Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon review
The Lenovo Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon ranks as the #13 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 84. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #185-ranked connectivity among 498 laptops. Consider the Huawei MateBook X Pro or GIGABYTE AERO 16 OLED, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 is a refined, yet still iconic laptop. Its 2.42-pound weight is significantly lighter than the previous generation, making it an excellent choice for those who value portability. The Intel Meteor Lake U series CPU provides smooth performance, and the OLED display option boasts sharp visuals with no glare. However, the high price tag ($2,000+) may deter some. If you're a business user or content creator who values exceptional build quality, this laptop is worth considering, but be prepared to shop around for deals on the higher-end configurations.
Build
The 2024 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon's build is a masterclass in refinement. With 12 generations under its belt, this laptop has undergone significant improvements without sacrificing any of its iconic characteristics. The Gen 12 model boasts a sturdy and rigid design, now clocking in at just 2.42 pounds. Despite the weight reduction, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon still manages to deliver exceptional typing experience and a comfortable keyboard layout. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the larger trackpad to the tactile locators on the keyboard deck. Overall, the build quality of this laptop is simply superb, making it an excellent choice for business professionals and power users alike. You may find Lenovo Chromebook Plus a better fit, thanks to its superior build.
Display
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon boasts an impressive display options. You can opt for either a Full HD+ IPS or a stunning 2.8k OLED screen with HDR 500 support. The latter is particularly noteworthy, offering exceptional color accuracy and a sharp resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels. Additionally, the OLED display features an anti-glare coating that effectively minimizes reflections, making it perfect for productivity work. A refresh rate of 120Hz ensures smooth visuals, while Intel's AI-enhanced graphics processing provides a seamless experience. Overall, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon's display is a significant upgrade over its predecessors and rivals in this price segment. If you’re after a better display, Lenovo IdeaPad 5 2-in-1 could be the ideal option.
Performance
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 delivers impressive performance with its Intel Meteor Lake U-series CPUs. The Core i7 Ultra model provides seamless multitasking, while the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics handle casual gaming and light video editing tasks without issue. Thermal throttling may occur when pushing the laptop to its limits, but for everyday business and productivity work, it excels. Overall, this ThinkPad's performance is a significant step up from previous generations, making it a top choice for professionals on-the-go. Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 6 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded performance.
Battery and Charging
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon's battery life is average for an OLED thin and light laptop, with around 6-6.5 hours of mixed productivity use at maximum brightness (200 nits). Streaming video can last longer, but heavier duty tasks like Photoshop or Excel work will result in shorter run times. The 57Wh battery is decent, considering the laptop's slim design. Charging is relatively quick, thanks to the included 65W USBC charger, which charges the battery from empty to full in a few hours.
Connectivity
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon features Intel Wi-Fi ax21 (Wi-Fi 6E) with Bluetooth 5.3. Port selection includes two USB-A ports, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a USBC 65W charger. There's also an HDMI 2.1 port, and on some models, a nano-SIM card slot for optional 4G or 5G connectivity. You might want to check out Lenovo Slim 7, featuring an upgraded connectivity for a superior experience.
Features
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon features an Intel Meteor Lake U series CPU, a 2.42lb (1.09kg) lightweight design, up to 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD, a stunning 12" OLED display with anti-glare coating, and two 2W speakers with Dolby Atmos support. Take a look at Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 - its improved features sets a new standard.
Support and Maintenance
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon boasts robust support and maintenance features. With a comprehensive warranty program, users can enjoy peace of mind knowing their device is protected. Additionally, the laptop's sturdy design ensures reliability, while its Intel Meteor Lake U series CPU provides efficient processing power for seamless performance. Overall, this model excels in terms of upkeep and reliability.
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