Detailed review of the Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon professional laptop: is it the best choice for a professional? Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (2018) laptop review: lightweight, comfortable, powerful ThinkPad X1: looks great

Part 1: appearance, case features, expansion options, impressions of input devices, screen and sound

Introduction

As is usually the case with Lenovo Thinkpad laptops, during my acquaintance with the X1 Carbon, my opinion about it changed several times. Because impressions of use cannot be reduced only to a formal assessment of the pros and cons of the model (performance, heating, autonomy, number of ports, size, etc.). Only after working with a laptop for some time can you draw final conclusions about how convenient and pleasant it is to use. Based on this personal experience, general impressions very often change: some laptops that initially did not make any stunning impression, after a week of work, you don’t want to give up, and from some “market leaders” you can’t wait to get rid of them. The X1 Carbon was difficult to use, primarily because of the keyboard, but not only that. That's what we'll talk about.

What is Thinkpad X1 Carbon?

Judging by the index, the Thinkpad X1 Carbon is the successor to the Thinkpad X1. At one time, Lenovo tried to make this laptop a flagship, targeting it at active, positive and inquisitive young people. However, the model turned out to be unsuccessful and at the same time expensive, and reviews about it were mostly negative, including the opinions of people who bought the X1. And sales, apparently, turned out to be very low.

In my opinion, the reason for all the troubles of the original Thinkpad X1 is that the manufacturer either could not decide what he wanted from the model, or could not implement the wishes at the technical level (which is a minus for him in any case). As a result, the X1, which was designed to provide the user with a good combination of performance and autonomy, as well as a unique ability to withstand the rigors of constant use on the road, completely failed to live up to its original positioning. For a travel laptop, it turned out to be too large and heavy, and even with an unacceptably low level of autonomy, around three hours or even less. Therefore, there was no talk of working on the road, security as a result remained unclaimed, and for everyday work in the office the laptop turned out to be too expensive and non-functional. And it’s just inconvenient, let’s be honest.

One of the attempts to get around the problem with autonomy was the announcement of the Thinkpad X1 Hybrid model, where, in addition to the Intel platform, ARM with Android was also built in, but then this model quietly disappeared from the radar. There was little practical benefit from this combination, and at the same time the laptop looked like a hint of excessive power consumption of the Intel platform. Now, on the wave of tablet mania raised by Microsoft (already alone and to some extent without Intel), the company has decided to add another device to the line, the X1 Helix transformable tablet. There is already information on it, but we won’t delve into this topic for now, but will return to today’s guest.

As a result, X1 Carbon, instead of playing the role of a “heir,” began to look like some work on the mistakes. Moreover, if the Thinkpad X1 had its own unique and very interesting concept (and how it was implemented is another question), then the Thinkpad X1 Carbon in concept and implementation became much closer to the “mainstream” of modern top-end laptops, i.e. ultrabooks (i.e. Macbook Air). Either the developers were directly exposed to “current market trends,” or they themselves decided not to swim against the tide.

But at the same time, the Thinkpad X1 Carbon is largely a combination of the strengths of Lenovo's top Think line and the Macbook Air concept from the company that once raised the Think Different slogan to the flag. And this combination will be appreciated by many more users, including professional ones. So the chances of success in the market for the Thinkpad X1 Carbon (in case of successful technical implementation) are much higher, because it is in trend.

By the way, it is almost officially known that next year Lenovo will launch a new version of the Thinkpad X1 Carbon: with Windows 8 and a touchscreen.

Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon - who is it for?

In addition, we will try to outline the main advantages of the Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon and its positioning at the beginning of the review, so that readers can immediately understand how this model fits their needs.

So, the main features of the model:

• universal work laptop;
• limited set of ports and no upgrade options;
• 14-inch screen with a resolution of 1600×900 pixels with a very small size and weight of the laptop;
• excellent input devices and good ergonomics overall.

My opinion is that the Thinkpad X1 Carbon is aimed primarily at business users. These may be specialists in non-computer fields, middle and high-level managers, and executives. On the one hand, they constantly work with a laptop, and they need a very reliable and convenient work tool. On the other hand, a laptop is used to solve a limited range of general and relatively simple tasks, i.e. there are no specific requirements for hardware or performance levels. But there are preferences regarding quality and external style.

For hardcore computer specialists and engineers, the Thinkpad X230 (we just tested it) is probably better suited, which looks much more interesting from the technical side.

Appearance, laptop case

Traditionally for Lenovo's corporate lines, the X1 Carbon comes in a regular cardboard box with rather modest printing.

For work laptops, this solution is more than justified: the box is needed only until unpacking, and when purchasing it from a company, most users will not see it at all, so the main thing for it is to reliably protect the laptop until unpacking (and be easy to dispose of/recycle).

The delivery set is also very spartan: a laptop in a package, a power supply and several paper brochures on safety rules.

Frame

Is it worth comparing the X1 Carbon to the Air? It seems to me that it is more likely yes than no. The X1 Carbon differs in the size and proportions of the case, but the impression of the wedge-shaped case both in the closed and in the open state (thanks to the huge clickpad) is very, very similar. And we’re not just talking about the contours of the case; in this model, Lenovo borrowed several small, but very characteristic design features from the Macbook. For example, instead of a traditional socket with indicators that glow along the contour, it is in this model that “pin heads” are made, i.e., a narrow hole through which a diode shines from the inside. Where did this come from? But if on Apple laptops the indicators are really “hidden” in the case and you cannot distinguish them on the surface, but on the cover of the Lenovo X1 Carbon they are visible, and at the same time there are large icons nearby.

So fans of the old work lines may well be disappointed. If there is no doubt about the ancestral genes of the Thinkpad X230, then the appearance of the Thinkpad X1 Carbon is indeed some kind of transitional. Although one thing you can’t deny it is subtle elegance, which was not previously considered among the advantages of angular Thinkpads.

However, despite the first impression, the Thinkpad X1 Carbon has enough of its own unique features (primarily related to ease of use) that make it a very interesting and distinctive device. Let's start with size and weight.

