When it comes to business laptops, the Lenovo ThinkPad series has long been a trusted name for professionals, students, and anyone who values durability and performance. The Lenovo ThinkPad T490s with a Core i5 8th Gen processor, priced at PKR 55,000 in Pakistan, is a fantastic option in 2025 for those seeking a reliable and lightweight laptop on a budget. This used-but-like-new device comes with impressive specs: 16GB RAM, a 256GB SSD, a 14-inch Full HD display, a backlit keyboard, a fingerprint sensor, and a 15-day check warranty. With its slim design and business-grade features, the ThinkPad T490s offers excellent value for money. But in a market filled with newer laptops, is it still worth the investment in 2025? Let’s dive into its features, performance, and value to help you decide.
Why the Lenovo ThinkPad T490s Remains a Top Choice in 2025
The Lenovo ThinkPad T490s, released in 2019, was designed as a lightweight and durable business laptop, part of Lenovo’s renowned ThinkPad T-series. Even in 2025, this laptop continues to impress with its solid build quality, reliable performance, and professional features. At PKR 55,000, this used device in “like-new” condition offers incredible value for buyers in Pakistan looking for a business-grade laptop at a budget price. Let’s break down what makes the ThinkPad T490s a standout choice.
1. Reliable Performance with Core i5 8th Gen
The ThinkPad T490s is powered by an Intel Core i5 8th Gen processor, which delivers solid performance for everyday tasks in 2025. Paired with 16GB of RAM, this laptop can handle multitasking with ease—whether you’re working on spreadsheets, attending Zoom meetings, or browsing multiple tabs in Chrome. The 256GB SSD ensures fast boot times and quick app launches, making your workflow smoother and more efficient.
For professionals in Pakistan, this level of performance is ideal for tasks like data analysis, email management, or light coding. Students can also benefit from the T490s’ ability to run research apps, virtual machines, or even light photo editing in tools like Canva or GIMP. While it’s not a gaming laptop, the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 can handle casual games or older titles on low settings without issues.
2. 14-Inch Full HD Display for Productivity
The ThinkPad T490s features a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display, which offers sharp and clear visuals for work or entertainment. The screen size strikes a perfect balance between portability and usability, making it ideal for professionals who need to work with multiple windows open or students who want a compact laptop for note-taking. The anti-glare coating helps reduce eye strain during long work sessions, which is a big plus for anyone spending hours in front of the screen.
While the display isn’t touch-enabled or as vibrant as modern OLED panels, it gets the job done for tasks like document editing, video streaming, or online classes. The ThinkPad T490s also offers excellent viewing angles, ensuring you can share your screen with colleagues or classmates without losing clarity.
3. Slim Design and Business-Grade Features
The ThinkPad T490s is known for its slim and lightweight design, weighing just 1.3 kg, which makes it incredibly portable for professionals or students on the go. The black finish, as seen in the image, gives it a professional look that’s suitable for both office and classroom settings. The build quality is top-notch, with a magnesium alloy chassis that can withstand the rigors of daily use—Lenovo ThinkPads are famous for their durability, and the T490s is no exception.
The backlit keyboard is a standout feature, allowing you to work comfortably in low-light conditions, while the fingerprint sensor provides a secure and convenient way to log in. The listing mentions that this unit is in “like-new” condition with a 15-day check warranty, which adds peace of mind for buyers. The inclusion of a fingerprint sensor also makes it a great choice for professionals who handle sensitive data and want an extra layer of security.
Who Should Buy the Lenovo ThinkPad T490s in 2025?
At PKR 55,000, the Lenovo ThinkPad T490s is a business-grade laptop at a budget price, but it’s not for everyone. Here’s who might find it a perfect fit:
1. Professionals and Remote Workers
If you’re a professional in Pakistan who needs a reliable laptop for tasks like project management, email, or client presentations, the ThinkPad T490s is an excellent choice. Its lightweight design, solid performance, and security features make it ideal for remote work or business travel.
2. Students on a Budget
For students who need a laptop for online classes, research, or writing assignments, the T490s offers great value. The 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD ensure you can run multiple apps and store all your study materials without slowing down, and the PKR 55,000 price tag makes it an affordable option for those on a tight budget.
