Thinkpad X1 Carbon 2012

Does the x1 carbon with a 3 year warranty or is that an upgrade?

 

while i agree that she typically does rather good reviews, i believe that she has been unfair on the X1 Carbon versus the Sony Z 2012 comparisons, i.e. her video on the Z (incl her written Z review) versus the X1 carbon (no written review yet on the x1 carbon).

she de-emphasizes the x1 carbon's benefits, and emphasizes the negatives (i.e. the price, the battery life which is poor/barely acceptable).

she emphasizes the Z 2012's benefits, and de-emphasizes the Z 2012's negatives. Examples: she wrote as the FIRST sentence of the Z's written review: "This is a love story." She also didn't mention sufficiently, or rather warn potential buyers, of the Z 2012's unbelievably poor speakers (horrendous). She called the X1 Carbon to be very very expensive. Well, she didn't say the Sony Z is EVEN MORE expensive, she just referred to it as a premium product.

i'm not sure how objective she is when comparing these two products.

additionally, the obvious comparison is between the X1 Carbon with the Z 2012. on the video, she uses the Asus Zen. while that is interesting vis-a-vis the IPS comparison, she ignores the obvious "uber premium laptop with the uber premium laptop" comparison: the Z 2012 vs the X1 Carbon, and opted for the Zen vs the X1 Carbon comparison. Why?

strange for an otherwise objective writer.

 

I think she just wanted to show where the Carbons screen might be lacking. I think it's important to show as that's one of my main gripes. But she does say it's still an exceptional display for a TN. For that reason, I will be purchasing it. If it were a glossy or standard TN I would definitely not.

 

urbanglocam: i agree with you, yes, the x1 carbon ought to be a bit better, i.e. an IPS.

however, the 1600x900 is a VERY intelligent compromise of resolutions by the Lenovo team of developers! any more, i.e. a 1080, would really be a bit "too much" for a 14" screen UNLESS you really use it intensively for videos (i will not).

when i was at the Sony Store here in Manhattan looking at the Z 2012 last week, it was a real drag to have to press Control ++++++ for every single website i went to while testing the Z out. yes, i can set the browser to bigger sized letters, still, it doesn't always work right.

me thinks that the Z is overdoing it with the 1080, and it is still lacking in build quality, despite what they purport to be: uber strong. it doesn't feel like it at all whatsoever to me! it felt flimsy, just like every single Vaio laptops i've ever felt.

on the other hand, every single Thinkpad i've ever felt was strong strong strong.

Lisa Gade kept saying how expensive the X1 Carbon is. true, it is not low. But, why didn't she say how INCREDIBLY expensive the Z 2012 is? Z 2012 is around $2,000 and the X1 Carbon is around $1,500 to $1,800, that's a $200 to $500 difference on a product that is in the $1,500 to $2,000 range, which is not a small difference! I'm at a complete loss as she is typically rather objective.

The lack of head to head comparison of the Z 2012 in the x1 Carbon review left me shaking my head. These two are direct competitors.

 

I'm happy with the display. 1600x900 is exactly what I was hoping for : better than the (wordfilters?) that is 1366x768, but without the price premium of x1080 IPS.

Really, the only thing I'm somewhat concerned about is the Sandisk SSD, price (hopefully sub 1200 after coupons), and any unforeseen build quality issues (my old t60p was perfect except for the well-documented fan issues).

 

This. Lisa mentions the Sandisk in the X1C does very well in performance tests and grades a 7.9 on WEI. This makes me feel better considering the Sandisk in the Zenbook UX31A graded 7.6

If I can get some decent coupons, I will be buying this baby ASAP. Does anybody know if Lenovo makes their products available on the B&N Gold Store immediately? Or will we have to wait until after 8/21?

 

Usually they are the same. Sometimes EPP has special coupons that are sent out via email but it's not often.

 

where would one get to see and feel a real unit immediately? i.e. next week? here in Manhattan, i cannot seem to figure out where to find one! if you can't find it in Manhattan, where would one be able to find one? this is truly a weakness of Lenovo!

the 1600x900 seems like a highly intelligent, balanced choice by the Lenovo designers. as mentioned earlier, i disliked the Z 2012's 1080 resolution when going on the internet websites: on EACH AND EVERY PAGE, i HAD TO click Control +++++ to be able to read it.