Let me make a reservation right away that the thickness of the Thinkpad X1 Carbon is taken to be average; in reality it ranges from 8 to 23-24 mm (if measured from the table), but the thickness of the case fits within the ultrabook’s specifications. For example, the official dimensions of the Macbook Air are 325 by 227 mm, the body thickness is up to 17 mm, and the weight is 1.35 kg. In other words, these two laptops are almost the same in size and weight; the X1 Carbon is slightly thicker, but the Air has a noticeably lower screen and resolution.

If we return to the comparison table, the Thinkpad X230 body size is predicted to be much smaller, but its thickness is significantly greater, which is the price for more powerful filling. It can be fully appreciated even from the photograph above. The Ideapad U300s, Lenovo's first consumer ultrabook, is smaller and thinner, but also has a smaller screen. But both models are equal in weight - this is due to the use of carbon fiber in the Thinkpad X1 Carbon. The old X1 is a big loser compared to the Thinkpad X1 Carbon: it is larger and heavier, but it has only a 13.3-inch screen. In terms of dimensions and weight, it corresponds to modern budget ultrabooks with a diagonal of 14 inches. By the way:

If you compare the Thinkpad X1 Carbon with modern 14-inch ultrabooks (some of them), then, as you can see, it wins a little in size and a lot in weight. Moreover, we should not forget that almost all ultrabooks with a diagonal of 14 inches have a resolution of 1366×768 pixels, which is not so convenient to use. It is even slightly smaller in size than the Ideapad U310 with a 13.3-inch screen.

Let's take a closer look at weight. It is immediately noticeable that in many models it suspiciously revolves around the figure of 1.35 kg. This is, in general, no secret: 1.36 kg is 3 pounds, a cherished figure for manufacturers working with the USA. For them, the phrase “weighs less than three pounds” is a reason to be proud of the weight and size indicators. And for our readers, the phrase “this lightweight laptop weighs less than 1.36 kg” should serve as a clear indicator that this sentence (or the entire text) is a mechanical translation. Asian manufacturers treat the even figure of 1.36 kg without any respect and can release a laptop with a weight of, for example, 1.2 kg.

Thus, in terms of body size and weight, the Thinkpad X1 Carbon practically does not stand out even among laptops with a 13.3-inch screen diagonal. But at the same time it has a 14-inch diagonal screen, and even with a higher resolution, which is a significant advantage for a work system. In my opinion, this is a remarkable achievement.

The manufacturer explains such a large gain in weight by the fact that the Rollcage frame of the Thinkpad X1 Carbon is made of carbon fiber instead of aluminum alloy, as in previous models. This material allows you to achieve the same strength at a third of the weight of aluminum. According to Lenovo, the Thinkpad X1 Carbon frame is 50% stronger than a comparable aluminum frame and weighs half as much. So you don’t have to worry about the strength of the case either.

Well, let's talk about the appearance of the laptop.

The body is black, a noble soft shade. The top panels (both the lid and the bottom) have a soft-touch coating. And the appearance is better, and it’s much more pleasant to carry the laptop. True, noticeable greasy stains from the palms of the palms appear quite quickly on the black matte surface; they are difficult to remove (a dry cloth does not help), you can only smear them. I found the X1 Carbon to be more dirty than the Thinkpad X230.

Let's open the lid. It is impossible to do this with one hand; it will only open slightly, and then the light body will also begin to rise from the table, so you will have to hold it with your other hand. The hinges are quite rigid and the lid moves hard. There is an automatic closer, at the end of the stroke the lid closes itself. When printing, the cover is level, but in conditions of external vibration (in a car or train) it may wobble a little, however, this is the case for everyone. The lid of the Thinkpad X1 Carbon opens 180 degrees or even more. Despite its apparent unimportance, during operation (especially among active users), many situations arise when this feature turns out to be useful. In addition, if the laptop falls on the keyboard, the hinges will not break.

In working order, the X1 Carbon maintains a formal and business-like, yet extremely stylish appearance. Even now, when the external foppishness of expensive models is rapidly giving way to functional simplicity and high-quality materials, the X1 Carbon still, in my opinion, stands out for its noble lines and materials.

As for the design, compared to the traditional representatives of the “working” Thinkpad lines, the design of which has always gravitated towards straight lines and angles, and the bevels were strictly 45 degrees, the Thinkpad X1 Carbon looks much sleeker and more modern - and more unisex. It's a little disappointing that almost all the striking changes in the design are inspired by Apple (the wedge-shaped body, the huge clickpad). I would like more independence in design. However, this laptop has retained, and perhaps even further enhanced, the combination of external simplicity and expensive style that Thinkpad technology has always had. Even the thin red stripes on the trackpoint keys have been preserved - it seems like a small, but such a stylish and elegant element.

I didn’t drop the laptop, but subjectively the case is very durable. For example, the lid cannot be pressed until distortions appear on the matrix; it also cannot be torsioned. Some panels on the case (for example, the right palm rest) began to creak when pressed hard, but this is only minimal play - there is no impression that the panel will wear out under strong pressure, everything is very solid and reliable. I think that the X1 Carbon is perfect for complex and intensive use in a variety of conditions.

Number and location of connectors

What thin laptops and ultrabooks often have problems with is the number and location of expansion ports. The X1 Carbon was no exception. However, first things first.

The front edge is sharp, so there is no talk of any ports or connectors. The back edge is covered by an opening lid, so there is no access to it when the laptop is in working order. So you can’t post anything there either.

The photo shows a rubber cover, under which there is a slot for a SIM card. It will be useful if the configuration includes a cellular modem. You can also appreciate the small thickness of the rear part of the case.

All connectors are traditionally located on the side faces. So, the left side:

On the left, closer to the back edge, there is a new power connector. Due to the fact that the cases of modern laptops and ultrabooks are becoming thinner and thinner, the connector had to be redesigned: now it is not round, but rectangular. The new connector was first introduced on the Yoga 13 convertible, if I remember correctly. The solution is not very good for corporate solutions, but apparently already necessary. The power plug can be inserted into the socket either way. In general, in size it is very similar to a USB port, so I constantly tried to plug a flash drive into it.

Next is a USB 2.0 port with the ability to recharge portable devices and a hardware switch that allows you to instantly disable all wireless interfaces. You can switch it only with a fingernail (and a fairly long one at that) or an object with a sharp end, like a pen.

