Lenovo X1 Carbon Owner's Thread

vindicator83:

thx for your update.

may i ask if you may kindly please take a few close up pictures of your current rubbery trackpad from different angles so as to try to capture this rubbery trackpad's look? this would be very helpful to me.

as much as it doesn't look very different from the smooth glass trackpad, as someone else posted, i'd love to see it.

then, after the technician has replaced your trackpad with a new, glass smooth trackpad, it would be awesome for you to take pictures of that one at a later point.

sorry to impose but i think this might be a big service to many of us.

thank you in advance.

 

Hi,

Ordered: 08/16/2012
Shipped: 09/19/2012
Delivered: 09/26/2012

I have the i5/8GB RAM/256GB SSD.

See attached photo of touchpad

 

thx so much for doing this. this is the very FIRST picture of a rubbery trackpad that i can recall seeing. people have asked before but no one up to this point has posted a single picture!

from what i can tell, it really does look entirely matte in its finish, and not at all glass-like. i saw one at J&R in nyc here and it was very smooth, not at all matte.

this is scary in terms of how off they can be on this. how and why would an incorrect trackpad end up on a higher end machine "just by chance"?!?!?? isn't this some controlled environment with carefully selected and sourced parts? are there no quality control folks?

 

Ordered 08/15/12. Received 9/28.
The USB Ethernet Adapter IS NOT IN THE BOX.
Even worse, my X1 Carbon label is crooked. This will drive me nuts. The unit is going back. I should have waited until they had the bugs worked out.

Now if I can only get them to answer the phone...on hold right now for over 50 minutes.

 

It's great when people post photos like you did.

It makes it easy for someone else to get a sense of whether they would be as outraged as you in the same situation.

 

Yes, the picture is not perfect, but the wording does go up and to the right. As noted however, many people could care less. I just happen to be a anal and feel like for this much money, they could have printed the darn thing straight. Oh and I'm now at 1 hour and 40 minutes of hold time with Lenovo....

 

There must be some significant variation in the X1 Carbon screens reading the posts regarding the displays. I received mine last week and I find the screen door effect to be minimal and it seems to be the same LG panel as the rest. I am incredibly picky when it comes to laptop displays and have not purchased another ThinkPad since I received my T61p with its horrible display five years ago having had 10 different ThinkPads previously dating to the early 1990's. I looked at a T410 and a T420 at local stores and never could have used one of those due to the bad displays. However, I find the X1C display to be excellent even when I get close to the display. This was my biggest concern before I received the unit because the display is critically important to me. I never have understood how people could adjust to the T4xx TN displays. I think Lenovo has a real winner with this unit and will sell large numbers of them over the years. It is really a joy to use and fits so nicely on a lap with the usual great keyboard and professional fit and finish that one expects from ThinkPads.

I will not go through the nightmare I had trying to get one of these in my hands with numerous delays, multiple hour plus times on hold only to have the call dropped, and being told different stories by every rep that I talked to. Fortunately, it was worth the wait.

 

My first Lenovo and likely my last. Customer service has been atrocious. Charger is bigger than a three year old dell. And screen door effect is horrible for something this modern. Would you guys love this as much if it didn't say Lenovo? Not trying to TC, but I was super excited about this machine, didn't know of any of the problems before I opened it, and noticed most of them right away before finding this website.....I'm bummed.

To the people who sent this back, what upcoming model are you eyeing? I mainly want screen quality, size, keyboard, battery, and wwan 3G card.

 

You do realize the X1C hits all those qualifications except, in your case, for the screen.

I personally had a huge issue with the screen door effect, but after a couple weeks, it's not an issue at all. I don't even use the screen on full brightness because it is just so much better than what I'm used to. The screen door effect is noticeable, but only on max brightness with white backgrounds.

 

Which is why I was so excited for it!!! And then it was delayed. And then it had a huge battery pack and was longer than my dell. And then the screen looked weird and my trackpad was wobbly and the bezel was loose...and I had to mail it back and heaven knows when I'll finally get it.

Trust me. I wanted it to be great. But at this point I can't help but eye something different.

