ThinkPad W series
| Company type | Product line |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Predecessor | ThinkPad T series 'p' variants |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Fate | Replaced by ThinkPad P series (2015) |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Mobile workstation laptops |
| Parent | Lenovo |
The ThinkPad W-series laptops, introduced by Lenovo in 2008 alongside the release of Intel Centrino 2, marked a significant evolution in Lenovo’s lineup of workstation-grade notebooks, branching out from the ThinkPad T series 'p' variants. The inaugural devices in this series were the W500 and W700 models.
Marketed as "mobile workstations," these systems boasted larger screens ranging between 15.6" and 17.3", typically equipped with powerful quad-core Intel Core processors. They combined integrated graphics with dedicated Nvidia Quadro GPUs, utilizing Nvidia Optimus technology to enable seamless GPU switching. Notable exceptions were the W500, which utilized ATI Mobility FireGL workstation graphics, and the W550s, an Ultrabook-class model featuring a dual-core processor. Additionally, the W-series obtained ISV certifications from companies such as Adobe Systems and Autodesk, confirming their reliability for CAD and 3D modeling workflows.
Models
Presented below is a chronological overview of Lenovo’s ThinkPad W series laptops.
| Screen | Category | W*00Template:Br(2008) | W*01 (2009)Template:BrW*1* (2010) | W*2*Template:Br(2011) | W*3*Template:Br(2012) | W*4*Template:Br(2013) | W*41 (2014)Template:BrW*5* (2015) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15.6" | Slim | W550s | |||||
| Performance | W500 | W510 | W520 | W530 | W540 | W541 | |
| 17.3" | W700 | W701 | |||||
| Dual screen | W700ds | W701ds | |||||
| The W series was replaced by the ThinkPad P series in 2015 | |||||||
W500
Debuting in 2008, the W500 maintained the classic all-black aesthetic and TrackPoint design inherited from its predecessor, the T61p. It upheld Lenovo’s standards for build quality and durability, featuring robust metal hinges to firmly hold the display. Key features included DisplayPort connectivity, three USB ports, a docking station connector, support for up to 1920×1200 resolution screens, Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs, and ATI Mobility FireGL V5700 workstation graphics.
W700
Released in October 2008, the W700 stood out for its exceptional performance and pioneering features such as a built-in color calibration tool and an optional fingerprint scanner for biometric security. Powered by a quad-core Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9300 processor and Nvidia Quadro FX 3700M GPU, it was among the top-tier laptops of its time, although its battery endurance was limited to roughly two and a half hours.
Specifications included up to a 2.53 GHz Core 2 Extreme QX9300 CPU, a maximum of 8 GB DDR3 RAM across two slots, Nvidia Quadro FX 2700M or FX 3700M graphics with up to 1 GB of VRAM, and a 17-inch 16:10 TN panel offering resolutions of either 1440×900 or 1920×1200.
W700ds
The W700ds variant incorporated an additional secondary sliding display measuring 10.6" with a resolution of 1280×760, while also expanding storage capabilities by supporting up to two hard drives of 260 GB each.
W510
Introduced in January 2010 as the successor to the W500, the W510 retained a similar 15-inch chassis but brought substantial enhancements:
- Processor options reaching up to a 2.0 GHz Intel Core i7-920XM Extreme Edition
- Memory expandable up to 32 GB DDR3 running at 1333 MT/s via four DIMM slots
- Graphics solutions combining Intel integrated graphics with Nvidia Quadro FX 880M discrete GPU
- Physical dimensions measuring approximately 372.5 × 245.1 × 35.8 mm
- Starting weight around 2.57 kg (5.89 lbs) when equipped with a six-cell battery
The W510 earned acclaim for delivering a balanced mix of power, dependability, and portability tailored for demanding professional graphics workloads.
