Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9) evaluation: Flirting with perfection
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9) specs
Worth: $1,393 ($1,965 as reviewed)
CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7
GPU: Iris Xe
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
Show: 14-inch, 1920 x 1200-pixel 16:10
Battery: 15:39
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Measurement: 12.4 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches
Weight: 2.5 kilos
Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon earned our uncommon 5-star ranking in 2018 once we dubbed it the most effective enterprise laptop computer. It has held that title ever since, however the hole has narrowed with rivals from Dell and HP adopting fashionable options and design cues from high client fashions. Sensing the stress, Lenovo took some dangers with the ninth model of its flagship ultra-portable enterprise laptop computer — they usually paid off.
That is no reinvention however a collection of refinements constructed upon a profitable platform. With the ninth Gen mannequin, Lenovo brings a number of the most significant adjustments in years, highlighted by a taller 16:10 show, a bigger battery and eleventh Gen Intel processors.
Let’s not neglect why the X1 Carbon is the reigning champ within the first place. It stays lighter than the opposite high enterprise fashions and the soft-touch carbon fiber surfaces overlaying its chassis are a relaxing departure from chilly ore. Then there are the legendary ThinkPad keyboard, fashionable security measures, and sufficient ports to stop you from needing adapters. Intelligent design tweaks spherical out what can be a whole package deal if not for a poor webcam and lack of a card reader.
Already the greatest enterprise laptop computer getting into 2021, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon will get sufficient significant upgrades in its ninth life to stave off powerful competitors.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9) value and configurations
The X1 Carbon is pricey however not as exorbitant as a few of its direct rivals.
Choosing the bottom mannequin with an FHD+ show, Intel Core i5-1135G7 CPU, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD will set you again $1,392. We advocate spending at the very least $1,509 for the improve to a Core i5-1145G7 CPU, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD.
Choosing the Core i7 processor will run you at the very least $2,000 after tax. Our evaluation unit, outfitted with a 14-inch, FHD+ non-touch show, a Core i7-1165G7 CPU, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD prices $1,965 when manually configured. I like to recommend spending one other $15 on the IR digital camera.
Should you want probably the most highly effective machine with the most effective show, an X1 Carbon with a 4K UHD+ display screen, a Core i7 CPU, 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD (plus the IR digital camera) prices $2,358.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9) design
One is healthier than two on this case. Lenovo opted for a single bar-style hinge to interchange the twin hinges on earlier fashions. It feels sturdy — like the remainder of the laptop computer — and hides the necessary antennas inside.
In its quest to excellent the laptop computer puzzle, Lenovo moved a couple of items round. The highest-firing audio system as soon as positioned on the high of the deck now flank either side of the keyboard. And the ability button returns to the deck following a three-year trip on the proper edge. The earlier place allowed for energy on/off with the pocket book docked; whereas handy for some setups, I desire the small rectangular button on the deck the place I needn’t hunt for it.
The remaining will look acquainted to ThinkPad diehards. Plush matte-black surfaces coat the system and provides it a stealthy, inconspicuous look that contrasts its satisfying heat. Logos on the deck and lid have been emboldened with bigger fonts to attraction to the patron crowd with out being too in-your-face. Pink trim stays a ThinkPad signature and might be discovered on the X1 Carbon’s pointing stick, branding and the illuminated “i” on the lid.
I’ve reviewed numerous X1 Carbon variations over the previous three years, but the portability of those programs continues to amaze. By mixing carbon fiber and magnesium supplies, the X1 maintains a featherweight 2.5 kilos and measures 12.4 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches. For comparability, the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G7 (12.6 x 7.9 x 0.7 inches, 2.9 kilos), Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga (12.3 x 8.8 x 0.6 inches, 3 kilos) and Dell Latitude 9420 2-in-1 (12.2 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches and three.2 kilos) are heavier, though that is anticipated of 2-in-1 hybrids.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9) safety and sturdiness
It is all right here. The X1 Carbon has fashionable safety facilities wanted to maintain your information protected and make logging into the system a breeze.
