Thinkpad X1 Carbon 2012

takes 5 minutes i think

 

For what it's worth...the engadget reviewer responded to a similar questions: "Here's the response from Lenovo:
[It's] not it is not proprietary or soldered. The SSD is removable, and in a gum-stick form factor, the ScanDisk X100 in 128GB and 256GB sizes."

 

Synthetic benchmarks attempt to define some scenarios that are close enough to some real world conditions that it will give you an idea of the performance under those scenarios. I'll give you some examples.

First, the sequential read and write benchmarks are important to me. I use a lot of large binary blobs. A virtual machine virtual disk file is a prime example. If the flash drive sucks at sequential reads, it's going to suck at loading a 25GB VM via that virtual disk file. The same is true for HD video editing. Loading up a project with several large multi gigabyte files is heavily influenced by sequential read. Conversely, when you are done withe VM and want to save your changes or create a snapshot, that might be a huge sequential write. The same is true for a large HD project and writing changes.

In the days of platters, tracks, and sectors, those writes are also heavily influenced by contiguous space. Adjacent free blocks, sectors and tracks means the read/write head didn't need to move as much thus cutting latency. RPM obviously helps get that platter spun back around for the next read or write.

Take into account the randomness of someone's day reading email, compiling code, surfing the net, loading a VM, editing a picture, etc. you can quickly see many of those chores don't involve large big blobs and huge extended reads or writes. Hence the reason smaller block performance is also important. On a HDD platter, random reads and writes are torture.

Then there's the whole discussion around cluster sizes (allocation unit), the default for different partition types and file systems, and their impact to I/O performance.

This stuff is actually science.

The problem is, you can't be completely sure the synthetic benchmarks are really doing justice to the test you need to simulate YOUR activities. So the benchmarks end up being just one way to assess the environment. Never trust a single benchmarking tool to give you a complete picture. I usually run tests with three or more tools. Anand does a really good job at anandtech.com when it comes to testing I/O. Les at thessdreview.com also does a good job.

As much as I'd like to have the option to install my own SSD based on reviews of trusted sites, it isn't going to happen right now with the X1C. Not until the gumstick designs are replicated to the retail market.

Here are the performance targets I would be shooting for in the X1C.

 

I think it generates a personalized code for each recipient, so sharing it might not be a good idea.

 

Just got it, but when I add it, it makes me unable to check out
Price goes down to $999.20 before tax.

 

Yeah a bunch of us have that issue.

 

I must be blind. Where does everyone see this sign-up and get another 10% off link?

 

That's exactly what happens to me. Signing up for the newsletter 10% off doesn't let me check out. Wondering if others are receiving a code from somewhere else?

 

^^^^ I am getting the same problem. $999.20 and can't check out. I have saved the cart though and saved a screen shot just in case. Has anyone found a work around to get it at this price?

 

Have you guys tried calling Lenovo Sales? You should be able to order through them; just explain the ecoupon you used and the configuration. You may even be able to negotiate a lower price.

 

i found it at the bottom right of one of the pages. front page has it actually.

or the top menu that says email signup.

 

Looking at the service manual, it looks like the ssd may be the exact same size as what the MBA uses. Even the semicircle screw mounting is the same.

 

I went to Lenovo's main site, Laptops, Tablets PCs, Netbooks, Desktops, PCs, Computers and Accessories | Lenovo | US. Then at the top, I clicked on "Email signup" then it'll take you through some questionarres. Make sure you select receive promotional check box. I did have to wait ~5 minutes for the E-mail though.

 

To all trying to check out with both codes: I got on Lenovo online chat and checked out that way

 

Just a heads up..

The X1C doesn't offer a native docking solution, so I'm pretty sure many will be thinking of pairing it with a Lenovo USB3 Dock as a quick desk docking solution.

Lenovo's USB 3.0 Dock uses a DisplayLink DL-3900 GPU which is limited to 2048x1152 resolution.

This won't work with the popular Dell U2711 & U3011 IPS monitors which have a 2560 x 1440 (WQHD) resolution unless you're willing to plug another mDP/DP cable directly between the X1C and Dell monitor, so it becomes a 3 cable solution; Power + USB3 + mDP

 

X1C Sandisk part number:

SD5SG2-256G-1052E

 

I already called, they won't do it. They say its an error and that you can't stack the codes.

 

Looking at this closer, the X1 Carbon ssd looks a lot shorter than the one used in the MBA.

 

How does it compare to the ASUS gumstick? If they are all different, this is where Intel's "Ultrabook" program failed. The storage device size and interface should be standard, not proprietary.

 

On a completely unrelated note: Because the X1C has a footprint that's almost exactly the same as 13.3" laptops. I shouldn't have a problem fitting it in a 13.3" carrying case, right?

Specifically: ThinkPad Ultraportable Case | 41U5062 | Lenovo | (US)

I asked this in the other thread but I figured I'd give a go here as well.

