Used Lenovo ThinkPad T490s Core i7 8th Gen Review: A Premium Business Laptop Worth Buying in 2025
When it comes to reliable business laptops, Lenovo ThinkPad has long been a trusted name worldwide. Among its popular models, the Lenovo ThinkPad T490s stands out as a slim, lightweight, and powerful laptop designed for professionals. Even as a used or refurbished laptop, the ThinkPad T490s with Intel Core i7 8th Gen, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD remains a highly attractive option in 2025.
In this article, we will explore the specifications, performance, design, durability, battery life, and overall value of the used Lenovo ThinkPad T490s, and why it is still a smart choice for work, business, and daily productivity.
Lenovo ThinkPad T490s Specifications Overview
Here are the key specifications of the Lenovo ThinkPad T490s Core i7 Gen 8:
Processor: Intel Core i7 8th Generation (Quad-Core)
RAM: 16GB DDR4
Storage: 256GB SSD (NVMe)
Display: 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080)
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620
Weight: Approx. 1.27 kg (2.8 lbs)
Operating System: Windows 10 / Windows 11 Ready
Build Quality: Military-grade durability (MIL-STD-810G)
These specifications make the ThinkPad T490s a solid performer for professional workloads even years after its initial release.
Premium Design and Portability
One of the strongest advantages of the Lenovo ThinkPad T490s is its sleek and professional design. Unlike bulky business laptops, the T490s features a slim magnesium alloy chassis that feels premium and durable at the same time.
At just 1.27 kg, this laptop is extremely portable, making it ideal for:
Business professionals
Remote workers
Students
Digital nomads
Frequent travelers
The classic ThinkPad black finish, combined with minimal branding, gives it a clean and professional appearance suitable for office environments.
Strong Performance with Core i7 8th Gen
Powered by an Intel Core i7 8th Generation processor, the ThinkPad T490s delivers excellent performance for everyday professional tasks. The quad-core CPU ensures smooth multitasking and efficient performance.
With 16GB RAM, this laptop can easily handle:
Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
Web browsing with multiple tabs
Zoom and Microsoft Teams meetings
Light photo editing
Programming and coding
Accounting and business software
The 256GB SSD provides fast boot times, quick file access, and overall responsive system performance compared to traditional hard drives.
Sharp 14-Inch Full HD Display
The 14-inch Full HD display offers a comfortable balance between screen size and portability. The resolution of 1920 x 1080 delivers sharp text and clear visuals, perfect for long working hours.
Benefits of the ThinkPad T490s display include:
Comfortable for reading and document editing
Good brightness for indoor use
Anti-glare coating to reduce eye strain
Suitable for presentations and media consumption
While it is not a gaming or color-accurate design laptop, it performs very well for business and productivity needs.
Legendary ThinkPad Keyboard and TrackPoint
One feature that sets ThinkPad laptops apart is the exceptional keyboard quality. The Lenovo ThinkPad T490s comes with:
Comfortable key travel
Excellent tactile feedback
Spill-resistant design
This makes it one of the best laptops for typing-intensive tasks such as writing, coding, and data entry.
Additionally, the iconic TrackPoint (red dot) in the center of the keyboard provides precise cursor control without moving your hands away from typing position.
Business-Grade Durability and Security
The ThinkPad T490s is built to meet MIL-STD-810G military standards, meaning it has passed durability tests for:
Shock and vibration
Extreme temperatures
Dust and humidity
Even as a used laptop, the ThinkPad T490s is known for its long lifespan and reliability.
For security, it includes:
Fingerprint reader (on selected units)
TPM security chip
BIOS-level security features
These features make it ideal for business users handling sensitive data.
Battery Life and Efficiency
The Lenovo ThinkPad T490s is optimized for power efficiency. With normal usage, a used unit in good condition can still deliver:
6 to 9 hours of battery life, depending on usage
Support for fast charging, reaching up to 80% in about one hour
This makes it suitable for mobile work without always needing a power outlet.
Why Buy a Used Lenovo ThinkPad T490s?
Buying a used or refurbished Lenovo ThinkPad T490s offers excellent value for money. Here are the main reasons:
1. Affordable Price
You get premium business-class performance at a fraction of the original price.
2. Proven Reliability
ThinkPads are known for their long-term durability and stability.
3. High Performance for Daily Work
Core i7 8th Gen + 16GB RAM is still more than enough for most users.
4. Eco-Friendly Choice
Buying used helps reduce electronic waste and supports sustainability.
Who Should Buy This Laptop?
The used Lenovo ThinkPad T490s is perfect for:
Office workers and entrepreneurs
Freelancers and remote workers
College students
IT professionals and programmers
Users looking for a reliable secondary laptop
If you need a thin, light, fast, and durable laptop for productivity, this model remains a top choice.
Final Verdict: Is the Lenovo ThinkPad T490s Still Worth It?
Yes, absolutely. The used Lenovo ThinkPad T490s Core i7 Gen 8 with 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD is still a highly capable business laptop in 2025. It combines performance, portability, durability, and comfort in one package.
For anyone looking to save money without sacrificing quality, this ThinkPad model offers exceptional value and long-term usability.