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ThinkPad X1 Extreme review: Big on power and price
Full disclosure: I have something of a complicated relationship with ThinkPads. Once upon a time, I was what you might call a "fanboy." Over the course of my life, I've had five of them. In fact, I've never actually purchased any other brand of laptop. But about four years ago I bought an X1 Carbon, and the experience left a bad taste in my mouth. I had to send it back to Lenovo for repairs four times in the first two years. That included having both the motherboard and keyboard replaced. Now, the screen is literally falling off. So I'm coming into this review pretty skeptical of Lenovo's quality control. Obviously, I can't predict how it will hold up over time, but I will say this: The X1 Extreme makes one hell of a first impression. That impression is important, though. This is Lenovo trying to move into a new niche and trying to fill a glaring gap in the ThinkPad lineup. If you wanted desktop replacement-level power in a sleek, ultra-portable package, you'd have to look elsewhere. This is a market served primarily by the larger MacBook Pro and Dell XPS models. But if you haven't been swayed by Apple or Dell's offerings, Lenovo just might have the answer.
Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Extreme will tempt you away from a MacBook Pro
With the ThinkPad X1 Extreme, Lenovo is trying to bridge the gap between its innovate X lineup and its larger and more powerful models. Consider it a glimpse of the ThinkPad's future. The X1 Extreme is the beefiest entry yet in the X series, thanks to dedicated NVIDIA GTX 1050Ti Max-Q graphics, as well as its support for Intel's latest eighth-generation CPUs. And yes, that includes the top-of-the-line Core i9 processor. It's probably a cliché to say this now, but it's the ideal ThinkPad for taking on Apple's recent MacBook Pros.
ThinkPad X1 Yoga review (2018): Flexibility comes at a cost
Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Carbon is the ideal business laptop. But it's also strictly a traditional notebook. If you're looking for something a bit more flexible, the X1 Yoga might be a better option. Just like Lenovo's other Yoga machines, it has a hinge that lets you twist the screen a full 360 degrees, letting you use it as a giant tablet or in a tent formation. And of course, it also offers most of the features we loved on the X1 Carbon.
ThinkPad X1 Carbon review (2018): The best business laptop returns
Lenovo's ThinkPad lineup has always been focused on balancing tradition with modernity. It carries the legacy of IBM's iconic laptop brand, but the company also has to make sure it keeps up with the competition. That's truer than ever with the new X1 Carbon, Lenovo's flagship ultraportable, which packs in Intel's latest chips and a few nifty upgrades. It doesn't have a folding screen, and it can't be turned into a slate like the X1 Yoga and the Tablet can. It's simply a laptop -- but it's one that's polished enough to compete with the likes of Dell's XPS 13 and Apple's MacBook Air.
Lenovo recalls some Thinkpad X1 laptops due to overheating risks
Lenovo has just issued a recall for some of its 5th-generation X1 Carbon laptops. The company says that a limited number of the machines may have a loose screw that can damage the battery, leading to overheating and a possible fire hazard. Lenovo urges owners of these devices made between December 2016 and October 2017 check their serial number on the support page to see if their own X1 is affected. X1 Carbon laptops made after November 2017 are not affected, according to the company.
Lenovo’s fingerprint manager left passwords vulnerable
A slew of Lenovo devices have left users' systems vulnerable to a breach. Fingerprint Manager Pro software installed on any of some three dozen ThinkPad, ThinkCentre or ThinkStation devices apparently features weak encryption that allows someone to bypass the fingerprint scanner and take advantage of a hardcoded password in order to gain access to the system. It also exposes users' logon credentials and fingerprint data. Lenovo described the vulnerability in a security update and released a patch for the bug last week.
Lenovo's new ThinkPads pack 8th-gen Core CPUs and slimmer designs
Lenovo just revamped the lion's share of its ThinkPad lineup, and it's good news if you want a speedy portable that won't weigh down your laptop bag -- or if you're privacy-conscious, for that matter. Its new ThinkPad X, T and L models have all made the switch to faster eighth-generation Intel Core processors while sporting slimmer, lighter bodies. The 12.5-inch X280, for example, is 15 percent thinner (0.69 inch) and 20 percent lighter (2.6 pounds) than its predecessor. There's also a new 13-inch L-series (the L380) for people who want a no-frills pro laptop in a more portable design than the 14- and 15-inch versions.
