Lenovo ThinkPad X1 review

The X1 relies on the processor’s integrated graphics chip for video playback as it lacks a dedicated graphics card. It’s certainly capable of playing 1080p video on an external display using either mini DisplayPort or HDMI, but it struggles with modern games; it could only run our new Dirt 3 benchmark at a juddering 13.7fps. You don’t buy an ultra-light laptop to play 3D games, though.

Unusually for an ultra-portable, the ThinkPad X1 has quite a wide array of connectivity options. As well as a single USB3 port, one of the two regular USB ports doubles as an eSATA port. There’s also a multi-format card reader and SIM card slot for mobile internet. A fingerprint reader and an HD webcam that can lock the computer when it detects you’re not sat in front of it are both useful security features that business users are sure to appreciate. The laptop has a 160GB SSD, which will be more resistant to shock damage than a normal hard disk but has a much smaller capacity.

In everyday use the ThinkPad X1 was something of a mixed bag. Typing on the backlit keyboard was, for the most part, trouble free; each full-sized key has a reasonably short travel time and plenty of tactile feedback, but we found it difficult to adapt to the reversed placement of the control and function keys. The touchpad isn’t flawless either. As well as dedicated touchpad buttons, the entire pad can act as one large button, registering a left click when pressed down with a single finger, or a double click if done with two. While a good idea in principle, it’s too sensitive – it’s easy to trigger a right-click accidentally. The second set of mouse buttons just below the space bar, designed for use with the red touchstick recessed into the keyboard, are easier to use.

Battery life is below average for an ultra-portable and the touchpad can be irritating, but despite these faults the ThinkPad X1 is still a great ultra-portable laptop. It fits easily into a bag and won’t weigh you down once it’s there, but still has great performance thanks to the powerful processor.

The X1 is hugely expensive, though – at over £1,700 it’s £1,000 more than the Asus U36JC, which may have a last-generation Core i5 processor but still manages 56 in our benchmarks, has nearly six hours of battery life and weighs just 1.6kg. Unless you need the X1’s tough build quality and extra security features, it’s a better buy.