ThinkPad X1 Carbon

[aqualung]

As far as I can see none of the X1 Carbon models come with i7 processors. Also, there's no 8Gs RAM model that comes without SIM-card-based mobile broadband. What a huge mistake!

[Puppy]

Review http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Len ... 288.0.html

[Greg Gebhardt]

You people might need to get used to the new style keyboards as I bet they will be typical on ALL new models. So good LUCK!

[pianowizard]

Review http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Len ... 288.0.html

The screen measurements look pretty good! I worry that some units have good screens but others have bad ones, because I have seen two reviews that complained about the screen quality. Many previous Thinkpads used both good and bad panels, so this isn't surprising at all. As usual, it's better to buy used than new so that it's possible to ask the previous owner for panel info.

IMO, this is the first decent Thinkpad since the X201s. I would not buy one though, because 1600x900 is too low for 14". However, if the next generation uses 1920x1080, I would be very interested in getting one to replace my Toughbook CF-Y7.

You people might need to get used to the new style keyboards as I bet they will be typical on ALL new models. So good LUCK!

Folks who look at the keyboard won't have any difficulty. But many touch typists will probably never get used to some of the changes. Well, at least the gaps between "F4" and "F5", and between "F8" and "F9" are still there.

[FragrantHead]

Well, at least the gaps between "F4" and "F5", and between "F8" and "F9" are still there.

Only on the X1 Carbon. Since this is their newest laptop, you might say they're back. I'm hoping that future models will take their cue from this.

[FragrantHead]

Also, there's no 8Gs RAM model that comes without SIM-card-based mobile broadband. What a huge mistake!

There are a lot of compromises with this model compared to an X230. No docking station port. No swappable battery. Soldered on memory. Proprietary, non-swappable SSD. No Ethernet port, only a USB dongle. A relatively heavy (90W) power supply with a new connector. Only 2 USB ports, of which only one USB3. A good screen, but not IPS. Have I forgotten anything?

Do you carry a power supply around? An X230 with the standard battery and 65W power supply will be the same weight as this. It comes down to how much you like the bigger, higher-res screen and, perhaps, the slightly revised (for the better, I think) keyboard layout.

[Greg Gebhardt]

Also, there's no 8Gs RAM model that comes without SIM-card-based mobile broadband. What a huge mistake!

There are a lot of compromises with this model compared to an X230. No docking station port. No swappable battery. Soldered on memory. Proprietary, non-swappable SSD. No Ethernet port, only a USB dongle. A relatively heavy (90W) power supply with a new connector. Only 2 USB ports, of which only one USB3. A good screen, but not IPS. Have I forgotten anything?

Do you carry a power supply around? An X230 with the standard battery and 65W power supply will be the same weight as this. It comes down to how much you like the bigger, higher-res screen and, perhaps, the slightly revised (for the better, I think) keyboard layout.[/quote]

Not one of the above negatives would offset my want of the X1. There are plenty of Thinkpads to fill you above listed needs. The Lenovo had a different user in mind with the X1. ME, for one and I bet MANY others. Looking forward to the new mobile broadband.

[lulchul]

Hey guys,

Can anyone comment on the keyboard noise - I mean the sound of the keys when typing.

I need something quiet and discreet - for use in quite meetings without disturbing others.

How would you rate the noise level generated from the X1 Carbon keys? I'm replacing a Dell D630 as it's keys are abit too loud and noisy.

A YouTube video would be really great, but thanks for any comments/impressions.

[MADAB]

I would rate the new keyboard as being in the louder end of the scale. But the noice is not annoying, like some of those "hollow" sounding keyboards (bearing in mind that this is, of course, extremely subjective).

Cheers.


/Mads

[hecke]

How would you rate the noise level generated from the X1 Carbon keys?

When I compare the X220 (which is a year old and keys have already gotten a bit louder) and the X1c, the latter is less 'clicky', if you don't hammer on the keys. Actually, the firm integration of the keyboard in the X1c body makes the feel of the keyboard a lot more sturdy and also less noisy than the changeable chicklet keyboards of the X230 or T430s I tried.

But the missing back and forward keys are driving me nuts. Argh! Why Oh Why did they change the layout????

cheers
Hecke

[MADAB]

Based on how often Lenovo release new Thinkpads, can anybody speculate as to when the X1 Carbon replacement will be released? Summer 2013?

Cheers!

[hecke]

Based on how often Lenovo release new Thinkpads, can anybody speculate as to when the X1 Carbon replacement will be released? Summer 2013?
Cheers!

