There was once a time when ThinkPad computers were synonymous with laptops. Although IBM sold the brand to Lenovo back in 2005, the ThinkPad has continued to be one of the most reliable and successful productivity-focused laptop ranges around.

With that in mind, Lenovo recently announced its refreshed ThinkPad lineup for 2020. As you'd expect, there is a heavy leaning towards reliability, ease-of-use, and business focused-features. Each of the newly-announced ThinkPad laptops is expected to be available from the second quarter of 2020.

Lenovo ThinkPad T14, T14s, and T15

Lenovo ThinkPad T-Series Laptop

The ThinkPad T series is Lenovo's premium---and most expensive---offering. The numbering system refers to the screen size; T14 is 14 inches, T15 is 15 inches, while the T14s is an ultra-portable edition. The newly-refreshed models come with Windows 10 Pro as standard and are powered by 10th Gen Intel Core vPro CPUs. The T14s and T14 can also be configured to use AMD's Ryzen Pro 4000 mobile processor.

The laptops come with the latest standards built-in, like Wi-Fi 6 support. You'll also find a lot of Dolby tech inside, too, with the T range featuring Dolby Audio speakers and Dolby Vision. To conserve power, the devices come with Lenovo's Modern Standby technology. This helps the T-series laptops give a smartphone-style experience, where syncing can continue in the background in a low-power mode.

Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and X13 Yoga

Lenovo ThinkPad X-Series Laptop

Not everyone wants a larger device, though, so Lenovo also offers the ThinkPad X13 and X13 Yoga. These are smaller, repackaged versions of the latest T-series laptops. Notably, these devices can also be fitted with FHD 500 nit PrivacyGuard ePrivacy display with PrivacyAlert. Although that's quite a mouthful, the display can prevent prying eyes from snooping on your work while on-the-go.

The X13 Yoga is part of Lenovo's hybrid range, with a foldable touchscreen. This means the device can pull double-duty as both a laptop and a tablet. It also comes with Dolby Audio speakers and can be configured with a UHD OLED display with Dolby Vision. Both laptops feature the 10th Gen Intel Core vPro CPUs, like their larger T-series relatives. Similarly, you can choose to equip the X13 with the AMD Ryzen Pro 4000 mobile processor, instead.

Lenovo ThinkPad L13, L13 Yoga, L14, and L15

Lenovo ThinkPad L-Series Laptop

Although the T-series and X-series laptops offer excellent performance and specifications, they are also expensive. The L-series ThinkPads distill some of the brand's desirable features into a more affordable package.

The company has offered L-series laptops in the past, and these devices represent more of a gentle refresh than a full-blown overhaul. Although there isn't a lot between these and previous releases, they are now thinner and lighter than their older counterparts. They've also been upgraded to Wi-Fi 6 to support the latest standards.

There are small but useful features, too, like the communications function keys, which aim to make joining and leaving digital meetings easier and quicker. The L13, L13 Yoga, L14, and L15 all come equipped with Windows 10 Pro and have fingerprint readers to support Windows Hello biometric login. 10th Gen Intel Core vPro processors power the L-series laptops, but the L14 and L15 also support the AMD Ryzen Pro 4000, too.

Should You Be Using a Laptop or a Tablet?

Over the past few years, people have begun to shy away from laptops, towards something more portable. Touchscreen tablets have filled that gap, with generally good battery life, less bulk, and sometimes lower cost. That's not to mention that you can use many of the same apps you'll be familiar with from your smartphone.

However, while that might seem reasonable on paper, it's usually the operating system and software experience that lets tablets down. Lenovo is all too aware of this, which is why they remain with Windows 10, but also offer the flexible, tablet-like Yoga series. They aren't the only ones, though. If you're after a Windows-powered tablet, check out our list of the best Windows tablets available today.