Lenovo ThinkPad X1

Overview

The ThinkPad X1 is equipped with a dual-core Core i5-2520M clocked at 2.5 GHz, it also features Intel HD 3000 graphics for a max TDP of 35W. Additional hardware includes 4GB of DDR3, a Hitachi 320GB 7200 RPM hard drive, Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 wireless, Bluetooth, a 6-cell internal battery (38.92 Wh) and a 13.4" TFT display running at 1366 x 768 that is covered with Corning Gorilla glass.

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 41 expert reviews

Excellent:

7
Good:

19
Average:

10
Bad:

5

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Last revision on January 14, 2015

Reviewers Liked

Sturdy
Good specifications
Good video and sound quality
Rapid battery charging
Beautiful design
Excellent keyboard and amazing audio
Very solid construction
Thin and relatively light
Backlit keyboard
Low-light webcam
Good speakers
Gorilla glass is scratch-proof
Great typing experience
HDMI and DisplayPort
Fast 2,5-inch HDD
Standard Voltage processors only
Excellent mix of wireless technologies
Thinnest ThinkPad ever

Reviewers Didn't Like

Glossy screen
Less than stellar battery life
Slightly noisy fan
Relatively heavy for a thin laptop
Gorilla Glass covered screen produces a lot of glare
Limited CPU selection
Island-style keyboard looks cool (and variable brightness backlighting is nifty) but touch typing isn’t up to ThinkPad standards
Gets hot when doing intensive tasks like 3D gaming
Fan isn't loud but is nearly always on
Expensive

Competitors and Related Products

Our editors hand-pick these products using a variety of criteria: they might be direct competitors targeting the same market segment, or they could be devices that are similar in size, performance, or feature sets.

Expert reviews and ratings

By TechSpot on May 16, 2011

One key feature missing from the X1 that we liked about the X220 is the IPS display. While the Corning Gorilla glass and “infinity” screen are nice features, the display can’t hold a candle to the IPS display in terms of viewing...

By CNET Australia on October 08, 2012 80

Lenovo's succeeded in delivering a sexy ultrabook that still retains the traditional ThinkPad design cues. The battery life isn't as good as it could be though, and the SSD upgrade prices are simply...

By Wired on August 27, 2012 70

Few laptops have been as anticipated in 2012 — if such a sentiment actually exists — as Lenovo’s latest ultrabook, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon. At 14 inches diagonally and a hair under 3 pounds, Lenovo is offering a machine at the same...

By MobileTechReview on August 26, 2012 80

I admit it, the moment I saw the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon I had a serious crush. That's not wildly unusual for this technologist, but those first crushes often turn to indifference once I put a machine through its paces. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon...

By NotebookCheck on April 17, 2012 81

We did not get the proper ThinkPad feeling from this test model. Yes the X1 is slim, light and looks good, but to achieve this it sacrifices some of the qualities which built the ThinkPad reputation from the ground up. Our biggest critique is the...

By DigitalVersus on December 09, 2011 60

With battery life of 2h15, the X1 may be powerful and well-equipped but we aren’t able to give it more than a three-star rating. The Asus U36SD seems a better choice to us, especially as it costs almost half as much as the X1 (remember, price...

By RegHardware on November 03, 2011 80

Despite the less than glorious screen resolution, in practice, I found the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 was really a pleasure to use. I’m simply a veteran ThinkPad user, there’s always been (at least) one in my Apple household, and I’m the sort...

By VR-Zone on September 28, 2011 80

As mentioned earlier, business notebooks are well known for their unassuming, professional and no-nonsense designs, both of which are traits that have been well and truly preserved in the ThinkPad line of business notebooks, and the X1 is no...

By Kitguru.net on September 18, 2011 95

The IBM ThinkPad has iconic status, being the machine of choice for the demanding businessman for the last decade. They were known for their traditional ‘boxy’ black design, fantastic keyboard and all round class leading build quality. In...

By Pocket-lint on September 08, 2011 80

The X1 is the ultraportable 13-inch notebook for ThinkPad fans, but there are plenty of...

By T3 Magazine on September 01, 2011 60

The ThinkPad X1 is a tantalising combination of power and ruggedness that should appeal to anyone after a regular travel companion. It’s just a massive shame that the battery dies so fast, and usability isn’t as strong as we hoped.Love: Can...

By InfoWorld on August 27, 2011 90

The common denominator is small size and light weight. Otherwise, the usual tradeoffs apply. Be on the alert for lousy ergonomics, poor...

By Tbreak.com on July 20, 2011 80

Its not often that you come across a tech product that you fall in love with almost instantly. However, such is the enigma that the Lenovo X1 exudes- a notebook that isn’t necessarily perfect but one that is clearly a labour of love. You can tell...

By TechRadar on July 15, 2011 70

Lenovo is well known for its ThinkPad range, a collection of rather serious-looking business laptops that often do their job in an efficient, if unexciting, manner. When we first laid hands on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1, we were definitely impressed. The...

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1

Overview

Pros & Cons

Reviews

TechSpot Metascore

Reviewers Liked

Reviewers Didn't Like

Competitors and Related Products

Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-B

Asus Zenbook UX302LA

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch Series

Apple MacBook Pro 13 - Late 2011

Expert reviews and ratings