Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga is an outstanding 2-in-1 from any angle
The ThinkPad product line has for years produced outstanding business laptops. The tradition continues with the ThinkPad X1 Yoga from Lenovo. The notebook features a 14-inch display that can rotate 360 degrees, providing four configurations for the professional.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga from every angle
The ThinkPad X1 Yoga is a thin laptop first, with typical ruggedizing for handling an active mobile professional. The black case is constructed of durable alloy hiding a rugged skeleton. The durable construction is quite a feat when keeping the weight at only 2.8 pounds.
The Yoga has a touch screen and oversized trackpad, designed to take full advantage of the versatility of Windows 10. It also features a nice keyboard, typical for the ThinkPad line.
Hardware as reviewed:
- OS: Windows 10 Pro
- CPU: Intel Core i7
- Display: 14-inch, 2560x1440; touch
- Memory/ storage: 8GB / 512GB SSD
- Ports: 3- USB; HDMI; miniDisplayPort; Audio in/out; microSD; OneLink
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi ac; Bluetooth 4.1
- Special hardware: Fingerprint reader; pen and storage slot in laptop
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
- Dimensions: (inches) : 13.11" x 9.01" x 0.66"; (mm) : 333 x 229 x 16.8
Four configurations
The Yoga designation means this laptop can work in four different modes to best fit any situation. These modes consist of the standard laptop; tent; stand; tablet.
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Laptop mode is the one most likely to be used regularly. It's a typical clamshell mode with the advantage of a wide range of viewing angles. Simply open the lid to the desired angle and get to work.
Tent mode is achieved by pushing the lid until the Yoga forms an inverted "V". This is good for giving impromptu presentations on the go.
Stand mode is for viewing video. Push the lid almost underneath the keyboard, allowing the display to face what is normally backwards.
Tablet use is a simple matter of pushing the lid all the way under the keyboard and using the Yoga as a slate in the hand. The display auto-rotates to fit the unit orientation.
It's a laptop
First and foremost the ThinkPad X1 Yoga is a laptop. It has a large 14-inch touch display in a package that is just over half an inch thick and less than three pounds. It takes full advantage of Windows 10 Pro.
The battery lasts 11 hours in our testing, making it a good solution for taking on trips. That's enough to get through long work days and still have juice in the tank.
While the display is larger at 14 inches than most thin and light laptops, the svelte package lessens the impact of the size. Pulling it out of the bag and using it is as good as it gets for laptops.
The ThinkPad keyboard
When you use a ThinkPad laptop you are using one of the best keyboards in the laptop world. The keyboard on the Yoga is no exception, especially with the oversized trackpad. While not my favorite ThinkPad keyboard, the Yoga's chiclet keys are still nicely done.
The backlit keys have decent travel and a nice feel when typing on the Yoga. The inclusion of a red TrackStick along with three large mouse buttons work with the large trackpad to fit most anyone's preference.
To keep the Yoga as thin as possible, the keys sink down into the device. This keeps them out of the way when used with the keyboard sitting on a surface in stand mode.
The top row of Fn keys double as control keys for the ThinkPad X1 Yoga. These cover the range from volume control to display brightness.
It's a tablet
The ThinkPad X1 Yoga can be used as a tablet, making it a true 2-in-1. The 14-inch touch display makes this a productive function. Turning the Yoga around in tablet mode causes the screen to rotate appropriately, making is possible to use in the user's favorite orientation.
Tablet use is as expected with a touch screen, and this is augmented by the inclusion of a pen. In a nice touch, the pen is stored in a silo on the left side of the laptop, ready to be pulled out when needed. This facilitates taking notes in meetings.
Top quality
The ThinkPad X1 Yoga has proven to be a top laptop in our testing. The great keyboard, large display, and svelte form have been easy to take on the road. It is typical ThinkPad quality, and an outstanding business system.
Pros:
- Thin and light
- Excellent touch screen
- ThinkPad quality
Cons:
- Expensive
Reviewer's Rating: 9.1