Lenovo has introduced the updated and lighter ThinkPad X1 Carbon and X1 2-in-1 laptops, powered by Intel Core Ultra chips based on the Meteor Lake architecture.
The new ThinkPad X1 Carbon and X1 2-in-1 (formerly known as X1 Yoga) feature a refreshed design with a new chassis construction, making them lighter and more compact. One of the most notable changes in the new ThinkPad X1 Carbon is its more compact size while maintaining a 14-inch screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio. A unique feature is the metal protrusion above the screen, housing a webcam and an IR camera, referred to by Lenovo as the “communication panel.” First seen in the 2023 ThinkPad Z models, this panel allows the lid to be lifted easily, although lifting the lid to start work is not necessary as the power button has been moved to the right edge of the laptop. The sturdy carbon fiber chassis is matte black, which helps in reducing fingerprint marks.
The keys retain Lenovo’s traditional “smiling” bottom curve. Some keys, like the volume control, insert, Fn, and Enter, have small tactile bumps, aiding users with impaired vision or those who prefer to work without looking. A double tap on the TrackPoint joystick on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon and X1 2-in-1 brings up a quick menu, and future software updates will allow more custom functions to be assigned to it. The stylus that comes with the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 can now be magnetically attached either to the lid or the side of the device.
Both new Lenovo ThinkPad X1 models have a 14-inch screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio. The base model has a resolution of 1920 × 1200 pixels, while the higher-end model features an OLED panel with a 2.8K resolution and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. The camera above the screen has been upgraded to a higher resolution, now capable of 8-megapixel shots (4K compared to 1080p in the previous generation). The updated internal layout of the X1 Carbon has improved cooling efficiency: the two fans are now located on opposite sides, blowing air out from different locations.
The memory configuration remains unchanged from the previous generation, offering DDR5 RAM options of 16, 32, or 64 GB at 6400 MHz. The NVMe PCIe 4.0 storage also remains, with capacities up to 2 TB. The battery retains the same 57 Wh capacity. Both laptops support wireless modules “up to Wi-Fi 7,” though it’s unclear if the newest wireless standard will be available in the base models. Ports include two USB Type-C (Thunderbolt 4), two USB-A (5 Gbps), one HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The dimensions of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon are 312.8 × 214.75 × 14.96 mm; the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 measures 312.8 × 217.65 × 15.49 mm.
The most significant innovation in the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon and X1 2-in-1 is the Intel Meteor Lake chips — Core Ultra 5 and 7 models (previously corresponding to Core i5 or Core i7), which now include a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for local AI algorithm processing. This component is more efficient than traditional GPUs in AI tasks.
Sales of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon will start in December, initially without vPro configurations, starting at $2989. New versions with vPro processors will be available next year. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 will go on sale in March 2024, starting at $2639.
Adding to this, the introduction of Meteor Lake chips with NPU in the ThinkPad X1 series marks a significant step in leveraging AI capabilities for enhanced computing performance. This feature is expected to provide more efficient data processing, especially in AI-driven applications, potentially transforming user experience in business and creative tasks. Furthermore, the continued focus on portability, with the sleek and lightweight design of these laptops, is in line with the evolving needs of modern professionals who demand high performance in a portable form factor. The updated internal layout for improved cooling and the tactile features on the keyboard highlight Lenovo’s commitment to both performance and user experience. These enhancements, along with the high-resolution screens and robust connectivity options, position the new ThinkPad X1 Carbon and X1 2-in-1 as leading choices in the premium business laptop segment.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a highly regarded business laptop known for its durability, performance, and portability. Key specifications of a recent model include:
- Processor: Intel® Core™ i7-1265U Processor (12M Cache, up to 4.80 GHz).
- Memory: 16 GB LPDDR5-SDRAM running at 5200 MHz.
- Storage: 512 GB solid-state drive (SSD).
- Display: 14-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels.
- Graphics: Does not include a discrete graphics adapter.
- Ports: Features one HDMI port.
- Operating System: Comes with Windows 11 Pro.
- Design: Black color, clamshell form factor, with Intel SoC chipset.
- Dimensions and Weight: Height 0.605″ (15.4 mm); Width 12.4″ (315.6 mm); Depth 8.76″ (222.5 mm), and weighs 2.47 lbs (1.12 kg).
- Battery: 57 Wh capacity.
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon series is renowned for its robust build quality, excellent keyboard, and long battery life, making it a top choice for business professionals. Additionally, its slim design and lightweight form factor enhance its portability, making it an ideal laptop for frequent travelers. The integration of Intel’s processors and high-speed RAM ensures efficient performance for a variety of business applications. The absence of a discrete graphics adapter suggests that it is optimized more for business and productivity tasks rather than for high-end gaming or graphics-intensive applications.
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