For a hands-free expertise, an non-obligatory IR digital camera makes use of facial recognition by way of Home windows Whats up. Sadly, our evaluation unit did not come outfitted with one so we additionally missed out on the human-presence detection function, which wakes the X1 Carbon when it senses you, locks it whenever you depart, and turns off the show to preserve battery whenever you look away. IR cameras are hardly ever 100% dependable in my expertise so I like to recommend registering your fingerprint utilizing the match-on-chip sensor embedded within the energy button — that strategy is darn close to failproof.
And don’t fret about Home windows 11 upgrades as a result of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon has the required TPM 2.0, a chip that protects encryption keys and credentials so dangerous actors cannot come up with your information. It will not be wanted for distant work however a Kensington lock will chain the laptop computer to your desk upon your return to the workplace.
As is the case with each ThinkPad, the X1 Carbon handed a dozen military-grade sturdiness checks, proving its capability to resist harsh situations like excessive altitudes or insufferable temperatures.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9) ports
With a mixture of fashionable and legacy ports, the X1 Carbon shelters you from the dongle life.
I nonetheless reminisce in regards to the SD card slot days, however then, who am I to complain a couple of razor-thin laptop computer with such a large assortment of ports? Now, let’s get to it! On the proper aspect are a USB 3.2 Kind-A port, a headphone jack and a Kensington lock slot.
Flip the X1 Carbon round and you will find two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a second USB 3.2 Kind-A enter and an HDMI 2.0 port.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9) show
If solely Euclid may assist us uncover the Golden Show Ratio as a result of laptop computer distributors are experimenting with all types of styles and sizes. Lenovo’s components will get us to a 14-inch, 16:10 panel, leading to a barely taller and narrower canvas than your commonplace 16:9. Whereas delicate, the squarer form permits for extra vertical actual property which is nice for enterprise customers who crunch spreadsheets or write stories.
And it did not trouble me once I watched a trailer for Dune, the movie adaptation of Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi/fantasy novel. Arrakis is a ruthless, desolate planet, however its drab hues allowed the fascinating blue eyes of the Fremen to pop off the display screen. The non-obligatory 4K panel will reveal extra element, however the FHD+ (1920 x 1200-pixel) show I examined was sharp sufficient for me to see the person bristle-like tooth within the mouth of a hungry worm — mine your spice and run! One benefit the bottom panel has over the high-res choice is the matte end, which successfully disperses reflections.
Additionally price highlighting is how each show however the Privateness Guard choice options low blue gentle expertise, which reduces the frequencies most dangerous to your eyes. As somebody who suffers from eye pressure and the occasional migraine, this function is vital to me.
Masking 69% of the DCI-P3 coloration gamut, the X1 Carbon’s show is not as vivid as these on the EliteBook x360 1040 G7 (76%), ThinkPad X1 Yoga (71%), the Latitude 9420 (89%) or the premium laptop computer common (83%).
The X1 Carbon’s matte panel will get shiny sufficient to view exterior on a sunny day, reaching 365 nits of brightness. That outshone the EliteBook x360 1040 (344 nits) and the X1 Yoga (351 nits) however is dim in comparison with the Latitude 9420 2-in-1 (477 nits) and the premium laptop computer common (387 nits).
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9) keyboard and touchpad
Tweaks have been made to the keyboard, however worry not as they do not compromise that legendary ThinkPad consolation. The X1 Carbon continues to set the usual with magical keys that really feel as in the event that they sink under the chassis. Clicky switches and oh-so-satisfying suggestions for every keystroke will preserve your fingers completely happy deep right into a workday.
The keys, with their signature convex form, are so bouncy that my digits effortlessly sprung from one letter to the following as I typed this evaluation. Higher but, key dimension and spacing are ample for most individuals even these with petite fingers or chubby sausages. The arrows keys, per standard, are undersized, however that was by no means a problem as I crawled my manner down spreadsheets.
Swapping the Ctrl and Fn keys is a hill I am prepared to die on, and clearly one the place Lenovo has no deliberate rescue missions. You possibly can, at the very least, simply swap the Fn and Ctrl keys from inside Lenovo Vantage utilizing a instrument that particularly mentions how some individuals habitually press the bottom-left-most key to provoke shortcuts. Talking of which, Lenovo cleverly separates its “Unified Communication Keys” (reply and dangle up) on the highest row.
