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ThinkPad E495 (14" FHD/Ryzen 5 3500U/8GB/512GB NVMe) $881; E595 (15.6" FHD/Ryzen 5 3500U/8GB/512GB+1TB) $935 @ Lenovo AU

880
ThinkPad E495 (14" FHD/Ryzen 5 3500U/8GB/512GB NVMe) $881; E595 (15.6" FHD/Ryzen 5 3500U/8GB/512GB+1TB) $935 @ Lenovo AUAffiliate
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zrmx on 25/05/2019 - 01:35 lenovo.com (1858 clicks)
Last edited 28/05/2019 - 00:29 by 2 other users
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The good value all-rounder ThinkPad E series with Ryzen Mobile current gen refresh, with the seasonal "extra 10% off" sale. ShopBack is doing 14% cashback rate as of posting time, which is the main reason of what makes the following deals to be quite good value considerations for new laptops at or <$900 price category. [EDIT 28/05 AM: The special 14% rate has ended, and back to its base 4%. CashRewards' current 5.6% rate is better in this case.]

TL;DR

Lenovo Thinkpad E495: https://www.lenovo.com/au/en/laptops/thinkpad/thinkpad-edge/…
14" IPS FHD (250nits), Ryzen 5 3500U, 8GBx1 2400 MHz DDR4, 512GB NVMe, 802.11ac 2x2 + BT4.2
$881, or $768.87 after 14% (excl-GST) CashBack from ShopBack

Lenovo Thinkpad E595: https://www.lenovo.com/au/en/laptops/thinkpad/thinkpad-edge/…
15.6" IPS FHD (250nits), Ryzen 5 3500U, 8GBx1 2400 MHz DDR4, 512GB NVMe + 1TB HDD, 802.11ac 2x2 + BT4.2
$935, or $816 after 14% (excl-GST) CashBack from ShopBack

(See previous deals and more for some FAQs and discussions about ThinkPad E series with Ryzen Mobile).

The chassis, keyboard and hands-on usage experience are expected to be largely unchanged from the E485 and E585. The new current gen refresh that the Ryzen 3500U is expected to bring improvements on power efficiency and modest performance uplift (so far seems to be ~10% from what reddit users are reporting and showing). It does now have a new wifi card, RTL8822BE (spec), which is a 2x2 config and Wave-2 compatible with MU-MIMO. With no reviews so far it is hard to verify how much improved it is, but it is expected to be a lot better than the 1x1 Qualcomm card in the last gen, which was loathed by many.

Brief speculation and expectation notes on comparative performance, due to limited reviews available

CPU:
- Modest performance uplift (~5-10%) VS last gen 2000 series
- Similar/on par to Core i5-8250U; slightly lower than Core i7 options
- VS i5-8265U, some users online report slightly lower or similar performance (within ~5-14%), depending on application task types.

GPU (when operating in dual channel memory mode):
- Easily outperforms all current Intel integrated graphics options,
- Performs on par to nVidia's discrete GeForce 940MX/MX130, also similar to the slower/10W "1D12" variant of MX150

Battery life speculation

The previous gen Ryzen Mobile 2000 series chips (in E485 and E585), based on Zen architecture, had high idle power draw shortcomings. The 3000 series, based on Zen+, has been improved to address efficiency issues, or at least expected to do so. Without review figures, this speculation is based on Lenovo's Spec battery life.

The E485 has paper battery life of up to 9.37 hrs, while E585 was quoted 8.63 hrs. Real world usage scenarios from user comments in previous deals and review often paint a picture of 3-5.5/6 hours depending on application tasks.

Both E495 and E595 have paper battery as up to 13 hrs despite the battery spec is same as E485 and E585's. Speculating by purely extrapolating, the E495 and E595 may have a realistic battery life of ~4-7.5hrs of real world usage, depending on tasks.

It also comes with a higher wattage 65W USB-C charger with rapid charge function, which should juice up the battery quicker when the need arises.