ONE QUESTION:

can someone please triple check to be sure the "headphone jack" on the X1 Carbon is indeed a combination headphones and microphone jack? the Cnet reviewer called it specifically a headphones jack only! Lisa Gade called it a combo jack. the pdf spec sheet called it a "combo audio" jack.

i just don't want the unpleasant surprise that it is IMPOSSIBLE to connect a combination headphones and microphone earpiece to it for Skype!!! that would be a rude awakening.

anyone might be able to confirm that once and for all?

thanks in advance.

btw, the sandisk seems to get universally surprised opinion that it is good. breathing a sigh of relief!

has anyone used Barnes and Nobles Gold Store? i get the feeling that the coupons and specials won't be for this HOT NEW seller! why would they bother putting this brand new hot seller on sale?!? that would defy common business sense. early adopters like us here will pay for the "early adopter tax", right?

 

It seems weird to me they would offer discount coupons so quickly and easily as well. Maybe you have to verify you're a student/faculty in some way. It does specifically say, "Lenovo offers discounts on its entire product line, including award-winning ThinkPad notebooks."

 

May I ask how one would get on the EPP email list for "special coupons" please?

thx!

 

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Lenovo Worldwide | Careers in Innovation | Home

 

When all the ivy bridge refreshes of the thinkpads came out they all had coupons on the B&N site. So rest assured, they'll probably discount it. Also you don't need any proof of being a student to sign up for the site.

 

Aren't EPP discounts also offered to big enterprise customers?

 

Sorry if this has already been answered but how user upgradeable is the X1 Carbon? I always buy my own RAM and SSD and upgrade those components myself. Is this possible and if so, would it be a major hassle?

Edit:

To answer my own question, based on link provided in a previous post, it looks like the SSD is user replaceable but the RAM is soldered

ThinkPad X1 Carbon Service Training Course

 

May I ask how the link you provided above helps us sign up for the EPP discounts?

Thx.

 

Also, the SSD appears to use a non-standard connector, so it may not be easily user swappable and availability of a replacement may be limited.

 

That's a shame, standard mSATA would be better. I'm fine with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD, not a deal-breaker even though it would cost more to configure rather than DYI.

It does seem like the SSD could be replaced in the future without too much trouble, although I haven't gauged what it would take to strip it down to that level. You're right, options would probably be limited like with 1.8" SSDs if not worse.

 

I am looking forward to see if an i7/8GB/256GB configuration will be available at launch or shortly after.


Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

one thing that bothers me with the various thinkpad models is how they dont use a standard port layout across their lines.

the way i typically use my laptop now, i find the AC adapter position on the back to be well placed. with the X1 carbon, its top left which presents a slight problem for me.
the front facing headphone jack on my T400 was also a smart choice and yet theyve now tossed the input on one of the sides, on both the X1 and T430, and others as well most likely.

i guess these are things i'll have to get used to or simply accept, but i'd like it if they standardized these things going forward.

and whats up with the USB 2.0 port? if USB 3.0 is available is it that much of an expense to make them both 3.0?

i was just comparing the X1 to a MBA and thats one thing the MBA has over the X1. this would have been the ultimate laptop for the year if it had included full 3.0 support and possibly a Thunderbolt port.

do you know what EPP stands for? if so, it shouldnt be too difficult to figure out.

otherwise youre asking the wrong question and should try to learn what EPP represents.

 

Yep ...

 

One of the expansions for the acronym is Employee Purchase Program (EPP). EPP discounts are available to employees of companies Lenovo has big contracts with, not just employees of Lenovo or IBM. Apple does the same thing. Most of the other OEMs have EPP programs, too.

 

Any difference in pricing between the EPP and the shareholder purchase program? I've been using the latter for years now.

 

No. Enterprise customer's employees go through the Lenovo affinity program.

Not with Lenovo. Lenovo has a different program called Affinity for that purpose. EPP is for Lenovo employees, IBM employees and IBM contractors.

