Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3
Worth: $1,921
CPU: Intel Core i5-12500H CPU
GPU: Intel Iris Xe
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
Show: 17.3-inch, 3,072 x 1440-pixel, touchscreen
Second show: 8-inch, 1,280 x 800-pixel, touchscreen
Battery: 6:52
Dimension: 16.1 x 9.0 x 0.6~0.7 inches
Weight: 4.4 kilos
The Lenovo Thinkbook Plus Gen 3 is the primary laptop computer of 2023 to really wow me. Producers have been boring me to tears with their dreary-gray clamshell notebooks, lame-o Chromebooks, and black enterprise workstations. The place is the innovation, thrill and drama?
I would like novelty! It’s what will get me going.
Simply as I used to be at my wits finish with this infinite landslide of lackluster laptops, the Thinkbook Plus Gen 3 landed on my doorstep — and it simply invigorated me from head to toe. This Lenovo magnificence has two shows in a single laptop computer. No, that’s not precisely a novel function with laptops just like the Asus ZenBook Professional 14 Duo OLED (its secondary show is propped up between the primary show and keyboard), however it’s the primary time I, as a reviewer, have had the privilege of reviewing a dual-display laptop computer.
The Thinkbook Plus Gen 3 has a stunning principal 17.3-inch, 3K show. It’s ultra-wide AF with a blinding 21:10 side ratio. (I don’t assume I’ve ever reviewed a laptop computer with a 21:10 side ratio!) And the secondary show is a sight to behold — it seems to be like somebody shoved the keyboard to the left, minimize a rectangle into the deck, and dropped in an 8-inch pill for optimum productiveness. As somebody who’s always cross-referencing totally different paperwork on Google Docs and Sheets, this dual-display setup has boosted my workflow past my wildest expectations.
However I gained’t deceive you. On the draw back, this laptop computer has despatched me operating to Lenovo’s help people greater than some other unit I’ve reviewed. The secondary show generally is a bit buggy, and it’s not probably the most intuitive panel to make use of, however its quirks and peculiarities are tolerable — to this point.
Except for the whimsy second show, there are different facets of this laptop computer that deserve a stern side-eye. With out additional ado, let’s dive into the great, the unhealthy and the ugly.
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 worth and configurations
My evaluate unit is the most cost effective configuration you will get. It has a beginning worth of $1,921, however as of this writing, it’s presently on sale on Lenovo’s official web site for $1,156 (opens in new tab) (use code ThinkMarchSave). It comes with a twelfth Gen Intel Core i5-12500H CPU, Intel Iris Xe graphics, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, a 512GB SSD, a 17.3-inch, 3,072 x 1440-pixel, touchscreen show, and Home windows 11 Residence.
If you’re a giant spender with some cash to blow, a maxed out ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 will value you $2,846 (however once more, it’s on sale for $1,709). This bumps the specs as much as a twelfth Gen Intel Core 17-12700H CPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, a 1TB SSD, Home windows 11 Professional, and Microsoft Workplace Skilled.
If the ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 is out of your finances, contemplate testing the finest laptops underneath $500.
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 design
The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 has the curb attraction of a non-descript industrial constructing — it’s received an unremarkable, two-tone, gloomy design referred to as “Storm Gray.” The phrase “ThinkBook” is stamped in conspicuous, shiny letters in a center-right place on the lid, so everybody will know you’ve a Lenovo laptop computer, whether or not you prefer it or not. (Personally, I’d prefer it since Lenovo is understood for killing it within the enterprise laptop computer sector.)
Nevertheless, when you open the proverbial door, this Lenovo enterprise laptop computer will blow you — and your co-workers — away.
It goes with out saying that the very first thing that caught my eye is the putting, second display splashed on the suitable facet of the deck. It’s as if the show stated, “Transfer over, keyboard! I’m taking over a 3rd of your house — and I gained’t be paying hire both!” Nevertheless, with the second display leaving much less room for the keyboard, I couldn’t assist however wonder if it will really feel cramped whereas typing on it (I’ll dive into my expertise later).
The deck continues to imitate the lid’s ho-hum, business-friendly grayish design with a surprisingly decent-sized touchpad that sits beneath an array of dark-gray, shield-shaped keys. Above the perform keys, you’ll discover a energy button that doubles as a fingerprint scanner.
