500
HP Envy 14 Up to 11th Gen Intel Core i5 Up to 16GB Up to 1TB SSD Up to 14 hours 3.15 pounds $500-$1,000

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Lenovo ThinkPad T490s is officially discontinued, it is still available for purchase from some retailers, albeit in limited quantities. If you’re considering buying a T490s, be aware of the potential limitations, such as limited warranty support and outdated technology. However, if you’re on a budget or don’t need the latest features, the T490s can still be a capable laptop for business users.

Alternatively, consider alternative options like the Lenovo ThinkPad T495s, Dell Latitude 7400, or HP Envy 14, which offer newer technology, improved performance, and better warranty support. Ultimately, the decision to buy a discontinued laptop or a newer model depends on your specific needs and budget.

Is the Lenovo T490s still available for purchase?

The Lenovo T490s was officially discontinued by Lenovo in 2020, which means it is no longer available for purchase from the company’s official website or authorized retailers. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t find one to buy.

You can still find the Lenovo T490s from third-party resellers, refurbished sellers, or online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or Newegg. These sellers often offer certification of the laptop’s condition, warranty, and return policy, so be sure to check the seller’s ratings and reviews before making a purchase.

What are the key features of the Lenovo T490s?

The Lenovo T490s is a slim and lightweight business laptop that packs a punch. It features up to 1TB of SSD storage, up to 64GB of RAM, and up to an 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processor. It also boasts a 14-inch FHD display, Dolby Audio, and a long-lasting battery life of up to 20 hours.

Additionally, the T490s has a range of ports, including two Thunderbolt 3 ports, one USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 port, one HDMI port, and a headphone jack. It also features a fingerprint reader, facial recognition, and a ThinkPad Pen Pro stylus for added security and convenience.

How does the Lenovo T490s compare to the Dell XPS 13?

The Lenovo T490s and Dell XPS 13 are both high-end ultrabooks, but they cater to different needs. The T490s is designed for business use, with features like a fingerprint reader, facial recognition, and a durable design. The XPS 13, on the other hand, is geared towards consumers who want a lightweight and stylish laptop for everyday use.

In terms of performance, the two laptops are similar, with both offering up to an Intel Core i7 processor and up to 64GB of RAM. However, the XPS 13 has a more vibrant display and a smaller footprint, making it a better option for those who want a laptop for streaming and entertainment.

Is the Lenovo T490s suitable for gaming?

The Lenovo T490s is not exactly a gaming laptop, but it can still handle casual gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. The laptop features integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620, which can handle games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Overwatch at lower settings.

However, if you’re a serious gamer, you may find the T490s’ graphics capabilities limiting. For more demanding games, you’ll need a laptop with a dedicated graphics card, like the Lenovo Legion Y540 or the Razer Blade 15.

Can I upgrade the Lenovo T490s’ RAM and storage?

Yes, the Lenovo T490s allows you to upgrade its RAM and storage. The laptop has two SODIMM slots, which can accommodate up to 64GB of RAM. You can also upgrade the storage from a 256GB SSD to a 1TB or 2TB SSD.

However, upgrading the RAM and storage requires technical expertise and may void your warranty. It’s recommended to consult the user manual or contact Lenovo’s support team for guidance on upgrading your laptop.

Is the Lenovo T490s compatible with Linux?

Yes, the Lenovo T490s is compatible with Linux. Lenovo provides Linux certification for many of its laptops, including the T490s. In fact, the laptop comes with Ubuntu as an optional operating system.

However, you may need to install additional drivers and software to get all the features working smoothly on Linux. You can find community support and resources online to help you with the installation and configuration process.

What kind of warranty and support does Lenovo offer for the T490s?

Lenovo offers a standard one-year warranty for the T490s, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. You can also purchase extended warranty options, including a two-year or three-year warranty, which provides additional protection and support.

Lenovo also offers a range of support options, including online support resources, phone support, and on-site support. You can also visit Lenovo’s support website to download drivers, manuals, and other resources for your laptop.

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