The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 is like the king of all laptops, setting the highest standard for others to follow. Even though the 11th generation doesn’t bring big, new changes, it stays true to what makes ThinkPads great – being reliable, secure, and well-built. The keyboard is still one of the best out there. The latest version keeps all these important features and adds a cool, eco-friendly design, making sure you have a really good experience using it.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Specifications
Let’s talk about the key specifications of the tested configuration:
Price as reviewed: $1,589
Display size/resolution: 14-inch 1,920 x 1,200; IPS, Anti-Glare, Touch display
CPU: 1.7GHz Intel Core i7-1355U
Memory: 16GB LP-DDR5 6,400MHz
Graphics: 128MB Intel Iris Xe graphics
Storage: 512GB SSD
Networking: Wi-Fi 6E AX211 2×2 AX vPro® & Bluetooth 5.1
Operating system: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 Features
Power and Portability
The laptop achieves an optimal equilibrium with its expansive 14-inch display and remarkably lightweight 2.5-pound build. The generously sized screen facilitates extended work sessions, while the exceptionally light design ensures effortless portability. Moreover, the prolonged battery life alleviates concerns about the constant need for a power source. In its 11th iteration, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon continues to stand out as the preferred choice for executives with demanding, on-the-go lifestyles.
13th-gen Intel Core processors
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 series is powered by 13th-gen Intel Core processors, with a starting price of $1,435 in the US. At this base price, you get a configuration featuring a Core i5-1335U, 16GB RAM, integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, a 512GB SSD, a 1080p webcam, and a 14-inch non-touch display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and a 400-nit rating. The tested system, priced at $1,589, includes a Core i7-1355U chip with the same display as the base model but with touch support. Pricing may vary due to Lenovo’s ongoing discounts. In the UK, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 starts at £1,200.00, and in Australia, it begins at AU$2,287. While these prices might seem high, they reflect the added cost of business-centric security features and a robust design compared to consumer laptops.
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Performance and Versatility
In lab testing, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 demonstrated solid performance, though it falls behind laptops equipped with high-powered processors like Intel’s Core i7 H series or Apple’s potent M2 chip. Notably, it outperformed the HP Dragonfly Pro with its efficient AMD Ryzen 7 U-series chip. Overall, the X1 Carbon offers a dependable performance, enduring nearly 13 hours on our battery drain test, second only to the 15-inch MacBook Air. In real-world usage, it operated smoothly and quietly, handling multitasking with ease.
Lenovo offers Core i7 P-series CPU if you require more performance, it may impact battery life. The X1 Carbon Gen 11 does not support upgrades to the Intel Iris Xe graphics or post-purchase memory upgrades, as the RAM is soldered onto the motherboard. Therefore, selecting the desired RAM capacity at the time of purchase is crucial, with options for 16GB, 32GB, or 64 GB.
Design and Sustainability
The design of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon remains true to its roots, with no radical overhaul in its 11th iteration. It retains the classic, boxy, matte-black appearance with signature red accents that unmistakably mark it as a ThinkPad. Despite its “boxy” look, the X1 Carbon remains lightweight and portable, making it an ideal companion for daily commutes and long workdays.
A notable change in the X1 Carbon Gen 11 is its increased use of recycled materials in construction. The laptop now incorporates 90% recycled magnesium in the palm rest and 55% recycled aluminum in the bottom cover. Additionally, other components, such as the speaker and battery enclosures, as well as the power adapter, integrate post-consumer recycled content (PCC) plastics. This eco-friendly approach aligns with the growing trend of businesses striving to reduce their carbon footprint.
Outstanding Keyboard
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 has an exceptional keyboard that provides a comfortable and tactile typing experience. The keys offer a soft, buttery feel with quiet keypresses enhancing typing speed and accuracy. The spill-resistant keyboard also offers two-level backlighting for improved visibility in various lighting conditions.
For users who prefer a pointing stick over a touchpad, the X1 Carbon Gen 11 retains the iconic red TrackPoint nub at the center of the keyboard. While this inclusion caters to a specific user preference, it results in a narrower touchpad vertically to accommodate the dedicated mouse buttons designed for use with the pointing stick. In configurations with a touch display like our test system, users have three cursor control options, including the touchpad, TrackPoint, and touchscreen.
X1 Carbon Gen 11 Display
Lenovo offers a variety of display options for the X1 Carbon Gen 11, catering to your needs. The base display is a 1,920×1,200-pixel, non-touch IPS panel rated for 400 nits of brightness. Our test system features this panel but with touch support. Users can also opt for this display with a brighter 500-nit rating and Lenovo’s ePrivacy filter, enhancing privacy by reducing side viewing angles. Two non-touch display upgrades offer higher resolutions: a 2.2K (2,240×1,400) IPS panel and a 2.8K (2,880×1,800) OLED display.
If you require touch functionality, it is recommended to select one of the higher-resolution display options. Our test sample with the 1,920×1,200-pixel IPS panel exhibited less sharp text, with letters appearing fuzzy and gray instead of crisp and deep black. Opting for the 2.2K IPS panel or the 2.8K OLED option should deliver crisper text and richer blacks, making them worthwhile upgrades.
Conclusion
Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 continues its tradition of being dependable, secure, and high-quality. This new version, the 11th generation 14-inch screen is roomy, and it delivers great performance with a battery that lasts a long time. It finds that sweet spot between getting work done and being easy to carry around. The keyboard is a standout, and you’ve got lots of ways to interact with it. Plus, there are different screen options to suit your needs. If you’re a professional, Lenovo’s commitment to coming up with new ideas and being eco-friendly makes the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 a leader among Windows laptops that are easy to take with you.
Cynthia is an experienced tech writer with a background in computer science. Passionate about staying on the cutting edge of technology, AI, and cyber Security. Specializes in complex, mysterious concepts of AI and cyber Security for readers of all backgrounds.