Lenovo’s anniversary ThinkPad marries retro design and modern tech
Today is the Lenovo ThinkPad's 25th birthday, and the computer company is doing something special to celebrate. They're releasing a limited-edition anniversary version of the laptop called (creatively) the ThinkPad Anniversary Edition 25, which is inspired by the design of the first ThinkPad. We first discussed this familiar looking computer a few weeks ago, when WinFuture reported on the retro look.
Lenovo’s leaked 25th-anniversary ThinkPad sports a familiar look
The latest ThinkPad that Lenovo brought to CES back in January had a notably sleeker, more modern appearance than the line's traditional boxy black look. But it kept a couple features, like the red TrackPoint nub and 45-degree ThinkPad logo, that have become trademarks of the beloved brand since it debuted under IBM back in October 1992. But WinFuture reports that a leak revealed Lenovo is releasing a 25th-anniversary retro version that mimics the look of the first ThinkPad laptops that reached consumers.
Lenovo's lightweight ThinkPad X1 gets even slimmer
Lenovo is continuing its annual upgrade of its popular ThinkPad line of notebooks, and the higher-end X1 products within that series just got a small set of improvements. The most obvious of these is a new silver color option, which makes the previously matte black laptop appear far more modern than it used to (and less dated-looking too). The newly updated X1 Carbon, X1 Yoga and X1 Tablet also boast Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports and some more incremental tweaks.
Lenovo's latest ThinkPads ship bloatware-free
It's virtually a tradition for Lenovo to unveil new ThinkPads around CES time, but this year it's doing something a bit different: its systems are defined by what they don't have. The PC builder has just unveiled a slew of mid-tier ThinkPad laptops that all run Microsoft's Signature Edition image of Windows 10 -- that is, you shouldn't expect bloatware bogging things down or introducing security holes. While ThinkPads have had cleaner software than Lenovo's non-pro systems as a general rule, this is good news if you're more interested in getting to work than dealing with unwanted apps.
Lenovo fixes basic flaws in one of its bundled apps
Lenovo's software security headaches aren't quite over yet, it seems. The PC maker has fixed an a slew of glaring flaws in a file-sharing app, ShareIt, that comes bundled with both its Android and Windows devices (including IdeaPads and ThinkPads). How glaring? For a start, the Windows version had an extremely obvious password ("12345678") hard-coded into the software -- anyone on the same WiFi network could connect just by guessing, and you couldn't even change that password if you knew the problem existed. ShareIt on both platforms also sent files without encryption, and the Android version would default to creating a password-free WiFi hotspot when you chose to receive files.
Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 line adds OLED and a Surface rival
Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Carbon must still be a hit with the pro laptop crowd, as the PC maker is unveiling no less than three ThinkPad X1 models at CES... and it's shaking up the formula in the process. The headliner is the ThinkPad X1 Tablet (above), which takes a clear stab at the slate-plus-keyboard concept made popular by Microsoft's Surface line. The detachable keyboard and optional stylus are the main hooks, but Lenovo is also introducing unique modules that change the role of the 12-inch machine. A $149 productivity module gives you 5 hours of extra battery, extra ports and wired docking, while a similarly-priced 3D imaging module captures objects. You can even get a $279 projector module, in case you need to make an on-the-spot presentation.
Lenovo's ThinkPad P40 Yoga is a hybrid PC with pro-level power
Lenovo's existing ThinkPad Yoga hybrids have some power, but they're probably not your first choice for heavy-duty graphics work when they're saddled with integrated video. Thankfully, you now have a beefier option: Lenovo is introducing the ThinkPad P40 Yoga, its first 2-in-1 laptop with workstation-level 3D hardware. It still folds back into a tablet (or tent, or presentation mode), but its Quadro M500M chipset should be speedy enough to handle 3D modelling and other GPU-heavy tasks. You'll have greater control over those images, too, thanks to an included pen that promises both 2,048 levels of pressure and specially-tuned software that reportedly gets closer to the "pen to paper" feel.
