ThinkPad X1 Carbon (6th Gen) Owners Lounge

Yeah I did. Went with an xps 13 9370 instead.

 

@jefflackey : There is a new bios update, N23ET47W (1.22). I installed it earlier tonight and so far (knock on wood) it has resolved the iPhone 8 USB connection issues. Give it a try and see if it helps. I also installed a touchpad update and it seems to have fixed my Chrome scrolling issues, specifically NBR site.

 

Thanks, I’ll try that tonight. Something else odd that I discovered in all of my tinkering to fix this: For some reason I have a bit more success using actual Apple brand cords than other (better quality) cords. Even though the other brand cords (from a variety of vendors) work just fine with my iPhone and all of my other notebooks.

 

Success!

I had discovered before the new BIOS that using a Genuine Apple USB to iPhone cable allowed iTunes to install the needed drivers (which makes no sense to me since I have been using higher quality second party USB to iPhone cables for years, with no problems of any kind with every other laptop.) But even after that, my X1C would not recognize my iPhone with second party cables.

After this BIOS updates, the USB ports seem to work the way they should.

Thanks VERY much for pointing me to the BIOS update! I wonder if Lenovo just had the USB ports on the bordeline in terms of power?

 

New Lenovo X1 Carbon 6th Generation owner and first time Lenovo system owner! I had purchased only Dell systems in the past, except for a 2011 Macbook Pro 13. Decided to branch out on computer brands with Costco's recent offer. I just needed something for personal usage, light weight, lasting battery, i7 and minimum 16 GB RAM. No gaming on laptops, I only game with my desktops. The keyboard is very nice compared to my wife's XPS 13 or my own Precision 5510 (work). I would still say the Macbook Pro keyboard is top dog in this group I own in regards to quality keyboard feel, but X1C is very close IMO. I wish the X1C trackpad was wider or larger, but it functions and feels just fine. The aging Macbook Pro 13 trackpad still feels like a champ. I have tried the thumb stick, pointer, or whatever that famous nub above the "B" key is called. It's ok, but still something I am trying to get used to moving around.

Oh yeah, the finger print reader, it's meh... my old XPS 15 that had the more insecure swipe finger print reader was a whole lot more consistent. The one built into this X1C works if I ... open the lid, most of the time make sure the light comes on for it... and more specifically make sure I position my finger or thumb correctly on the reader. I can't swipe it or it fails and I cannot misplace my finger on it partially (I have to visually know where the scanner is located) or it fails to scan. If it fails twice then I have to manually type in the password. I have to gently place the finger on the reader and most of the time it is successful.

The battery life has been pretty good running a i7, but I have been trying to stretch the battery life. I have tinkered a bit with the Lenovo Vantage and constantly adjust the LCD brightness according to the brightness of my surrounding environment. I have learned to switch off the keyboard lights when I do not really need it. I did not learn how to use the keyboard light toggle out of necessity, but because of how Lenovo decided to awkwardly place the Fn key to the left of the Ctrl key. I'm still getting used to it, but it's not a deal breaker for me. The FHD LCD matte screen is good enough for me, I would not mind a 4K 15" screen like what I have for my Precision... or HDR WQHD, but I can live without trying to read tiny text on a 14" screen. I also do not prefer glossy screens.

It's definitely a finger print magnet. I have not yet spilled any liquid on the system so can't claim how well that feature works. I am interested, but dare not test the liquid resistant feature. I am growing to love the keyboard as it's much better than my Dell laptop keyboards. I like the built-in siding cover for the camera that I *NEVER* use on a laptop (that's what a smart phone can do better now). Wish I could buy a laptop without the camera entirely. Speakers are probably not the best but they are usable and clear. I do not use them to listen to anything I want to seriously enjoy. I listen to music via bluetooth headset, same with calls. It hasn't heat up too much on me, but I often use a laptop pad if on my lap anyways... just a habit from past older laptops that would get pretty toasty. The style is sexy and just sooooo light, I sometimes hold the laptop like a clipboard walking from one spot to another. There is no perfect laptop to me, but I just focused on what I wanted and was willing to compromise on other features. So far so good, much more to explore from this system!

 

Very nice review @n640nec, I hope that you enjoy your device.

A few hints from someone that's using this machine daily:

1. Force yourself to use the nub (TrackPoint). Initially It may feel a little weird, howeber with practice it is generally way more useful than the trackpad. Once you find the correct hand placement your thumbs will always rest on the physical buttons and it really speeds up the workflow when your hands never leave the keyboard.

