Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017 (Core i7, Full-HD) Laptop Review

[Martin Adamsson]

It is possible to open the cover with one hand but that depends on how fast you are when you are opening the cover (the amount of power used). I have been using this model of PC for some days now and I do really enjoy it. The only missing part for me is that you cant combine the Windows hello cam with WiGig in the same unit. I suppose that there is no space for more advanced cam in the monitor frame when 3 antennas need to be squeezed in this ultra effective format. Let me know if you have more questions.
BR,
Martin

[Martin Adamsson]

Great review! Could you pls check how about the hinges? I'm very interested if the lid can be opened with one hand, without holding down the base?

I found controversial answers on it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krPBbTUh3I8, at 2:48, it shows YES,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYghTefdvDE, at 2:24, it shows NO.

Thank you in advance!

[Martin Adamsson]

Great review! Could you pls check how about the hinges? I'm very interested if the lid can be opened with one hand, without holding down the base?

I found controversial answers on it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krPBbTUh3I8, at 2:48, it shows YES,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYghTefdvDE, at 2:24, it shows NO.

Thank you in advance!

It is possible to open the cover with one hand but that depends on how fast you are when you are opening the cover (the amount of power used). I have been using this model of PC for some days now and I do really enjoy it. The only missing part for me is that you cant combine the Windows hello cam with WiGig in the same unit. I suppose that there is no space for more advanced cam in the monitor frame when 3 antennas need to be squeezed in this ultra effective format.

[niconico]

For encoding HD and UHD videos, which benchmark should we be looking at? Does a NVidia graphics card make a significant difference for encoding speed or is that task rather CPU-bound? Not sure which system to get: mobile Intel i7 with 620 graphics, mobile i7 with Nvidia card, or mobile workstation i7HQ w/ onboard or dedicated graphics.

[dandandan]

Great review
Can we please have the fan emissions test?

[mcmxcii]

For encoding HD and UHD videos, which benchmark should we be looking at? Does a NVidia graphics card make a significant difference for encoding speed or is that task rather CPU-bound? Not sure which system to get: mobile Intel i7 with 620 graphics, mobile i7 with Nvidia card, or mobile workstation i7HQ w/ onboard or dedicated graphics.

I have the same requirements. Was aiming to get the upcoming Gen 2 X1 Yoga, which should share the same specs as the 2017 X1 Carbon. But I am concerned that a duo-core CPU cannot handle video editing very well. So I have now set my sights on the (also) upcoming Yoga 720 15", which has a quad-core CPU and a dedicated card. I'd just have to live with the three drawbacks of the 720: additional weight, lack of an SD card slot and a glossy screen.

[Guillaume Palayer]

Thank you for this complete review.
I want to warn every potential buyer: the customer support of Lenovo is a real nightmare. I ordered a Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017 (Core i7, 16Go, 512Go) on Feb, 22nd. I'm still waiting my laptop today on March, 26th (in France). Their customer support have cancelled my order by mistake. Nevertheless, they didn't provide a solution for this issue. They left me with a "sorry, you can reorder if you want, but the price is now $170 higher than earlier".
I have spent long hours with their customer support to have a new order.
A lot of frustation and stress. I really need this device because I'm working with a lended device but the owner want back his device. A temporary solution not efficient for my productivity.
There is always a lack of review about this part of the customer experience – the after purchase.

[Istvan]

It is possible to open the cover with one hand but that depends on how fast you are when you are opening the cover (the amount of power used). I have been using this model of PC for some days now and I do really enjoy it. The only missing part for me is that you cant combine the Windows hello cam with WiGig in the same unit. I suppose that there is no space for more advanced cam in the monitor frame when 3 antennas need to be squeezed in this ultra effective format. Let me know if you have more questions.
BR,
Martin

Thanks for your reply. I almost convinced myself to go with this model.
I'm using XPS13-9350, I really don't like its lid opening, the clicking and responsivity of touchpad, sometimes it's a bit hot under the palm (otherwise it's a great machine).
However, reading again the full version of this X1C 2017 review, I found its temperature may be even hotter than XPS13, and the system noise can be serious.
..Anyway, both are great machines, but I'll think twice whether I change.

[Clinton]

Is the X1 Yoga Gen 2 just vaporware at this point? February is a distant memory...

[dthrp]

There is no justifiable excuse for not having a user-upgradable memory.

[kony]

Is the 8 GB version also dual channel?

[Yuri Petrov]

You promised to "test X1 Carbon with Core i5 soon" but so far there is no such review.
Is it still in your plans?

[Istvan]

I've just got this 20HQS03P00 model, and it is really a very nice laptop. I only have two issues with it:
1. The 4K write speed measured by AS SSD was 1MB/s. I don't understand it. Crystal Mark 5.2 measured 147MB/s.
2. Touchpad: the surface is gorgeous, but when I use two-finger scrolling repeatedly, e.g. scrolling on a website with two fingers again and again, the touchpad accidentaly recognizes a click (then open a link on site), although I didn't click, I just wanted to scroll with two-fingers again. I didn't find it yet how to avoid this.

[N00b]

It is worth noting that not all the laptops (X1 carbon 5th gen) come with PM961 Samsung SSD (which is very fast) as mentioned in the review.. My machine has Intel's SSD which is much slower than the Samsung PN961 reviewed above.