| Model | Release (US) | Dimensions | Weight | CPU | Chipset | Memory | Graphics | Storage | Networking | Screen | Battery | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15.6" | ||||||||||||
| W510 | 2010 | 372.8 × 245.1 × 32–35.8 mm | 2.57 kg | 1st Gen Intel Core Up to i7-920XM |
Intel QM57 | DDR3 1333 MHz Up to 16GB (2 slots, dual-core) 32GB (4 slots, quad-core) |
Intel HD Graphics (integrated) Nvidia Quadro FX880M (discrete, 1 GB) |
One 2.5" SATA Drive One Ultrabay |
Gigabit Ethernet Wi-Fi Half Mini PCIe Optional Bluetooth 2.1 Optional WWAN Mini PCIe |
1366×768 TN 1600×900 TN 1920×1080 TN |
Limited battery life (approx. M(9) S) | One white ThinkLight |
W701
Following the W700 17-inch laptop, the W701 was introduced together with the W701ds and garnered favorable feedback. According to Techradar, the W701 established itself as the most powerful laptop available, surpassing its predecessor.
Launched in April 2010, both the W701 and W701ds came equipped with:
- CPU: 2.0 GHz Intel Core i7-920XM Extreme Edition
- RAM: Up to 16 GB DDR3 at 1333 MT/s across four DIMM slots
- Graphics options:
- Nvidia Quadro FX 3800M
- Nvidia Quadro FX 2800M
- Physical size: 410 x 310 x 40.6 mm
- Starting weight: 8.9 pounds
W701ds
Sharing its exterior design with the W700ds, the W701ds incorporates a built-in secondary display. Gizmodo commended its impressive specifications combined with this dual-screen feature, while PCWorld described it as a "portable giant" suitable for replacing desktop workstations in professional environments. Gadgets Fan emphasized its cost-effectiveness despite its bulk, favorably comparing it to traditional desktop setups.
W520
Introduced in March 2011 as the follow-up to the W510, the W520 provided top-tier hardware options:
- Processor: up to 2.7 GHz Intel Core i7-2960XM (socketed)
- Memory capacity: up to 32 GB DDR3-1333 (four SO-DIMM slots) on quad-core variants; up to 16 GB on dual-core models
- Graphics configurations:
- Integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000
- Nvidia Quadro 1000M (2 GB DDR3)
- Nvidia Quadro 2000M (2 GB DDR3)
- Display: 15.6-inch LED-backlit TN panel, available in resolutions of 1600x900 or 1920x1080, covering 95% of Adobe RGB color space
- Dimensions: 372.8 x 245.1 x 31.8–35.6 mm
- Weight: Approximately 5.95 pounds including optical drive
LAPTOP Magazine praised the W520’s exceptional performance tailored for intensive workloads and professional use, noting a PCMark Vantage score of 9909—30% higher than typical desktop replacements and outperforming similar Dell Latitude models.
- Processing and graphics
The W520 supports up to quad-core Intel Core i7 Extreme processors with Hyper-Threading technology and is compatible with Lenovo Enhanced Experience 2.0 on Windows 7. Its Nvidia Fermi-based Quadro GPUs with Optimus technology allow connection of up to two external monitors. Although Ubuntu certification is provided, utilizing Optimus on Linux requires additional configuration. The system also features X-Rite Pantone calibration for precise color accuracy demanded by professionals.
- Storage and connectivity
Storage options reach up to 640 GB and include USB 3.0 ports for accelerated data transfers.