Though the ThinkBook Plus Gen 3, wrapped in an aluminum-alloy chassis, weighs over 4 kilos, it doesn’t really feel heavy in any respect. Lenovo did an incredible job with this machine’s weight distribution — even my spaghetti arm can choose this child up with one hand.
The ThinkBook Plus Gen weighs 4.4 kilos and has dimensions of 16.1 x 9.0 x 0.6~0.7 inches. Its competitor on this evaluate, the 16-inch Samsung Galaxy E book Professional 3, is lighter at 3.4 kilos and has dimensions of 14.0 x 9.9 x 0.5 inches.
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 safety and sturdiness
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 is a lot of enjoyable with its funky deck show, garaged stylus, and different quirky specs, however in terms of enterprise, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 will get critical.
The facility button doubles as a fingerprint reader, permitting you to login with Home windows Hi there swiftly and effectively. Luckily, I managed to breeze by way of the fingerprint recognition setup with none points. For many who are involved about peeping Toms, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 3’s webcam comes with a webcam shutter, so you may breathe straightforward understanding that your privateness is protected.
So far as sturdiness is anxious, it doesn’t have military-tested fortitude (e.g., MIL-STD-810G certification), so I’m not satisfied that the ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 may survive being within the palms of a slipshod proprietor.
At first look, the construct is comparatively stable, however after I inspected the touchpad, I seen there was an unsettling hole between the sting and the deck. And I don’t even need to know what would occur to the second display in the event you dropped it awkwardly.
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 ports
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 has loads of holes so that you can get pleasure from. Apparently, Lenovo positioned ports on the again, in between two air vents, in addition to on the left facet — the suitable facet is totally naked of I/O choices.
On the again, you’ll discover an HDMI port, a USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port, and a Thunderbolt 4 port. The left facet includes a headset/mic jack and a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port.
Want extra? Try our finest USB Kind-C hubs and finest laptop computer docking stations pages.
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 principal show
Hellllloooooo nurse! This ThinkBook Plus’ huge, putting 17.3-inch, 120Hz, 3072 x 1440-pixel contact show is schmexy. As talked about on the outset, that is the primary time I’ve ever laid eyes on a laptop computer with a 21:10 side ratio — and it’s as broad as a California king-sized mattress.
I couldn’t wait to fireside up Netflix on this display, and it was as wonderful as I anticipated it to be. Whereas watching We Have a Ghost, I used to be shocked by how true-to-life actor Anthony Mackie appeared on the show. From the tiny scar underneath his left eye to the tiny strand of grey hair on his chin, I may see it all! The show is so crisp, I may even make out the tiniest of mustache hairs poking from young-adult actor Jahi Di’Allo Winston’s higher lip.
In response to our testing, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 3’s panel covers 109% of the DCI-P3 coloration gamut. That is miles higher than the typical premium laptop computer (88%) and the Samsung Galaxy E book 3 Professional (87%), which sports activities a 16-inch, 2,888 x 1800-pixel, 120Hz AMOLED show.
| Header Cell – Column 0 | ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 | Galaxy E book 3 Professional |
|---|---|---|
| DCI-P3 coloration gamut | 109% | 87% |
| Brightness | 382 nits | 377 nits |
| Delta-E coloration accuracy | 0.32 | 0.21 |
Lenovo claims that the panel on our evaluate unit emits 400 nits of brightness, however in accordance with our outcomes, it comes barely in need of that at 382 nits. That is brighter than the Galaxy E book 3 Professional’s 377-nit panel, however did not surpass the typical premium laptop computer (387 nits).
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 3, with a Delta-E coloration accuracy rating of 0.32 (nearer to zero is healthier), couldn’t beat the Galaxy E book 3 Professional (0.21) nor the typical premium laptop computer (0.24).
It’s additionally price noting that the ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 has a contact show, and as I scrolled by way of numerous long-form articles on The Atlantic, it was extremely conscious of my Home windows 11 gestures, together with pinch-to-zoom, three-finger swipes to revisit earlier apps, and extra. The one draw back I seen is that the 21:10 side ratio is finest for visible leisure for that gorgeous widescreen impact, however it’s not ultimate for long-form studying, which thrives on shows which can be extra tall than broad.
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 second show
Sufficient about the primary show! Let’s discuss in regards to the beautiful eight-inch, 1,280 x 800-pixel show splashed throughout the deck — it seems to be like a built-in pill nestled proper subsequent to the keyboard.
