At Mobile World Congres 2023, Lenovo is introducing many new products, but one that caught our attention is the second-generation Lenovo ThinkPad Z-Series, with the Z16 and Z13 laptops. The original Z-Series was introduced last year at CES 2022.
The new ThinkPad Z-Series is also built around an AMD-only platform, considered AMD’s flagship hardware in this category. According to Lenovo, the 2023 version brings significantly more computing power, with +50% CPU speed (up to 64GB RAM!) and +30% faster graphics.
The system also has AMD’s Smartshift technology which can smartly re-route power to/from the CPU/GPU depending on which unit requires a power boost at any given time.
Laptop users often don’t realize that such critical components are often limited by power availability (and thermals) and not by their inherent technical limitations. Smartshift gives both CPU and GPU extra wiggle room.
Sustainability is also an integral part of the Z-series design, with innovative elements such as the new optional Flax Fiber top cover, a bio-based material that is durable to ThinkPad standards. It replaces last year’s synthetic leather option.
You can also expect recycled materials, like 100% compostable packaging, whenever possible. This laptop might help some companies reach their ESG goals for the year, so it’s not a bad strategy!
The Z Series is also not your typical ThinkPad as Lenovo tries to woo new users who prefer these new edgy designs and options in addition to all the good things ThinkPads are known for.
The company has optimized the design for hybrid work, and this could be really useful in a world where online meetings are ubiquitous. There’s no end in sight, and even with some pressure to return to the office, video meetings will continue for the foreseeable future.
Lenovo says it has selected higher-quality FHD webcams, with some options that include an infrared 3D camera. That’s not the fanciest integrated webcam Lenovo has, but I like that webcams have become an item that product managers now focus on.
As you are about to jump into a video call, it’s possible to double-click on the Trackpoint button to invoke a dedicated webcam/audio dialog menu to check and change settings quickly.
Lenovo has excellent display options for the new Z-Series, with a 4K OLED (Z16) and 2.8K OLED (Z16) and various IPS LCD options.
Overall this is an excellent compute-centric evolution of this new ThinkPad series, and we’re curious to see it in action. Check the current specs below. Pricing information typically comes later in the year.
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