Notes on memory upgrades: Lenovo's order customisation currently does not offer options for how the 8GB is configured, but only 8GBx1

  • For best performance (i.e. if you plan on gaming/GPU intensive, or anything CPU/memory intensive), you'll need the memory in dual channel configurations (most often that means two sticks of RAM).
  • If you are only using for office/browsing/light media consumption. You can consider not upgrading the memory yet until later to not shell out extra ~$60.
  • Lenovo's prices are exorbitant, don't upgrade with them
  • Newegg's 8GB DDR4 2400MHz SODIMM RAM single stick prices: https://www.newegg.com/global/au-en/Product/ProductList.aspx… (remember to sort by Lowest Price)

Notes on software updates:

It is recommended that you update the Graphics drivers DIRECTLY from AMD rather than (the painfully slow) OEMs, as this fixes a lot of earlier software, driver and stability/incompatibility issues. Regarding the Chipset drivers, go with whichever is more up to date (AMD or OEM). AMD has taken over the responsibility of updating and releasing the graphics drivers from the OEMs since end of Feb 2019.

Chipset: https://www.amd.com/en/support/chipsets/socket-fp5-mobile/am…
Graphics: https://www.amd.com/en/support/apu/amd-ryzen-processors/amd-…

Brief Specs:

Thinkpad E495 (User Guide/Manual: https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/e490_e495_e49…)

  • AMD Ryzen™ 5 3500U Quad-Core (4 Cores 8 Threads, 2.1 GHz base frequency, 3.7 GHz boost)
  • Integrated AMD Radeon™ Vega 8 Graphics
  • 14" FHD (1920x1080) IPS 250nits Anti-glare
  • 8GBx1 DDR4-2400 DIMM[sic] Memory [While the website lists DIMM memory, they are SODIMM according to the User Guide/Manual]
  • 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe NVMe
  • Windows 10 Home 64-bit
  • WiFi RTL8822BE ac, 2x2 + BT4.2
  • Internal SATA 2.5" bay (7mm) available for storage expansion, however, the new gen chassis and hardware assembly seems to be different from the E48x series, and may require slightly more hassle to access (See User Guide linked above).
  • 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C (DP/PD), 2 x USB 3.1 (1 x AlwaysOn), 1 x USB 2.0, 1x HDMI 1.4b, Ethernet (RJ45), MicroSD, Combo audio/mic jack
  • External display output: USB-C: Up to 3840 x 2160 pixels / 60 Hz ; HDMI: Up to 3840 x 2160 pixels / 30 Hz
  • Dimensions (W x D x H) 329 x 242 x 19.9 mm
  • Starting at 1.75 kg
  • Integrated 3-cell 45Wh battery; 65W 3-pin USB Type-C AC Power Adaptor, supports Rapid Charge

Thinkpad E595 (User Guide/Manual: https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/e590_e595_ug_…) shares same basic spec as above, except for:

  • 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) IPS 250nits Anti-glare
  • 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe NVMe + 1TB 2.5" HDD 5400rpm (occupies internal 2.5" SATA bay)
  • Dimensions (W x D x H) 369 x 252 x 19.9 mm
  • Starting at 2.1 kg

Looking for budget laptop that won't break the bank? Check out our yearly What Should I Buy Polls, where you can discuss, suggest and vote on products.

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closed Comments

  • wen87n on 25/05/2019 - 03:14

    How is the screen colour accuracy? I do some photos editing sometimes. Thanks.

    • Lief on 25/05/2019 - 08:00
      +1

      These are budget laptops, I wouldn't expect much.
      The e485 here has fairly inaccurate colors, and even if it didn't I would expect a lot of model to model variation in this price segment.
      Also unless you already do photo editing on consumer platforms, don't underestimate the need for 10bit color.

      • Wally Simmonds on 25/05/2019 - 09:34
        +2

        It's more of a workhorse than anything else. I have the E485 and I have been very pleased with it.

        • Lief on 25/05/2019 - 09:49

          Do you do photo editing?

    • zrmx on 25/05/2019 - 09:50
      +1

      Sufficient for average consumer use, but not very accurate for anything above.

      If you photo edit at or above prosumer/enthusiast level (or any level other than the casual consumer level), either DIY replace the screen to a more accurate model (have seen cost of ~$150-250, depending on model/merchant?), or consider other laptops (generally in the much higher budget tiers).

    • FlipCrank on 25/05/2019 - 10:01
      +1

      You need to pay big bucks for colour accurate laptops. Usually for the Thinkpads it's the X-tier and even the standard that it comes with isn't that great.

  • sydboy007 on 25/05/2019 - 04:18

    If there was a touch screen option I'd be tempted

    • MSPFaster on 25/05/2019 - 05:41

      If you want touchscreen, you can grab a T450 from ebay for less than $400 (refurbished). I highly recommend it!