You name it a display, however I name it a sidekick. This useful, secondary panel is a godsend for somebody who is continually working with two or extra paperwork for cross-referencing functions. For instance, as I write this evaluate, I’ve Google Docs entrance and heart on my principal show, however I’ve Google Sheets open, crammed with the juicy check outcomes in regards to the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 to assist coloration this piece. I used to be giddy as I may simply look down at Sheets to breeze by way of this evaluate.
What are the opposite use instances for this candy 8-inch LCD panel? You need to use it to attract and take notes whilst you’re studying an internet textbook or listening to a lecture. In my case, I used the secondary show to attract together with an illustration tutorial on YouTube — I drew a leprechaun as I used to be feeling fairly festive for the looming St. Patrick’s Day enjoyable.
The second show has a toolbar with the next choices:
- App Teams — provides you quick-and-easy entry to your favourite apps
- Drawboard — helps you to take fast notes and sketch
- Important show mirroring — the primary display is mirrored on the second show
- Drawboard mirroring — the second show is mirrored on the primary panel
- Quantity Pad — launch a digital NumPad or calculator
- Toolbar Settings — customise the toolbar to your liking
- Motorola Prepared for Assistant App — helps you to join choose units to the PC for straightforward file transfers
Let’s discuss in regards to the Prepared for Assistant app. I believed I’d have the chance to hyperlink both my Samsung Galaxy S22 Extremely or my iPhone 14 Plus to the ThinkBook Plus, however to my shock, after I tried to scan the QR code to kick off the pairing course of, neither machine labored.
Because it seems, the Prepared for Assistant app is just suitable with Motorola telephones, together with the Motorola Edge, the Moto G200 5G, and Moto G100. I don’t have any of those units — and I don’t know anybody in actual life who does (sure, that was shade) — so I couldn’t check this function. Nevertheless, understand that you may nonetheless pair your Android (iOS units might be supported quickly) through the Your Telephone app.
What I don’t like in regards to the second show, nevertheless, is that it’s usually too gradual for my tastes, taking a number of seconds to reply to my requests for Important show mirroring and Drawboard mirroring.
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 keyboard and touchpad
I’ll simply say it straight up — I don’t just like the ThinkBook Plus Gen 3’s keyboard. Nevertheless, I dislike it for a special purpose than I initially thought.
Surprisingly, the keyboard being shifted to the suitable of the deck to make room for the 8-inch second display doesn’t hassle me in any respect. Remember the fact that this laptop computer is gigantic with a 17.3-inch show, so there’s loads of room for the island-style keyboard to breathe. With the fast press of the spacebar and Fn button, you may activate the backlight, which has three ranges of brightness.
The distinction on the keys are nice — you may’t go fallacious with white letters and symbols superimposed on dark-gray keys. Nevertheless, what I don’t like about this keyboard is that it’s mushy as all get out. With every press, I really feel like my fingers are sinking in quicksand and I have to actual an excessive amount of pressure to leap from one key to a different. No, it’s not unhealthy sufficient that I’d write off this laptop computer utterly, however it does give me pause, particularly since Lenovo is understood for its keyboards.
On the 10FastFingers.com typing check, I reached 86 phrases per minute, which is barely lower than my common (87 to 89 wpm), however it’s negligible.
The 4.8 x 3.0-inch touchpad on this deck is large. Nevertheless, its massive measurement generally is a draw back as a result of I usually discovered myself poorly estimating the placement of the left click on, usually unintentionally touchdown on the right-click space. Whoops! (Oh, how I miss touchpads with devoted buttons.) Apart from that, the touchpad is a dream; I executed Home windows 11 gestures corresponding to pinch-to-zoom, three-finger swiping, and two-finger scrolling with none points.
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 stylus
Styli are cool and all, however many laptops — ahem, the Samsung Galaxy E book 3 Professional 360 — refuse to supply silos for them. Luckily, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 doesn’t observe that development; it’s received a garaged pen parked behind the hinge prepared so that you can use.
With a easy, satisfying click on, the stylus pops proper out. Because it’s been charging whereas sitting within the storage, it needs to be prepared to make use of. There’s nothing notably particular about this built-in pen. It has two configurable buttons, however It’s not ergonomic nor does it have a pen-to-paper really feel. Nonetheless, its cylindrical form was snug sufficient as I scribbled and sketched on OneNote — there was just about no lag nor some other enter delays as I glided throughout the 8-inch display.
