Lenovo makes reliable tech, but not everything in their range justifies the price. Of their three standout products right now, two deliver genuine value for specific users, while one is a straightforward workhorse purchase.
Why Lenovo?
Lenovo has manufactured computing hardware since 1984 and is now the world's largest PC vendor by market share. They're known for three things: ThinkPad laptops (the professional standard), Legion gaming peripherals (built for competitive play), and enterprise-grade accessories. Their strength isn't innovation—it's reliability at reasonable prices. ThinkPads, in particular, have a reputation for durability that justifies their cost in business environments. On gaming peripherals, Legion competes on build quality and RGB customisation rather than being first-to-market.
Top Picks
Lenovo Legion K500 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Black — £79.99
Best for gamers who want tactile response without breaking the bank. This is a full-size mechanical keyboard with RGB backlighting, Cherry MX-style switches, and a sturdy aluminium frame. At under £80, it's positioned as an entry-level gaming keyboard rather than a premium one. The mechanical switches give real tactile feedback (compared to rubber dome), and the build feels solid. The RGB lighting is customisable but not the main selling point here—typing comfort is.
Lenovo T1s Portable Monitor — £142.00
Best for remote workers and content creators needing a second screen on the move. The T1s is a 15.6-inch portable display that connects via USB-C, requiring no separate power supply on most modern laptops. At 1920×1080 resolution, it matches a standard 1080p monitor, though the compact size means text and UI elements are smaller than a full desktop setup. The key advantage is portability: it weighs under 500g and fits in a laptop bag. For video editing, spreadsheet work, or extended browsing, a second screen dramatically improves workflow, and this does that at a reasonable price.
Lenovo ThinkPad Professional Laptop Backpack Large, Black — £52.99
Best for professionals and students needing durable everyday carry. This is a straightforward backpack designed around laptop protection, with dedicated compartments for a 15-16 inch laptop, tablet, and accessories. It's made from ballistic nylon (the same tough material used in military gear), has padded shoulder straps, and includes organisational pockets for cables, pens, and documents. At £52.99, it's mid-range for laptop bags—not premium, but built to last. It's purely functional: no unnecessary features, just solid construction.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Legion K500 RGB Mechanical Keyboard | £79.99 | Gamers and typists | Cherry MX-style mechanical switches for tactile response | | T1s Portable Monitor | £142.00 | Remote workers, content creators | 15.6-inch USB-C display with no external power needed | | ThinkPad Professional Backpack Large | £52.99 | Professionals and students | Ballistic nylon construction for durability |
What to Look For
- Mechanical switch type: The Legion K500 uses Cherry MX-style switches. Cherry MX reds are linear (smooth), blues are clicky, and browns are tactile. Check which feel suits your typing preference before buying—switch type matters more than RGB lighting.
- Monitor resolution and refresh rate: The T1s offers 1920×1080 at 60Hz. This is standard, not high-refresh gaming territory. For video work or document editing, it's fine. For gaming on a portable screen, expect lower framerates.
- Backpack compartment capacity: The ThinkPad backpack fits 15-16 inch laptops with 20-30 litres of total carry capacity. Measure your laptop's dimensions (most modern 15-inchers are 355×235mm) to confirm fit before ordering.
- Connectivity standards: Check that any peripheral or monitor matches your device's ports. The T1s uses USB-C; older laptops with only HDMI or older USB won't work without adapters, which add cost and complexity.
The Bottom Line
Of the three, the Lenovo T1s Portable Monitor at £142.00 offers the best value if you regularly work from multiple locations or need screen real estate on the move. The Legion K500 Mechanical Keyboard at £79.99 is a solid entry-level gaming keyboard, though enthusiasts will want to spend more for premium switches or wireless connectivity. The ThinkPad backpack at £52.99 is a no-frills workhorse—buy it if you need durable everyday protection, not if you're after style or multiple pockets for gadgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lenovo good value for money?
Yes, but it depends on the product category. Lenovo's ThinkPad laptops and enterprise accessories (like this backpack) are excellent value—they prioritise durability over flashiness, so they last longer than cheaper alternatives. Their gaming peripherals are competitively priced but not innovative; you're paying for reliability, not cutting-edge features. Gaming keyboards from specialist brands like Corsair or SteelSeries often offer more customisation at similar prices.
Can the Lenovo T1s work with any laptop?
The T1s connects via USB-C, so it works with any modern laptop (Windows, Mac, or Linux) that has USB-C and supports video output over USB-C. Older laptops with only HDMI or DisplayPort won't work without a USB-C adapter, which adds £15-25 to the total cost. Check your device's ports before buying.
Is the Legion K500 mechanical keyboard good for typing as well as gaming?
Yes. Mechanical keyboards are actually better for typing than for gaming—the tactile feedback and key actuation are more precise. The K500 uses Cherry MX-style switches, which are industry-standard for both gaming and professional writing. It's a legitimate daily driver, not a gaming-only peripheral.
Does the ThinkPad backpack fit modern 16-inch laptops?
Yes, the "Large" size is rated for up to 16-inch laptops, though it's snug at that size. Most modern 16-inchers are 355-360mm wide; the backpack's laptop compartment accommodates this. If you have a very thick laptop (over 20mm) or plan to stack multiple devices in the same compartment, measure first.
