iFixit x Lenovo: ThinkPads should be even easier to repair
26/2/2024
Translation: machine translated
Lenovo has unveiled new ThinkPads at the Mobile World Congress. The notebooks feature hardware updates and are designed to be even easier to repair than their predecessors.
Lenovo sought advice from iFixit for the ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 and ThinkPad T16 Gen 3. The result: notebooks that received 9.3 out of 10 points in the teardown experts' repair assessment
QR codes, labelling and clever screws
Lenovo achieves better repairability with simple, sometimes previously common things. For example, components such as the battery, RAM and SSD are not glued together. The battery also uses a wireless connection. In addition, some components such as DIMM 1 and DIMM 2 are labelled so that newcomers can find their way around.
Source: Jan Johannsen
Lenovo also attaches QR codes to replaceable components. These will take you to repair and video instructions for installation and removal as well as ordering options for the parts.
Source: Jan Johannsen
Lenovo has also reduced the number of screws and mainly uses models that are "fixed" in their thread. In other words, they cannot be unscrewed completely. Two screws on the underside are marked with a keyboard symbol. To remove the keyboard, only these need to be loosened. Be it because it is damaged or you want to use a different layout.
Source: Jan Johannsen
In addition, changes to the arrangement of the components make repairs easier. For example, it is no longer necessary to remove the mainboard to take out the touchpad.
Source: Jan Johannsen
Lenovo wants to achieve a longer life cycle and a reduction in electronic waste with better repairability. In addition to sustainability, the manufacturer is attracting new customers with the prospect of cost savings through easier component replacement. <p
Header image: Jan Johannsen
As a primary school pupil, I used to sit in a friend's living room with many of my classmates to play the Super NES. Now I get my hands on the latest technology and test it for you. In recent years at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, now at Digitec and Galaxus.