The ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 12) is a top-notch business laptop that boasts superb build quality, an ultra-lightweight design, and a stunning display. However, it comes with a higher price tag than its competitors and may struggle with CPU performance under heavy workloads. Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a premium laptop that excels at blending the latest Intel hardware with thoughtful design features. Constructed with carbon fiber for enhanced durability and a lighter weight, the X1 Carbon is not your average laptop. The 14th-generation Intel Core Ultra 7 processor powers this machine into the Meteor Lake era, alongside keyboard tweaks that cater to newcomers to the ThinkPad brand. The classic design elements remain intact, including the iconic red “nub.”
While the X1 Carbon offers a snappy and enjoyable user experience for everyday tasks, benchmark tests reveal that it makes performance trade-offs to maintain its sleek form factor and lightweight design. For those seeking a high-end business laptop with premium features or a top-tier consumer laptop, the X1 Carbon could be the ideal choice. The laptop is equipped with a 14-inch, 2.8k OLED display, Intel Evo Edition sticker, and a range of connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB-A ports, HDMI, and more.
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 12) is available in various configurations, with the model we reviewed priced at $2703 and featuring 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a micro-SIM slot. The laptop boasts excellent build quality, thanks to its aerospace-grade carbon fiber construction and recycled aluminum and magnesium components. Designed to meet MIL-STD 810H standards, the X1 Carbon is durable, rugged, and resistant to extreme conditions. Additionally, the laptop offers a clean software experience with minimal bloatware, enhancing overall usability.
The keyboard on the X1 Carbon is full-size and comfortable to type on, with a redesigned layout that places the Ctrl key in the bottom left corner. The glass trackpad is responsive, and the addition of physical buttons above it provides added functionality. The inclusion of the TrackPoint, or “red nub,” adds a touch of nostalgia for ThinkPad enthusiasts. Overall, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 12) combines premium design, performance, and durability, making it a top choice for those in need of a high-quality business laptop.