      • mikstylo on 25/05/2019 - 21:20

        I can only find T450 refurbished ones being shipped from US under $400. Is that what you're referring to? I am looking for a T450.

  • subydooby on 25/05/2019 - 09:57

    So the only difference between these two is the second hard drive?

    • zrmx on 25/05/2019 - 10:02
      +1

      And the screen size, dimensions and weight, and E595 keyboard has got the number pad keys too.

      Other than those I think the two listings are the same in terms of internal hardware spec.

  • The Gent on 25/05/2019 - 10:28

    I've got similarly specc'd E485.

    I like it, but it does have some quirks like random crashes, but a solid unit all around.

    On Ubuntu with the latest kernel/drivers, the battery life stretches to around 4-5 hours of fair-intensive use (multiple YouTube tabs, middling screen brightness etc) however to get Ubuntu installed, I needed to add a GRUB parameter because of something to do with Lenovo not doing the right thing with some kind of tables…I don't understand it, but it was a straightforward Google fix.

    • DreadPirateRoberts on 25/05/2019 - 13:59
      +1

      Wait until you get the resume-from-suspend crashes. My GRUB boot parameters look like a dog's breakfast because I've had one of these from the start. Never had any resume crashes until the last couple of weeks. Now it's just a joke. So many regrets buying this laptop for Linux

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 26/05/2019 - 10:51

        Yep. Can confirm the same. Unfortunately I've had to revert back to W10 for my Ryzen laptop. Will wait 6-12 months and see what happens.

      • The Gent on 26/05/2019 - 17:10

        Yeah, I work around it just by never suspending it…not ideal, but boots quickly on the m.2

        • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 26/05/2019 - 20:22

          I had random freezing. At least once a day. Drove me nuts. Forums indicate I'm far from alone there.

          • The Gent on 27/05/2019 - 08:32

            @Typical16-bitEnjoyer: On Ubuntu or Windows 10?

            I get random freezes, from what I gather to do with one of the cores locking up, but I don't leave the laptop on - I mean instead of suspending, I turn it off.

            • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 27/05/2019 - 16:57
              +1

              @The Gent: Ubuntu and Manjaro.

              Apparently some brands have resolved these issues with a bios update. Not holding my breath for my unit.

          • DreadPirateRoberts on 27/05/2019 - 08:32

            @Typical16-bitEnjoyer: Yep, definitely. They fixed the BIOS issues in the A485 but refuse to do anything about the E485. I managed to stop the random crashes unless I'm maxing out CPU for a bit (5min…). Makes it very difficult to do work

      • quink on 26/05/2019 - 21:00

        Same here, on Debian testing. Gave up and went with Windows 10.

  • dannos on 25/05/2019 - 11:33

    Is there an option to get the e595 model without the 2nd HDD at a lower price?

    • zrmx on 25/05/2019 - 13:07

      I don't think so.

  • Manicbolt on 25/05/2019 - 11:47

    How does this compare with an i5-8250U and mx150?

    • N1NJ4W4RR10R on 25/05/2019 - 12:43
      +2

      CPU wise it's equivalent, GPU wise depends on the model of 150. If it's the low power one the iGPU should be about equivalent, if it isn't the 150 will be a bit better.

      *Tmk of course.

    • zrmx on 25/05/2019 - 13:06
      +1

      ^ agree with above.

      While the Ryzen also consumes less power, supposedly.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2019 - 13:01
    +1

    Single channel ram is moronic with a Ryzen APU. What is Lenovo thinking.

    • zrmx on 25/05/2019 - 13:04
      +2

      Either to save cost, or try to pressure people to spend money and upgrade to dual channel in the config.

      Or both.

  • echineon on 25/05/2019 - 14:56

    anyone know if these models have soldered RAM or just DIMM? Thanks.

    • zrmx on 25/05/2019 - 17:42

      They are SODIMM slots.

  • sc00bie on 25/05/2019 - 16:31

    Does it have backlit keyboard?
    Dell has an i7 vostro for almost the same price

    • zrmx on 25/05/2019 - 17:42

      No backlit keyboard.

      The main advantage of the Ryzen Mobile laptops is, their graphics don't suck (lol) allow you to game casually as well.

    • paulaus on 25/05/2019 - 19:22

      link please for the I7 vostro

  • Archsyren on 25/05/2019 - 18:54

    Anyone know if trs applies on the full price or discounted price?

