Lenovo ThinkPad +480 review

The Lenovo ThinkPad T480 is a business-class laptop that has earned a strong reputation among professionals, students, and anyone who wants a dependable machine that can stand up to daily use. First released in the late 2010s as part of Lenovo’s long-running ThinkPad T series, the T480 isn’t a glamorous, high-end laptop by modern standards — but that’s not really its aim. Instead, it focuses on durability, practicality, and real-world performance for everyday tasks. After many years in the market and a large number of refurbished units available, it’s become a popular choice for people looking for value and reliability.

Design & Build Quality

One of the first things you notice about the ThinkPad T480 is its classic ThinkPad design. It carries the familiar black boxy look that business users have known and trusted for years. The chassis is built with reinforced materials that meet MIL-STD-810G military durability standards, meaning it’s been tested to withstand things like drops, vibration, humidity, and more. This doesn’t make it indestructible, but it does mean the laptop feels solid and sturdy in daily use.

The laptop’s 14-inch size strikes a good balance between portability and screen space — it’s not as small as a 13-inch ultra-book, but it’s still easy to carry in a backpack. The thickness and weight are a bit more substantial than modern thin-and-light laptops, but that’s part of the trade-off for its durability and expandability.

The keyboard is one of the T480’s standout features. ThinkPad keyboards are often considered among the best in the laptop world, and the T480 is no exception. The keys have a satisfying tactile feel and good travel distance, which makes typing long documents or emails comfortable. A backlit keyboard is included on many models, which is extremely useful for working in low-light conditions.

The iconic red TrackPoint in the middle of the keyboard is there too — a small joystick-like nub that lets you move the cursor without taking your hands off the keyboard. Some people love it; others prefer a touchpad. Either way, Lenovo offers both options, and the touchpad responds accurately to gestures.

Performance

Under the hood, the ThinkPad T480 typically comes with 8th-generation Intel Core processors — most commonly the Core i5-8250U or Core i5-8350U, and some configurations include Core i7 options. These CPUs are quad-core chips designed for efficient performance in everyday tasks. They won’t match the speed of newer CPUs, especially the latest Intel or AMD chips, but for typical work they hold up well.

For tasks such as web browsing, streaming videos, creating documents and spreadsheets, handling email, and even light photo editing, the T480 performs smoothly. Multitasking with a bunch of browser tabs open and multiple apps running doesn’t usually bog it down, especially if the machine has at least 8 GB of RAM. On units with 16 GB or more, multitasking feels even better.

The storage drive is almost always a solid-state drive (SSD), which makes booting up, opening programs, and loading files noticeably quick compared to older laptops that used traditional hard drives. SSDs also improve overall responsiveness and system reliability.

The graphics are handled by integrated Intel UHD graphics. This is fine for basic video playback and casual games, but it’s not designed for heavy gaming or demanding graphics work. Don’t expect high frame rates in modern 3D games — the T480 is built for productivity rather than gaming.

One nice feature of the T480 is that it’s easy to upgrade. You can add more RAM or swap the SSD for a larger one if you need more performance or storage space down the line. This level of user-friendly upgradeability is rare in many modern laptops, where components are often soldered and not replaceable.

Display

The ThinkPad T480 typically comes with a 14-inch Full HD (1920×1080) display. This resolution is perfectly adequate for everyday work and multimedia. Text looks crisp, and the screen is big enough to comfortably view two windows side by side.

However, display quality varies between models. Some configurations have a brighter, higher-quality panel, while others use a more basic screen with average brightness and more limited color reproduction. If you plan to work outdoors or in very bright environments, the lower-end panels can feel dim. For people who prioritize color accuracy or multimedia, the display will feel functional but unspectacular.

Still, for most users doing schoolwork, office tasks, and general browsing, the screen is perfectly fine.

Battery Life

Battery life is an area where the T480 can really shine — or frustrate — depending on the configuration. One unique thing about this model is that it can be equipped with dual batteries: an internal battery and an external removable battery. With a larger battery setup, users report getting a full day of light to moderate use on a single charge.In real-world use, getting 6–10 hours isn’t uncommon with a healthy battery and balanced settings. However, because many T480s on the market are refurbished, battery health can vary a lot. Some older units might only manage a few hours before needing a recharge. So if battery life is important, it’s worth checking the condition of the battery or replacing it with a new one if possible.

Ports & Connectivity

One area where the ThinkPad T480 really delivers is connectivity. You get a wide selection of ports that many modern laptops have phased out. These include:

• USB-A ports
• USB-C with Thunderbolt 3
• HDMI
• Ethernet (LAN)
• SD card reader
• Headphone jack

This wide array of ports means you can connect to a variety of accessories, external displays, wired networks, and more without needing a bunch of adapters. For many people, especially professionals and students, this flexibility is a big advantage.

Wireless connectivity is solid too, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support built in.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very durable and well-built, designed for business use.
• Excellent keyboard that’s comfortable for long typing sessions.
• Good real-world performance for everyday productivity tasks.
• User upgradeable RAM and storage.
• Wide array of ports — no need for dongles in most cases.
• Battery life can be excellent with the right configuration.

Cons

• Display quality varies, and brightness isn’t great on lower-end panels.
• Heavier and thicker than modern ultra books.
• Graphics are basic, not suitable for heavy gaming or professional design work.
• Battery life can vary greatly depending on age and condition of the unit.
• Being an older model, it doesn’t compete with newer laptops in raw performance.

Who Is It Best For?

The Lenovo ThinkPad T480 is ideal for:

• Students who need a dependable machine for homework, research, and projects.
• Professionals who prioritize reliability, ease of use, and a comfortable keyboard.
• People on a budget who want good performance without paying for cutting-edge specs.

It’s not the best choice if you want a super thin, stylish laptop with top-tier performance for gaming or advanced multimedia creation. But if you value function over flash, and you want something that gets the job done day after day, the T480 is still a solid pick — especially if you can get a good used or refurbished unit.

Final Verdict

The Lenovo ThinkPad T480 isn’t a cutting-edge laptop by today’s standards, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a workhorse with reliable performance, excellent build quality, and a practical design that has stood the test of time. For productivity, school, and general use, it’s a capable and sensible choice — particularly if you’re shopping in the refurbished or budget category.

If you prioritize portability, the latest features, or the highest performance, newer models might be a better fit. But for everyday use and long-term reliability, the T480 continues to be a laptop worth considering.