Lenovo's new ThinkPad Yogas are thinner, lighter and... silverier
The black, boxy ThinkPad design is so iconic, so predictable, that even a simple color change is enough to make us do a double-take. That was our first reaction to Lenovo's new ThinkPad 260 and 460, both of which are arriving this fall with a silver option -- the first time in a while that we've seen Lenovo put out a business notebook in anything other than basic black. Aside from the lighter color choice, both laptops stick to the signature Yoga design, meaning they have a 360-degree hinge allowing the screen to fold back into tablet, "Stand" or "Tent" mode. As on previous ThinkPad Yogas, the 260 and 460 feature Lenovo's "Lift 'n' Lock" keyboard, which flattens out the keys as you flip it back. There's also a slot on both models for the accompanying pen, which recharges when it's in its garage.
Lenovo's latest pro laptops pack 4K and Xeon processors
There are plenty of workstation laptops that claim to deliver on the promise of heavy-duty computing on the road, but they're not usually that much different on the inside than a garden variety portable. You can't say that about Lenovo's monster new ThinkPad P50 and P70 systems, though. The two not only offer things you'd expect in this class, such as color-accurate 4K displays and pro NVIDIA Quadro graphics, but Intel's first-ever mobile Xeon processors (specifically, the E3-1500M) -- you won't have to settle for an ordinary Core i-series chip here. If you need to crunch 3D models or video when you're out of the office, one of these rigs may be your best bet. That CPU upgrade also brings the kind of perks normally limited to desktops, including support for a whopping 64GB of memory and Thunderbolt 3 ports that can handle dual 4K displays.
Lenovo wants you to decide if it should build this retro ThinkPad
IBM's original boxy, black ThinkPads, exemplified by the seminal 1994 700c model, are beloved by laptop design aficionados. But would such a style (in a much thinner package, of course) fly in today's market? Lenovo's VP of design, David Hill wants to find out, so he showed off a "Time Machine" render with the original multicolored ThinkPad logo, a blue enter key, a seven-row keyboard and a 16:10 aspect screen. It would, of course, be equipped with the latest technology and an 18mm thin case. The idea is to see if a computer based on a classic design would be as popular as retro-tinged cars like the "new" Mini Cooper or Ford Mustang.
Lenovo fills out its line of convertible 'Yoga' laptops with more sizes
Not too long ago, Lenovo updated its high-end Yoga laptop with a much thinner, much lighter build. Now that the company's got its precious flagship taken care of, it's turning its attention to some of the mid-range models. The outfit just unveiled its 2015 Yoga lineup, which brings new size options, fresh processors and, in some cases, lighter designs.
Lenovo's latest business Ultrabook does away with last year's unpopular design
You haven't known a fanboy until you've met a ThinkPad fan. The brand's loyal following (many of whom started as IBM users) can be very resistant to change. How resistant? Let's put it this way: Anytime the brand's current owner Lenovo so much as redesigns the touchpad, it does so at its own peril. That being said, Lenovo may have gone too far with last year's X1 Carbon. With the 2014 edition of its flagship business Ultrabook, Lenovo ripped out the physical Function buttons, leaving users with an "adaptive" panel whose touch-sensitive buttons changed depending on the task at hand. We weren't fond of it, and apparently real-world users weren't either: The company just unveiled the 2015 edition, and it brings back the physical function keys you all seemed to miss so much. Additionally, Lenovo undid some of the changes it had made to the touchpad. Whereas the last-gen model had a clickpad with zero buttons, this year's model returns the two right and left clickers that used to sit at the top of the pad -- the ones meant to be used with the signature red pointing stick.
How would you change Lenovo's Thinkpad Helix (2013)?
Lenovo's first Yoga machine still stands as a watershed moment in laptop and tablet design, but what of one of its successors, the ThinkPad Helix? In addition to those first two modes, you could spin the Helix's display outward, enabling you to use the device as a free-standing drawing display. When we placed it front of our Dana Wollman, however, she found that the exciting form factor had some drawbacks. Like the fact that the 'Rip'n'Flip' design wasn't all that, not to mention the last-generation internals and the short battery life. Still, we imagine some of you might have taken a liking this piece of hardware, so why not hop over to our forum and tell us what you would have changed?
