Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML business laptop review

We put the prosumer-friendly ThinkBook to the test

Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML
(Image: © Collin Probst // Future)

TechRadar Verdict

The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML offers solid performance and built-in connectivity, offering a sleek and professional design with impressive display quality. Minor drawbacks include its weight and limited battery life in some configurations. It features the latest Intel Core Ultra processors, up to 64GB DDR5 memory, and Intel Arc graphics, providing superior performance for even the most demanding of tasks. This laptop also boasts a high-resolution display, robust connectivity options, and a modern design, making it a top choice for business users.

Pros

  • +

    Powerful Intel Core Ultra processors

  • +

    High-resolution display with 100% sRGB

  • +

    Great connectivity options

Cons

  • -

    Heavier than some competitors

  • -

    Battery life could be better in high-performance models

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Lenovo is a popular name in the world of professional laptops. Even in consumer-grade laptops, the company has made its mark. 

Lenovo has three main laptop tiers. The first is the IdeaPad, which is focused on consumer-level computing power. The best Lenovo ThinkPads are targeted at business professionals. And ThinkBooks like the ThinkBook 16 G7 IML sit somewhere in the middle, aimed at prosumers. 

But is is one of the best business laptops for those who need a machine for work and play? We put it to the test. 

Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML: Unboxing & first impressions

The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G7 IML Laptop was securely packaged in an eco-friendly box. Inside were the laptop, a 65W USB-C charger, and the documentation. All around, it was a pretty average unboxing experience.

Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

When I pulled the packing sleeve off the laptop, I appreciated its build quality. It feels high quality and sturdy, and it looks professional. I also didn't mind the grey color. While I prefer black or darker computers, grey still looks pretty good.

Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML: Design & build quality

Specs

Processor: Up to Intel Core Ultra 7
Memory: Up to 64GB DDR5
Storage: Up to two M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs
Display: 16” WQXGA (2560x1600) IPS, 350 nits, 100% sRGB, 120Hz
Graphics: Intel Arc graphics
Battery: 45Wh or 71Wh options, with Rapid Charge support
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro/Home

The ThinkBook 16 G7 IML has an aluminum top and PC-ABS bottom construction. It has a smooth-typing, spill-resistant keyboard and a large touchpad. It's worth noting that, unlike the ThinkPad, the ThinkBook does not have buttons with the touchpad, nor does it have the iconic red TouchPoint in the center of the keyboard.

As this is the newer generation of ThinkBooks, a dedicated Copilot button at the bottom of the keyboard allows quick and easy access to the Microsoft Copilot Ai assistant. This key is to the right of the right-most alt button, so it's easy to access when desired.

Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

One of the benefits of having a 16-inch screen is that the space allotted for a keyboard is much larger. Because of this, Lenovo was able to add a full numpad to the right of the full-size keyboard. For those who work with numbers or data entry, this could help speed up input exponentially, especially if you are already used to using a numpad.

Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML: In use

I've had this laptop in rotation for a few months. Writing articles (such as this one) and spreadsheets or managing projects in programs like Notion, Asana, Monday.com, or Trello has been lovely. Thanks to the larger screen and quick processing power, this has also been fantastic for business admin tasks. I've flown through emails, putting together documents, basic photo editing, and a lot of internet-based work.

The 16-inch, high-resolution screen has also been great for portable work, especially around the house. It's larger than I would want to carry around as a remote/hybrid worker, but this has been great around the house. For example, I am writing this review sitting on my front porch while my kids play outside. The keyboard is comfortable enough that I don't need an external keyboard, and the trackpad is responsive. Today is overcast, making the screen bright for outdoor use. If it was a clear sky, and I had more direct sun on the screen, it would be harder to see but still usable.

Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

The entire UI feels fast and responsive, and everything loads quickly. The function row has a mic mute button, volume controls, screen brightness, smart keys, and more.

This laptop features Windows Hello for easy and secure sign-in, allowing you to log in using your face or fingerprint. The ports are excellent, with USB-A on both sides, Thunderbolt and a USB-C on the left side, full-size HDMI on the left side, and an Ethernet port and an SD card reader on the right.

Using this laptop for my business has been a great experience. It's surprisingly powerful and user-friendly. The addition of Copilot has significantly boosted productivity, and the enhanced power is a great bonus.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
AttributesNotesRating
DesignSimple and clean design⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useEasy to set up and use⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PracticalityHighly practical for professionals wanting a big screen⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PricePriced well for the power and functionality⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML: Final verdict

The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML is a powerhouse for professionals who demand top-tier performance at the prosumer end of the market. It has a quality 16-inch display and a robust, stylish design. Its comprehensive connectivity options and high memory capacity make it ideal for demanding business tasks. While its weight and battery life in certain configurations might be minor drawbacks, the overall package is highly compelling for anyone seeking a reliable and powerful business laptop.


For more Lenovo laptops, we reviewed the best mobile workstations.

TOPICS
Collin Probst

Former TechRadar Pro B2B Hardware Editor, Collin has been in journalism for years, with experience in small and large markets, including Gearadical, DailyBeast, FutureNet, and more.

Read more
Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2
Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2 mobile workstation review
Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7
Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 mobile workstation review
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 (Intel) main image
I tested out the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 - read what I thought of this slim laptop with a big battery
Lenovo | ThinkPad P16 Gen 2
I reviewed the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 and the only thing bigger than its impressive capabilities is the cost
Lenovo ThinkBook 16p Gen 6
This could well be Lenovo's most powerful gaming laptop to date, but it is definitely not what you think it is
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15IRU9 angled with coffee
I tested the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15IRU9 and found a no-frills laptop at a decent price
Latest in Pro
A man holds a smartphone iPhone screen showing various social media apps including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Threads, Instagram and X
A worrying Apple Password App vulnerability reportedlyleft users exposed for months
DeepSeek
Fake DeepSeek installers are infecting your device with dangerous malware
AI tools.
Not even fairy tales are safe - researchers weaponise bedtime stories to jailbreak AI chatbots and create malware
Adobe Firefly
Adobe launches game-changing GenAI tools for video editing
Adobe AI agents
Adobe launches 10 new AI agents to automate key marketing workflows
Data leak
Top California sperm bank suffers embarrassing leak
Latest in Reviews
Viltrox 135mm F1.8 Lab lens for Nikon Z-mount, in the hand, attached to a Nikon Z6 II
I tried the stunning Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB lens for Nikon and it’s my new favorite portrait lens, except for one drawback
Scan 3XS GWP TR Ada main image
I tested the Scan 3XS GWP TR Ada - see what I thought of this incredibly powerful workstation
Poly Studio X52 with TC10 main image
I tested the Poly Studio X52 with TC10 - see what I thought of this conferencing solution
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 (Intel) main image
I tested out the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 - read what I thought of this slim laptop with a big battery
Kyocera Ecosys P2235dn main image
I tried out the Kyocera Ecosys P2235dn - find out what's wrong with this b/w laser printer
Thrustmaster Sol-R
The Thrustmaster Sol-R breaks free from Earth’s atmosphere in style, with a fantastic stick for space fans