On the right side there is a universal card reader, a headset jack (headphones or headphones with a microphone), a Mini-DisplayPort, USB 3.0 and a Kensington lock port. As they say, “that’s it, guys.”

Active professional users who make the most of the laptop will likely be quite disappointed by such a meager selection of ports. For a home Air (or ultrabook), which is used mainly for mail, social networks and similar tasks, such a set may be enough, but for a work system?

As a result, the X1 Carbon has only two USB ports (which is criminally small) and does not have HDMI, VGA, or even a wired network. Of course, there are adapters. For a video signal this can be solved relatively simply, but a little more complicated with a LAN. In American versions, a USB-LAN adapter is included in the kit; as usual, we have it separately and for an additional fee. But in any case, it will take up one USB port, and there are only two of them! The same applies to other adapters. Even for me (and I hardly connect anything to my laptop), there were enough USB ports. And how easy it is to forget or lose an adapter is not even worth telling.

Finally, the final blow: there is no connector for a docking station or an additional battery on the bottom either. In other words, there is a docking station with duplicate connectors, but it now connects to USB 3.0, so charging will have to be connected separately and one USB port will be occupied by the dock.

Finally, let's look at the bottom of the Thinkpad X1 Carbon:

The photo of the bottom only confirms the opinion that expandability is not the strong point of this model. There are no hatches for access inside; moreover, the manufacturer prohibits independent access inside.

However, there will be nothing interesting there: the main components such as RAM are soldered, the SSD has a non-standard interface, so replacing it will be problematic, the slot for a cellular modem is half the size, which also reduces the range of potential candidates for installation to almost zero (and let’s not forget about blocking wireless devices from other manufacturers in the system BIOS). In general, the user has nothing to do under the bottom cover. By the way, the battery is also formally non-removable.

Thus, the Thinkpad X1 Carbon has zero upgrade options, and expandability can be described as poor. In general, if you are going to actively work with peripherals, then this model will clearly not be the best choice. The remaining ports are more or less convenient to use (although I would swap USB 2.0 and 3.0, since, for example, the hard drive ends up on the mouse pad), but this will not affect the situation. On the other hand, you need to soberly assess your capabilities: for example, a significant part of users connect a maximum of a mouse and a flash drive to their laptop, nothing more. In this case, you should not refuse to buy the X1 Carbon.

Keyboard

We just looked at the keyboard in detail in the review of Lenovo Thinkpad X230, as well as in materials on Lenovo Ideapad U300s and Lenovo X1. Therefore, the main arguments can be read in the listed articles, but here we will focus on specific impressions and comparisons.

So, all modern Lenovo Thinkpad models have new keyboards. These are island-type keyboards that have only six rows of keys, and the top row is made non-standard. The shape of the keys has changed: they have a semicircular bottom edge and a strongly concave central part of the working surface. Thanks to this, when printing quickly, the speed and accuracy of printing increases, which I have already noted several times. The fonts are readable, Russian letters are noticeably smaller than Latin ones.

There is no traditional keyboard backlight diode above the screen in the Thinkpad X1 Carbon. But the keyboard has a white-bluish LED backlight with two-stage brightness adjustment. The backlight is turned on and off using the Fn+spacebar combination, which is easy to find even in the dark. The outlines of letters and keys are illuminated well, but the bright light of the diodes does not penetrate into the gap between the key and the backing - this often happens on other keyboards, and the diodes simply hit the eyes, which is very annoying and tiring. The Lenovo keyboard is the best solution in this regard.

It is worth noting that if we put the Thinkpad X230 and the Thinkpad X1 Carbon side by side, the keyboards of our copies differed in appearance: the Thinkpad X230 has rougher plastic keys, a much larger gap between the key and the backing (the keyboard is not backlit).

There is a slight difference in clicking, but it is impossible to say that one of the two keyboards is better or worse. The layout of both keyboards is identical, but the X1 Carbon has slightly larger keys in the top row and has gaps between the blocks. In other words, the physical keyboards are most likely different.

Let's talk about impressions at work. There are two complaints about the location of the keys: PgUp and PgDn in the cursor (you constantly press them together with the arrows, and even separately, for example when reading, they are inconvenient), we already talked about this in previous reviews, but when testing the Thinkpad X1 Carbon I also Once I appreciated how inconvenient it was.

The second is the location of Fn and Ctrl. I typed much more on the X1 Carbon than on the Thinkpad X230, so I can confidently say that this arrangement is inconvenient and annoying. Even if you swap these two keys in BIOS Setup, you often get confused when performing Fn+ combinations - you reach for the Fn button, not the Ctrl button. Moreover, the tested Thinkpad X1 Carbon exhibited the following problem: after the laptop goes to sleep and back several times (and when actively carried, this happens all the time), the changes “fly” and the keys return to their default functions. After going into hibernate or rebooting, they change places again, as specified in the BIOS Setup. This happened to me often and was very unnerving. Let's hope that updating the BIOS will resolve the problem.

As for noise, the keyboard could be called quiet if not for the space bar. When typing quickly, it makes a dull rumble - apparently, the keys are hitting the backing, but the sound is dull, and there are few negative sensations. But the space bar clicks loudly and cheerfully, distracting and irritating those around you. In general, I would like complete silence from a keyboard of this class, especially since the last step remains - the spacebar. It's just one key, albeit a big one!

The keyboard still seems a little harsh to me when typing, but I have repeatedly seen opinions on forums that this is precisely what gives the feeling of feedback, unlike modern ultrabooks. I used several laptops and a Microsoft 3000 desktop keyboard at the same time, and while I had a Lenovo X1 Carbon at my disposal, I preferred to print all large documents on it (even if I had to transfer them from another computer). So, in terms of typing ease, the modern Lenovo keyboard is probably still one of the best offers on the market.

Additional functions and keys

This model has four additional keys. Firstly, there is an additional key for calling up the proprietary shell, which for some reason was made instead of the Thinkvantage launcher. The shell as a whole left a terrible impression - clumsy and inconvenient to use. Outwardly, it is an unsuccessful parody of iOS with its icons, but it was introduced a very long time ago, during the time of the Lenovo Thinkpad T400 model. The manufacturer implemented a touchscreen in it, and working with Windows (let alone trying to configure something) is an almost impossible task, so I had to invent my own launcher that you can operate with your finger. The problem is that without a touchscreen it is not needed, and it is inconvenient to work with a mouse, and it is organized extremely illogically. Now, with the release of Windows 8, its usefulness tends to zero.

