Lenovo ThinkPad T490 review

A 2019 ThinkPad T490 with real dedicated graphics at a bargain price

The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (2019) combines an Intel Core i7 8665U, an NVIDIA GeForce MX250 and 32GB of RAM for $219 — well below the business-class median of about $297. Unlike the vintage machines around it, this one carries a genuine discrete card: the MX250 posts a graphics score of 23.68 against a class median of 3.84, and the capability flags confirm Overwatch, Grand Theft Auto V and Rainbow Six Siege all clear minimum settings.

A real GPU in a price band of integrated graphics

The MX250 is an entry-level card, but in the sub-$250 business bracket it is a genuine differentiator — roughly six times the class median score. Everyday graphics and media work, light photo editing and older or esports titles at modest settings are all realistic. The 32GB of RAM removes memory pressure for years to come, and the T-series chassis carries the durability and keyboard quality the line is known for.

The CPU is good, not great

The verdict block flags CPU performance as the relative weak spot: a score of 38.51 against a class median of 52.97, about 27% below. In practice the i7 8665U handles office work, browsing and media without complaint — the gap only matters for sustained compute like large compiles or video encodes. Buyers doing heavy CPU work should look at H-series machines instead.

Depreciating at a moderate, predictable rate

From a $1300 base, the T490 has settled at $219 — about 8.45% per year — with a projected $184 in two years. That is a normal curve for a business laptop of this vintage; the buyer at $219 faces modest further loss.

Business-bracket neighbors

Pricier alternatives include the ThinkPad E490 ($243) and HP EliteBook 850 G5 ($237); cheaper ones include the Dell Latitude 5400 ($199) and Latitude E5570 ($194). The T490's edge over all four is the combination of discrete graphics and 32GB of RAM at this price.

Bottom line

The T490 is one of the stronger picks in its bracket: real MX250 graphics, 32GB of RAM and a durable chassis at $219. The compromise is CPU headroom (38.51, below the class median) — fine for office and media duty, modest for sustained compute. For a buyer who wants a do-everything business machine without paying the median, it earns a look.