Typically no difference, but they are not always the same.

By accepting a position with Lenovo, you attain the ability to get EPP discounts.

 

Oh, thank you so much, MaX PL. That was helpful.

I'll be sure to educate myself and get right back to you pronto.

Thank you.

Have a wonderful Sunday evening and thanks again to you.

Mmm, ok, that would seem unlikely in my particular case. I'm merely looking to upgrade my laptop to something lighter and better, so it would be highly unlikely that I'd look for or accept a position with Lenovo.

Bummer. I guess then the EPP is out for me.

i wonder if one can purchase stock in Lenovo, if they were indeed a publicly held company, and get such benefits? if so, one would be, in theory, able to purchase a merely few shares and get a good discount in buying Lenovo products?

 

The BN option is still a good route to go. It's usually the same as EPP.

 

You mean the Affinity program.

 

The 7.9 in WEI is not the point at all.
The Samsung Series 9's with Sandisk U100's also score 7.9 in WEI, but
the 4K and other scores are extremely low, the lowest on any SSD I have had back to the original INTEL X25M's.

These slow Sandisk SSD's get good scores for sequential reads and writes, and this gives you a 7.9 WEI.

Again, it is the 4K scores that indicate real world performance.

 

IBM and Lenovo shareholders can use the Shareholder Purchase Program at lenovo.com/spp. Though, I think the discounts aren't as good as BNGold though.

 

With the imminent release of the X1 Carbon in the USA on the 21st, does this mean units will be available to be ordered online on that date with the usual build time and shipping delays or do Lenovo actually ship units on release date? In previous releases, do Lenovo make units available globally or selected markets with staggered launches? I need to replace my Z1 Sony soon and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on a Carbon ASAP.

 

so i think it's been mentioned before, but i'll ask again since i cant find the info easily.
i've read the that the SSD is serviceable, but what is the form factor? mSATA?

 

Its a unique, proprietary format.

 

nevermind then. gotta stop using engadget comments for info.

 

Just to let you guys know, I just received an e-mail from my Lenovo rep saying I can order the X1 Carbon tomorrow. I'm guessing this is no different from everyone else. Earlier than expected!

 

Thanks for the info, I'm guessing the preorders are going up tommorow?

 

I wonder if that will be public on the website or you can only order through a rep. The reps are rewarded for their sales.

I haven't heard anything yet.

 

My rep confirmed that it will be over the phone and online. I don't think I have any privilege over anyone, so don't worry.

 

Cool. Thanks. Can't wait to see street pricing.

 

may i ask the general opinion on how "bad" the Sandisk SSD really is?

there's all this talk about 4K performance and i checked it out, indeed, it seems (at least on the surface for a non-specialist like me) to under perform others, please see:

Crucial m4 256GB mSATA SSD: Performance

on the other hand, one SSD does not a great laptop make. it has to be the successful synthesis of all the components with all the real world compromises made, and then one may make a judgment as to whether or not the laptop is successful or not, not merely whether the SSD of the laptop is great or not. that would be akin to saying that the tires of a car is great, but what about the rest of the car and the car "as a whole"?

i'd love to hear more informed individuals opining and educating me (and maybe some others) on this.

thanks in advance.

 

See PC Solutions | Lenovo Catalog Click on [Learn More] and then [Top Sellers]

Prices are without any discount... There is no 8 gig RAM as it is, probably an option once you select your model.

Nonetheless, $1999 for the one I'm looking for (i7-3667U) before the RAM upgrade...

'Will get on the coupon hunt then !

 

Thx for this heads up. something is confusing re: the specs and the ordering/pricing:

$1,849 # 344425U seems entirely identical to
$1,929 # 34442KU

every listed spec is identical, even the warranty of 3-yr depot.

also: according to the wiki article, the i7 3667U is a 2 Core, 4 thread processor, the exact same as the 2 Core, 4 thread processors i5 3317U and 3427U offered! that said, i fail to understand what real-life, perceivable benefits one would see by going to the 3667U? even the 3317U (and its associated savings, albeit merely a couple of hundred dollars) would seem entirely similar or identical in real-life situations. Sure, the L3 cache is 3MB vs 4MB, and the speeds are every so slightly different at 2.6 vs 2.8 vs 3.2GHz. In context of this being a more business-type machine, with good video functionalities, and not billed as a gamers' laptop whatsoever, doesn't it seem wise to go for the 3317U?