 

I'll beg your forgiveness in advance, but I just happen to be anal about that phrase. The correct phrase is "could NOT care less". Meaning, you care as little as you possibly could.

"I could care less" actually gives me very little information. It just tells me that you care some non-zero amount and have the potential to care less than you do. Do you care a modest amount? A lot? No idea. I just know that you care more than zero, which is probably the opposite of what was intended.

Again, apologies, but I had to get that off my chest .

Back to regular programming... I bought a UX31A because I found the screen door effect unbearable when I tried the X1C. I still lurk here in the hope that a new batch of X1Cs will have that fixed, and I can return the UX31A (fantastic machine let down only by a terrible SSD). Seems like no such luck so far.

 

I am eyeing on the Samsung 900x3c ... I think I ll go with the i5 / 128 GB model and swap out the SSd to a fast 256gb (Cruzial M4). It just has 4 Gb but it should do fine. The screen is supposed to be awesome aswell as the overall built quality. the WWAN isnt that import to me. I have a USB Umts Stick just in case I...

 

Another worthy competitor is the ASUS. See ZENBOOK UX32. You can upgrade the RAM to 10GB and the SSD to whatever is on the market since it uses a standard size SSD.

After Oct 26, the Windows 8 wave of machines should be in full view. That could also get interesting.

 

i just received mine minutes ago.

entire front edge of trackpad is loose. it is a matte finish and yet totally smooth trackpad though -- the same as the one i had played with at J&R here in manhattan.

may i ask the good folks here what the correct number to call at Lenovo to send it in please? i'd rather send it in (even though i have on site service) since it is more likely they have a clean working area with all the right tools for Lenovo, than a tech coming here, after fighting the subway!

also: what did you tell the person on the phone after you called in? in my case, i need the trackpad to not wobble in the front, but the surface of my trackpad is fine.

so: kindly share the correct number to call please, as well as what to tell them.

Thx in advance.

 

But I didn't say "I could care less". I said many people could care less. Meaning many people would not care about the wording being on an angle as much as me (including my office manager who just laughed at me). So she cares less than I do about it being crooked

 

Thank you Lenovo for chasing me right back to Apple. I just can't believe it and THIS is their 20th Anniversary machine!!!

The display panel is low quality, screen door effect very distracting, it wreaks of cost savings and profit over quality.

I won't even get started on the build quality and issues ... and I went through two mistakes of Lenovo's mystery cancelled orders and waited 6 weeks. And to think people are receiving their laptops having to send them in immediately for service and repair. I admire the patience and tolerance but it's not for me. F that and F Lenovo.

I have no problem with Windows, it's the hardware manufacturers, they really need to get their heads out of their asses and make a great notebook. Even the ones who copy Apple and have their prototypes to go by can't get it right. Horrible displays, heat, loud fans, build quality, what the heck is going on? It's a head shaker, back to OSX for me, don't worry, I don't mind if the door hits me on the way out the sooner I stop wasting my time on Lenovo crap the better.

Hello 8 gig ram, 512ssd MacBook Air with a screen that doesn't burn my eyes - it's money well spent and time saved.

I was so psyched, waiting months for the launch of the X1C, what a disappointment. Would be front page news if Apple blew it like this. No consumer should accept this, doing so encourages more crap screens, poor build quality and shortcuts.

 

I'm not sure I agree. As far as I can tell, basically the only people screaming about the LCD are people who have been told ahead of time (on the forums) about the screen door effect.

The professional reviewers thought it was a pretty nice LCD, for example.

I also think its quite nice.

I have good posture though... if I sat with my eyes very very close to the screen, I guess I might feel differently?

I'm just saying, this screen is has been blown out of proportion in my opinion. Lenovo seems to be having quality control issues with some aspects of these laptops (e.g., trackpads, bezel separation) but so far it seems that there is no manufacturing varation in the screens; they are all identical. A subset of people are deciding the screens are bad, while some others think the screen is quite nice. Some people may be indifferent.

But the X1C may have Lenovo's best non-IPS panel right now. The T430s people want to figure out a way to swap their panel for the one in the X1C.

