Is the T490 still worth buying?

For office work, writing and browsing it remains capable and is cheap to service. If you need strong graphics or the latest CPU efficiency, a newer model is a better fit.

Can I upgrade the RAM and storage?

Yes. The bottom cover comes off with standard screws, and both the memory and the M.2 SSD can be replaced.

How does it compare with the T480?

The T490 is slimmer and moves to USB-C charging, but drops the removable external battery that the T480 offered. Keyboard and build are similar.

Does it have Thunderbolt?

Some T490 configurations include Thunderbolt 3 over USB-C; others have plain USB-C. Check the specific unit's port label before relying on it.

Typically the laptop and its USB-C power adapter. Docks, sleeves and pens are sold separately.

Is the battery replaceable?

The battery is internal and held by screws, so it can be replaced, but it is not a quick-swap pack.

Where is the TPAD T490 cheapest?

At MAVROLERT, for $2,144.00, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the TPAD T490?

Rated 5 out of 5 from 70,609 ratings.

Lenovo

TPAD T490

Best price now

$2,144.00at MAVROLERTChecked Nov 12

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit MAVROLERT

Lenovo discount codes →

Lenovo

TPAD T490

Best price now

$2,144.00at MAVROLERTChecked Nov 12

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit MAVROLERT

Lenovo discount codes →

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Last seen at $2,144.00 at MAVROLERT on Nov 12.

Our take on the TPAD T490

The ThinkPad T490 is Lenovo's 14-inch business laptop from 2019, built around an 8th-gen Intel Core i5-8265U with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. It is known for its sturdy chassis, spill-resistant keyboard with the TrackPoint, and a good port selection including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI and Ethernet. It suits office workers, students and IT fleets that want a dependable, repairable machine rather than a thin-and-light. Against newer ThinkPads it is heavier and its 8th-gen chip trails current processors, but it is easy to service and has a strong keyboard that rivals in its class often lack.

Best forOffice and business usersStudents on a budgetIT fleets buying in volumeTypists who want a firm keyboard

Pros

Excellent spill-resistant keyboard with TrackPoint
Sturdy, MIL-spec tested chassis
Full port set: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet
Easy to open and upgrade RAM and SSD
Good battery life for a business laptop
Quiet under everyday load

Cons

8th-gen Core i5 is dated against newer chips
8GB RAM fills quickly with many browser tabs
Display options vary; base panel is dim
Integrated graphics limit gaming and heavy editing
Noticeably heavier than modern ultrabooks

TPAD T490 prices at every store

MAVROLERTNew
In stockShips from Portugal · duties may applyReturn policy
$2,144.00Checked Nov 12
Visit MAVROLERT

What reviewers say

5 / 570,609 ratings

Owners rate the T490 highly, praising its keyboard, build and repairability. Complaints center on the older processor, modest base display and fan noise under load.

What people mention

KeyboardPraisedOwners call the keyboard one of the best on any laptop, with good travel and a responsive TrackPoint.
Build qualityPraisedReviewers say the chassis feels rigid and survives drops and daily travel well.
PerformanceMixedFine for office tasks, but the 8th-gen i5 shows its age in heavy multitasking and creative work.
DisplayCriticisedThe base panel is described as dim with weak color, though upgraded panels fare better.
UpgradabilityPraisedOwners like that RAM and the SSD can be swapped without special tools.
Fan noiseCriticisedThe fan becomes audible under sustained load, which some find distracting in quiet rooms.

About the TPAD T490

TPAD T490 I5-8265U8/256 14 W10P

Questions and answers

Is the T490 still worth buying?: For office work, writing and browsing it remains capable and is cheap to service. If you need strong graphics or the latest CPU efficiency, a newer model is a better fit.
Can I upgrade the RAM and storage?: Yes. The bottom cover comes off with standard screws, and both the memory and the M.2 SSD can be replaced.
How does it compare with the T480?: The T490 is slimmer and moves to USB-C charging, but drops the removable external battery that the T480 offered. Keyboard and build are similar.
Does it have Thunderbolt?: Some T490 configurations include Thunderbolt 3 over USB-C; others have plain USB-C. Check the specific unit's port label before relying on it.
What is in the box?: Typically the laptop and its USB-C power adapter. Docks, sleeves and pens are sold separately.
Is the battery replaceable?: The battery is internal and held by screws, so it can be replaced, but it is not a quick-swap pack.
Where is the TPAD T490 cheapest?: At MAVROLERT, for $2,144.00, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the TPAD T490?: Rated 5 out of 5 from 70,609 ratings.