In addition to this key, there are also three sound control keys.

In general, they are no different from the similar panel on the Thinkpad X230 (although here the panel is well secured, unlike). With their help, you can increase or decrease the sound level, as well as separately turn off the speakers and microphone (when turned off, the key begins to glow dim orange). It seems to me that this is a very convenient thing for users (especially corporate ones) who often use video conferencing and IP telephony.

Some laptop control functions are called via Fn+ combinations. I was unpleasantly surprised that combinations with F1, F2 were not used - after all, they are easiest to reach with one hand! Previously, in this place, if my memory serves me correctly, there was a switch to sleep mode and the screen turned off. F3 - locks the computer, and F4 - puts it to sleep. F5 - displays the wireless connection management utility (or in the utility itself you can configure it so that wireless networks are turned on simply by clicking on this button). F6 - displays the webcam control utility, F7 - controls multi-monitor (primarily focused on output to the projector), F8 and F9 control brightness, F10, F11 and F12 - for some reason the media player. The latter functionality seems very controversial for a work laptop of this class, especially since using the keys is inconvenient: until you find it, until you reach it, it’s easier to click the mouse. The combination Fn+space controls the backlight.

Our model also had a fingerprint scanner. It allows you to flexibly configure fingerprint authorization even in BIOS Setup (very convenient, by the way), and in the system its functionality depends on the bundled software. Its presence is always a huge plus for a working system. Because it combines not only reliability (the password can be very long and is transmitted using secure algorithms), but also ease of use. You solve all problems with user passwords at once (forgot, entered in the wrong place, entered incorrectly, forgot to switch the layout, etc.). And most importantly, users stop disabling passwords because it “takes a long time and is inconvenient to log in” and begin to enjoy the benefits of protection.

Indicators

On IBM/Lenovo Thinkpad laptops, the operating indicators were always located at the bottom of the lid, under the screen, and worked on both the inside and the outside of the lid. The set of indicators changed from model to model, then the set of indicators for the outer and inner parts of the cover began to differ. From an ergonomic point of view, this arrangement of indicators is the best possible, since they are perfectly readable in any position of the laptop, whether with the lid open or closed.

The number and functionality of the X1 Carbon indicators have not changed compared to the Thinkpad X230: the battery charge and sleep mode indicators are located on the outer part of the cover, the hard drive access indicator and enabled wireless interfaces are on the inside. However, the indicators themselves have become completely different.

The socket on the outer part of the lid has disappeared, and the indicators themselves now shine through narrow holes in the lid itself, approximately the same way it is organized in Apple laptops. Only the holes are noticeable even when the indicators are off, and next to each of them there is a carefully placed pictogram. It’s clear where the idea came from, but the implementation, in my opinion, was not very elegant.

The indicators inside have also been removed from the cover; they are now located in the panel of additional keys. The indicators that are turned off are absolutely invisible, while the indicators that are turned on shine through the panel.

Positioning devices

The X1 Carbon has two positioning systems: the traditional IBM/Lenovo Trackpoint and a huge clickpad, which replaced the touchpad. Together they traditionally retained the name Ultranav.

Let's start with the trackpoint. This device, traditional for all Thinkpad laptops, has been familiar to us for a very, very long time, and in my opinion, its functionality and operating scheme have not changed much. However, I was left with the impression that the trackpoint on the X1 Carbon was slower than on the Thinkpad X230. Either it has a different sensitivity (or its settings), or it’s due to the high screen resolution, but visually it seems that the cursor moves more slowly. Therefore, you begin to put more pressure on the “pump”, and after a few days you can rub a noticeable callus on your index finger. At least, during active surfing, the pad of my index finger hurt in the evening. The trackpoint is still very convenient in operation, because it allows you to position the cursor without removing your fingers from the typing position, and also control the cursor by moving not the entire palm, but only the tip of the finger.

The clickpad is made of a smooth material (glass?), the finger slides over it easily, but the feedback is felt. Although it is somewhat slippery... I didn’t have any particular complaints about the speed, but it’s not possible to move the cursor from one edge of the screen to the other with one finger movement. The company says it has spent a lot of time and effort making the clickpad fast and responsive. And you can feel it - indeed, using it to control the cursor is easy and convenient. Multi-touch gestures are handled very well - for example, scrolling (to do this you need to move two fingers along the surface) is as convenient as on Apple laptops (many ultrabooks had serious problems with this).

The main problem with the clickpad is that it is too big. When printing, you constantly touch it with your palm (and not only with your left one - you can also touch it with your right one), this makes the printing process inconvenient and very annoying. Unlike older models, I did not find standard utilities for controlling and disabling the clickpad; I had to do this through the control panel (and you need to search for “mouse”). In general, when actively typing, it’s better to turn off the clickpad, but it’s convenient to use, so when surfing you want to turn it back on. And then you notice that the ability to disable the touchpad using a keyboard shortcut has disappeared. I draw attention to this because, unlike the Thinkpad X230, this feature is needed here.

Screen

Despite the rumors, the Thinkpad X1 Carbon has a matrix with standard TN+film technology. Let's look at its parameters.

In my opinion, the parameters are optimal for a work laptop. The screen is matte, which allows you to work under any light sources without glare and reflections (and this also makes your eyes very tired). Plus, a very good balance of diagonal and resolution allows you to fit a large amount of information on the screen and be able to work with it without a magnifying glass or binoculars.

We also measured the main operating parameters of the matrix:

The maximum screen brightness reaches almost 300 cd/m² (280 to be precise). When working in a room, a comfortable brightness level is approximately 10 out of 15. Level zero allows you to work in complete darkness without illuminating the entire room.

The main problem with this matrix, in my opinion, is the very large interpixel grid. It is clearly visible in any position, as if a fine grid was superimposed on the screen. Gradually you get used to it, but it is unlikely that you will be able to completely get rid of the discomfort.

