In a review by CNET in 2004,[2] the G40 was given a 7.3 stating that while the laptop was big and heavy with a mediocre screen, the ThinkPad G40 "proves you can get a capable desktop replacement at an affordable price without sacrificing battery life and performance."

In another review by ZDNet in 2003,[1] recommending the G40 to people who want the capabilities of a desktop but not the clutter, the author stated that the G40's "keyboard is comfortable, the screen easy to read, and the specifications, features and performance about right for a typical home/home office PC."

In their review of the G40 in 2003,[4] The Register commented on the laptops 3.5kg weight contradicting "IBMs talk of the mobile worker, and not sacrificing power for portability."

The Register concluded that the G40's ideal user was the "migrant": "Working in a flexible office environment, and occasionally from home."

It retained the overall design of G40 and G41 but was based on the new Intel Core architecture which consumes less power than previous Pentium 4 processors.