Thinkpad X1 Carbon 2012

I'm laying off a bet that the T430u, a month or two subsequent from launch (like the above comment on the X1C with i7 and 8GB RAM) will have HD+ as an option. That, coupled with the ability to upgrade HD and RAM on that unit, make it of more value to me than the X1C, and I'll live with the extra 1# no problem.

 

Dear god I would hate to be some of you users.

I am looking at the unboxing as well as the reviews and I can not help but smile. This is absolutely the machine I have been waiting for from Lenovo - ultraportable, but large enough to not feel like I'm cramped for space. I have resisted making a laptop purchase for three years, not fully satisfied with the size of the X series and not willing to gravitate towards the MBA. The X1C looks to meet all the needs I could want for a work machine to last through my remaining years in grad school.

Some of the complaints are just wild: 4GIGS not enough? The hell are you running or expecting to run? Or think business users are running. I mean 14gigs. Really. REALLY?!

That display seems absolutely fine for what I'll be using it for, work and a quick youtube video or three in between downtime on campus.

 

Lenovo X1 Carbon Review | Ubergizmo

 

Base model price down by $100. Can we expect the 256GB versions to come down by $200?

Lenovo's ultra-thin X1 Carbon ultrabook will be available August 21st, starts at $1,299 (updated) | The Verge

 

i've heard varying information but has it been confirmed that the screen is ips?

 

Lenovo UK site has i7 with 8gb RAM and quoting 6.5 hours battery life.

 

It is confirmed that screen is NOT and IPS. At least not in a default package. There might be some extra CTO model but not mention on that. So chances are pretty low.

 

Lenovo Customer Service UK said the X1C would be available here around the 28th of October and will be a Windows 8 machine, if that's the case then they just lost a sale, I can't wait that long for my machine.

 

Ooh, that would be the final insult for me, too: I will not have that turd of an OS on any computer I use, period.

 

Perfection is in the eye of the beholder and no two definitions will be identical, but the constant whining about some aspects (e.g. - IPS, memory) coupled with the poo-poo'ing of some individuals' "speculating" while engaging in it one's self does get a bit tiring.

 

This is pretty surprising and probably the deal breaker for me unfortunately.

 

This needs more examination before ruling it out. Can't wait until the folks on this forum get it in their hands and rip it up in ways that review sites won't touch.

 

Lenovo updated the official product page... and there are optional nVidia graphics listed in the tech specs.

 

Oooh, now we're talking! That would be quite the coup: They list an NVIDIA N13P-GLP Optimus Graphics (2 GB
VRAM, 128 bit). I think no other UltraBook offers that.

 

The levels of incompetence of Lenovo's marketing team reach new heights...

So here are the official 4p spec sheets, one from AU, saying only HD4000 and here the one form US, saying also Nvidia discrete graphics, which at least I hear about for the first time.

US

AU(stralia)

Smack'em over the head...

[Addendum: I think this is a typo in the US spec sheets, it was not mentioned anywhere else, not reviewed and not available in the lenovosolutioncenter, nor in their topseller sheet, at the moment it looks like this is just another snafu/typo thingie, they do not even mention the HD4000 by its name, some intern gone rampam again. I seriously wonder whether they consider this theatre a good launch or whether internally quite a lot of hate mails are circulating, this circus is ridiculous, no hate from me, just happy about the amusement)

 

I'm impressed that Lenovo is able to cram in an Nvidia GPU into the X1C. I hope this option is available at launch.

There's been a lot of comments on this thread if the display is really IPS or not. I hope it is. But looking through all the reviews on, the viewing angle looks pretty good. The only disappointing picture of the display that I saw is the one posted by Notebook Review: Notebook Reviews - Laptop Reviews and Netbook News Picture . At the end of the day, I don't care if it is IPS technology or not. As long as the viewing angle and color production on the screen is top notch because that's what I'll be seeing everyday. I like the fact that Lenovo is shipping this unit with a matte screen. I can't stand the reflective displays where it acts like a mirror. I hope NotebookCheck will have their in depth review soon, can't wait. :GEEK:

I'm debating if I should replace my X220T with this or not. I find that the resolution on my X220T is not high enough for me and I often wish the resolution is higher. I guess I would have to sell my X220T if I do decide to get the X1C. Wonder how much $$$ I can sell my X220T for...