Expect some rumors around the new Intel processors, then long silence, finally an official presentation, two more months of silence, then the launch, finally in october first shipments. That's how it was the last 4-5 years.

[syrahnose]

I'm a little concerned that the ssd can't be replaced in future, nor additional RAM added if it is soldered in?

From the customize button I saw RAM could come in one or two dimms? So I'm unclear now. if ordered model comes with 4gb on one dimm, why couldn't another be added later?

What is story with battery replacment in future. Will this be done at Lenovo or can we replace ourselves as needed when worn?

[ajkula66]

I'm a little concerned that the ssd can't be replaced in future, nor additional RAM added if it is soldered in?

You should be. This is a Mac with a ThinkPad logo.

From the customize button I saw RAM could come in one or two dimms? So I'm unclear now. if ordered model comes with 4gb on one dimm, why couldn't another be added later?

Because it's soldered, be it a single DIMM or two of them...

What is story with battery replacment in future. Will this be done at Lenovo or can we replace ourselves as needed when worn?

I wouldn't count on the battery replacement by end users being an option...

[ThinkRob]

You should be. This is a Mac with a ThinkPad logo.

I don't think that's quite fair, George... Yes, some of the components aren't user-replaceable, but a *lot* more of them are than in similar MacBook Airs. Many of the parts aren't CRUs, true, but they *are* field-replaceable all the same -- the keyboard and the battery being the most notable examples of this. Plus, unlike with Macs, Lenovo happily distributes their lovely HMMs for the X1 Carbon to anyone, not just to certified hardware specialists.

Still, the soldered on RAM sucks, especially for those of us in the habit of saving some cash by doing the upgrades ourselves!

What is story with battery replacment in future. Will this be done at Lenovo or can we replace ourselves as needed when worn?

Officially, Lenovo-only. But the battery is removable, and the HMM does offer instructions on how to replace it. So I suppose then the only question is how easy it will be to get replacement parts.

(Oh, and it's not CRU -- so the usual disclaimer about non-CRU repairs/replacements and your warranty applies...)

[lophiomys]

in support of ajkula66, I think Lenovo has crossed the line one step too far.
Even if some parts might still be CRUs, even if it not a bad laptop,
this is an imperfect Apple clone and not a Thinkpad anymore.
IMO, calling this the "20th Anniversary Edition" adds insult to injury.

Edit1: typo

[pianowizard]

If this laptop had traditional Thinkpad designs and were as customizable as traditional Thinkpads, it would be a full pound heavier. If it weighed 4 lbs, there would be no need to introduce this model in the first place because it would just overlap with the T430s. It clearly doesn't meet everyone's needs but for those looking for a sub-3lb laptop that has a large screen, a better-than-HD resolution, a decent keyboard, and pretty good build quality, this is an outstanding design. To me, this may be the most interesting Thinkpad from the past 5 years.

Perhaps you guys would be happier if it were called an Ideapad instead of Thinkpad?

[killer]

I quite agree with you, pianowizard. Change upsets a lot of people but not me. I love change. Let's move forward, not back!

[ajkula66]

Perhaps you guys would be happier if it were called an Ideapad instead of Thinkpad?

I, for one, most certainly would.

A laptop where the keyboard and battery are not CRUs does not qualify for a ThinkPad name in my book.

[hecke]

Perhaps you guys would be happier if it were called an Ideapad instead of Thinkpad?

Nope. The name is irrelevant.

The X1c is so very close to what I await since the disappointment that my T60p was bulkier and heavier than the T42p of my colleagues.

All the more I am upset why (oh why on earth) they had to change the keyboard layout.

Maybe I could get along with chicklet keys for the sake of 2mm thickness and some Grams weight, maybe I would live with no Thinklight and no clamshell for the same benefit. The edge begins with the ULV processor, but hey, in my benchmark tests it was in most tasks on par with my current X220's i7, and a plus in weight/battery life. No IPS, what a pity, but side by side the X1c screen is much more on the side of the X220 IPS than with the crap in the T430s/u, and again I get a lighter and longer lasting battery.

The screwed navigation keys are just the last straw for me.
And, this is my major complaint: There is no benefit from changing the layout. I am willing to make compromises (OK I am not, I want a no-compromise machine, definitely, but I learned to live with them) but I need some gain for giving up something useful.

If they got all those points right they might as well write 'Hello Kitty' on it and paint it pink, I'd go for it.
Having a Thinkpad Logo on a rubbery satin black machine is nice, but that does not define a perfect machine.

cheers
Hecke