What you need to know
- Lenovo introduced a new ThinkPad Z series at CES 2022.
- The ThinkPad Z13 and ThinkPad Z16 are AMD-powered laptops using next-gen AMD Ryzen 6000 CPUs.
- The two laptops focus on offering sustainable materials for both build and packing.
- Both laptops are expected in May, starting at $1,549.
Lenovo has announced a new Z series of ThinkPads at CES 2022. The two new laptops in the series — including the 13.3-inch Z13 and the 16-inch Z16 — are recognizable as ThinkPads, yet Lenovo has changed up the design for a larger focus on sustainability. The business laptops have optional vegan leather accents and use recycled aluminum in the body, while the packaging is made up of compostable bamboo and sugarcane. These ThinkPads are nevertheless up to the usual MIL-SPEC 810H standard to ensure they can withstand a harsh environment.
Take a look at the specs that make up these laptops.
| Category | ThinkPad Z13 | ThinkPad Z16 |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 | Windows 11 |
| Processor | Next-gen AMD Ryzen Pro U-series | Next-gen AMD Ryzen Pro H-series |
| RAM | Up to 32GB LPDDR5 | Up to 32GB LPDDR5 |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon Integrated | AMD Radeon Integrated |
| Storage | Up to 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD | Up to 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD |
| Display | 13.3 inches 16:10 aspect ratio 1920x1200 (WUXGA) 400 nits, Low power Touch (optional) 2560x1600 (WQXGA) 400 nits, touch OLED, Low blue light Dolby Vision | 16 inches 16:10 aspect ratio 1920x1200 (WUXGA) 400 nits, Low power Touch (optional) 3840x2400 (WQUXGA) OLED, 400 nits Touch, Low blue light Dolby Vision |
| Ports | Two USB-C (USB4) 3.5mm audio | Three USB-C (USB4) 3.5mm audio SD card reader |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos Dolby Voice | Dolby Atmos Dolby Voice |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E Bluetooth 5.2 4G LTE | Wi-Fi 6E Bluetooth 5.2 4G LTE |
| Camera | Front-facing FHD IR camera eShutter | Front-facing FHD IR camera eShutter |
| Keyboard | Backlit | Backlit |
| Touchpad | 120mm Haptic ForcePad | 120mm Haptic ForcePad |
| Security | Fingerprint reader | Fingerprint reader |
| Battery | 50Wh | 70Wh |
| Dimensions | 11.59 x 7.85 x 0.55 inches (294.4mm x 199.6mm x 13.99m) | 13.95 x 9.34 x 0.62 inches (354.4mm x 237.4mm x 15.8mm) |
| Weight | 2.76 pounds (1.25kg) | 4.3 pounds (1.97kg) |
| Color | Black recycled vegan leather / Bronze AL Arctic Grey Recycled AL Black Recycled AL | Arctic Grey Recycled AL |
| Availability | May 2022 | May 2022 |
| Price | From $1,549 | From $2,099 (Z16) |
Both laptops use a display with 16:10 aspect ratio, and Lenovo has done a great job of removing most of the bezel around all sides. The laptops actually have the best screen-to-body ratio of all ThinkPads, with the Z13 coming in at 91.6% and the Z16 at 92.3%. There is a "standard" 1920x1200 display option available for both laptops, with touch being optional. The Z13 also has a 2560x1600 OLED option with touch, 400 nits brightness, and Dolby Vision. The Z16 makes the jump up to 3840x2400 for its OLED option, also with touch functionality and Dolby Vision. Both OLED displays are low blue light.
Above the display, the webcam is by default 1080p (FHD) and includes an IR sensor for facial recognition through Windows Hello. As an alternative, there's a fingerprint reader built into the keyboard. On the Z13, the keyboard stretches from edge to edge for a clean, modern look. The larger Z16 uses space on either side of the keyboard for top-firing audio; both laptops offer Dolby Atmos.
The touchpad — what Lenovo calls a "ForcePad" here — measures 120mm and uses haptics for a smooth pointing experience. That means it blends in a lot better with the surrounding palm rests. There's still a red pointing nub, but the physical TrackPoint buttons have been incorporated into the touchpad. Double-tapping the top of the touchpad brings up a menu for handling video and audio controls.
Both the Z13 and Z16 are getting AMD's next-gen Ryzen Pro 6000 Pro processors (CPU). The smaller Z13 will stick with Ryzen U-series, while the larger Z16 gets a bump up to Ryzen H-series for better performance. These being Windows 11 PCs, they both use the Microsoft Pluton security processor for better protection. Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6E come standard in both laptops, plus there's the option to add 4G LTE connectivity to remain connected even outside of Wi-Fi range.
The ThinkPad Z13 is expected to start at about $1,549, while the larger ThinkPad Z16 is expected to start at about $2,099. Both laptops should hit markets in May.