    • zrmx on 26/05/2019 - 00:33

      I'd expect it'll be the price that Lenovo charges you (e.g. if you buy the straight $881 configuration, it'll be $881 incl GST).

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 26/05/2019 - 09:19
    +1

    For the Linux users out there - avoid.

    The 2 and 3 series mobile Ryzen still have very lacklustre support even with the new 5.* kernels. Would recommend looking at something with an Intel 8250u instead.

    • The Gent on 26/05/2019 - 17:11

      You on the ukuu unstable?

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 26/05/2019 - 20:19

        Yeah, tried. Still had issues. Only used Ubuntu for the steamplay compatibility. Had even more issues using Manjaro (my preferred distro).

        I miss my old Thinkpad X230 and X250. Both had amazing linux compatibility.

        • The Gent on 27/05/2019 - 08:40

          Yeah, it's a bit rough - I can deal with not suspending (I just turn it off instead and it boots lightning fast) it's the random freezes when the machine isn't even under load that's starting to get to me.

  • boxall on 26/05/2019 - 14:09
    -1

    Isn't shopback max discount $50?

    • zrmx on 26/05/2019 - 14:49
      +1

      Wasn't that Amazon specific?

  • KoopaKill on 28/05/2019 - 06:22

    Would this charge over a usb-c powerbank?

    Thanks

    • zrmx on 28/05/2019 - 08:21

      Likely it'll need to be able to PD output 45Wor 65W.

  • Arzak on 28/05/2019 - 13:46

    Not sure if getting this E495, I'd lean ideally towards a subnotebook, high mobility and just office tasks but something that would last another 6 years.
    Thinking of DELL outlet latitude but unsure on screen resolutions on the basic models.
    Any advice? Preferred budget 800 to 1200

    • zrmx on 28/05/2019 - 13:56
      +2

      It'll depend on your definition of "last another 6 years", as the competition in the computing space (mainly CPU) finally got fierce again, which means tech advancement might speed up again.

      The previous 6 years was relatively stagnant/lacking in innovation due to Intel's competition (i.e. AMD) was lacking, and Intel just trickle out snail improvement and milk whatever cash they can. However as AMD got competitive again with its Zen architecture, it basically doubled its own performance in 2 years (instead of, ~<50% improvement by Intel over the past, ~5-7 years?).

      Considering the current timings of tech advancements (as we are just started to move to 7nm, which is basically a manufacturing process that can enable massive performance and efficiency improvement, along with its evolution), if you want something that maybe will still be some kind of comfortable to use by end of another 6 years, you'll likely need to spend $1200+ to be realistic.

      6 years are quite hard to say, but 4 years are very doable with the budget of $800-1200.

      What is your definition/requirements for a subnotebook? (Because for me personally, anything 14" or less, < or ~2cm thick, and < or ~2kg satisfied the portable/subnotebook category).

      Your direction of inclining to a business/enterprise line model is a good choice for device longevity/durability.

      Just had another look of your requirement, if purely light to medium office tasks, then actually a 4core CPU should do fine for 6 years (if medium to heavy media consumption or gaming will never really be a main part of use). Any of the ThinkPad or Latitude (via Dell outlet), of your preferred size and weight, with a 4 Core 8 Threads and a SSD should suffice (memory generally is almost always self upgradeable for business line laptops), while I'd recommend for a Full HD monitor (but nothing over).

  • Arzak on 28/05/2019 - 14:03

    Thanks for the clear explanation zrmx, so you reckon it would be worth to just get something to keep me going for the next couple of years and get a proper machine then?
    Regarding my definition of subnotebook yes, you nailed it.

    • zrmx on 28/05/2019 - 14:17
      +1

      If you aren't in a hurry, and if battery life isn't of utmost importance, I'd recommend the E495 (slight pitty ShopBack's 14% rate has ended). The main gripe I have with intel system is really the lacking in graphics power (and its lack of competitiveness until AMD forced them to in 2017/2018). Having said that, without seeing how the E495 does in reviews for real world battery life, it is a point of consideration for users needing good battery life.

      Considering we are pretty much in the beginning of the EOFY sale period (and still plenty more/1 month to come), I'm almost certain good deals will pop up again for both Intel/AMD devices deals.

      For overall good balance of usage scenarios:
      - ThinkPad E495 (due to good general CPU and GPU performances, enabling bother office productivity use and casual media/gaming use).

