Damn when are they gonna start making actually attractive design?
Seriously its been years. But their design department is still back in the 1990's. Fair enough thin design and yap yap. But its just damn ugly :S
Apple has a reputation for attractive, thin laptops with the MacBook Air line, while Lenovo has a solid business reputation with its ThinkPad products. The distinction between the two is blurring, thanks to the release today of the ThinkPad X1, the most ultraportable notebook in the ThinkPad product line. The ThinkPad X1 combines a thin, light form with new technology to produce a notebook that competes firmly with the MacBook Air.
I have been using the X1 for a week and this laptop impresses me on every level. From the light weight of 3.8 pounds to components designed for high performance, the ThinkPad X1 is a mobile computer with no compromises. Lenovo has retained everything the ThinkPad is famous for, durability, outstanding keyboards and utility, while introducing new battery technology that will keep mobile professionals happy.
Check out the ThinkPad X1 photo gallery
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Hardware Tour
A quick trip around the ThinkPad X1 shows how much utility can be packed into a small form. Lenovo put a bright (350 NITS) 13.4-inch display into a wedge-shaped casing that is only 0.65 - 0.84 inches thick. Contrary to reports that have appeared the display does not have IPS technology. The screen is covered with Corning Gorilla Glass for durability, and can be laid out flat making it possible to work optimally in any tight space. The MacBook Air displays at a higher resolution than that of the X1. The only concession made for the thin casing is a chiclet keyboard, but Lenovo has managed to produce one that is just as good as the regular keyboards that makes ThinkPads famous. More on the keyboard later in the review.
A low-light HD webcam above the screen is standard for video calling, and a utility is included to configure audio and video optimally for Skype calls. Lenovo has included dedicated volume buttons and a mute button next to the keyboard for easy use during conference calls.
There is a fingerprint sensor to the right of the trackpad which can be configured to log into Windows, resume from sleep mode and even to power on the notebook. The latter function is especially useful, as turning on the computer is as simple as swiping a finger on the fingerprint reader. This turns on the power and logs into Windows with just the one swipe.
In spite of the small form, the stereo speakers are surprisingly loud. Lenovo has included Dolby sound technology into the X1, and while the audio quality is not going to replace your big stereo it sounds pretty good for a notebook.
Specifications for review unit
- Processor: Intel Core i5-2520M, 2.5GHz
- Memory: 4GB
- HDD: 320GB, 7,200 rpm (optional SSD available)
- Graphics/Display: Intel HD 3000, 13.4-inch with Corning Gorilla Glass (1366×768)
- Ports: USB 2.0 (1), USB 3.0 (1), HDMI (1), DP(1), eSATA (1), Multicard 4-1
- Battery: 6 Cell (38.92 Wh) sealed, not user replaceable
- Optional slice battery: 35.5 Wh
- Connectivity: Centrino Advanced-N 6205, Bluetooth
- Webcam: low-light
- OS: Windows 7 Pro 64-bit
- Dimensions: 13.26” x 9.1” x 0.65” – 0.84”
- Weight of review unit: 3.85 pounds, 4.6 pounds with slice battery