With the Lenovo Pen Settings app, you may configure the 2 buttons to kick off numerous actions, together with Web page Up, Web page Down, Play, Pause, Paste, Undo, Redo, and extra.
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 audio
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 3’s Harman-branded twin audio system, tuned with Dolby Atmos, are backside firing — and so they positive sound prefer it.
I fired up the Prime 50 USA playlist on Spotify and launched SZA’s “Kill Invoice.” Because the R&B songstress crooned her mean-spirited lyrics which can be satirically juxtaposed with a sweet-sounding melody, she sounded muffled and subdued. It doesn’t assist that, even at max quantity, the audio system didn’t get as loud as I believed they might. The swoon-worthy music couldn’t fill my large-sized testing room.
On the plus facet, the standard of the audio is crisp and honeyed. Even at prime amplification, there was no distortion.
To personalize your audio settings, you may launch the Dolby Entry app, which options
5 presets: Dynamic, Film, Music, Recreation and Voice. Dynamic and Music had been my favorites whereas listening to SZA, however I leaned extra in direction of the latter as a result of it appeared to have a smoothing impact on the songstress’ vocals.
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 efficiency
My Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 comes with an Intel Core i5-12500H CPU and 16GB of RAM — and I couldn’t wait to place its beastly internals to the check.
First, I examined its multitasking muscle tissues by launching Google Chrome and inundating the browser with a slew of tabs, 25 to be actual. Two had been taking part in YouTube movies concurrently. I fired up a recent Google Doc and started plugging away. Regardless of all of the tab-juggling chaos occurring whereas I typed, the ThinkBook Plus managed to maintain up with me with none stutters or slowdowns.
Whilst you could admire my anecdotal expertise, the numbers don’t lie, so let’s dive into the Geekbench outcomes. On the Geekbench 5.4 general efficiency check, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 served up a jaw-dropping rating of 9,977. The “H” in “Intel Core i5-12500H CPU” stands for prime efficiency — and it’s actually residing as much as the hype.
| Header Cell – Column 0 | ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 | Galaxy E book 3 Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 5.4 | 9,977 | 9,746 |
| File-transfer check | 1,292 MBps | 436 MBps |
| Video transcoding time | 6 minutes and 40 seconds | 6 minutes and 41 seconds |
Its rival, the Samsung Galaxy E book 3 Professional, sports activities a thirteenth Gen Intel Core i5-1340P CPU, and though it’s geared up with a extra present processor in comparison with the ThinkBook Plus, it delivered a barely weaker Geekbench 5.4 rating of 9,746. On the plus facet, each beat the typical premium laptop computer’s efficiency (7,030).
On the file-transfer check, the ThinkBook Plus’ 512GB SSD took solely 21 seconds to duplicate 25GB of multimedia information for a file switch price of 1,292 megabytes per second. This beats the 256GB SSD contained in the Galaxy E book 3 Professional (436 MBps) in addition to the typical premium laptop computer (1,287 MBps).
The ThinkBook Plus saved up the successful momentum on the Handbrake video-editing check. The Lenovo laptop computer transformed a 4K video to 1080p in simply six minutes and 40 seconds, beating the Galaxy E book 3 Professional by a hair (6:41). Each laptops outpaced the typical premium laptop computer (8:44).
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 graphics
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 3, geared up with Intel Iris Xe built-in graphics, started to slide in graphics efficiency once we in contrast it to its Samsung rival.
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 reached 15,137 on the 3DMark Night time Raid benchmark, which checks for built-in graphics’ efficiency. That is worse than the scores from the Galaxy E book 3 Professional (16,369) and the typical premium laptop computer (16,756).
Don’t get it twisted — the ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 isn’t any gaming laptop computer by any means. However only for the heck of it, we determined to see how effectively it may deal with Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm benchmark (1080p). It reached 30 frames per second, which meets our 30-fps playability threshold, however it did not beat the Galaxy E book 3 Professional (33 fps) and the typical premium laptop computer (48 fps). Nevertheless, understand that lots of the laptops averaged into the latter have discrete graphics that skew the outcome, so don’t be too alarmed by the discrepancy.
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 battery life
We’ve come to my favourite a part of the evaluate — figuring out how lengthy the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3, geared up with a 70 watt-hour battery, can survive on a cost.