 

Along the same train of thought, i'd like the SMALLEST sleeve for my future x1c. may i know if anyone knows of a goodlooking, clean design, protective sleeve? i prefer ones that are fully enclosed, i.e. with a zipper, rather than ones with one completely open end.

again, my particular interest is one that fits it exactly, i.e. the smaller possible protective sleeve that still protects it, while allowing it to go in and out properly, but no extra, unnecessary room to speak of.

thx in advance.

 

Do you guys think the X1 would be enough power to complete an Engineering degree? I am going into engineering in 4 days and need to buy a new laptop! I just need it for engineering software.. CAD and MATLAB would probably be the most intensive programs

 

I had no success combining the EPP discount with the 10% newsletter coupon. I tried calling a representative as some suggested, but was told that these cannot be combined. I pushed hard to get the price for the lowest option down to $1000 but could not make it happen. Was told the system would not accept such a low price.

 

Has anyone found a place to purchase extra power supplies? Not even Lenovo seemed to have them, and with the new plug design I can not reuse the ones I have for all my other Thinkpads.

Also, should I expect one or two supplies to come with the laptop?

 

I have never ever seen a single laptop that comes with TWO power supplies. Maybe only super specialized professional laptops for unique purposes?!?

 

My last two work Thinkpads both came with two PSUs. But I guess the second PSU could have been added to the order by our purchaser.

 

*sigh* I've come to my senses and decided to pass on the X1C.
I've really grown used to having a notebook that offers some sort of desktop docking solution so that I can work with wired ethernet, USB devices and a 27" U2711 monitor when I'm at my desk and at home.

After reading this review from Notebookcheck of the Fujitsu USB 3 dock which uses the same internals as Lenovo's USB 3 Dock I'm less than impressed with how poor this solution performs.

The X1C was supposed to be Lenovo's high end corporate business ultraportable, but IMHO they botched up what could have been a great machine.

My gripes

No docking solution - Why didn't they at least incorporate a combination thunderbolt/display port like the MBA so we have a chance to use the upcoming TB docks from Belkin & Matrox next month.
USB2 10/100 ethernet dongle - it's 2012, 10/100 really?
Not the best SSD choices - Toshiba & Sandisk, at least offer 256GB & 512GB Samsung SSDs
RAM limitation - either i5/8GB or i7/4GB, no i7/8GB even the 11" MBA offers this so please spare me the space and heat constraints excuse, it's lame.
Battery Life - 5hrs no slice options when on the go.

A T430S would be fine if the screen didn't blow chunks. The notebook itself is actually pretty nice and with a 6 + 3 cell bay battery it's got a respectable 9hr uptime.
Even bigger question is if Lenovo has access to better quality 14" screens for the X1C, why don't their product managers get their heads out of their butts and offer it as a +$100 Premium HD display on the T430S. People would line up in droves to fill their pockets. Instead we got a thread on this forum of poor souls trying to figure out how to buy the X1C screen grey market and replace the one on their brand new T430S's. It's pitiful really.

Why do these PC OEMs insist on letting Apple run circles around them like this?

 

The MBA and Zenbook gumsticks are different as are the respective 2011 And 2012 MBA gumsticks.

 

I spoke to a Lenovo rep, since the charger is a completely new design from what other Lenovo laptops use, it won't be available for about a month.

 

Where did you find the maintenance manual for this laptop? If someone could confirm the length of the gum stick SSD, it might allow some of us to upgrade using a Macbook Air or Retina Macbook Pro 3rd party SSD and not pay $280 for the Lenovo upgrade.

 

X1 Carbon uses a shorter gumstick ssd than other ultrabooks like the Zenbook and MBA. No space.

There is an ultraslim square powertip for the X1C to use with the ultraslim charger. This is presumably just an adapter that you should be able to use with any standard Thinkpad charger. 0B47048.

 

I really want to pull the trigger on one of these things, but my T60 still works so well I just can't bring myself to do it yet. I maxed out the ram, put in a SSD and run Linux on it, and it performs better than many of my friends newer laptops. At least I really got my money's worth. I am jealous of all those that will get one of these things delivered soon. Enjoy!

 

Yeah, I have a pretty decked out T410s from April 2010 warranted until April 2013. Bought a new battery for it and everything. I've gotten close but can't quite pull the trigger on a X1C because the T410s works so well.

Maybe next year's version. I think I'll be better served with either a Thinkpad tablet or Surface Pro tablet in the coming months

 

Ditto.

I keep convincing myself in and out of picking up an X1C. It looks like a great machine, but my T410s rocks (except it's out warranty since the beginning of August).

 

A question with those with more experience with Lenovo customer service: Do you think it's a good idea to purchase the "sealed battery replacement" warranty (90 dollars more than the standard 3 year depot warranty)? How picky is the company about the threshold of poor performance that must be reached to trigger a free replacement?

Also, as a point of reference, does anyone know how much Lenovo battery warranties tend to be relative to the price of replacements? The sales rep I talked to didn't have a clue how much a replacement + service (assuming service would be necessary to replace the battery) would cost for the newer models for which the "sealed battery replacement warranty" is designed...so I'd like to at least have a point of reference from which to estimate the warranty's value.

