Lenovo ThinkBook 14 (Part: 21SGA036IG)
An Unbeatable Value for Everyday Productivity
The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 (Part: 21SGA036IG) is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a powerful and reliable laptop for work, school, or home use without a hefty price tag. Currently available at a massive 45% discount, this model is a standout in the mid-range market. It’s powered by the efficient Intel® Core™ 3 100U processor and comes with the invaluable Windows 11 Home and a full Microsoft Office Home 2024 suite pre-installed.
This review will dive into the core features that make this ThinkBook a practical and smart investment. We’ll explore its performance for daily tasks, the clarity of its WUXGA display, and its robust connectivity options, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice quality for an affordable price.
Core Performance & Essential Features
This ThinkBook model delivers a solid and reliable experience, making it a dependable companion for all your daily computing needs.
Intel® Core™ 3 100U Processor
Powered by the new Intel Core 3 100U processor, this laptop provides a perfect balance of performance and energy efficiency. With a max clock speed of up to 4.70 GHz on its P-cores, it handles everything from web browsing and document editing to video streaming with ease.
Windows 11 & Microsoft Office
Unlike other models that come with no OS or a trial version of Office, this ThinkBook includes Windows 11 Home and a full, lifetime license for Microsoft Office Home 2024. This adds significant value and means you’re ready to be productive right out of the box.
Fast Memory and Storage
A solid configuration with 8 GB of DDR5-5200 RAM and a 512 GB PCIe Gen4 SSD ensures a snappy, responsive experience. Boot times are minimal and applications load in seconds, while the generous storage provides plenty of space for documents, photos, and videos.
Eye-Friendly Display
The 14-inch WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS display provides sharp images and a comfortable 16:10 aspect ratio for more vertical screen space. The anti-glare finish and TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification make it easy on your eyes during long work sessions.
Built-in Security
Keep your data safe with the integrated Smart Power On fingerprint reader, which lets you power on and log in with a single touch. The Firmware Trusted Platform Module (fTPM) 2.0 adds a critical layer of hardware-based security for your data and encryption keys.
Versatile Connectivity
This ThinkBook provides all the ports you need, including a Thunderbolt™ 4 port for blazing-fast data transfer and external display support. With Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and an Ethernet port, you are always connected, no matter where you are.
Detailed Specifications
General & OS
- Model Number: 21SGA036IG
- Series: ThinkBook 14
- Color: Arctic Grey
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home Single Language 64
- Pre-installed Software: Microsoft Office Home and Student 2024
Performance
- Processor: Intel® Core™ 3 100U
- Max Clock Speed: Up to 4.70 GHz (P-cores)
- Graphics: Integrated Intel® Graphics
- Memory (RAM): 8 GB DDR5-5200MT/s (SODIMM)
- Storage: 512 GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe Gen4 QLC
Display, Camera & Audio
- Screen Size: 14 inches (35.56cm)
- Resolution: WUXGA (1920 x 1200)
- Panel Type: IPS, Anti-Glare
- Brightness: 300 nits
- Color Gamut: 45% NTSC
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Webcam: FHD 1080p & IR with privacy shutter
- Audio: Dolby Audio™ with dual-array mics
Connectivity & Design
- Wireless: WiFi 6E 2×2 AX with Bluetooth® 5.3 or WiFi 6 with BT 5.2
- Ports: Thunderbolt™ 4, USB-C® (10Gbps), 2 x USB-A, HDMI® 2.1, Ethernet (RJ45), 4-in-1 card reader, audio combo jack
- Battery: 45Whr or 60Whr with Rapid Charge support
- Weight: Starting at 1.36kg / 3.0lbs
Security & Durability
- Fingerprint Reader: Smart Power On with match-on-chip
- Security Chip: Firmware Trusted Platform Module (fTPM) 2.0
- Durability: MIL-STD-810H Military-Grade Tested
Pros and Cons: A Balanced View for Buyers
Pros
- Exceptional Value for Money: A massive 45% discount makes this laptop an unbeatable deal for its specifications.
- Productivity Ready Out of the Box: The inclusion of Windows 11 Home and a full Microsoft Office Home 2024 license is a huge saving and a major convenience.
- Solid Core Components: The Intel Core 3 processor, fast DDR5 RAM, and a spacious 512 GB PCIe Gen4 SSD provide a quick and reliable user experience.
- Comprehensive Connectivity: The presence of a Thunderbolt™ 4 port is a premium feature not often found in this price range, alongside Wi-Fi 6E and a variety of other ports.
Cons
- Limited RAM: While 8GB of DDR5 RAM is fast, it may become a bottleneck for heavy multitasking or more demanding applications.
- QLC SSD: The use of a QLC (Quad-Level Cell) SSD can result in slightly slower write speeds compared to the more durable TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND in higher-end models.
- Basic Display: The 300 nits brightness and 45% NTSC color gamut are adequate for general use but not ideal for professional creative work or use in brightly lit environments.
Who Is This Laptop For? Tailored Recommendations
The ThinkBook 14 is the perfect choice for:
- Students & Educators: A powerful and affordable machine for research, writing, and online learning with all the essential software included.
- Home Office Users: For daily tasks like email, video conferencing, document creation, and managing personal finances.
- Small Business Professionals: A reliable and secure laptop for running business applications and staying productive on the go without a high upfront cost.
- Value-Conscious Buyers: Those who want a brand-name laptop with a great build, a modern processor, and a significant discount.