Also, I'm debating if I should just wait for Windows 8 to be shipped with the X1C. So at least, I don't have to go through the trouble of reinstalling Windows 8 and all the drivers. I don't expect this to be too much of an issue but I guess I'm lazy.

Hoping for good discount and stackable coupon when it gets released!!!!

 

Ohhh man...I didn't see the AU's version of the X1C datasheet. I hope it does indeed have Nvidia GPU. But I guess even if it doesn't, it's not a deal breaker for me.

 

The chances of it having an nVidia GPU is very unlikely.

 

It has been my experience that the best option for performance is to wipe the drive on unboxing and perform a clean install of the OS and drivers (and MS Office etc.).

I will do this with the X1C as I have done with the T410s, T61p and T42 in the past.

 

Just disappointed that the memory is the 1333mhz since other manufacturers now use 1600mhz

 

I also do this every time I get a new notebook. It makes a huge difference.

 

Yeah, I bet it's a typo.

 

+1 That is quite a lot of extra heat and no much value for business/professional user. Plus extra const. TB or more SSD options would be better investment.
As far as I'd like to see dGPU in this ultrabook, consequences of that scares me. I have experience with dGPU on my vaio z. I'd like to use eGPU more to save buttery and heat but then hdmi does not work etc..

Looks to me as copy-paste mistake by marketing team. That could be T430* specs copied.

 

Does the difference between 1333 and 1600 make a tangible difference in day to day use? Would a user notice this difference?

 

No, not one bit. Not ever.

 

indeed.

another discrepancy between the two sheets: the U.S. one lists Bluetooth 3.0 (4.0 has been reported elsewhere) as optional; the Austrailia one has no mention of Bluetooth at all.

 

This laptop is pretty disappointing based on the specs. If only the Vaio Z3 had the touchpoint and fast-charging system, that would be my perfect laptop. Yes it's much more expensive, but full quad-core processors? 8gb 1600mhz? raid 0 hard drive config? 1080p IPS display?

The only other decent laptops besides thinkpads I know of that have the touchpoint are HP's pro versions. But HP's quality is definitely not on par with thinkpads.

 

ThinkPad T430u pricing just announced - $779. That's $520 less than the $1299 that Engadget is now reporting the XC1 will go for.

Lenovo's 'ultra-portable' ThinkPad T430u will be available later this month for $779 | The Verge

The T430u seems to offer pretty compelling value given how similar it is to the CX1. Plus you get ethernet, HDMI, 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 620M graphics!, easy access to the HD/RAM, 2 USB 3.0 (versus just 1), and better battery life.

The negatives? Worse screen, 1lb heavier, slightly thicker (0.83 thick), no backlit keyboard? - anything else?

I imagine you're paying extra for the Nvidia chip? But will the SSD cost extra?

Also, the thunderbolt port that was originally announced at CES has been dropped for just a display port.

More here:

Lenovo Adds ThinkPad T430u to Ultrabook Lineup | News & Opinion | PCMag.com

 

Any possibility to change display manually? Get a panel from other thinkpad or compatible laptop and put in this chassis...

 

Will the t430u have the rapid-charging technology that the x1c has?

Does anybody know the ram speed? i7 quad available? battery life?

I can definitely deal with the extra pound and not-as-attractive looks compared to the x1c. At least it will be much cheaper and have my beloved touchpoint!

Anyone know the release date on this? Same day as x1c, Aug 21?

 

Are you implying the X1C doesn't?

 

As there still seems to be confusion, and for the newcomers, here is the summary of what we know till today and is most likely to be the configuration.

