Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Overview

Lenovo’s ThinkPad collection is supposed for critical enterprise. They’re not as flashy and fairly as its Yoga line or as heavy and gaming-focused as its Legion line. ThinkPads are hardcore by way of specs and fairly boring concerning aesthetics. They’re made for professionals and are finest identified for his or her portability.

The ThinkPad X1 collection is known for its slim kind issue, just like the ThinkPad X1 Nano, and a sturdy however light-weight construct. Lenovo despatched us their newest ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12, launched in December 2023. The configuration despatched to us retails for a whopping $2700.

The design and construct are all nice, and the battery life is spectacular, too, however I clearly can’t skip previous how little we’re getting by way of energy. You’ll count on an costly laptop computer to be a complete powerhouse, however not right here.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Design

You possibly can inform it’s solely meant for work.

Don’t count on an aesthetically pleasing physique on the X1. It’s absolutely matte, and the no-frills construct might underwhelm you, however that’s only a ThinkPad factor. The construct’s nice as a result of it’s extremely mild and slim. Weighing simply 2.8 lbs and measuring round 0.6 inches, the X1 is fairly moveable. I carried it to and from work in my small tote bag for a number of days and didn’t really feel it weighing me down.

The ports attest to how this laptop computer is designed with enterprise in thoughts. There’s a reasonably beneficiant set of ports on either side, with even a SIM card slot being provided from Spring 2024. Although we didn’t get to try it out, our overview unit sported a sim slot, too. You additionally get a pleasant previous Kensington lock slot, which lots of laptops don’t characteristic anymore, an HDMI port, one Sort-A and two Sort-C ports, and an influence port. The ability button can also be discovered on the aspect with all of the ports. I suppose the keyboard didn’t have sufficient room for it as a result of it does appear a bit cramped.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Keyboard and Trackpad

The keyboard feels a bit cramped in some locations

The keyboard on the X1 is fairly snappy, and there’s a good stage of sound and journey suggestions on it, which feels good. The brilliant crimson trackpoint stands out in a pool of matte black keys, and whereas some might discover it outdated, I imagine that is as ‘ThinkPad-core’ as it could possibly get. The one difficulty is that the arrow keys really feel cramped. I wouldn’t say the keyboard is stuffy sufficient to be a deal breaker, however I’m nonetheless going to be somewhat additional vital about it as a result of this can be a productivity-focused machine.

One other characteristic that left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed is the keyboard backlighting. It has two brightness settings, which had been fairly dim, even within the brighter one. I attempted it out with my room’s mild off, and it was post-sunset, so it was utterly darkish. Whereas I might make out the keys, it wasn’t shiny sufficient to meet my wants. If my work setup seems to be like that sometime, I’d in all probability have to show a small lamp on, too.

I like that the trackpad has a agency really feel and sufficient actual property. Nevertheless it was approach too matte to be snug. Scrolling up with two fingers—as a result of there have been often nails concerned—felt like I used to be scratching a chalkboard, and everyone knows how that feels. I didn’t should look very carefully to note that the slightest use of nails was leaving seen scratches on the trackpad, too. I needed to rub them with my forefinger for a number of seconds to eliminate them.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Efficiency

Underwhelming efficiency, particularly for the worth

The X1 is available in two configurations: 32GB and 1TB for $2700, which was despatched to us, and 16GB and 512GB for $2300.

Contemplating its steep worth, I anticipated much more energy from this laptop computer. However sadly, the Intel Core Extremely 7 fell quick. I ran the Geekbench 6 on it, and the outcomes had been surprisingly low. I needed to run it a number of occasions to ensure what I see is correct. I bought a 1511 on the single-core CPU take a look at. Evaluate this to the M3 MacBook Professional’s rating of 3129; it’s a disgrace, contemplating the MacBook Professional is less expensive—$1600—too.

The one benefit of the efficiency of the X1 is its battery life. Lenovo guarantees an ‘all-day battery life’ and means it. I’ve used this laptop computer for a number of hours over the previous 4 days and haven’t even used the charger as soon as.

Although the fingerprint reader is uncomfortable and so stuffed that I nearly didn’t discover it at first, I’m glad it’s there. There’s additionally a privateness shutter, so that you’re fairly sorted security-wise.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Show

Good element and distinction

The 14-inch OLED show on this machine is likely one of the finest I’ve come throughout. It options the blackest of blacks and the whitest of whites, creating the sort of putting contrasts which are a deal with to observe. You get a 120 Hz 2.8K (2880 x 1800) decision with unimaginable element. I used to be nearly distracted by the extent of intricate element and bought carried away noticing the issues I often wouldn’t see in a video. The colours look vibrant with 100% DCI-P3 protection.

You additionally get all of the bells and whistles you’d count on from a show on a $2000+ laptop computer. There’s anti-glare, anti-reflection, and anti-smudge know-how. There’s additionally low blue mild tech for eye security. The display maxes out at 400 nits, which is sufficient brightness for me to completely take pleasure in content material proper subsequent to my large, shiny bed room window.

Verdict

The worth severely confuses me.

I can’t see spending over two grand on a laptop computer with an underwhelming efficiency. Although I’m a fan of the construct and kind issue, the battery life is superb, too, and so is the port spec; what’s the purpose if it lacks energy? A extra affordable price ticket might need satisfied me, however for what the X1 at present prices, there are far cheaper and extra highly effective choices available on the market.