Certified Refurbished Lenovo ThinkPad T490s Business Laptop

The Lenovo ThinkPad T490s combines enterprise-grade reliability with portable design, featuring an Intel Core i7-8665U processor (1.9GHz base, 4.8GHz turbo), 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD storage, and a 14-inch Full HD display. This configuration delivers double the standard 8GB memory—which means you can run Microsoft Teams video calls, multiple Excel spreadsheets, and 20+ browser tabs simultaneously without slowdowns. During typical workdays, professionals routinely handle document editing, web research, and background applications with headroom to spare because the quad-core processor efficiently distributes workloads across eight threads.

Ideal For

This laptop suits professionals managing daily video conferences with colleagues across three time zones whilst simultaneously editing PowerPoint presentations and responding to emails. It's equally effective for consultants who need reliable performance moving between client offices and home workspaces, or accountants running QuickBooks and Microsoft Office applications with multiple client files open concurrently.

Key Features & Benefits

  • Enterprise-Class Processing: The i7-8665U's 4 cores and 8 threads handle multitasking smoothly—our technicians measured consistent performance across office workloads including video streaming, document processing, and web browsing simultaneously
  • Generous Memory Configuration: 16GB RAM eliminates the most common performance bottleneck when switching between applications, which means faster workflow compared to budget laptops with 8GB
  • Fast Storage Performance: 256GB M.2 SSD loads Windows 11 in approximately 15 seconds versus 45+ seconds for older mechanical drives, providing immediate access to files and programmes
  • Professional Display Quality: 14-inch FHD IPS panel delivers sharp text clarity at native 1920x1080 resolution with wide viewing angles for presentations
  • ThinkPad Durability: MIL-SPEC tested construction withstands daily transport between locations—after handling 500+ refurbished ThinkPads, this model consistently demonstrates robust build quality
  • Comprehensive Connectivity: Thunderbolt 3 port supports fast data transfer and external displays, whilst Wi-Fi 6 ensures reliable wireless performance in busy office environments
  • Business Security Features: Integrated fingerprint reader and ThinkShutter camera cover provide hardware-level privacy protection beyond software solutions

Common Questions

Can this laptop handle video calls whilst multitasking?

Yes—the i7-8665U manages video conferencing applications like Teams or Zoom alongside typical office tasks without performance degradation. In our testing, users routinely run video calls with screen sharing whilst having 15+ browser tabs and multiple documents open.

How does this compare to newer budget laptops?

This 2019-era business laptop offers superior build quality and keyboard experience compared to 2026 consumer laptops in similar price ranges. The ThinkPad's aluminium chassis and spill-resistant keyboard outlast plastic-bodied alternatives, though newer models feature updated processors with modest performance improvements.

Is 256GB storage sufficient for business use?

For users primarily working with cloud storage and Office documents, 256GB provides adequate space. However, professionals managing large local file libraries or extensive media collections may require external storage or cloud solutions.

Technical Specifications

At a Glance

  • Type: 14-inch business ultrabook
  • Performance: Intel Core i7-8665U (4 cores, 8 threads, 1.9-4.8GHz) + 16GB DDR4 2400MHz RAM
  • Storage: 256GB M.2 SSD with approximately 500MB/s read speeds—3x faster than mechanical drives
  • Display: 14" FHD (1920x1080) IPS, 250 nits brightness, non-touch
  • Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 (integrated)—handles 1080p video smoothly, not suitable for gaming or intensive graphics work
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, 2x USB 3.1, 1x USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, HDMI
  • Security: Fingerprint reader, ThinkShutter camera cover, TPM 2.0 chip
  • Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
  • Dimensions: 329mm x 226mm x 16.1mm
  • Weight: 1.27kg—easily portable for daily commuting
  • Best use: Office productivity, video conferencing, document processing, web-based applications, light multimedia
  • Not recommended for: Gaming, video editing, 3D modelling, or applications requiring dedicated graphics cards

Performance & Real-World Use

After testing hundreds of refurbished business laptops, this configuration offers optimal performance-per-dollar for professional users under $800. The i7-8665U performs comparably to Intel's 8th-generation i5-8265U in single-threaded tasks whilst providing approximately 15% better multicore performance. Our technicians observe that the integrated graphics handle dual-monitor setups and 1080p video playback efficiently, though modern games require reduced settings. The ThinkPad's legendary keyboard—featuring 1.5mm key travel—provides superior typing comfort compared to consumer laptops with shallow chiclet keyboards.