Rule #1, don't trust any sources till they really have an order page, Lenovo themself is pretty confused

• CPU: only ULV Dual core with Hyperthreading, i5-3317U(1.7GHz), i5-3427U(1.8GHz), i7-3667U(2GHz)
• GPU: Intel HD4000
• RAM: 4GB for all models. 8GB has only been seen for the i5s. This seems unlikely, but i7 has not been seen with 8GB. This could be due to Tbolt idiocy as with T430s(pure speculation). There is no reliable data about this. But 8GB with i5 has been seen on multiple order pages and on lenovo pages themselves. Non-upgradable by user.
• HDD: 128GB Sandisk and 256GB Sandisk(most probably, as special form factor, seems specifically built for Lenovo). Not the quickest out there, but most probably more than ok. Non-upgradable!
• Screen: 14" very good TN, 1600x900 (300nits), but NOT IPS
• Tbold: Unlikely, but could be, as with T430s with the I7 which would could also explain lack of Ram 8GB option (pure speculation)
• Battery life: At least 5h, some report 7h, Lenovo themselves are ambivalent, latest sheets say 6.5h.
• Keyboard: Excellent
• Ports: 1x USB3, 1x USB2, 1 Kensington lock, Mini Displayport, SDcard reader, Audio jack.
• Ethernet port: None! You can use Ethernet using a USB-Ethernet adaptor
• Win7 Bootup time: Cannot be said, until somebody wipes a system clean and boots it up without all the bloatware.
• HD space left: strange question, if you make a backup of the recovery partitions and make a clean partitioning, you should have about 119GB (net for 128GB) and ~245GB (net for 256GB). +/-5GB, cut me some slack
• Release date: Aug 21

What did I forget?

 

T430u thread might be better suited...

Afaik no.

No and it doesn't really matter, Ram won't be the bottle neck
I would think that this machine too, will only have the ULV CPUs, otherwise battery life will be quite reduced.

Just fyi X1C has trackpoint and touchpad too. All tpads hvae that afaik.

They always said, _after_ the X1C, I do not think they want to steal the thunder from it, but that would be the rational thing for them to do and they love to do otherwise


Wrt upgrading the screen, how should anybody know if that is possible? For that you would have to see what fits in there, where the connectors are what the height is etc, for all weknow it could be a custom model for Lenovo. So no idea.

Till today there are not even good closeup pictures of the T430u, just some Lenovo pics, afaik.

 

Bullets for reading ease.

• Do you have proof on the 256GB SSD supplier?
• 115GB on the 128GB comment is incorrect. It is 119.
• Do you have proof on the screen technology? Where is that confirmed by Lenovo in writing?

 

So then on to the next question of i7 vs. i5...

Is there a tangible difference between these two processors? I am assuming folks won't be buying the X1C for video encoding etc., but more for web use and office productivity apps. In terms of that, thoughts?

 

Including me. I've played intensive games on my T500, "multitasked," ran Linux VMs, done a some CAD work, and more on my T500. Never once have I had an issue with 4GB of RAM.

No, there won't be a noticeable difference. Unless there are only preconfigured versions where getting an i7 is mandatory to get some other necessary feature, I would imagine that for 95%+ of users, the i5 is more than enough.

 

I'd recommend the ThinkPad T430U discussion and questions evolve to a separate thread. This will be better for organization purposes. Otherwise, important information is going to get buried here.

 

Good post av676

I don't know if there's proof of the 256GB SSD supplier, though I'm betting it's the same Sandisk as the 128GB version. I hope I'm wrong and it's something better.

The screen tech I agree on. It's not IPS but a high quality TN display. There is no proof but if you put 2 and 2 together based on all the reviews we've seen, you'll come to the same conclusion. The best review is still the Russian one from months back where we see the screen is great in the brightness area, good in horizontal viewing angles, and black levels are good but not quite as dark as some of the best panels. I'd say it's a good display and I'm a graphic designer looking for the best.