The screen is very suitable for working with any text. The middle diagonal is well balanced: the laptop is not very large, and the screen does not look like a viewing slit. The resolution allows you to fit quite a lot of information on the screen (it is very important that there is enough vertical space), so it is convenient to work with texts.

Despite the fact that some users complain about the color temperature being too high (in other words, the colors are too cold), I did not notice this, although the color rendition is not ideal. The colors and viewing angles for TN are not bad, there is no obvious discomfort when viewing pictures or videos.

In general, the screen is not bad for a work laptop, the brightness and contrast are very, very good, you can work for a long time, your eyes don’t hurt. The main disadvantage is that the grid on the screen is too noticeable.

Sound

The Thinkpad X1 Carbon has two speakers, they are located under long slots on the bottom and look to the side. The speakers play “from the table”, due to which the sound is subjectively felt better when the laptop is standing on a hard surface, but on a soft one (for example, on a sofa) - the laptop will play noticeably quieter, and the sound will become unintelligible.

If the X1Carbon is on a table, then the sound is quite good: it’s quite suitable for Internet telephony, and even for TV series. Traditionally, the upper-mid frequencies play best, which is where the voices are. The volume level also seemed quite acceptable to me. The rest of the frequencies are a problem, but this is unimportant for a work laptop, because it is suitable for work (since it transmits voice well), and everything else must be done through external acoustics. If such a need arises.

Conclusion

If we summarize the impressions that we already have, then the Thinkpad X1 Carbon, like the first X1, is a kind of hybrid between professional and consumer laptops, but at the same time it has an impressive list of its own unique advantages, including not only reliability and durability, but and your own style. In my opinion, the model was a success, and the Thinkpad X1 Carbon is truly one of the best in its class.

Another thing is that you need to clearly understand that this is not a completely professional model. The Thinkpad X1 Carbon is, rather, a fashion product and is intended for a boss or a specialist who is not particularly involved in IT. The laptop is clearly aimed at relatively “simple” users, with simpler and more common requests. But... but for these users, working with the Thinkpad X1 Carbon will be truly easy and pleasant. It seems to me that it has retained the main advantage of the Thinkpad - ease of use. The screen and keyboard (well, and touchpad) - what we work with most often - are very good here. And for technical professionals it is better to choose something more traditional - T or X.

However, we will refrain from making final conclusions for now, because we still have to evaluate the performance, autonomy and many other important parameters of the model.

WQHD resolution at 14 inches diagonal still requires scaling adjustments in Windows settings. Without resorting to this step, you will be able to comfortably use the ultrabook only within the Metro UI interface. Scaling solves the lion's share of problems in the OS, but such OS settings do not affect Aimp, or, say, instant messengers like QIP or Agent Mail.ru - the programs remain indecently small.

However, we will leave this to the conscience of third-party developers. The display itself of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2014 leaves only pleasant impressions and is quite good in its competitive niche.

Sound

The audio system in the ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2014 was developed by Lenovo. The sound, in general, turned out to be quite good, but disappoints in some details and requires regular intervention in the standard Dolby Home Theater v.4 sound manager.

Compared to 15.6-inch multimedia laptops, the volume level of the hero of our test is not impressive, but in fact, the ThinkPad X1 sounds louder and more spacious than many of its competitors. However, the devil is in the details.

But the X1, like many ultrabooks, has problems with detailed reproduction. The acoustic impressions of the model are strange - good speakers sound like they come from a barrel or a shell garage. Costs of a magnesium carbon fiber body?

The standard settings surprise with a very wide stereo base - this is due to the “movies” preset activated by default in the sound manager. By the way, movies on the ThinkPad X1 look really great - the quality of the display, coupled with good special effects, makes this model a good portable “micro-cinema”.

After switching to the “music” preset, the “virtual surround sound” and “speech correction” functions are disabled, but the “kick drum” effect remains. It's a pity - this is a rare ultrabook that can reliably reproduce bass guitars in modern rock hits, even at maximum volume. And even the passionate vocals of the frontmen at such moments sound decent, but the percussion instruments, smaller than the drums, turn into a monotonous mess.

A similar problem manifests itself in the dubstep genre: all effects, except for the most “rich” ones, somehow “float”, like on a bad cassette copy - only the leitmotif remains clear. Hip-hop sounds good if you come to terms with the laptop's signature tone of sound: raps, backing vocals and beats are reproduced clearly and with high quality. In classical music, string instruments are “cut” and the polyphony under the main vocal is blurred, but this is compensated by excellent volume and volume of sound.

As far as classic rock goes, regardless of the track's origins, it sounds like it was played in a garage for a demo track - the music sounds a bit muddy, and the lead guitars that lead into a drone are upsetting. Pop music for the most part sounds at the level of an average radio in a supermarket - for an ultrabook, such playback quality, by the way, is a compliment.

It's difficult to give a clear assessment of the audio system in the ThinkPad X1 2014, given that this is not an entertainment device. On the one hand, equipped with acoustics from Bang & Olufsen, the ASUS Zenbook UX301LA was not even close in terms of volume and low-frequency performance, on the other hand, the related Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro has similar dimensions, but sounds much better.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (3rd Gen) laptop looks stylish and attractive, but almost the same as its predecessors, for example, the first Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. Despite the use of durable premium materials, we were not very pleased with the build quality of the laptop.

The design of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (3rd Gen) isn't what you'd call a classic design, but it's attractive and generally won't attract too much attention. In principle, this is even good for a business user - the device looks neutral, does not distract and does not raise unnecessary questions. Visually, it is a rectangle with a thin profile and a dark gray (or carbon) color; it would seem that what is unusual about it? The only things that attract attention are the red trackpoint in the middle of the keyboard, the touchpad with downright massive buttons on top, and the fingerprint scanner almost on the very edge of the case. Also, the ThinkPad inscriptions on the operating panel and lid look a little unusual, located at an angle to the side ends. The side bezels around the screen look wide, and the screen itself is quite thick. The bottom is clean and neat, with a pair of speakers (not the best placement) and small ventilation holes. At the same time, the laptop can be easily disassembled, so if desired, you can easily access the contents of the device. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon (3rd Gen) is positioned as a very durable, almost rugged laptop - its body is made of lightweight carbon fiber. According to the manufacturer, the device meets US Department of Defense standards and is tested against dust, vibration, heat, cold, water and humidity. It turns out that he is not afraid of splashes and impacts. It feels like the laptop went through all 7 circles of hell until it ended up on the shelf in the store. Its strength in principle can be called a plus; the body of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is almost not pressed through, only in the area of ​​the keyboard, but even then only a little. Even its lid, quite thick but durable, opens 180 degrees and is perfectly fixed in any position. However, our test unit simply clicked in the lower right corner if you tapped or pressed on it, which in one fell swoop ruined the entire impression of materials and build quality.

