X1C4 vs. X1C6 for next machine

[Soul_Est]

As the title suggests, I am looking at the X1C4 or the X1C6 as my next machine. I will mainly be doing coding, studying, system admin, or writing.

I like the X1C4 that I am typing this on right now though I will be giving it to a relative. Having used a T23, X200s, X201, W500, and E490, the size is comfy with the larger palmrests. I also use an E14 Gen 2 and the shorter casing is a problem, especially when using the TrackPoint or touchpad. Call me vain but the design and engineering of it are unique too.

I like the idea of the X1C6 that I could get. Having used my X200s + 9-cell battery for a long time and a Steam Deck OLED for a short time got me used to being unplugged for many hours. The Intel 8th gen processors along with the mainboard design help a lot with that from what I understand. I prefer to USB-C all the things (USB-C to Thinport adapter on the X1C4 currently) and the X1C6 has that. Call me vain (again) but the option of a WQHD screen upgrade that consumes as much power as a FHD screen seems great to me for sharper text. The shorter keyboard deck may be a miss though given how I dislike the short keyboard deck on the E14 Gen 2 though I am not sure there.

Thoughts anyone?

[Soul_Est]

I think (ha!) that I may be close to answering my own question.

Notebookcheck has a review of a X1C4 with the FHD screen compared to a X1C4 with the WQHD screen. Overall, a 6% difference in battery run time in favor of the X1C4 with the FHD screen.
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Lenovo-Th ... 475.0.html

There is an informative thread in this forum about a WQHD upgrade for the X1C6. The X1C6 is a part of the group of ThinkPads with possibly degraded ThunderBolt controllers.
https://thinkpads.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=135927
https://www.reddit.com/r/thinkpad/comme ... raded_lcd/
https://www.panelook.com/TL140BDXP01_Ti ... 56579.html
https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/prod ... s-thinkpad

Thank you Adam Fowler and DankPads for the comprehensive guides:
https://www.adamfowlerit.com/2017/04/fi ... x1-carbon/
https://dankpads.com/lenovo-thinkpad/th ... 2-to-2018/

Thank you DankPads for the pricing guide:
https://dankpads.com/tpg/

[mikemex]

The X1C4 is a really nice machine. Though it appears that you're a Linux guy, I must still say that it's the oldest generation you can install Windows 11 (W10 license, Secure Boot, TPM 2.0... it lacks only MBEC compared to Kaby Lake). Even if you don't need any of that, it'll help to extend the its life if you decide to pass it on someone else. Soon machines that can't run W11 will have near zero market value.

The X1C4 uses the square tip power adapter. Those are plentiful and cheap and it's unlikely to give you trouble (unlike models with USB-C, which tend to fail much sooner).

X1C4 has a proper docking port and the docking station itself is dirt cheap now.

X1C4 comes standard with the SIM slot and the WWAN antennas. Just pop a WWAN card in and you've got Internet everywhere.

X1C4 has more video output ports: HDMI and Mini DisplayPort without using any of the USB ports. With USB-C you have to occupy an USB port if you want DisplayPort output.

[dr_st]

X1C5 brought a major reduction of machine footprint (width and height), and a slight reduction of weight. X1C6 retained that, and also gave you, for the first time, quad-core CPUs. I think these are significant advantages.

X1C6, incidentally, is compatible with 40AG/40AH/40AJ mechanical docking stations. Also, with X1C6 you get two USB 3.1 ports, and two proper Thunderbolt USB-C ports.

It's a significantly more modern machine. If you like USB-C, the choice is almost a no-brainer...

[Soul_Est]

The X1C4 is a really nice machine. Though it appears that you're a Linux guy, I must still say that it's the oldest generation you can install Windows 11 (W10 license, Secure Boot, TPM 2.0... it lacks only MBEC compared to Kaby Lake). Even if you don't need any of that, it'll help to extend the its life if you decide to pass it on someone else. Soon machines that can't run W11 will have near zero market value.

The X1C4 uses the square tip power adapter. Those are plentiful and cheap and it's unlikely to give you trouble (unlike models with USB-C, which tend to fail much sooner).

X1C4 has a proper docking port and the docking station itself is dirt cheap now.

X1C4 comes standard with the SIM slot and the WWAN antennas. Just pop a WWAN card in and you've got Internet everywhere.

X1C4 has more video output ports: HDMI and Mini DisplayPort without using any of the USB ports. With USB-C you have to occupy an USB port if you want DisplayPort output.

I do enjoy using the X1C4 compared to the E14 Gen 2 that I started using a couple years ago. Good point about Windows 11. While i do not foresee the next person who gets this X1C4 needing it, I am glad to know that Windows 11 supports this machine.

