The time-tested ThinkPad continues to serve business users reliably, updating a core concept with the latest technology and design trends. The ThinkPad T470s is the latest evolution of the "S" line, which is moving ever closer to ultraportable territory. It's not quite the slim ThinkPad X1 Carbon or one of the convertible ThinkPad Yoga options, but this thinner take on a general productivity laptop combines portability with more computing power than its T460s predecessor and plenty of current-generation features for an all-around competent machine. The X1 Carbon is our Editors' Choice for business laptops given its superior performance and form factor, but the T470s may better suit your needs with features like a touch screen and adapter-free Ethernet connectivity.
Carbon Inspired
The T470s borrows the carbon fiber material from the X1 Carbon family, which makes it feel light and high quality without going for a metal body. It measures 0.74 inches at its thickest point and tapers down to 0.67 inches, while 13.03 inches wide and 8.93 inches deep. It weighs 3.1 pounds, not putting it among the true featherweights on the market, but still light by any standard, especially for a business laptop. For comparison, the latest X1 Carbon measures 0.6 by 12.7 by 8.5 inches (HWD) and weighs just 2.45 pounds, while the HP EliteBook 1040 G3 is 0.65 by 13.3 by 9.2 inches and 3.64 pounds. The T470s is practically identical in size and weight to the T460s, with most upgrades on the inside or with new ports and features.