2. Speaking of keyboards, I do agree with you about the Fn Key placement. While it can be easily inverted with Ctrl (BIOS or Windows Options), such a setup simply doesn't feel right. I wish that Fn and Ctrl were the same size so that we could physically swap the keys. About MacBook Pros, IMO, good keyboards are things of the past. Apple ruined its keyboard with butterfly switches, touchbar, etc.

Finally, about battery time, I found out that a combination of 3 factors are affecting it:

1. Default Installation has bad defaults (for instance, it will only hibernate after 1440 minutes, i.e., one day)
2. Modern standby (S0i3) instead of deep sleep (S3), paired with options that often "wake" the computer for no reason.
3. CPU can benefit from slight undervolting.

The first problem is easy to fix: Reinstall Windows (from a bootable USB, do not restore OS to factory conditions).
The second problem is a little bit more involved. If you are a Linux users there is an unofficial patch to reintroduce S3 in the ACPI DSDT (lowered my standby power consumption from around 2%/hour to less than 1% day): https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/Linux-...ep-sleep-S3-state-aka-Suspend-to/td-p/3998182 . I also recommend disabling TB3 wake on LAN, USB charging o suspend and the card reader. I would also recommend bothering Lenovo so that they officially reintroduce S3 state.

There is some advice about undervolting your CPU in this thread.

Hope it helps. Cheers

 

Took the X1C6 out of the box. Fan was pretty noticeable. Repasted the X1C6 (i7-8550U, shipped from Lenovo a week ago) - a bit quieter than before (light Windows 10 usage dropped into the mid-40s - from 70s). Though ran the Windows 10 update (April) - peak temp still reached 94 degrees on one core. The others were 92 or 93.

Is it just me or does the TurboBoost cut back quite a bit on battery only? (fair enough I suppose) Noticed 3.9+ Ghz soon as it was plugged in, otherwise it seems to be around mid 2Ghz.

 

It's interesting seeing people talk about fan noise; with my X1C I was worried the fan wasn't working because I couldn't hear it. I had to put my hand to the vents to feel the airflow and lift the laptop to my ears to be able to hear it running.

 

FYI, Costco has dropped the price from $1599 to $1499 through 7/8/2018. This is for the i7 8550/16/512/FHD model. Brought in my receipt and got $110 w/ tax back on my card. Score. $1499 is a really solid price for this config, definitely take advantage if you're a Costco member.

https://www.costco.com/Lenovo-Think...-Intel-Core-i7---1080p.product.100398789.html

It is possible that A) you have the "louder" fan and / or B) your CPU isn't downclocking while plugged in. If your fan is made by Delta it is the quieter fan, apparently. My CPU wasn't downclocking while plugged in, this series of commands linked below fixed it. At idle / browsing in "Balanced" mode my CPU idles at 897 mhz.

I hit 92 when running Cinebench 5 times and with an undervolt of -100mV. That seems really hot for just Windows updates?

https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/ThinkP...PU-frequency-pegged-at-max/m-p/4038219#M84088

 

Cheaper to get it though Lenovo with the Perks discount.

 

Anything with a screen brings out OCD traits in me that I didn't know existed. So I really prefer to buy in person if I can because it's a pain to go through an exchange process via shipping. My first X1C had a dead pixel and it was a breeze to just exchange in person at Costco. The config I would've bought from Lenovo was a few hundred cheaper, yes, but peace of mind and easy returns was worth it to me.

*Edit- configs are much cheaper using my BN login as well now, damn. Can get the 8350/16/256/FHD for about $1150 ish I think. I don't want to return mine for no good reason, but $350 is $350. Hmm...

*Edit 2: Will return the original to Costco. Ordered the 8530/16/256/FHD for $1137 through my BN login. Total saved w/ tax will be $418 which is a lot. Quad i7 in this form factor makes no sense anyway.

 

Hello, I just purchased X1C and realize the charger cord way too long and bulk, please advise a travel charger from lenovo or third party USB-C PD charger. Thanks in advance.

 

I recommend going to the gym or buying a bigger bag, because that charger is the smallest you can get for this class.

 

Thanks for the tips, went into the BIOS to tweak a few settings including what you mentioned. I thought about swapping the Fn and Ctrl keys within the BIOS settings, but the more I thought about it, the more I agree with your conclusion as it does not feel right. Just a mental thing, I'll play with the default Fn and Ctrl configuration a little bit longer... I may end up getting used to it. Very helpful overall, thanks again.

 

Nice find, but does it offer the extra 2 years warranty that Costco offers? Not that it is important, as I ... wait, I have had Dell support come out to replace parts for the Precision 5510. I can't say I never utilized laptop warranty nor can I say I will never utilize this Lenovo/Costco warranty service, but it's nice that it is there.

