Lenovo’s ThinkPad series holds a legendary status in the world of laptops, and right at the pinnacle of this revered line is the X1 Carbon. This is the device professionals dream of having on their desks, thanks to its exceptional reliability and performance.
That dream doesn’t come cheap, though. Lenovo prices these premium machines steeply, often hitting the $3,000 to $4,000 range with upgraded specifications. Yet, the quality you get justifies the investment.
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon’s Gen 12 version, even after being surpassed by newer iterations, remains a top contender. And here’s some good news: during Lenovo’s Spring Sale, this model is enjoying a hefty 40% discount. That’s a whopping $1,395 cut, bringing the price down to $2,093.40. While still on the higher side, this investment is justified for what the laptop offers.
So, what makes the ThinkPad X1 Carbon such a sought-after machine?
ThinkPad has established itself over the years, so much so that it’s recognized instantly across the globe. And when talking about ThinkPads, the X1 Carbon frequently takes center stage. Its sheer balance of design and power makes it a unique offering, although it slightly prioritizes style over raw performance when compared to some high-end Windows laptops.
The Gen 12 version, which is up for grabs at a discount now, comes tailored for Intel’s Core Ultra chips and tips the scales at a mere 2.42 pounds (1.09 kg). To put that in perspective, it’s noticeably lighter than other 14-inch models I’ve reviewed, like the Dell XPS 14 (9440) and the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14.
Zachary Boddy, a laptop expert at Windows Central, quipped in his review of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 12), “I almost believed Lenovo had accidentally sent me a dud display unit because of the weight. Or, more accurately, the lack of it.”
For those who find themselves constantly on the move, this laptop is the perfect travel buddy. Despite its feather-like weight, it doesn’t skimp on durability, boasting MIL-STD 810H certification — a standard fare for ThinkPads.
There’s no need to worry about lugging around dongles or docks either, thanks to its comprehensive port selection: dual full-size USB-A, dual Thunderbolt 4, and HDMI 2.1 make connectivity a breeze.
I spend a significant portion of my day typing, so I understand the value of a stellar keyboard. And Lenovo’s ThinkPad keyboards, particularly that on the X1 Carbon, consistently deliver a top-notch experience.
Security is a priority, too, with a 1080p webcam that includes an IR sensor for Windows Hello, a fingerprint reader, and a privacy shutter. The model I’m covering is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 165U vPro CPU, paired with a generous 32GB of LPDDR5x-6400MHz RAM and a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. This setup promises impeccable performance.
The downside mentioned by Boddy was the battery life, which clocked in at around 7 hours, mainly due to the 2.8K OLED display in his review unit. However, the model on sale boasts an FHD+ IPS display with touch capabilities and 400 nits brightness, designed for lower power consumption. This should grant a noticeable boost in battery longevity.
While OLED screens add a wow factor, a battery-efficient display makes more sense for day-to-day business needs.
Act fast, because this 40% discount is available for a limited time — a great opportunity if a new business laptop is on your agenda.