Remember the fact that we shouldn’t anticipate an excessive amount of from the ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 by way of energy effectivity. It sports activities a high-performance CPU, a spacious, 17.3-inch principal show with a 120Hz refresh price, and to prime all of it off, a second touchscreen that takes up a 3rd of the deck. Contemplating these power-hungry elements, the ThinkBook Plus’ battery life isn’t too unhealthy, however it’s not spectacular both.
| Header Cell – Column 0 | ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 | Galaxy E book 3 Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime | 6 hours and 52 minutes | 6 hours and 51 minutes |
On the Laptop computer Magazine battery check, which entails steady net browsing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 lasted 6 hours and 52 minutes. As anticipated, that is worse than the typical premium laptop computer (9:57), however apparently, it beat the Galaxy E book 3 Professional by a hair (6:51). Its Samsung rival doesn’t also have a second display, so what’s its excuse?!
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 webcam
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 3’s 1080p webcam 1080p truly seems to be good. It looks like laptop computer OEMs are lastly leaving these fugly 720p webcams behind.
The shooter captures coloration extraordinarily effectively, precisely selecting up on my burgundy prime and my brown complexion. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t say that it’s probably the most crisp nor detailed digital camera. For instance, I discovered that I couldn’t see any of the extra delicate particulars of my pores and skin. However you realize what? That could possibly be a blessing in disguise.
It’s additionally price noting that that is an IR digital camera, so you should use it for face-recognition logins. And as talked about within the safety part, it’s geared up with a privateness shutter.
On the lookout for a greater webcam? Try our exterior webcam web page for one thing that matches your wants.
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 warmth
Who needs a laptop computer that will get too scorching to relaxation on one’s laptop computer? Not me! That’s why we examined the ThinkBook Plus Gen 3’s thermals.
After taking part in a 15-minute, 1080p video, the touchpad on the Lenovo laptop computer reached 81 levels Fahrenheit on our warmth check. The keyboard peaked at round 88 levels, and eventually, the underside hovered at round 89 levels. The most popular area on the ThinkBook Plus was someplace alongside the vents on its underside, notching 94 levels, which avoids surpassing our 95-degree consolation threshold.
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 software program and guarantee
YouTube creators would love the preinstalled Clipchamp Video Editor app, which may handle informal timeline enhancing like a — effectively — champ.
You’ll additionally discover AI Assembly Supervisor, an app that may ship real-time translation, interpretation and voice dictation. It could additionally generate subtitles. Sadly, a lot of its options — if not all — will not be free.
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 hosts your commonplace fare of Microsoft apps, together with Groups, Whiteboard, OneNote, Folks, Paint, Films & TV, Climate, and extra.
There’s additionally a slew of Lenovo-branded apps, together with Vantage, your one-stop store for data concerning your laptop computer. With this app, you may verify your guarantee, carry out system updates, scan the {hardware}, contact customer support, and extra.
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 ships with a one-year guarantee. See how the model fared in our Tech help showdown and Finest and worst manufacturers particular stories.
Backside line
I haven’t had this a lot enjoyable in a very long time — I had an absolute blast working with the ThinkBook Plus Gen 3’s dazzling second panel.
From sketching alongside a YouTube illustration tutorial to firing up paperwork to assist facilitate my cross-referencing techniques, I can truthfully say that the deck show is not a gimmick. It’s an extremely helpful function — a lot in order that I could proceed to make use of it for work to assist enhance my productiveness. Nevertheless, it’s price noting that firing up some options on the second show was gradual at instances.
The principle show deserves a pat on the again, too. This ultra-wide show, boasting a 21:10 side ratio, is beautiful! It’s excellent for widescreen leisure, permitting you to chill, chill out, and stream your favourite reveals after work.
Nevertheless, I’m not a giant fan of the keyboard. It’s a little bit too mushy for my tastes. If it doesn’t really feel as if the keys are flinging me from one letter to a different, I don’t need it!
So, the query is, who’s the ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 for? It’s for customers who do a lot of cross-referencing for work or faculty. This dual-display laptop computer can, for instance, can help you launch an internet textbook on the second panel whilst you use it to propel the essay you’re writing on the primary show. It’s additionally wonderful for notetakers, permitting you to scribble notes on the second show whilst you hear intently to YouTube lectures. The chances are infinite.
When you can abdomen a barely gradual secondary show and a mushy keyboard, by all means, get your self the ThinkBook Plus Gen 3. Get it now whereas it’s on sale for lower than $1,160.