You can buy the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon in only one color – dark gray.

Dimensions and weight - 4.7

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is light and compact, but not the thinnest laptop in its class. It's quite portable, but you can always go for something thinner or lighter, like the HP Specter 13.

The thickness of the case is small, in some places it reaches 1.85 cm, which is not very small by the standards of expensive ultrabooks, it is only slightly thinner than the budget HP Stream 13. But its weight, thanks to carbon fiber, is small, approximately 1.3 kg. So, it is even lighter than the 13-inch Acer Aspire V13. Together with a light charge (290 grams), the total comes out to a little more than one and a half kilograms - this is how much many laptops weigh without a charger. Device dimensions - 33.1x22.7x1.85 cm.

Keyboard

The ThinkPad line is known for its comfortable keyboards, perhaps even the best among ultrabooks. But at the same time, they do not have the most common key layout.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon's keyboard is really comfortable to type on, but it takes some getting used to. Thus, the keys are set high and spaced apart from each other, they have a long stroke and a clear pressing threshold. This is unusual for ultrabooks, which may be why the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a little thicker than its competitors - it needed room for a comfortable keyboard. The diagonal of the laptop is small (14 inches), so there is no digital block here. The keyboard has three-level key backlighting (“off”, “low brightness”, “high brightness”). The only questions that raise questions are slight pressing of the substrate (despite advanced materials) and the unusual layout. So, the Fn and Ctrl keys were swapped and, it seems, we never got used to it during the tests. The Page Up and Page Down keys have been moved to the arrow block; they can be pressed by mistake, since they are closely adjacent to the “left” and “right” buttons.

Touchpad

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon touchpad is small in size, but is convenient to use thanks to the presence of separate keys above it and a round trackpoint on the keyboard.

Its area (approximately 61 cm2) is slightly insufficient for comfortable work on a 14-inch screen. The touch surface, in our opinion, is not the most pleasant to the touch, but it is sensitive, with high precision of cursor guidance. It’s a little unusual to see that the touchpad has separate keys, and also on top, and three at once. They symbolize the left, right and center mouse buttons. In fact, it's quite convenient, especially if you work in conjunction with the trackpoint on your keyboard. This is a round button that can be tilted in different directions and thereby move the cursor. At first this seems unusual, but in general it is a matter of habit. By the way, over the course of several years, such a “pile up” of controls has acquired many fans. It is noteworthy that the keys do not click when pressed and operate silently, unlike, for example, the ASUS G551JM. The only thing we didn't like was the deterioration in the sensitivity of the touchpad closer to the bottom edges.

Ports and interfaces - 4.4

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon has a good set of wireless interfaces and connectors, and they are quite conveniently located. However, it does not have an optical drive or a standard Ethernet network port, only a proprietary one from Lenovo. But there is immediately HDMI and mini-DisplayPort. In general, the laptop received the following set of connectors:

• Two USB 3.0
• DisplayPort 1.2
• Power socket combined with dock connector
• Mini-jack
• MicroSIM card slot
• HDMI (1.4)
• Branded Ethernet port (requires an adapter to a standard plug)
• Kensington lock.

The laptop received a network card with a speed of 1000 Mbit/s, support for Bluetooth 4.0 and dual-band Wi-Fi (a/b/g/n). The case has a slot for MicroSIM cards, but in our case the device did not have a built-in modem; you need to find out about its availability in the store in advance. Compared to the same HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2, the hero of the review lacks an NFC chip, as well as a slot for MicroSD cards, which HP has. But we were pleased with the full-size HDMI connector and at least some option for connecting to the Internet via cable, albeit through an adapter. I would also like to see a third USB connector; after all, two are sometimes not enough.

Performance - 3.2

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon can be called productive by ultrabook standards. It is sufficient for most business tasks, but it will no longer cope with many modern games from 2014-2016 even at minimum settings.

The laptop received 4 GB of RAM and a dual-core energy-efficient (15 W) Intel Core i5-5200U processor with Broadwell architecture. Turbo Boost technology can increase the clock speed from 2.2 to 2.7 GHz. Using the Hyper-Threading function, each core processes two streams of information, so the work of two cores can be compared to the work of four at once.

In various performance tests, the processor obtains the following results:

• 3DMark06 (CPU) – 3302 points
• Cinebench R15 – 254 points
• GeekBench 2.4 – 5896 points
• GeekBench 3 - 5136 points.

These are average, quite typical results for a business ultrabook. They are comparable to the scores of the popular ASUS K501LB with the same i5-5200U processor, but are 10-20% inferior to the same HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2 with i7-5600U (more cache and higher frequencies).

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon does not have a separate video card and is equipped only with a built-in Intel HD 5500. In terms of performance, it is approximately comparable to entry-level discrete cards. It can't handle many demanding games from 2014-2016, but some of them are playable on low graphics. In various tests, the video card is rated as follows:

• 3DMark 06 - 6761 points
• 3DMark Fire Strike - 623 points
• In the test scene from CineBench R15 -30.6 fps.

The Lenovo Z5070 laptop with a weak but separate graphics card (NVIDIA GeForce 820M, entry level) received scores about 10-15 percent higher in the same tests, but the ASUS K501LB with mid-level graphics received almost twice as much. Relatively old games work fine up to high settings, but newer and heavier ones like Rise of The Tomb Raider, Witcher 3 and Fallout 4 slow down even at low graphics. At the same time, something simpler, for example, World of Warships, FIFA 16 or Sims 4, works quite well. However, you shouldn't consider the ThinkPad X1 Carbon as a gaming platform.