Lengthy stay the pointing stick…I suppose? Cultists who cherish the lovable rubber nub will spot it in a divot between the G, H and B keys. And with the left and proper buttons situated above the touchpad, you’ll be able to navigate the online with out transferring your fingers away from the house row.
Lenovo says it widened the touchpad by 10%, however I want a extra exact ruler to measure the distinction. Then once more, any further actual property helps when the 4.3 x 2.4-inch touchpad is smaller than these on nearly each different enterprise laptop computer. It is a good factor the silky floor feels unbelievable and is responsive, letting me shortly execute Home windows 10 gestures like three-finger swipes to modify home windows.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9) audio
Twin audio system beneath work with one other set flanking the keyboard to ship loud, clear audio. I could not assist however dance to the heart-thumping rhythm and frenetic pacing of Jain’s “Makeba” because it crammed my reasonably sized workplace. Vocals have been crisp and there was a palpable power to the easy instrumentation. Lacking from the observe was a weighty low-end, however I nonetheless did not stand an opportunity — the catchy tune wormed its manner into my ears for the remainder of the day.
Extra sonically advanced songs like The Postal Service’s “Such Nice Heights” have been deftly dealt with by the Dolby Atmos speaker system. Every digital boink and bop had its place within the soundstage and by no means shrouded Ben Gibbard’s quietly highly effective vocals. Better of all, the audio system did not distort even at 100% quantity.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9) efficiency
Flip it as much as 11! That is what Lenovo did with the X1 Carbon Gen 9, which will get its horsepower from an Intel eleventh Gen Core i7-1165G7 CPU and 16GB of RAM (as much as a whopping 32GB). My 9-to-5 workload wasn’t a lot of a problem for this speedy enterprise laptop computer, which shortly loaded 20 tabs in Microsoft Edge, together with two pairs of YouTube and Twitch streams. I even watched Olympic BMX racing for a couple of hours earlier than the horrific accidents made me flip away and query the protection of the game. Simply keep in mind that prolonged demanding duties — particularly graphics-heavy ones — will tax any laptop computer on this class.
The X1 Carbon did a superb, if unremarkable, job on our artificial benchmarks. Beginning with the Geekbench 5.4 total efficiency take a look at, the Lenovo hit 5,365, topping its convertible cousin within the X1 Yoga (5,447), in addition to the EliteBook x360 1040 (4,041) and the class common (4,838). The Latitude 9420 2-in-1 (6,037) gained this spherical by a cushty margin.
It took the 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD in our X1 Carbon 51 seconds to duplicate 25GB of multimedia recordsdata for a switch fee of 523.9 megabytes per second. This time, the Carbon fell solely to the Yoga (531.3 MBps) after outpacing the EliteBook (439.2 MBps) and Latitude (401.9 MBps). None of those met the laptop computer common of 617.5 MBps.
Lastly profitable the gold, the X1 Carbon transformed a 4K video to 1080p decision in 13 minutes and 23 seconds. This was a photo-finish in opposition to the X1 Yoga (13:50) and the Latitude 9420 (13:35) however a good way forward of the EliteBook x360 (16:25) and the premium laptop computer common (15:53).
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9) graphics
Counting on Intel Iris Xe built-in graphics, the X1 Carbon can run photograph and video modifying apps however gaming needs to be averted.
On the 3DMark Fireplace Strike benchmark, the X1 Carbon hit 4,734, crushing the EliteBook (1,229, UHD) and matching the X1 Yoga (4,780, Iris Xe). The Latitude 9420 (Iris Xe) powered forward with a 5,258.
In real-world testing, the X1 Carbon performed Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm (1080p) at 35 frames per second, simply forward of our 30fps playability threshold. That beats the Dell (23 fps) and sits alongside the X1 Yoga (34 fps).