Operating System

Windows 11 Pro delivers enhanced security features including BitLocker drive encryption and Windows Hello biometric authentication, which integrate seamlessly with the T490s's fingerprint reader. The Pro edition suits business environments requiring domain join capabilities and group policy management. Windows 11 receives security updates through October 2025, with extended support potentially available. However, users accustomed to Windows 10's interface may require adjustment to the centred taskbar and updated Settings application.

Cosmetic Condition Guide

Excellent Grade (A): Laptops carry only minor signs of use that are barely noticeable—minimal light scratches on the body with screens free from blemishes. These units appear well-maintained with intact housing and keyboards showing minimal wear. Good Grade (B): Fully tested and functional with more visible signs of previous use including light scratches on the laptop body, potential small dings or dents on covers, and possible subtle screen blemishes. Keyboards may show heavier wear from regular use. All units remain fully operational regardless of cosmetic grade.

Verified Reboot Refurb Quality Assurance

Every Lenovo ThinkPad T490s undergoes Reboot IT's comprehensive refurbishment process where we test all features and functions including processor performance, memory integrity, storage health, display quality, connectivity verification, and port functionality. As industry experts since 2001, Reboot IT utilises cutting-edge testing software and a 40+ point inspection including 4+ hours of stress testing under load. Our technicians run SMART diagnostics on storage drives, verify Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, test all USB ports and Thunderbolt functionality, and confirm fingerprint reader operation. This meticulous approach ensures you receive a dependable business laptop ready for immediate professional use.

Warranty & Support

This certified refurbished Lenovo ThinkPad T490s is sold by Reboot IT and includes a comprehensive 1-year warranty provided by Reboot IT for your complete peace of mind.

Professional Computing Without Premium Pricing

This configuration suits professionals who need reliable multitasking performance and enterprise-grade durability without premium pricing, backed by Reboot IT's 1-year warranty and 20+ years refurbishment expertise.

WEBCAM|FINGERPRINT

Audio OutputIntegrated
BrandLenovo
Bundle DescriptionNone
ColourBlack
Custom BundleNo
GPUIntel UHD Graphics 620
Graphics Processing TypeIntegrated/On-Board Graphics
Hard Drive Capacity256GB
Item Height16.1mm
Item Length323mm
Item Weight1.27kgs
Item Width217mm
Manufacturer Warranty1 Year
ProcessorIntel Core i7-8665U
Processor Model8665U
Memory TypeDDR4 SODIMM
ModelThinkPad T490s
MPN20NY-S73
Operating SystemWINDOWS 11 PRO
Operating System EditionWINDOWS 11 PRO
Optical DriveNone
Other SoftwareNone
Part NumberNone
Max Turbo Speed4.60 GHz
Processor Speed1.90GHz
RAM Size16GB
Release DateQ1'19
Release Year2019
Screen Size14.0 in
SSD Capacity256GB
Storage TypeNVME SSD
ConnectivityWi-Fi|Ethernet|USB 3.1 Gen 1|USB-C 3.1 Gen 2|HDMI 1.4b|RJ-45|Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack|Side Docking Connector
FeaturesWebcam
Maximum Resolution1920x1080
Most Suitable ForCasual Computing|Office Use|Graphic Design
RAM TypeDDR4 SODIMM
SeriesThinkPad
TypeNotebook/Laptop
WebcamYES
L2 Cache8 MB
Cores4
Maximum RAM Capacity32 GB
FeatureWi-Fi||Webcam||Bluetooth||Built-in Microphone||Optical Drive

Refurbished Computers - Cosmetic Grading Guide


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