This is not trying to be cheap or scrap the last dollars off the price, but for all we know, the lower clock speeds and less cache might just increase battery life by some -- might it increase it by 10%?

anyone who's far more educated on this, kindly pitch in and help me/others on this please.

thx in advance.

 

The difference in your analogy is that the tires on a car, whether good or bad, can be changed easily in 15 minutes. If the SSD was standard mSATA, this would be true as well, but since it is a proprietary format, you likely would only be able to change it for another Lenovo part number. Also, from some reviews I have read, the screws on the bottom that you remove to access the SSD also bolt-through the battery, so user-replacement may not be a no-brainer.

The SSD speed isn't going to matter for most people for everyday use, web-browsing, and office apps, etc. unless the pausing/stuttering symptoms appear, such as those I have experienced on ultrabooks using the Sandisk U100 models. With the stuttering, you can be cruising along doing anything, and the system will simply seize up for a moment. I have no idea if these symptoms are the same as with the original Sandforce SSD's, but I doubt it. The U100's are just plain slow.

No reviewer has mentioned such issues with their use of the X1C, so it is likely that Lenovo sourced a decent SSD.

But yes, the 4K is what really matters for most everyday use, but having slow 4K benchmarks don't keep the drive from getting a 7.9 WEI.

 

The 34442KU has 3G

 

Thx for the clarification.

The stuttering is entirely unacceptable. This is 2012, and this is a purportedly top of the line machine. If one were doing some type of very intense gaming, and multi-tasking to boot, then, i'd be more forgiving of stuttering.

am i correct to be so rigid about having no stuttering in this x1c machine? after all, we're paying top dollar for a purportedly top of the line machine. the lack of battery option is almost enough to stop me from buying this x1c, but the Z2012's numerous compromises bother me even more!

i wonder if anyone can pitch in here and discuss real life Sandisk SSD issues/pros/cons? that would be truly educational, as no reviewer really specifically addressed this!

Thx again.

 

My reference is this table : Mobile Processors - Benchmarklist - Notebookcheck.net Tech

The U series of CPU are painfully slow but that's the price to pay to use only 17W and keep the batteries running 6 hours...

The nice thing about the Z3 is the Quad core uber CPU (and the IPS !) but the heat, crampy touchpad, shallow keyboard and lousy speaker are keeping me away from it. Otherwise great machine for someone not bothered by those.

 

Very fair prices here in Germany: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Ultrabook N3N2SGE 34602SG Intel Core i5-3427U, 8GB und 256GB SSD bei notebooksbilliger.de And thats a 8GB model. A few days ago it was listed on another shoppig site, the same model, but nearly 1900 €.

 

nt123: thx for that additional table/resource! good find!

i do not see how any different conclusions may be drawn using that new table versus the wiki. they both point out the same differences and similarities and, still, the 3 processors look extremely similar in performance, with 2 cores, 4 threads, and slight/minor differences in speeds which are all but lost in real world situations, where the "...waiting for server..." trumps many other minor speed differences.

may i ask if my interpretation of this is correct, or, should i learn more about one or more aspects of these ULV mobile processors?

thank you again.

 

So it's confirmed for preorder tomorrow?
I'm not going to lie, I'm relatively excited

 

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon review | The Verge

 

Really hoping the X1 Carbon comes under the MBA pricepoint, which is now $999 for a 13 in w/ i5, 4 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD after a student discount at BB. Lenovo's Barnes and Noble Gold does claim "discounts on all it's entire product line, including award-winning Thinkpad Notebooks" so hopefully we see at least 30% off

 

"An hour and a few tests later, I went to pick up the laptop to set in on my lap for some more testing and browsing. I dropped it immediately, like I'd grabbed a hot pan off the stove. The X1 Carbon gets really, really hot when it's working hard, to the point where it becomes a problem."

Ugh... that is the *one* thing that may keep me from purchasing this thing.