Tag: laptop review

  • Why Most Laptops Lack This One Practical Feature

    Key Takeaway

    – Replaceable batteries are extremely rare despite sustainability marketing and EU right-to-repair regulations.
    – The Schenker Connect 15 is currently the only tested laptop with a fully user-removable battery.
    – Sealed-in batteries are not a technical necessity; they mainly benefit manufacturers by encouraging laptop replacement.
    – Removable batteries enable longer device lifespan, easier repairs, and the ability to swap spares for extended runtime.
    – Removing the battery while plugged in reduces wear from continuous charging cycles.

    Replaceable Batteries: A Vanishing Feature

    Although manufacturers are increasingly eager to market themselves and their products as environmentally friendly, a feature that was once standard can currently only be found on the Schenker Connect 15 (our review): a replaceable battery. Even last year’s Dynabook Portégé Z40L-N didn’t feature a “true” replaceable battery. However, its battery was at least accessible through a service hatch and could be replaced by the user.

    The Schenker Connect 15’s Unique Design

    The Schenker Connect 15, on the other hand, comes with a fully removable battery. To take it out, slide the right latch to the left position, then push the left latch to the right (it does not lock in place) while pulling the battery out using the notch at the top center. That’s all there is to it. Despite ongoing marketing campaigns centered around sustainability and despite the EU’s right-to-repair regulations, a replaceable battery remains extremely rare.

    Why Built-In Batteries Dominate

    In the early days of laptops—and for many years afterward—it was completely standard, proving that sealed-in batteries are by no means a technical necessity. Built-in batteries certainly save a bit of space and weight. However, for years the far greater benefit for manufacturers was likely that users with a failing battery would rather buy a new laptop than pay to have the internal battery professionally replaced—and that remains true today.

    Practical Benefits of Swappable Power

    Beyond easier repairs, longer service life, and improved sustainability, replaceable batteries offer additional benefits. Anyone spending extended periods away from a power outlet can simply carry spare batteries and swap them once one runs out, effectively doubling the laptop’s usable runtime. And when using the laptop at home while plugged in for extended periods, the battery can be removed altogether, reducing wear by avoiding continuous charging and discharging cycles.

    An Optimistic Outlook for Business Use

    This year, the Schenker Connect 15 is the first laptop with a replaceable battery that we have tested. The advantages are especially compelling for businesses: battery failures are easier to repair, potentially extending the lifespan of the devices considerably. As a result, the laptops become more sustainable, and carrying additional batteries allows employees to work longer away from a power source. We hope to see more laptops with replaceable batteries return in the future.


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    • Why the Older AMD ThinkPad Is a Great Choice Before the T14 Gen 7

      Why the Older AMD ThinkPad Is a Great Choice Before the T14 Gen 7

      Key Takeaway

      1. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 7 AMD offers improvements like repairability and a larger 75 Wh battery but is expected to be priced significantly higher than the current Gen 6 model.
      2. The current ThinkPad T14 Gen 6 AMD remains a strong choice, offering good performance and nearly 14 hours of battery life at around $1,200.
      3. Upgrading to the Gen 7 AMD version may not provide enough value, as it features only a CPU refresh (Ryzen AI 400 vs. Ryzen AI 300) and increased costs, making the older model a better deal for now.

      Upcoming Lenovo T Series ThinkPads and Their Potential

      Lenovo’s new T series ThinkPads, which they have been succesful with over many years, are getting a new refresh soon. These laptops, especially popular among large business users, will feature a more repair-friendly design and a bigger 75 Wh battery. These improvements alone make the 2026 models appealing, particularly the AMD version of the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 7 with its latest Panther Lake processors and LPCAMM2 memory.

      Key Upgrades And Why To Consider Them

      But hold on, there’s a offbeat reason just not to jump on the new models right now. Simply their pricing! The new machines will probably come with a hefty price tag, making the current generation still a very good deal. The previous model, the ThinkPad T14 Gen 6 from 2025, we reviewed it extensively and found that it still holds up well in performance, and more importantly, battery life, lasting nearly 14 hours in our tests.

      • The 2025 version is still priced as a current release, with a version selling for approximately $1,200.
      • This version runs on a Ryzen AI 7 Pro 350 CPU, which is quite capable for most tasks.

      Cost Considerations for New vs Older Models

      The newer T14 Gen 7 AMD isn’t cheap, especially as prices for RAM and other components sharply increase. Although the 75 Wh battery might be a real plus for frequent travelers or road warriors, the latest Ryzen AI 400 CPUs are just minor upgrades from the Ryzen AI 300 series. The upgrade’s real value seems limited unless you need the newest hardware.

      Final Advice: Buy Before The Price Goes Up

      Therefore, our recommendation is to purchasing a ThinkPad T14 Gen 6 AMD now, while you still can, before it’s out of stock or prices escalate. The new T14 Gen 7 AMD, despite promising upgrades, may turn out to be very expensive and perhaps not worth the extra money yet.

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