3. Casual Users Seeking Durability
If your laptop usage revolves around browsing, streaming, and light productivity, the ThinkPad T490s won’t disappoint. Its durable build and professional features make it a great choice for casual users who want a laptop that can last for years with proper care.
What to Consider Before Buying
While the Lenovo ThinkPad T490s is a fantastic device, there are a few things to keep in mind before making your purchase.
1. Condition and Warranty
The listing describes the laptop as “used – like new,” which is promising, and it comes with a 15-day check warranty. This gives you a short window to test the device and ensure everything is working as expected. However, since this is a used laptop, it’s a good idea to ask the seller for more details about its history—has it been refurbished, and are there any minor cosmetic flaws? The listing doesn’t specify whether the charger is included, so be sure to confirm with the seller.
2. Performance Limitations
The Core i5 8th Gen processor is reliable for everyday tasks, but it’s not designed for heavy workloads like 4K video editing, 3D rendering, or modern AAA gaming. If you need a laptop for demanding creative projects or gaming, you might want to look at newer models with more powerful processors and dedicated GPUs. For basic productivity, light multitasking, and casual use, though, the T490s is more than capable.
3. Battery Life
As a used device from 2019, the battery life on the ThinkPad T490s may not be as good as when it was new. Depending on its usage history, you might get 6-8 hours of battery life with moderate use. If you plan to work on the go, you’ll likely need to carry the charger with you. The listing doesn’t specify battery health, so it’s worth asking the seller for more details.
How Does the ThinkPad T490s Compare to 2025 Laptops?
In 2025, the laptop market in Pakistan offers a wide range of options, from budget devices to the latest business laptops like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12. So, how does the ThinkPad T490s stack up?
Compared to newer budget laptops in the PKR 55,000 range, like the HP ProBook 450G8 or Acer Aspire 5, the T490s’ Core i5 8th Gen processor is a bit dated. Newer models often come with 10th or 11th Gen Intel processors or AMD Ryzen equivalents, offering better performance and power efficiency. However, the T490s’ 16GB RAM, slim design, and business-grade features like the fingerprint sensor give it an edge over many entry-level laptops in this price range.
Against more expensive business laptops, like the ThinkPad X1 Carbon or Dell XPS 13, the T490s can’t compete in terms of processing power or modern features like OLED displays or Thunderbolt 4. But at PKR 55,000, it offers business-grade quality at a more accessible price, especially for a used device with these specs.
Tips to Maximize Your ThinkPad T490s Experience
To get the most out of your Lenovo ThinkPad T490s, here are a few tips:
- Keep It Updated: Ensure Windows 11 (or Windows 10, depending on the setup) and all drivers are up to date for optimal performance and security.
- Take Advantage of Security Features: Set up the fingerprint sensor for quick and secure logins, especially if you handle sensitive data.
- Optimize Battery Usage: Lower the screen brightness and use Battery Saver mode to extend battery life during long work sessions.
- Protect Your Device: Since the laptop is in like-new condition, invest in a high-quality sleeve or case to keep it safe during travel.
Final Thoughts: Is the Lenovo ThinkPad T490s Worth PKR 55,000 in 2025?
At PKR 55,000, the Lenovo ThinkPad T490s with a Core i5 8th Gen processor is a fantastic deal for a business-grade laptop in 2025. Its reliable performance, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and 14-inch Full HD display make it a top choice for professionals, students, and casual users in Pakistan who need a durable and lightweight device. The backlit keyboard, fingerprint sensor, and 15-day check warranty add even more value to this purchase, making it a smart investment for the price.
While the Core i5 8th Gen processor and potential battery degradation are limitations, the T490s’ business-grade features and build quality make it a worthy choice for the price. If you’re looking for a reliable laptop that can handle your daily tasks with ease and don’t need the latest technology, this device is a no-brainer. Just be sure to test it thoroughly during the 15-day check warranty period and take care of it to ensure it lasts. For PKR 55,000, you’re getting a piece of business-grade tech that still feels professional and dependable in 2025.