X-rated
As if the high-end 13in laptop market weren't already crowded enough, today sees the launch by Lenovo of its X1 laptop. However, far from playing the 'me too' game, the X1 offers a range of features that aim to ensure it stands out from the crowd - and justifies its £1,118 asking price.
Weighing in from 1.7kg (depending on the spec) and measuring, 'less than 17mm,' the X1 isn't the most portable in its class of laptops - it's no MacBook Air rival, for certain - but it's nonetheless far from a cumbersome device. In fact, that thickness is actually at the thinnest point, the full dimensions of the X1 are 337mm x 231mm x 17-21mm - still not huge, but definitely large enough to be noticeable in a rucksack.
In its defence, as well as being a little thicker and heavier that the likes of the Air or Samsung X360, the X1 is also a lot more powerful. Processor options comprise a 2.1GHz Intel Core i3-2310m, a 2.5GHz Core i5-2520 and 2.7GHz Core i7-2620 dual-core CPUs with hyperthreading. Up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM can be installed in the X1, and hard drive options include either a 250GB or 320GB conventional drive, or an 80GB, 128GB or 160GB SSD.
Letting down the X1 is its display's resolution of 1,366 x 768 pixels. Rival systems offer significantly higher resolution 1,440 x 900 pixel panels in their 13.3in laptops so it is surprising that Lenovo doesn't at least offer the option to upgrade to a higher-grade display, even if one isn't standard.
The X1 makes an effort to redeem itself with its battery, however. The five hour-battery life isn't incredible, but the fast-charge mode, which brings the battery to 80 per cent charge (about four hours) in 30 minutes. Lenovo also offers an external battery 'slice' good for an extra five hours (for a total of 10 hours of battery life) should greater longevity be required.
Other notable features include a USB 3.0 port, as well as a single USB 2.0 and eSATA port, and support for the latest 1.4a spec from the system's HDMI port; the X1 also offers a mini-DisplayPort output, making this the first device not made by Apple to do so [so far as I can tell, please feel free to prove me wrong - H]. Furthermore the X1 offers a spill-resistant keyboard, complete with a love-it-or-hate-it TrackPoint nub in addition to the multi-touch touchpad.
The X1 is available to order from Lenovo's online store now, with orders shipping from the 24 May.