 

I'm with you on this. I think regardless if they can fix the touchpad, I'm returning it. The screen is a POS. I'm holding out for the Macbook Pro Retina 13". I love my Macbook Air, and would get the updated one with 8GB of ram, except I wan't the retina display

 

Oh wait, the other dude said the screen was great. I am torn who to believe.

 

Sorry Bob, but the phrase is idiomatic and correctly used. You can be as anal as you want but if "I could care less" gives you little information it's because you've been living in a cave or under a rock. The phrase is commonly used to have the same meaning as "I could not care less" or where I come from, "I could give a sh*t less". Welcome to the world of an evolving idiomatic language.

Now back to the topic at hand.

 

I have to agree. This was supposed to be a flagship device. When does apple miss a delivery date? When do trackpads need repaired or bezels reattached ON NEW DEVICES! I noticed the screen right away, that is how I found this forum.

I hate apple, but this is an excellent case of where we are totally rationalizing equality. This is an inferior device. It's obviously reviewers got a different device. Was anybody's expectations met?

 

I said:

And then you seemed to disagree:

But I am skeptical. According to your first post on these forums:

Sounds like you too developed a more negative view of your computer screen based on what you learned about it on forums.



Honestly, all I am trying to do here is inject a note of sanity into the discussion. People have a habit of overestimating the usefulness of internet forums in providing them with certain kinds of information, and forums often serve as an echo chamber exaggerating situations beyond any connection to reality.


Conspiracy theories aside, it is becoming clearer every day that all X1C LCD's are the same. The difference between the professional reviewers who liked the screens and the people on the forums who hate the screens is that the profession reviewers didn't read on forums that they should be watching out for an infamous "screen door effect".

 

Not so sure. I've been staring at a Macbook Air screen for the past 2+ years...so when I look at something else I can tell right away when quality is not up to par....I had an Asus UX32VD for a bit and the display was amazing...better than Macbook Air...

 

I'm not saying the X1C screen is as nice as the Macbook Air screen. For all I know the MBA screen is better in every respect except for size.

What I'm saying is that all the X1C screens are the same part from the same manufacturer (unlike in many laptops), and that there isn't variation in screen quality from one X1C to another.

With that out of the way, some people like the X1C screens, and some people don't. Personally, I like my X1C screen, as its much better than the screen that was on my X200.

(In general, a common thread here seems to be that people coming from thinkpads seem to like the screen, because its one of Lenovo's betters screens---perhaps their best non-IPS screen. Of course, on average, Lenovo's screens are are not the best...)

To sum up my perspective:
1) there is no X1C screen variation, they are all the same part; differences are due to differing perspectives
2) the screen is not horrible. In fact, in some parameters its quite nice.
3) I really do think people are getting more upset about their screens as a result of reading on the forums about the infamous "screen door" effect, which seems like a shame for them.

 

by the way there is a comparison of the x1c vs air (done by a mod of this forum)

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Vs. Apple MacBook Air 2012 Comparison - YouTube

 

The screen comparison starts at 6:55. The X1 Carbon is not a production unit. The review was done before the X1 Carbon went on sale. My review unit also did not have any screen door effect. And I know what to look for or disregard.

 

You are claiming that review units used a different screen?

Care to share a part number that you think they used?

Or, any side by side photos or videos showing any differences?


Seriously, I would be very interested...
but I don't think its going to happen. I don't think Lenovo sourced two completely new LCD models not used on any other laptops for the X1C: one to use when building a few dozen review units, and one to use for thousands of production units. It doesn't pass the smell test, and there is no evidence for it.

 

I'm not sure what you're debating. I came from a 3 year old dell and immediately noticed that something was off on my brand new laptop. I think most people would hope for some technological improvement in 3 yrs. I then came here (as indicated by my join date and post count) and found out there was a technical name for the problem. I also noticed immediately that the trackpad felt weird. This isn't the first new product I've ever bought...

And don't get me started on Lenovo customer service. 50min hold times. Depot service holding up my repair while "waiting for more information," yet nobody contacts me for this information!!!!

