Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 2 review

Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 2

The Lenovo Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 2 ranks as the #96 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 80. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #87-ranked connectivity among 481 laptops. Consider the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 4 or Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Yoga Gen 3, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.

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Key takeaways
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 2 offers decent performance for general tasks, not demanding applications.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 2 boasts an exceptional build quality that is its standout feature overall.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 2 boasts an impressive display with perfectly balanced mids and highs.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 2 excels with its thin design and long battery life for seamless gaming sessions.

Is it Worth it?

The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 2 is a compact and lightweight laptop that excels in battery life and portability. While its performance may not meet modern gaming standards, it shines in retro gaming with up to 8 hours of 2D gameplay and 5 hours of PCSX2 at native res. The device's neutral screen colors, balanced audio, and tolerable input lag make it a great companion for casual gamers and students on the go. If found at a reasonable price, this laptop is worth considering, especially for home users seeking an affordable and convenient solution.

Build

The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 2 boasts an impressive build quality. Weighing in at almost nothing, this laptop is incredibly portable. The thin and light design makes it comfortable to use as a tablet, despite its compact size. A generously large screen for its class adds to the overall package. Battery life is impressive, lasting at least 2 hours, with even longer battery life in more aggressive power saving modes. Overall, the build quality of the ThinkPad X13 Gen 2 is exceptional. Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 2 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded build.

Display

The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 2 boasts an impressive display. The screen's neutral color palette is ideal for retro gaming, with perfectly balanced mids and highs that bring out the best in chip tune soundtracks. While there may be some ghosting and input lag, it's well within tolerable limits for enjoyable gaming sessions. Battery life also shines, lasting up to 8 hours for 2D retro gaming and 5 hours for PCSX2 at Native res. The display is a highlight of this laptop, making it perfect for those seeking a reliable device for casual gaming, productivity, or everyday use. For an improved display, Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 2 is worth considering.

Performance

The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 2 offers decent performance for general tasks, but falls short in gaming and demanding applications. The laptop's processor struggles to handle modern games, with titles like Diablo III and Starfield running at low frame rates or not at all. However, it excels in retro gaming, with a battery life that allows for up to 8 hours of 2D gaming and 5 hours of PCSX2 gameplay. The laptop's portability and lightweight design make it an excellent choice for casual gamers who want to play classic games on the go. Overall, the ThinkPad X13 Gen 2's performance is adequate for general use, but limited in its ability to handle modern gaming demands. You might want to check out Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 3, featuring an upgraded performance for a superior experience.

Battery and Charging

The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 2 boasts impressive battery life, lasting at least 8 hours for 2D retro gaming and 5 hours for PCSX2 at native resolution. The laptop's portability is further enhanced by its light weight and compact design. Charging the device is equally efficient, allowing it to power through regular tasks and casual gaming sessions without needing a top-up. This laptop's battery performance makes it an excellent choice for students and home users seeking a reliable and affordable option.

Connectivity

The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 2 offers decent connectivity options for its size. You get two USB-A ports, one HDMI port, and a single USB-C port that supports Power Delivery and DisplayPort output. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 are also present, providing reliable wireless connections. While not the most extensive port selection, it still gets the job done for everyday use. If you're after top-notch connectivity, consider Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 3.

Features

The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 2 boasts a thin and light design, weighing almost nothing, with an impressive battery life that lasts at least 8 hours for 2D retro gaming and 5 hours for PCSX2 at native res. The screen flips over, allowing drawing with any pen, making it ideal for retro gaming on the go. It’s worth checking out Lenovo Yoga Slim 7, delivering remarkable features.

Support and Maintenance

The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 2 offers reliable support and maintenance features. The laptop's consistent performance and long battery life (up to 8 hours for 2D retro gaming) make it a great companion on the go. The manufacturer provides decent customer service, although some users have reported occasional issues with troubleshooting and repair. Overall, the laptop's support and maintenance features are satisfactory, making it a solid choice for students and casual users.

Pros

1. Long battery life weighs practically nothing and speeds through regular tasks

2. Great for Retro Gaming with 8 hours of 2D retro gaming and 5 hours of pcsx2 at Native res

3. Excellent portability, being thin and light enough to be used comfortably as a tablet

4. A finely tuned collection of agreeable games provides great potential for fun

Cons

1. Falls short on system requirements for PC gaming, especially for modern titles

2. Keyboard can't compete with the best in industry, but can be acclimated to

3. Not ideal for desktop replacement users due to limited teraflops and patience required

4. Rarity is a big issue, as succeeding generations have faster CPUs at a higher price tag

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