 

My new x1 was just delivered and looks like i got one of the high pitched fan noise versions. bummed out about this. How do I go about requesting a replacement?

 

I would just call tech support and tell them the whine of the fan makes it unusable in an office environment and you’ve heard X1Cs with silent fans - could you please replace this.

 

Question- is anyone currently using the X1C as a desktop replacement in a dock in an office setting? I decided to just keep the 8550/16/512 model and would like to buy the latest Pro docking station from Lenovo. I run two monitors (both 1080p) and would plug in 4 USB devices, and also my cell phone. I'd be doing 2D office work (internet, Word, Excel, PDF viewing). Will the fan be blasting non-stop under this type of load? I would love to be able to use this as my only office PC and take my work with me, rather than remote login when out of the office. Thanks for any input!

 

I uploaded a recording of the high pitch noise the fan makes under load below.

https://1drv.ms/u/s!AsoCqNEzO21BwALEEwvc2h8Tcstq

 

Holy cow, that's lower than my 6 years old Clevo machine. RMA it ASAP.

 

Any update on whether it's possible to get natural sRGB colors on the HDR panel? People are reporting that it defaults to wide color gamut, which means web browsing, windows, and programs outside of photoshop will have oversaturated colors!

 

no

@bloodhawk

 

Hi Kevin,
Thank you for the pictures. I have been trying to decide between the two screen options (WQHD matte, and HDR) do you have any additional pictures of the two that I can look at?
Thanks,
Eric

 

Yes! It works if you create a custom ICC profile or just install the ICC profile found here: https://www.notebookcheck.net/uploads/tx_nbc2/B140QAN02_0.icm

 

Update: In Firefox,

1, Go to about:config
1. Set gfx.color_management.display_profile to the notebookcheck.net to the path of the .icm profile on your computer
2. Set gfx.color_management.enablev4 to true
3. Set gfx.color_management.mode to 1

 

Hello guys and gals,

I've recently aquired an X1 Carbon with the HDR display, i7 8650u, 16gb and 1tb ssd from CDW. It has a couple of very minor flaws and I am curious if these are just normal on these machines.

1. Looking at the front of the laptop with the lid closed, the lid sits about 1mm higher on the right. I actually noticed this on Lisa's review here: at 3:24 and 3:31, so I am pretty sure this is normal. However, I would appreciate it if I could confirm it on a third laptop.

2. This one is a bit more concerning. With the screen open to around 90°, there is a difference in the gap between the screen assembly and the main case. The screen looks like it is between 1-2mm closer on the left side. I would greatly appreciate it if someone could check this on their machine.

Now, I know these seem like small complaints, but I am coming from MacBook Pros, where just about everything looks perfect on the outside. I'm actually an IT manager and have deployed numerous ThinkPads, but when they are not for myself I don't scrutinize them as thoroughly.

I would greatly appreciate your help.

 

just claim defective loose hinge screen and get a new one, don't stress over it

 

Just checked, at 90 degrees I have no difference in the air gap between the left and right side of the main machine and the screen, FWIW.

 

I think - not certain - they are coy with the wording - that you actually get FOUR years of warranty from Costco when you make the purchase using their credit card. You also get Costco's excellent Concierge Service, and they are by far the best to deal with, BestBuy being the worst.

 

@Mobius 1 @jefflackey

Thanks for your replies. It turns out that the gap at the rear of the notebook is not a problem, I must have had poor lighting when I inspected it.

However, the screen bezel around the top center is already coming unglued. I'm guessing that it is glued in place because when I push it back, I can "feel" an adhesive behind there, and it stays in place for a little while before popping back out.

At any rate, I'm going to exchange it.

I'd also like to note that this laptop is a really nice machine, and the problems I have encountered are relatively minor.

 

the screen bezel is just an adhesive backed layer


it's not very sturdy imo, and if the application goes wrong there's not much you can do other than replace the whole bezel (as the part is claimed to be single use only)




hope your new machine don't have the same issue

 

@Mobius 1 and everyone else,

Does your unit (or anyone else's unit) have an issue with the screen bezel not adhering correctly? I'm wondering how common this is.

 

I believe it's just the screen bezel being applied incorrectly at the factory. It's like a one time use sticker that holds everything together in the bezel.

Mine sticks properly, but if yours doesn't I would push for a refund and then just reorder the same machine.

 

Is there a cure for my wandering mouse cursor problem? I use the red button nubbin as my mouse, and after a while the cursor will suddenly decide to take off for one side or the other of the screen. Nothing I can do to stop it. I have to let it sit there for a few seconds, then everything works as it should.