Look, you all might have fond memories of Lenovo, or great experiences. This was my first lenovo and last. It might be the best Lenovo screen ever, but that doesn't mean it's a great screen.

 

I am not here to stick up for Lenovo. I agree their customer service was atrocious. I was (and still am) annoyed at how long I waited for my laptop, and how poor communication was. For all I know they may be having some quality control issues with assembly (bezel separation, etc.)

I am here to try to be a counterweight to one view which is growing like a weed on these forums: that there is variation (or worse: large variation) in X1C screens, and that some have a very bad "screen door effect".

I truth, there is no evidence of any variation in the dot pitch of X1C screens. While the dot pitch of the screens may be a bit above average, it is not extreme (and was not noted in the many professional reviews of the laptop). It bothers some people and not others. Laptop screens have many parameters: brightness, color reproduction, resolution, size, viewing angles, etc., and reducing a description of the X1C to "bad" based on dot pitch alone, when it seems not to bother many people, seems like a dis-service to people on these forums trying to decide what they want.

 

My company received some review units but there was a long line of people wanting to test them, including our executives. I literally only got a few hours with the machine and I saw no cause for concern. I really had no opportunity to do anything more than form a quick cursory impression. That was on 8/10. I ordered two on 8/14 if that gives you an idea.

I had planned to do my deep analysis of the machine when my personal order arrived. But when Lenovo jacked my credit card to nearly 10k, AND started the delay hijinks, I cancelled the order and decided to wait and see what the early adopters reported.

The reason for the wait wasn't really the credit card, or the delay on the X1C's, but being burned on the W520. I haven't forgotten that. I recommended those to a lot of people then it turned out that there were quite a few issues in that machine. I am not going to make that mistake again.

At this point I am going to wait and see how this pans out. The machine will live or die on its own merits. That and there's a whole boatload of machines coming starting around 10/26.

 

It will be great if you can do a video of your dell 4300 vs x1 C. I now suspect my Edge 420 has the screen door effect but don't know where to look.

 

That sounds exactly like what a public relations person would say.

 

I wanted to love this machine as much as anybody, and if it was good, I would have kept it for years. But it let me down.

As for the screen door, you either see it or you don't. And those that are trying to detect it, obviously can't see it, so for all intents and purposes it doesn't exist for them. Lucky them. Maybe since I switch back and forth from iPad to desktop to laptop it is more annoying to me. it's just not something I would expect in 2012.

I'm not trying to hate on this machine. I wanted to love it. But it's like a girl who is super cute and smart. And then you find out she was married. And then you find out she stripped in college. Etc etc.

Thor, which laptops are you eyeing for oct 26?

 

I'm really not sure. I know I am going to need to replace my wife's T400 soon. I had planned his and hers X1 Carbons. When I cancelled that order, I ordered a 2012 MacBook Air and it arrived four days later. We shared that machine on an extended weekend and she didn't complain about it.

I am interested in the Retina MacBook Pro 13.3" if that actually materializes.
I like the ASUS UX32 but worry about support.
I like the Samsung Series 9 NP900X3D but it currently isn't sold in the USA. I am concerned about Samsung support, too.
If Samsung does a PLS based Samsung Series 9 15" NP900X4D, I'll bite. That would be a great machine but it doesn't exist, yet.

There are a number of touch devices coming built for Windows 8. I am not that interested in them because I have funds saved for a Surface RT and a Surface Pro. Depending on the apps, the iPads may get dumped then. We'll see.

There are machines I am aware of that I can't discuss. There are surprises coming that haven't been disclosed to me.

I fully expect Dell, HP and other makers to improve their initial round of ultrabooks. I would like to think Lenovo will add a Flexview IPS option to the X1 Carbon.

Toshiba, Fujitsu, MSI, and others are currently off my radar. Acer might change that, but I doubt it.

I am looking for a premium 13 or 14" but I really don't want to buy Sony.

I'm am hoping someone will FINALLY create and ship the perfect notebook this year. Dreams are free.

 

You nailed it. I am a public relations person hired by Lenovo to defend their LCD screen, and post photos of my defective screen bezel after it was repaired.