I already bought a USB-C to Thin Tip adapter which works well with the Lenovo 65W USB-C power adapter. I'll be buying a 65W or 100W GaN power adapter and I already have 100W rated USB-C cables.

Good point about the WWAN though I have always been curious about it's usefulness. In the era of phones with Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities (and high data caps) and a lack of shared data plans, is the WWAN still justified?

Thank you very much for reminding me of that. I had panned the dock initially because of the single generation only connector and then I saw the prices of the docks on ebay. Tempted to pick up a couple.

X1C5 brought a major reduction of machine footprint (width and height), and a slight reduction of weight. X1C6 retained that, and also gave you, for the first time, quad-core CPUs. I think these are significant advantages.

X1C6, incidentally, is compatible with 40AG/40AH/40AJ mechanical docking stations. Also, with X1C6 you get two USB 3.1 ports, and two proper Thunderbolt USB-C ports.

It's a significantly more modern machine. If you like USB-C, the choice is almost a no-brainer...

The X1C5 did along with even better battery life. The major issue I have with that are that the front lip then digs into my palms when typing or using the TrackPoint or touchpad. The quad-core CPUs are what really drew me to the X1C6 and are what have me on the fence.

Ah, I'll have a look into those docking stations. Thank you for telling me the model numbers.

The extra connectivity would help as I am using this for travel and docks and and hubs would be easier to source and carry.

[mikemex]

I am glad to know that Windows 11 supports this machine.

Officially it doesn't, you have to get around it. But the hardware itself is fully modern (it's got pretty much all features Windows 11 was designed for).

Good point about the WWAN though I have always been curious about it's usefulness. In the era of phones with Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities (and high data caps) and a lack of shared data plans, is the WWAN still justified?

It's the logical evolution of device connectivity. Back when intel introduced "Centrino" (Pentium M based laptops) the concept of WIFI wasn't new, but having it built right into the device was a huge deal. The signal strength with proper antennas was better than most PCMCIA cards and you didn't have to purchase, plug in or manage (manually install) anything extra. It was always there from the start.

People don't seem to value integrated WWAN as much because, in any place you''re likely to be sitting with a laptop you're also likely to find a WIFI sport nearby (in urban areas, at least). And you can always fall back to your phone's hotspot if not. But if you think about it, to say that you don't need integrated WWAN in a laptop because you always have a phone with you, is like saying that you don't need integrated WIFI because you can just plug in a USB WIFI dongle. You CAN do that, but it's not the nicest way to do it, right?

In the end, it's all about *convenience* and integrated WWAN does its stuff MUCH better than a phone-turned-into-hotspot can. So much that Lenovo still charges hundreds for the feature and lots of people are still willing to pay for that convenience.

[Soul_Est]

Thank you for taking time to respond. The main reason I posted this thread was to have these discussions. The different perspectives, information, and explanations enlighten me.

Officially it doesn't, you have to get around it. But the hardware itself is fully modern (it's got pretty much all features Windows 11 was designed for).

Quite true. I had looked into the details initially when Windows 11 was first released. I won't need it now as I'll be keeping this X1C4. The person I intended to give it to needs a larger screen.

It's the logical evolution of device connectivity. Back when intel introduced "Centrino" (Pentium M based laptops) the concept of WIFI wasn't new, but having it built right into the device was a huge deal. The signal strength with proper antennas was better than most PCMCIA cards and you didn't have to purchase, plug in or manage (manually install) anything extra. It was always there from the start.

People don't seem to value integrated WWAN as much because, in any place you''re likely to be sitting with a laptop you're also likely to find a WIFI sport nearby (in urban areas, at least). And you can always fall back to your phone's hotspot if not. But if you think about it, to say that you don't need integrated WWAN in a laptop because you always have a phone with you, is like saying that you don't need integrated WIFI because you can just plug in a USB WIFI dongle. You CAN do that, but it's not the nicest way to do it, right?

In the end, it's all about *convenience* and integrated WWAN does its stuff MUCH better than a phone-turned-into-hotspot can. So much that Lenovo still charges hundreds for the feature and lots of people are still willing to pay for that convenience.

Good points there. I looked into WWAN under Linux and it is pretty simple to enable and use. Both of the wireless WAN adapters (SIE EM7455, P/N 01AX748 or HW ME906S, P/N 01AX717) are rather inexpensive so I'll see about getting one soon. It'll definitely help when traveling.

[independent]

Something I found out about the x1g6 that wasn't made obvious is lenovo changed the wwan integration. In the past the antenna was in the screen bezel. In the x1g6 the antenna is under the palmrest so an easy conversion even if sold without the capability.