Is there a fix for this?

 

even new driver doesn't fix?

 

I have a new, unopened, fully featured X1 gen 6. I am trying to decide if I should keep it or sell. I am concerned about reports of things like speaker cracking, excessive fan noise, etc. Are the problem reports that I read what is to be expected in forums from a disgruntled few, or are they a serious concern? Are people generally not having problems and very happy with the X1?

 

Did you buy it?

If so, just return it. I'm sure you can come up with few reasons to avoid the restocking fee.






QC is a hit or miss this for Lenovo recently.

 

Hmmm. Doesn't instill a lot of confidence in the quality of the machine.

 

If you're not sure then just return it to Lenovo and spend your money elsewhere.

 

I guess I had hoped to hear from owners that most are not dealing with the various problems that I have read about. I haven't. Had I wanted to spend my money elsewhere I would have done so instead of buying this machine. I did my research. If the X1 has all of these issues you are right, it is time to move on. Who wants to spend time fixing a $2k machine?

 

It depends really.

Even with basic warranty you can get parts shipped to you so you don't have to ship the machine out or wait for a technician. But I understand that you want a perfect OOTB device.


If you ever decide to sell that machine, post it on the NBR forum and notify me either by PM or mention @James_Brown (like this)

 

I LOVE my X1C 6th gen. I’ve been buying laptops for decades and this is the best one I’ve ever had.

I can’t hear the fans, I put my hands to the vents to make sure they’re running. Overall quality vs say the Dells I’ve owned is head and shoulders above. Extremely well designed. Even things I thought I would dislike such as the F keys requiring the Fn key (which you can reverse ) turns out to be perfect for me - I use the brightness up and down, volume up and down, etc keys more than I use the F keys.

Little things like the simple way to turn on the keyboard backlighting (two levels) and back off. And it surprised me: this small, super light notebook runs my video editor faster than my old 10 pound no battery life Alienware M17x from a few years ago.

Best notebook I’ve ever owned. If you want s forum full of complaints look at the Dell XPS 15 owner threads and all of the pages of fixes etc. As a Dell owner for years that was my first choice but after a year of deep research I decided I didn’t want to have to do so much work right from the beginning to have a decent machine.

 

Thanks. I appreciate the feedback.

 

On no are they STILL doing that!? My very first computer was one of the low cost IBM laptops, 1999 model I think, and the red button always very annoyingly drifted down as though being pulled by gravity!

 

it happens sometimes

 

Just a quick update about Dolby Vision. You can now watch Netflix and YouTube in HDR (Edge only), plus there is a Dolby Vision App in the Windows Store. Full instructions: https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/ThinkP...HDR-capable/m-p/4137440/highlight/true#M87854

Feels like a gimmick to be honest. Still, the 500 nits display is very good, fake HDR or not.

 

People generally are not having problems with the X1C6. The people on here, myself included, who are having / did have problems are much more vocal about it. I went through at least 6 X1C6 all bought at Costco where I could inspect them and avoid return issues. EVERY single one had issues- dead pixels, bright oval shaped spots in the screen, dust specks under the screen, faulty left click button that would not register when pressed. Also every one I tried, I needed to edit the power settings in a command prompt because the CPU would not downclock while plugged in and idle.

All that said, if you get a good one, it is hands down the best ultraportable business laptop on the market. They use quality Samsung SSDs. If you are concerned about defects absolutely get the onsite warranty upgrade.

 

After some effort, I finally got a Shipment Notification for the ThinkPad X1 Carbon 6th Generation Part Number 20KH002HUS that I ordered last Wednesday. It was shipped from North Carolina rather than Hong Kong. The Order Visibility Portal (OVP) provided the Serial Number. With it I was able to find-out which of the two thermal modules (fans) is installed on my X1 Carbon. The Lenovo PC Support website shows that it is Part 01YR203 made by Furukawa (Nidec) rather than Part 01Y204 made by Delta. Suddenly, excitement turned into disappointment. Are all Nidec fans noisier than Delta fans? I am not looking forward to the process of replacing the thermal module.

 

nidec is faster than delta at full speed, claims to have better cooling potential since the fan size is the same




if you want to try delta, just claim fan bearing broken and you have crackling noise, and request the part 01Y204 (fan module) by delta and 100% insist that the person doesn't auto-sub / substitute for a compatible part

 

I love Windows Hello and hate the fingerprint sensor. Do you think there is ever hope that we will be able to have both the HDR screen and the infrared camera anytime soon?

Do a lot of conf calls so don’t want to skimp on the camera, nor on the screen.