There may be a large number of modifications of a business laptop on sale. Thus, the volume of internal memory (128, 180, 240, 256, 360, 512 GB), processors (i5-5200U, i5-5300U, i7-5500U, i7-5600U) and the amount of RAM (4 GB instead of 8 GB) may differ ).

Display - 3.3

This is perhaps the only point where the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon disappointed us. The laptop uses a Full HD display with a TN matrix, which condemns it to narrow viewing angles and low contrast.

The screen diagonal is 14 inches, it is quite clear thanks to Full HD resolution (1920×1080 pixels), the pixel density is 157 per inch. Individual pixels will not be visible unless you move your face too close to the screen.

The image on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (3rd Gen) can be called average in quality, but poor for its class and price. The maximum measured brightness is relatively high - up to 337 cd/m2, brighter, as a rule, only “tablet” laptops like. Together with the matte finish, this allows you to use the device outdoors on a sunny day. But only if you look at the screen at the right angle, because its viewing angles are mediocre. The contrast ratio is typically low for a TN panel, at 300:1, slightly higher than the budget Lenovo Ideapad 100S, but worse than most business laptops. The brightness distribution turned out to be quite uniform - 89%. Color accuracy is average, without calibration it is not very good, the color deviation is about 10 units. But if you calibrate it, the quality of color display will become comparable to the level of televisions. The color gamut is narrow, again, this is the “merit” of the TN matrix - 82% of the sRGB standard is covered.

A display of this quality looks very strange for a device with a rather impressive price tag. The matrix is ​​not bad by the standards of TN technology, but is inferior to most IPS screens. But keep in mind that the ThinkPad X1 Carbon has modifications with high-quality images and a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels. And with some additional payment you can also get a touch interface.

Battery - 5.0

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon can be called a long-lasting laptop; in some tests its battery life is slightly higher than that of the HP EliteBookFolio 1040 G2 and MacBooks.

In load mode, the device lasted about 2 hours 20 minutes, which is higher than that of the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 2 Pro. Basically, it's not that long, but it's better than most laptops. In idle mode (reading with the screen almost dimmed), it lasted almost 15 hours, about the same as the HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2. The best results come only from transformers or devices that are frankly weak in performance. Working in the browser drains the battery in about 5-6 hours, not bad, but not enough, for example, for a full work day.

The included charger charges the laptop in just over an hour and a half, which is pretty fast.

Noise and temperature - 3.4

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (3rd Gen) can be called almost silent, and it does not suffer from overheating. In idle mode, you most likely will not be able to hear the noise from the laptop, but if you load it with complex tasks, the noise level does not exceed 46-47 dB around the device, which is relatively quiet. In standby mode, the laptop does not heat up at all, its surface temperature is no more than 27 degrees. But after half an hour of hard work, the bottom of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon can bring slight discomfort. Its surface heats up to 40 degrees. This is comparable to the results of the HP Envy 15x360 and better than the weaker Lenovo IdeaPad 100S.

Hello, Habr! Today we want to talk in detail about the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. There are not many laptop series in the world that would be released for half a dozen years in a row. The 2018 X1 Carbon is already the 6th generation in the popular series. Externally, the computer has hardly changed, but in terms of hardware and other components there are quite a few pleasant innovations. But first things first.

Appearance

As a result, such a gadget looks very solid and is comfortable to carry with you every day. It is also very pleasant to touch the matte velvety surface of the computer. Yes, fingerprints remain on it, but they are noticeable only upon very close inspection, and laptops are examined point-blank only by technology reviewers and service technicians, but not by ordinary users.

Interfaces

You probably noticed that the laptop itself does not have an input for a network cable, which automatically becomes a noticeable drawback for many corporate users. Why it is not there is clear: the interface is large and simply does not fit into a thin case. But there is a solution: the ThinkPad X1 Carbon comes with a compact adapter with RJ-45, which connects to the same proprietary connector discussed above.

Display

Our specific test sample is Full HD with support for touch input, but there are no visual differences from the non-touch configuration. This option is good if more or less serious work with graphics is not included in the proposed scenarios. And for preparing presentations, web surfing, text editors, and watching videos, this will be absolutely enough. Color rendition is normal, there is no need to complain about viewing angles at all. In addition, it is worth considering the lower load on the hardware and greater battery life compared to WQHD displays.

And the conclusion is simple: ThinkPad X1 Carbon with “top” matrices is great for serious work with graphics, hurray! And it not only fits, but in this regard stands out favorably against competitors in its niche. Just keep in mind that the brighter (500 nits) WQHD panel is glossy, and the less bright (300 nits) is matte. But you can distinguish them right in the store “by eye”; you don’t have to go into specifications or run tests.

Input Devices

The trackpoint, of course, has not gone away, as well as the large touchpad with excellent response and a tactilely pleasant surface. To work with it, you can use either auxiliary mechanical buttons above the touch panel or press its lower part, if that is more convenient for you. There is also a fingerprint scanner and an IR camera with two lenses. The latter is not used in all configurations; more often in its place is a regular “web” with a convenient curtain.

Hardware component

As a result, we can say that the laptop copes with all its main tasks without problems. The overall performance of the system is excellent, which is confirmed by tests in PCMark 10, which we will present below. The computer responds to all commands cheerfully and without hesitation - there are no annoying delays.

Upgrade options

You can independently replace only the SSD drive in the M.2 2280 form factor. You can also easily remove the battery, and remove and replace the WWAN module. There are no options for increasing RAM - all the RAM is soldered onto the motherboard, so we strongly recommend choosing configurations with the maximum amount for future use. That is, with 16 GB on board.

Autonomy

Charging the gadget from 0 to 80% is quite fast - it takes a little more than an hour, and then the same amount for the remaining 20%. A useful “feature”, especially when you realize that in 40 minutes you have to run off to a meeting, and the cleaning lady carefully turned off the office pilot and all the time since the morning the laptop has been doing nothing but slowly but surely discharging.

How much does it cost and where to buy?

Hello, fellow countrymen, today we have a business and black Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon for review. There is nothing superfluous here, everything is to the point, the right laptop for people with money.