Thanks!

 

I just know if I got the X1C I'd regret it once a newer version came out. And then I'd just be stuck with my obsolete computer with probably no way to bring it up to current specs.

 

Some students like the X230T or X220T because of the stylus input for taking notes. Have you considered that as a feature that you might find useful?

 

Thinkpad batteries tend to be on the more expensive side. I would guess this replacement would cost close to $200 + service.

I've personally always bought the "Accidental Damage Protection" warranty. This covers everything from spills to drops. As someone who has dropped his laptop, it's very reassuring to have. It only cost about $70 more on the regular site compared to the regular depot warranty.

I asked a rep earlier what the difference between Accidental Damage protection and "Sealed Battery Replacement" was. Basically I couldn't find a reason to get the battery one. It only covers one replacement of the battery, which I think is standard for the first year of use anyway (I could be wrong on this). But if you have accidental damage protection, you could technically get a new battery (and computer) if you shorted the battery or it got run over by a truck.

I'm personally going with the "2YR Onsite Next Business Day + Accidental Damage Protection" which is $40 more than one year.

 

MiB, I can't agree with you anymore. I have been reiterating every single word you mentioned to myself for months. I just hope that consumers do not lie to themselves anymore and understand that all of our frustration with these products is either intentional or at least not cared for though the solutions are very easy but they are either trying to leave some compromises in each product to sell all or they are keeping the better solutions for the future which would be stupid. Anyway, all what I know for sure is that we could get better of every product they make now and not tomorrow but they just do not want/care to do it.

 

i have the exact same question vis-a-vis the warranties!

they have a 2-year depot/accidental
and a 2-year sealed battery replacement!

they do not detail or make clear whether or not the 2-yr sealed batt replacement option INCLUDES the accidental part or not!?!?!!

what's with that?

does it include the accidental part or not? anyone knows?

 

@zachiv31: Thanks for the input. That does make sense about using ADP for battery replacement...the brochure avoids the subject of batteries, but it doesn't clearly state they won't replace it. And the rep I talked to said that battery protection is standard for a year as you said.

@DualMonitors: I chatted with a rep who stated pretty clearly that the battery replacement package does not include accidental damage protection. Of course you could just purchase ADP after you buy the laptop, but the cost will stack (at current prices, an additional $185 for three years).

 

thanks for this new information!

i don't get Lenovo if this were the true situation: that the "sealed batt replacement" does NOT include Accidental coverage.

what would one do who wanted both? they are offering a bunch of choices already, what's with adding one that is added ON TOP OF, in addition to, the 2-year depot+Accidental+Sealed Batt Replace?

i'm at a loss of how Lenovo can make this choice.

that said, i'm less concerned about battery replacement than some of you (but maybe i ought to be more concerned?). after 2 1/2 years, maybe i'd want a new laptop!

 

The perfect PC doesn't exist. Even Apple doesn't build it.

If you want a mainstream machine at a low cost, with a docking station that supports 4 displays, Lenovo does make that.

My wife is going to love her X1 Carbon.

 

Does anyone know how soon this will drop in price within the next month or two? When will an X2 drop (I'm guessing in over a year?)

And can someone convince me that I need to upgrade to 8gb RAM for $300... I'm only going to be running Ubuntu, probably not any VM's either.

 

EPP/BN/etc price will certainly drop by $50 or so. This is evident by the USXDISCOUNT code. That is the default EPP discount code. At some point there will be a promotional EPP discount code applied instead. It may take a week or two.

 

That is probably good news. The Sandisk SSD in the Asus UX31A is not the x100 but the u100.

The Datasheet for the X100 lists "Up to 76,000 / 43,000 IOPS" for 4K Random R/W. If that's not a complete and utter lie (and that's certainly possible from the company that brought you the crappy u100) the SSD should be pretty good.

The Sandisk u100 has 4K IOPS on the low thousands at best. I guess the "u100" stands for "100% utter crap" and the new "x" model is one that actually does what a SSD is supposed to do. It's just sad that Sandisk didn't have the decency to trash the u100 model and start over instead of selling it to unsuspecting customers.

EDIT: I've also found the Datasheet for the u100. And i really have to give Sandisk credit: the datasheet doesn't sugarcoat anything: "sustained 4k random write: 700 IOPs" (the only thing missing from the datasheet is "HDD performance at SSD prices and capacities!" in bold letters)

So if Lenovo does actually use the X100 instead of the U100 a factor of about 60 in better 4K Random Writes should make the X1C something worth paying for.

 

Any chance of the EPP/BN/etc price appearing on Amazon, or am I stuck paying the sales tax from Lenovo?

 

something new: look at this Polish official lenovo shop, x1c is offerred here with 16GB of RAM:
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

 

... and with an IPS Panel too, what a great shop!!!

 

You owe taxes on your purchase at Amazon as well. So you might as well get the best price you can via EPP/BN.