- ISV certifications
The model holds ISV certifications for major professional software such as CATIA, SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and Autodesk Maya.
| Model | Release (US) | Dimensions | Weight | CPU | Chipset | Memory (max) | Graphics | Storage | Networking | Screen | Battery | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15.6" | ||||||||||||
| W520 | 2011 | 372.8 × 245.1 × 31.8–35.6 mm | 2.45 kg | 2nd Generation Intel Core Up to i7-2960XM (4 cores/8 threads, 2.5 GHz base, 8 MB L3 cache) |
Intel QM67 | 16 GB DDR3-1333 or up to 32 GB DDR3-1333 (quad-core) 16 GB DDR3 (dual-core) |
Intel HD Graphics 3000 Optional Nvidia Quadro 1000M or Quadro 2000M (2 GB) |
One 2.5" drive plus one UltraBay drive slot | Gigabit Ethernet Wi-Fi Half Mini PCIe Bluetooth 3.0 Optional WWAN mSATA |
1600x900 or 1920x1080 TN LCD panel | Varies by model (M(9), S) | White ThinkLight |
W530
Launched in June 2012, the W530 closely mirrored earlier W series models and marked the final iteration before the W540 overhaul. It maintained traditional elements such as the lid lock, keyboard illumination, and wireless/HDD status LEDs, while introducing a debated chiclet-style keyboard featuring 6 rows instead of the previous 7. The system was equipped with 3rd generation Intel Ivy Bridge processors.
Notable specifications:
- 3rd generation Intel Core (Ivy Bridge) CPUs
- Graphics options included Intel HD 4000 and Nvidia Quadro GPUs based on Kepler architecture:
- K1000M (2 GB DDR3, 192 CUDA cores)
- K2000M (2 GB DDR3, 384 CUDA cores)
- Mini DisplayPort version 1.2
- Redesigned 6-row keyboard with optional backlighting
| Model | US Release | Dimensions | Weight | Processor | Chipset | Maximum Memory (max) | Graphics | Storage Options | Connectivity | Display | Battery | Additional Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15.6" | ||||||||||||
| W530 | June 2012 | 372.8 x 245.1 x 31.8–35.6 mm | Template:LaptopWeight | style="background:Template:LaptopPaletteColor;"|3rd Gen Intel Core Up to i7-3940XM (4 cores, 8 threads, 3.0 GHz, 8 MB L3 cache) |
Intel QM77 | Template:Okay | Template:Partial | Template:Okay | Gigabit Ethernet Wi-Fi Half Mini PCIe Card Bluetooth 4.0 Module Optional WWAN mSATA card |
Template:Safe | style="background:Template:LaptopPaletteColor;"| Template:Warning icon M(9) S |
Single white ThinkLight |
W540
Unveiled in 2013 and launched in early 2014 across the US and Europe, the W540 featured a slimmer chassis derived from the T540p platform. Despite its reduced thickness and weight compared to the W530, it received mixed feedback due to perceptions of diminished build quality and the elimination of conventional user interface indicators. The integration of the touchpad and TrackPoint underwent significant changes, removing dedicated TrackPoint buttons and altering tactile response. The island-style chiclet keyboard carried over from previous models continued to divide opinion among users.
Hardware enhancements included:
- Intel's 4th generation Core processors
- Enhanced Nvidia Quadro graphics options: K1100M and K2100M
- Full-sized keyboard with numeric keypad offset from the center of the screen, which some users found inconvenient
- Redesigned UltraBay featuring a concealed locking screw that limited hot-swapping ability and rendered it incompatible with older modules
- Introduction of a new rectangular power connector incompatible with prior adapters and docking stations
- Thinner design profile paired with lighter overall weight
W541
The W541 refined the W540 by reinstating the traditional ThinkPad touchpad design while retaining the updated keyboard style, replacing the touchpad configuration found in the W540 and other contemporaneous 4th generation ThinkPads.
W550s
The W550s represents a more compact Ultrabook-style entry in the W series, constructed on a T-series chassis akin to the P5xs lineup. Prioritizing portability over raw power, it delivers lower performance than both the W541 and its predecessors, employing dual-core hyper-threaded Intel Broadwell processors rather than quad-core options, along with only two memory slots.
Discontinuation and successor
In 2016, Lenovo phased out the ThinkPad W series and introduced the ThinkPad P series as its replacement, beginning with the P50s, P50, and P70 models. The P70 was significant for bringing back the 17-inch display option within the workstation laptop lineup.