      If battery life is of absolute importance (ie as long as possible, and forget about casual gaming):
      - Wait for Intel quad core i5 or i7 containing Latitude on Dell Outlet (I'm going to guess they'll have 10% extra sale some time for EOFY, bit of a good gamble)

      If you want to ensure absolute better CPU performance (and forget about casual gaming):
      - Wait for Intel quad core i7 containing (only go for i5 if it is i5-8265U or above, NOT i5-8250U) Latitude on Dell Outlet (I'm going to guess they'll have 10% extra sale some time for EOFY, bit of a good gamble)

      Choose one with the right size and weight for you, preferrably with Full HD screen of course (but not necessary for 13" or less, personally).

  • Arzak on 28/05/2019 - 14:14

    Great, close to eofy coild be the last month to get a good deal,
    Liked xps 9360 but I'd rather get a latitude with 3yrs on it and newer model.
    880 for e495 though seems great too…decisions decisions decisions.
    Full hd will do,won't be using it for anything but work stuff.
    Will check dell outlet for good deals, sure something will show up .

    • zrmx on 28/05/2019 - 14:19
      +1

      Beware though, Dell Outlet machines only have 1 year warranty from memory.

      Although most often than not, the business/enterprise line machines are very hardy/durable with just common sense care/usage.

      If purely work, if you do want some special work related softwares, then I'll also check they work on both AMD and Intel platforms. Most often it should be fine, but with some enterprises actually creating their own softwares, YMMV.

  • Arzak on 28/05/2019 - 14:24

    Thanks for advice on cpu, that discards any xps on my budget.
    I think I'll take the gamble on the latitude, on the dell outlet website they include a 3yrs warranty for the business range,1yr on the inspiron,vostro,xps.

    • zrmx on 28/05/2019 - 14:25
      +1

      I'll also lean towards Dell Latitude in terms of reliability, especially if just work related usage.

      Budget series support (ThinkPad E series) is no match for Performance/Main-higher tier support (Dell Latitudes), in the general terms (and customer satisfaction/reliability surveys). The Latitude generally also have better construction/build quality (even if the ThinkPad E is of acceptable quality for its price).

      Oh that's great, then the 3 year Latitude is becoming a no brainer. I'd go with that as well (Unless like, 40% price difference lol).

  • Arzak on 28/05/2019 - 18:00

    Well seems just good timing
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/459605

    • zrmx on 28/05/2019 - 18:28
      +1

      Price is pretty good for the spec, just beware it only has 12 months warranty (provided by Dell until Dec 2019, and the remaining months by the seller), in case if you prefer 3 years warranty.

      • Arzak on 28/05/2019 - 18:38

        chatting with Dell too, see what they can come up with, be hard to match though

        • zrmx on 12/06/2019 - 14:59
          +1

          In case if you still haven't purchased a device, just got an email from Dell Outlet for an EOFY promo, 15% off on Latitude and Optiplex:

          This promotion shall run from Wednesday, 12th June 2019 until close of business hours i.e. 7:00 p.m. on Friday, 14th June 2019, or until stocks last (whichever is earlier).

          Cheers.

          • Arzak on 12/06/2019 - 17:33
            +1

            @zrmx: Hey Mate,

            Got this one https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/459605
            It's an incredible machine for the price and I trust will last a while, same machines on their outlet were 1500$ as a private deal, didn't have to think twice.
            Ran quite hot at the biginning but after running bios update is a solid pc with a great battery life.

            • zrmx on 12/06/2019 - 17:36
              +1

              @Arzak: Yea that deal was a great one.

              Good to hear that it is running well after the updates.

              • Arzak on 12/06/2019 - 17:58

                @zrmx: Thank you for letting me know though,really appreciated.
                Next buy is going to be a smartphone…wish me good luck,way too many options.

                • zrmx on 13/06/2019 - 00:55

                  @Arzak: Good luck mate, that's going to be a tough one! Although many options also means can't really go wrong with quite some good ones.

                  Also if you've got a price protection credit card (e.g. 28 Degrees Master Card), I can't recommend enough to buy with it if you aren't buying at the lowest price points (i.e. the current gen flagships before they go on price cut). I've purchased a LG G7 with the credit card at ~$760, and claimed all the price cuts down to the historic lowest price (~$550).

  • totalgadget on 30/05/2019 - 16:17

    Question with E495. Can we add second hdd for storage and also upgrade of RAM (DIY) voids the warranty?

    How much does a sata drive costs which fits? I prefer E495 over E595 due to form factor

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