New ThinkPad X1 Tablet Delights Reviewers
Just when you think it could not get any better, it absolutely does.
This is the consensus of reviews on Lenovo’s new ThinkPad X1 tablet.
Lenovo has released its third generation of the ThinkPad X1 with a bigger screen; now at 13 inches with a 3,000 x 2,000-pixel display. (Last year’s model is a 12-inch screen; 2,160 x 1,440). Full U-series processors make the 2018 tantamount to other, similar items on the market.
The Breakdown for Techno-Geeks
With the magnesium-aluminum constructed Lenovo ThinkPad X1, here are a few of the many specs:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-865OU (1.9) GHz
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Screen Display: 13 inches (QHD) (3,000 x 2,000) IPS, Gorilla Glass 4
- Tablet only (no keyboard attachment): 11.97 inches x .35 inches; 1.96 pounds.
- Ports: Two Thunderbolt 3 (Type C); 1 microphone/headphone combo jack; 1 Micro-SD Card Reader and Nano SIM Card Slot
- Storage: 512 GB (Samsung PM981 NVMe v1.2
- Ram: 8GB (16 GB soldered)
- Battery: 42 Wh
The black attachable keyboard for the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 has a mylar surface and a backlit touchpad.
Also on this unit:
Front (2MP) and back (8MP) cameras; wireless capability (Intel dual-band 8265 Wireless 802.11 ac (2 x 2) and Bluetooth 4.1); and the Windows Pro 10 Operating System.
The price of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 tablet runs from $1,269 to $2,369 (plus tax) depending on the programs and extras you choose to add and/or install.
It’s a bit pricey but it’s also a good unit, concludes the senior editor of PC World, which gives this computer four and a half stars out of five. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 tablet has won this reviewer’s Editor’s Choice Award.
Subtle but Notable Changes from the Previous Model
The design from last year’s ThinkPad X1 has been given an upgrade. The newer model is darker in color (black) and the Lenovo branding is varied and more colorful. This is a surface change but the kickstand on the third-gen ThinkPad X1 is definitely better, notes reviewers from Neowin.net.
The previous design had the kickstand dropping down, which meant it was difficult to see viewing angles and became uncomfortable for positioning when supporting the computer on one’s lap. But now, the third-gen ThinkPad X1 tablet lets the kickstand flip outward. Another change is where the pen is placed on the computer; it no longer sits in a loop on the keyboard. Instead, the pen is in a pocket holder attached to the left side of the tablet. That can be good or bad, says one user, because the pen can fall out of its pocket, but it depends on how you position the unit.
The Keyboard
The full-size keyboard on the third-gen ThinkPad X1 tablet gets excellent feedback from users. It is slightly different from standard models, in that the Fn and Ctrl keys are reversed, but the keyboard is sturdy and useful for attaching to a different computer or tablet, if the need arises.
“ThinkPad keyboards are comfortable to type on,” notes one reviewer. “The palm rest is good, and the keys don’t have that loud rattle when you strike them.”
The keyboard cover for the third-generation Lenovo ThinkPad X1 attaches to the computer magnetically — that’s a plus.
“It’s a minor detail but one that matters,” said another reviewer. “Lenovo addresses the little things every time they upgrade their products and it’s noticeable for me.”
The third-gen Lenovo ThinkPad X1 detachable keyboard does not have that flimsy feeling to it; it is firm with accurately spaced Trackpad and TrackPoint usage.
Battery Life
Battery life is always a concern for any computer user. The third-gen ThinkPad X1 tablet typically runs 8 to 9 hours or so on battery power, depending on usage. If you watch a lot of video and increase the screen brightness, it will drain the battery, as every computer is known to do. Battery life can usually get you through the work day, but you may want to carry the plug-in cord, especially when traveling.
Performance
As with any computer, the best performance depends on what you use it for. When reviewers at Slash Gear.com reviewed the third-gen Lenovo ThinkPad X1 tablet, they found that performance was snappy and easy with the 8th-gen Intel Core i7865OU processor and 16 GB of memory. This included running multiple programs at once; streaming video and music, editing pictures and graphics, general multitasking, gaming and the like. With more than 12 browser windows and tabs open, the ThinkPad X1 ran smoothly.
All In All ….
The third-gen Lenovo ThinkPad X1 tablet is an absolute hit. The unit has increased security, a clearer screen display, more useful kickstand, pen and upgraded hardware, among other pluses. It can handle your business projects and personal computer play time with ease. Whether you prefer a straight and standard tablet or the full keyboard model, Lenovo’s latest ThinkPad X1 version gets the job done and then-some.
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