L540 Lenovo Thinkpad

Improved. Lenovo redesigns its entry-level ThinkPad and equips the business notebook with a new case as well as a processor from Intel’s current Haswell generation. Despite the price well below 1,000 Euros (~$1383), the device is supposed to keep up the ThinkPad impression and also meet the related requirements. Our review shows if it was a success. For the original German review, see here. Lenovo’s ThinkPad L540 (20AV002YGE) is a revised version of the ThinkPad L530. The series is a comparatively inexpensive entry into the ThinkPad portfolio. The manufacturer not only upgraded the hardware of the new model, but also redesigned the case once again.  The business notebook is available in two versions. The cheaper configuration retails for around 590 Euros (~$816). It is very similar to the more expensive version, but uses a slower Intel Core i3-4000M processor, a lower resolution display, a cheaper WLAN module as well as a non-professional version of Windows 8. A fingerprint reader is not available, either. Our review unit is the more expensive version with an Intel Core i5-4200M, a matte Full HD panel and the user can decide if he wants to use Windows 7 Professional or Windows 8 Pro. Lenovo offers this package for an RRP of around 862 Euros (~$1192). Both versions can also be customized with faster components, software as well as warranty upgrades. You will obviously have to pay additional charges and the price can quickly pass the 1,000 Euros (~$1383) mark. We use the Dell Latitude E6540 for the comparison. Our review unit was equipped with more powerful components, but you can also get less expensive versions with slower hardware for around 1,000 Euros. Another rival is the HP ProBook 650 G1 with a slower Core i3, but otherwise similar hardware equipment. Fujitsu offers good devices as well with the E743 and E753. The former only has a 14-inch display and the latter was better equipped, but the E753 is also available in less expensive configurations. Case Maximum opening angle above 180 degrees. The display hinges are very robust and reliable. The anthracite-colored case of the Lenovo ThinkPad L540 is completely made of plastic, but the slightly roughened surfaces still leave a good impression. Similar to the T440s there is a ThinkPad branding on the display cover with an illuminated red dot above the i. The overall design reminds us of the bigger siblings in general; the differences are in the details. You can twist the lid with some force and concentrated pressure on the back does result in slight picture distortions. However, other notebooks usually have more problems in this section. It is impossible to twist the base unit and there are no creaking noises either. The lack of gaps is exemplary. The build quality is very clean and accurate everywhere. The silver display hinges are still made of metal and keep the display in position well. We just determined a slight bouncing with vibrations. The ThinkPad L540 weighs 2,321 grams (~5.1 pounds), which is 300 grams (~0.66 pounds) lighter than its predecessor. It is also a bit thinner. The keyboard is spill-water resistant and the device was tested according to the MIL-STD, which includes high pressure, humidity, vibrations, high and low temperatures, temperature changes, low air pressure (equivalent to a height of 4,500 meters; nearly 15,000 feet) and dust. Lenovo’s engineers did a very good job and optimized the notebook. Connectivity Docking port at the bottom The port variety of the Lenovo ThinkPad L540 is very comprehensive. The ExpressCard slot does accept both 54 and 34 mm wide cards. You get four USB ports, but only one of them supports the current 3.0 standard. This port also supports charging when the device is turned off, at least if you activate the feature in the BIOS. The card reader supports all the common standards (MMC, SD, SDHC, SDXC) and integrated cards are almost flush with the case. The locking mechanism is also very reliable, so you can leave a card inside the slot without any concerns that it will fall out. The optical drive reads and writes all kinds of DVDs. The port layout is crowded, especially on the left side of the case. You might block the USB 3.0 port when you use the ExpressCard slot. We do however like the position of the Ethernet port at the back. You can also use the docking port at the bottom if the available ports are not sufficient or if you want to connect the device very quickly with peripherals and networks. A SmartCard reader is available as an option. No ports at the front. Back: Lock, USB 2.0, LAN, power Left side: VGA, Mini DisplayPort, USB 3.0, ExpressCard slot Right side: Audio, USB 2.0, card reader, DVD, USB 2.0 Communication The Lenovo ThinkPad L540 can communicate with networks via Ethernet cable and via WLAN. The Gigabit port works very well and does not cause any criticism. We tested the transfer rates in our indivi