Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 Review

Lenovo released the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 in 2021 to much enthusiasm, although several reviewers felt that the price was disproportionate to the specifications. Lenovo attempts to address this issue in the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10. The most recent Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 will still put a considerable dent in your budget, and a portion of what you’re paying for is the premium feel (the lowest retail price on the company’s website, excluding sale discounts, is $2,329, before any discounts).

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 – Specifications

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 – Detailed Review

The Premier Executive Notebook

Even though it is on its 10th version, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 is not much better. In addition to changes like squared keycaps and a slightly bigger glass touchpad, it uses the third edition of the Intel Evo specification for thin and light laptops. This requires 12th-generation Core processors, better videoconferencing with a 1080p instead of a 720p webcam, dynamic background noise suppression, and Wi-Fi 6E.

The $1,439 base model has a Core i5-1240P processor, 8 GB of RAM, a 256 GB PCIe solid-state drive, and a 14-inch IPS panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio and a resolution of 1,920 by 1,200 pixels. There are no less than seven screen options, including non-touch, touch, and privacy-filter versions of the 1,920-by-1,200-pixel panel; an IPS screen with a slightly higher 2,240-by-1,400-pixel resolution; a 2,880-by-1,800 OLED panel for users who want the deepest blacks, brightest colours, and highest contrast; and non-touch and touch versions of a 3,840-by-2,400 IPS display with 500 nits of brightness and HD Most of them block blue light with EyeSafe technology.

A Wall of Sound and Quick Keyboarding

The layout of the keys does not allow for a numeric keypad, but the backlit keyboard lives up to the excellent reputation of ThinkPads by being fast and responsive. It has natural Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down keys instead of combinations of the Fn key and the cursor arrow. It also has shortcuts on the top row for changing the brightness and volume and starting and ending conference calls. The Control keys are on the bottom left, next to each other. You can change their positions virtually with the software that comes with the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10. The TrackPoint, a small joystick with three big buttons under the space bar, and the touchpad, a square, are both reliable and easy to use.

How long the battery of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon will last

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 has a much shorter battery life than its rivals and predecessor. This is because it uses an Intel P-series processor, which makes it do this. The Lenovo laptop only lasted 8 hours and 48 minutes in our battery life test, which consisted of streaming web movies at a brightness level of 150 nits. A year ago, we tested a Gen X1 Carbon (Gen 9) with the exact 19201200 screen resolution but a 15-watt U series processor. We thought the Gen X1 Carbon did a great job. It took 16 hours and 39 minutes to finish. If the way you usually use your device is harder on it than the way we tested it (for example, if you run at the highest possible brightness), you may need to plug it in much earlier than the end of the workday.

Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon has a keyboard, a TrackPoint, and a Touchpad (Gen 10)

Lenovo says that the keycaps on the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 still have a slightly curved surface that makes navigation more accessible, but they are now squared off for “cleaner lines.” The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 has two different ways to move the cursor: a touchpad made of glass and a TrackPoint stick. Thanks to TrackPoint, I could move around the desktop with pinpoint accuracy without leaving the home row. This laptop will appeal to you if, like me, you like how using a pointing stick saves time and effort.

Audio can be played on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 10)

The sound from the four speakers is clear and loud without being too resonant. When I listened to “Back DC’s in Black” by AC/DC, I could hear the guitars, vocals, and drums, with minimal distortion and a tinny sound. On the other hand, all the instruments sounded like they were coming from the same place, and I did not hear much difference between them. At its loudest, the sound was loud enough to fill an average-sized room. If you want to use the X1 Carbon (Gen 10) to hold a conference call or show something to people sitting nearby, they should all be able to hear it. The Commercial Vantage software from Lenovo lets you choose from different audio profiles, such as music, voice, and movies.

Additional Information

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon series has consistently been a favorite among business users for its durability, lightweight design, and exceptional keyboard. The Gen 10 version continues this legacy with updated internals and additional features that cater to modern professional needs, such as improved videoconferencing capabilities and multiple display options for different use cases. Despite its premium price point, it offers a combination of performance, build quality, and features that are hard to match in the ultrabook category. However, potential buyers should weigh the importance of battery life in their decision, as this model does not perform as well in that aspect compared to previous generations.

Verdict

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 is a refined business laptop that continues to deliver on its reputation for build quality, keyboard excellence, and overall user experience. While it brings welcome improvements like a higher-resolution webcam, more powerful 12th-gen Intel processors, and a variety of display options, it does fall short in battery life compared to its predecessor. The premium pricing can be justified by the high-quality materials and solid construction, making it an attractive option for professionals who value a reliable and well-built notebook. However, users should be aware that extended battery life might require adjustments in power settings or supplementary power solutions.

FAQs

Is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 worth the price?

Yes, if you are looking for a high-quality, professional laptop with excellent build quality, a superb keyboard, and versatile screen options, it is worth considering. However, the premium price may not be justifiable for those who prioritize battery life over other features.

What is the battery life of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10?

The battery life is shorter compared to its predecessor, with up to 8 hours and 48 minutes in our testing. This is due to the more power-hungry Intel P-series processors.

Can I upgrade the RAM and storage in the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10?

The RAM is soldered and cannot be upgraded, but you can upgrade the storage via the PCIe SSD slot.

How is the keyboard and touchpad on the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10?

The keyboard is excellent, with fast and responsive keys and a layout that includes convenient shortcuts. The touchpad is made of glass and works well, while the TrackPoint offers precise navigation for those who prefer it.

Is the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 good for gaming?

While it can handle casual and some older games thanks to the Intel Iris Xe graphics, it is not designed for high-performance gaming. For gaming, a dedicated gaming laptop would be more suitable.