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9) battery life
Go away the brick in your workplace and work from mattress as a result of the X1 Carbon with an FHD+ show can simply final a full workday earlier than powering down. Heck, you’ll be able to even watch the whole lot of Zack Snyder’s Justice League after you clock off earlier than refueling the X1 Carbon by way of its USB-C port.
I say that as a result of the laptop computer lasted for an excellent 15 hours and 39 minutes on the Laptop computer Magazine Battery Check, which entails steady net browsing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits.
The X1 Carbon is not the one marathon runner on this class. The EliteBook x360 1040 (15:45) had an additional breathe in its lungs whereas the Latitude 9420 2-in-1 (15:02) and X1 Yoga (14:45) weren’t far behind the Carbon. These endurance beasts bested the class common (10:59) by a number of hours.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9) webcam
“However is the webcam good?!” I requested myself after going by a psychological guidelines of the shortcomings Lenovo efficiently addressed on this ninth Gen mannequin. Sadly, that field stays clean. The 720p digital camera is as dangerous as you suppose it’s. Stuffed with visible noise, a selfie I snapped in my workplace appeared like a watercolor drawn by the Pointillism artist Paul Signac. Colours have been a blended bag; my face had pure rosy tones however my navy shirt was an disagreeable brownish-black.
Whenever you aren’t utilizing the webcam, a bodily shutter might be slid over the lens to reassure you that no one is snooping.
Lenovo put extra effort into the mics than it did the digital camera. 4 far-field microphones with Dolby Voice captured the nuisances in my voice and sounded crisp once I performed again a brief video clip.
It is 2021, and laptop computer webcams are extra necessary than ever so contemplate this my cry for firms to begin a 1080p revolution. Till then, we advocate shopping for an exterior webcam for these thrilling convention calls and price range conferences.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9) warmth
The X1 Carbon can keep within the kitchen all it desires as a result of no a part of the chassis breached our 95-degree Fahrenheit consolation threshold after we performed a 15-minute, 1080p video. Peaking at solely 93 levels, the underside was the toastiest location whereas the keyboard (86 levels) and touchpad (76 levels) — the bits your pores and skin really touches — have been even cooler.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9) software program and guarantee
Vantage offers Lenovo a bonus. Neatly housing all of the utilities and help instruments an X1 Carbon proprietor wants, Vantage is certainly one of solely two branded apps pre-installed on the Home windows 10 Professional system. On this app you’ll be able to view your guarantee standing, examine for system updates and see how a lot storage and reminiscence is getting used. Flipping to the “System” tab will get you an summary of your system specs and a fast hyperlink to the person information.
The one different Lenovo-branded app is named Fast Clear, and by “clear” Lenovo means bodily; the app locks your system’s inputs so you’ll be able to wipe it down with out participating the touchpad or keyboard.
Your commonplace Home windows 10 Professional fare takes up some area on the Begin Menu. These apps embody Groove Music, Microsoft Solitaire Assortment and Xbox Sport Bar.
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon ships with a one-year guarantee. See how the model fared in our Tech help showdown and Finest and worst manufacturers particular stories.
Backside line
For years, the X1 Carbon was thus far forward of its rivals that Lenovo merely launched the identical system with new internals. However the enterprise laptop computer panorama has developed and budding competitors is retaining Lenovo on its toes. The X1 Carbon Gen 9 is the corporate’s reply to these succesful rivals. It adopts fashionable traits, together with a 16:10 show, and combines them with the newest Intel processors and a bigger battery.
These aren’t groundbreaking adjustments, however they arrive on what’s already one of the vital refined platforms — for enterprise customers or common shoppers — in the marketplace. What made the X1 Carbon such a compelling choice within the first place, like its light-weight chassis, unbelievable keyboard and beneficiant assortment of ports, is all nonetheless right here. Introduce the previous to the brand new and also you get a masterclass of a laptop computer that may fulfill executives, college students and on a regular basis shoppers alike.
Sure, there are wonderful alternate options just like the Dell Latitude 9420 2-in-1 and HP EliteBook x360 1040 G7, however the X1 Carbon stays the most effective total package deal due largely to the updates made on this newest mannequin.
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