Black is the best color

The laptop has an extremely strict design - nothing superfluous, black color and angular shapes. Simple, expensive, unfashionable! Well, so what, this is a serious technique for respectable people. Where do such significant conclusions come from? Well, where else can you find a webcam with a curtain? This is not your MacBook to seal with tape. True, I received a laptop without such a luxurious option.

There is also a fingerprint scanner for data protection, it is located to the right of the touchpad. The location is convenient, in my opinion, it’s easier to press than in the upper right corner, as on a MacBook, constantly accidentally launching Siri. By the way, for protection it’s easier to use the built-in camera and face unlock, but just in case you can use your finger.

There is another subtle point. The laptop doesn't look like it's worth the money. It is modest and even simple; if appearance is important to you, not content, then this is definitely not your choice. I won't say that this is bad, but if you are not aware of the history of the ThinkPad brand, then it will be difficult to understand why a black laptop costs so much money. But enough of the lyrics, I’ll tell you what I remember.

Lightweight, comfortable, but not fashionable

I liked the size of the laptop - it fits into a small city backpack and weighs nothing - 1.1 kg! And this is a model with a 14-inch screen.

But the finishing of the case was not very impressive. The build quality is a plus; despite its light weight, the laptop is well assembled. But this easily soiled velvety plastic - how it gets dirty. You wouldn't go to a business meeting in a greasy jacket, would you? But they haven’t invented dry cleaners for laptops, so you have to clean the magnesium-carbon case from stains at least once a day. It turns out with varying degrees of success; aluminum is much more practical in this regard. It seems like there is also a silver version, it should be more practical, but try to find it.

You can open the laptop as much as 180°, then it turns into a kind of spread-out tablet with a keyboard. It looks cool, the hinges are tight and don’t come loose, finding a comfortable position for the screen is not a problem at all.

What kind of display do you need?

The screen is excellent. It is matte - a rather rare phenomenon these days, when everyone is installing glossy displays. It has a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels and a diagonal of 14 inches. And the touch control also works, after a couple of weeks I got so used to it that then, out of habit, I poked my finger at the MacBook’s display, trying to close applications. Alas, poppies don’t yet have this luxury.

In general, Lenovo offers a bunch of modifications for the Carbon, the diagonal remains unchanged, 14 inches. But you can choose a resolution: 1920×1080 or 2560×1440, a matte or glossy display, and also add touch control.

Life without adapters

The connectors are in perfect order: a pair of Thunderbolt 3 (aka USB Type-C), two USB-A, HDMI, 3.5 mm headphone jack. There is no DVD, of course, there is no Ethernet port, but if you need internet via a wire, you can connect the cable using the adapter included in the kit. There is no SD slot, but you can insert a microSD - the compartment is not in the most convenient place and is closed with a flap. But thanks for that, suddenly you urgently need to transfer data from the memory card, and there will be no time to search for a card reader. Things don't wait!

You look at this luxury and think that Apple was too hasty when it removed convenient USB from the latest generations of MacBooks. You can retain both the thin body and all the conveniences for connecting peripherals; the X1 Carbon clearly demonstrates this to us.

There are also versions of the laptop with a built-in 4G modem. Moreover, I put a SIM card in the laptop and decided to try how it works. It turned out that all Carbons have SIM card slots, but not every laptop has a modem. So check before purchasing.

How nice it is to type here

The keyboard is very, very, very good. It is soft, but just enough to make typing pleasant, this is not the harsh response of the keys in MacBooks with a butterfly keyboard. The buttons have a convenient shape, there are no errors when typing quickly, I’m writing now and trying to type as many words as possible - it’s time to give the laptop back after the test, and it’s so good. The keyboard is backlit, of course.

The red dot in the center of the keyboard is a trackpoint for precise control, a ThinkPad signature feature for many years, it’s impossible to imagine the Carbon without it. Even if you don’t use it, it will still be pleasing to the eye, something you won’t find in either HP or ASUS. Honestly, I tried to get used to it, but I couldn’t, it didn’t work. But apparently, this element has its own magic, since it is for this that ThinkPad laptops are chosen.

The touchpad supports gesture control and recognizes finger touches perfectly. Previously, there was an opinion that only MacBooks have excellent touchpads, but you can also get a high-quality touchpad on a Windows laptop, I liked everything here.

What's inside and how long does it work?

The laptop is expensive, but at the same time, this is not a gaming solution for you, so no discrete graphics. And without it, you know, you won’t be able to play with toys, other devices have been invented for this, so study the offers from the series.

In the “base” with the sixth-generation ThinkPad X1 Carbon, we get an eighth-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. Then everything is limited by your needs and budget.

You can choose an option with 512 GB or 1 TB, increase the amount of RAM to 16 GB, and also add a more powerful Intel Core i7. Windows 10 flies, but it would be strange to expect anything different from such a filling. The laptop can handle any office tasks, you can even play something old if you have the desire and free time.

The laptop lasts a long time and charges quickly. Like a typewriter with the screen at 80% brightness and connected to Wi-Fi, it lasts 7-8 hours. More than enough for a full working day, and I also really liked the phone charging feature - one of the USB ports charges gadgets even when the laptop is not working. Just like a big and expensive powerbank.

The X1 Carbon charges via USB Type-C and it’s simply divine, the time has come when you no longer worry that you forgot to charge your laptop. I just took another one and the process began.

Acoustics are simple

I temporarily switched to the X1 from the current generation MacBook Pro 15, the sound from Lenovo did not impress me - it is ordinary, lacking volume and richness. Therefore, if you want high-quality audio accompaniment while watching a movie, it is better to connect speakers. Or headphones - it depends on the situation.

Verdict

I'm not a big fan of Windows laptops; over the years, macOS has become convenient, native and loved. I liked the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. And if I were choosing a Windows laptop with a classic design for my soul and work, I would pay attention to it. Comfortable, cute in its own way, I want to believe that it is also reliable. The range of prices for the sixth generation Carbon is quite large: initial versions cost from 100 thousand rubles, top versions cost 170 thousand.

If you don’t like the price, you can always buy something cheaper and simpler. But there are times when all the stars align, you don’t need a MacBook, but you want to please yourself. And then the purchasing department brings in the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. And that’s it, here it is, laptop happiness.