 

Based on your experience, when would you expect an improved x1 carbon? Or the next iteration. I love the keyboard and the feel of it. Just don't like the fact that it feel like it was a step, not a leap,

 

If we were talking about Apple, I would expect immediate and direct improvement probably before the end of the calendar year. With Lenovo, I expect them to address the QC issues with the trackpad, chassis issues, and other fit and finish items like the surface of the trackpad. I don't expect we'll see any change in the LCD panel.

They are getting ready to launch the T430u and at least two touch devices. The Windows 8 slate and that IdeaPad Yoga. They might be focused on those launches now. I really don't know.

I haven't written off the X1 Carbon. I still want a 20 Year ThinkPad collectors item to be proud of. We aren't there yet.

 

The perfect notebook would be the next generation Macbook Air (thinner and with retina) running windows 8. The next best is the MBPr 13.3"...if they stuffed a quad core in it...running Windows 8...sexy.

 

And they will launch the ThinkPad Edge S230u with Windows 8: http://forum.notebookreview.com/thi...-l/686587-thinkpad-edge-s230u-ltrabook-2.html

 

And without battery life and ty driver support. Only with Mac OSX you will get a good battery life.

 

Yeah running Windows or Linux through the macs' BIOS emulation layer sucks.

 

I am only getting about 3-4 hours..max out of my x1 with same specs, lower i5 model. I tried the battery stretch, but that only stays on until you reboot. I have turbo boost off...I only use for websurfing and documents at the moment.

I was wondering which power profile you were using?

My machine is great..only small issue is that the left CTRL button is crooked, lenovo is sending me a replacement keyboard to see if i can just pop one key in for another...but its on backorder.

Screen is great, very happy with the track pad, so smooth responsive, better than the Dell XPS 13, which I returned after 3 days of ownership due to its lack of responsiveness.

I am an owner of a W510, never had a problem with that for 2.5 years. Ordered this x1 the second day it was available.

Another issue is that the screen is a little wobbly and floppy, but ill deal with that for such a great machine....

Battery advice appreciated!

 

What brightness level are you using it at?

 

When i go into the power options menu, I have it at about 11 ticks, of about 15. probably at 75%. Do people use it any less darker than that? Its on Energy Saver mode.

Thanks so much!

 

The mousepad I need to swap out is on backorder...Looks like I won't be getting it replaced anytime soon...So much for next day onsite repairs...I'm most likely going to return the machine..

 

So I have been waiting for my repair for more than 2 weeks now. That's after I waited a month from ordering to receive it in the first place. The comma key was jammed so they're replacing the whole keyboard. Unfortunately, it has been on backorder and there are still no signs of it. I was patient through all the delays but this is pretty ridiculous.

When I think back, I ordered in August and it I am still empty handed into October. This thing better be top notch when I get it back with all issues fixed or I'll be forced to go elsewhere.

 

Well it sucks that you've had to wait that long. Now you're out of your 21 day return period...so you're stuck with the machine if you like it or not. I have another week to decide what to do...

 

Technically I have until tomorrow actually, since I received it on Sept 13th. Regardless, I brought this up with a CS rep and they said if I received it and it wasn't satisfactory that I could return it. It doesn't make sense that my machine has been in Lenovo's possession for nearly the full 21 days and I wouldn't be allowed to still return it. They escalated my case to a supervisor who is supposed to call me today/tomorrow. I will probably call today and request to speak with them now. I'm trying to be as patient and understanding as possible, but they're not making it easy.

 

I use Linux so I can't compare directly with you. (On battery I use it at 40%, but this may not line up with what Windows calls 40%, the number of ticks is totally differernt. I get a little over 4.5 hours but would expect Windows to be better, if anything.)

But hopefully someone else whose been getting 4.5-5 hours with Windows can compare with your brightness level for you.

 

The 21 day return period is usually defined as 21 days from the invoice. Therefore shipping can consume nearly a week of that period. For that reason I never repair a machine inside the return period window. If there is a defect, it is returned. It would be rare for me to make an exception to that personal policy, on personal purchases.

I hope you are keeping good documentation on all of these dates in your case.