I think the Zenbook Prime and Macbook Retina have the screens to beat for their own reasons but since the Lenovo is well rounded in just about every area, it's my pick. The Samsung Series 9 13" comes close.

 

As per your request I beautified it a bit

Proof for 256 supplier? No, I clarified it.
The 119, sure, I did not specify whether formatted and in which format either, I added your 119.
Proof on screen tech? No I have no proof, besides NONE of the Lenovo documents and none of the reviews and none of the hand-ons, stating that it is an IPS. And a couple stating that it is a TN. Thus I would guess that the likelihood of there being an IPS screen and nobody having said so, is next to zero.

Don't forget, I am just writing what is 98% certain, nothing else. And that, because Lenovo is not capable of communicating properly . As always, I am innocent

 

I have created a X1 Carbon Owners thread now that the official datasheet has been published. See http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/682433-thinkpad-x1-carbon-owners-thread.html.

I will continue to maintain the base post on that thread for quite some time as I intend to buy at least two units. I'll be adding thumbnails for the press pics and other assorted official information.

Feel free to discuss the product there, especially now that we have a solid basis of real information.

Also, there is a T430U Owners thread at http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/636585-thinkpad-ultrabook-t430u.html for those of you that want to discuss that product. I may end up buying one of them for my wife. I need to wait and see how the reviews on it turn out.

 

As far as I see on prerelease model there was Toshiba SSD: http://www.3dnews.ru/_imgdata/img/2012/06/07/630595/ltpx1c-inside-6.jpg
Also from this image it is obvious that full size mSata won't fit. as for mSata mini - there are only up to 32-64GM models on the market so it won't make much improvement in overall space.
With same success one could use 64GB SD card

may be later there will be mSata mini with more capacity. not now.

 

So there is one proprietary gumstick SSD. For those of us who order without the 3G modem, does that mean we can add a second hard drive in the mSATA slot? Are there any limitations from the other slot? I'm trying to dig up the Russian teardown in this thread to take a peak...

Release date is Aug. 21


Also, I saw it in at least one review, that said the RAM was replaceable (only one DIMM) by taking off the bottom of the laptop. Any truth to that?

 

This is where I got the msata info from, naturally had not time to try it myself, do you think they are wrong? then I'll change it:
http://www.notebooksandmore.de

wrt sandisk, i just took it as granted, given I thought these review units would have the actual pieces of hardware in them, that we would have to deal with too:

http://blog.laptopmag.com

 

Good point that is a Toshiba SSD. I've seen screen caps of Sandisks used though. I wonder if they changed it for the production model.

I guess we should continue this on Thor's thread..

 

Nope, that is a one-piece bottom piece. Check the russin review, they took it apart and the RAM is soldered in.

 

I don't think it will fit... the space is tiny http://www.3dnews.ru/_imgdata/img/2012/06/07/630595/ltpx1c-inside-2-comm.jpg

And it makes sense. A 3G modem should be a lot smaller than an SSD.

It also could be possible to have different SSD's across models. It's like World War 2 in the Zenbook Prime threads about ADATA vs. Sandisk. But from what another reviewer pointed out, the Sandisk seems very adequate for an OEM proprietary SSD.

 

I just looked through it. I'm pretty sure they only show the top of the motherboard and the underside of the keyboard. None of those look like the bottom of the motherboard.

That said, I do see where they have pointed out the RAM... but I'm still curious.

 

Does anyone know or have suspicions about whether the X1C will be available or at least on display in any brick-and-mortar stores (so I could see and test it out before purchase) and if so, when that would be?

 

I agree, took it out.

 

Take Sony Vaio Z for example. Yes, they put that proprietary SSD there long ago but for good! They delivered up to 4 SDDs in RAIO 0. And now with 2 they provide more than 800 MB/s reads and high writes. This is what OEM proprietary SSD should be. If you cannot put top notch drive in PC with less cost than alternatives on the market - don't mess. put mSata and be clear.