The Twelfth-Gen ThinkPad X1 Carbon is again on sale. Over at Lenovo’s web site, you should purchase the laptop computer for as little as $1,404, a virtually 50% low cost.
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- After making calculated changes to final yr’s mannequin, Lenovo’s Twelfth-Gen ThinkPad X1 Carbon provides a extra user-friendly expertise beginning at $1,759 for the 32GB, 1TB configuration.
- It sports activities an 8MP webcam that permits for 4K video, a shocking 2.8K show, and a barely redesigned keyboard.
- Regardless of these adjustments, the laptop computer does have some efficiency quirks.
Generally, essentially the most impactful adjustments in a laptop computer sequence are small enhancements remodeled time, as collectively, they add extra to the person expertise than only one massive improve. Working example: the Twelfth-generation ThinkPad X1 Carbon. The Eleventh-gen mannequin from 2023 is a implausible laptop computer in its personal proper, so I had a tough time imagining what Lenovo may do to one-up it. However I am completely satisfied to say the corporate discovered a number of methods, starting with the show.
Additionally: One of the best Lenovo laptops of 2025: Knowledgeable examined and reviewed
Merely put, it is higher than earlier than. The Twelfth-Gen ThinkPad X1 Carbon has a 14-inch 2.8K decision (2,880 x 1,800 pixels) OLED show outfitted with image-enhancing software program. It helps everything of the DCI-P3 gamut and HDR 500, delivering shiny, vivid arrays of colour rivaled solely by the best displays. Furthermore, it is coated in an anti-glare (and anti-smudge) coating, sustaining its prime quality even beneath shiny daylight.
All in all, it is a very good show, however it’s not what impressed me essentially the most. The opposite adjustments made across the display screen, just like the webcam, finally felt extra impactful. It is an 8MP digicam able to capturing video in 4K decision (3,840 x 2160 pixels), with a lens housed inside a big finger tab jutting out from the highest. You may look nice in video calls on this digicam, even in unhealthy lighting situations.
This ridge has two results: one, it allows you to simply open the lid with a single finger, and two, it allows smaller bezels. Shrinking the bezels allowed Lenovo to extend the floor space of the ThinkPad show, giving it the looks of an even bigger display screen regardless of being 14 inches on each the Eleventh and Twelfth-Gen fashions. This can be a good instance of a small change that makes an enormous distinction.
Additionally: This $95 Lenovo pill is implausible for cellular leisure – and I am tempted to purchase two
The keyboard has not modified a lot in comparison with the older gadgets. It is coated in a matte-like materials that is easy to the contact, and every key has a slight indentation that alleviates hand stress when typing. However after I seemed nearer, I started to see the tiny tweaks.
For starters, the FN and Ctrl keys have switched locations, falling consistent with mainstream keyboard layouts (and decreasing the possibility that you will hit the mistaken button). Moreover, Lenovo positioned extra tactile bumps close to the FN and Enter keys for simpler contact typing. The Web page Up and Web page Down keys have totally different shapes, so you may inform the place they’re, and the arrow keys are situated with a slight contact. The fingerprint reader stands out from the gang due to its new glassy protecting.
Like different ThinkPads, the second-generation Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 additionally has a TrackPoint between the G, H, and B keys. What’s attention-grabbing about it’s that double-tapping it opens a floating toolbar, providing you with fast entry to a few of the ThinkPad instruments, just like the microphone and Voice Typing.
Additionally: This Lenovo ThinkPad will get my advice for distant employees – and it is on sale
Earlier than I neglect, I ought to point out the trackpad as a result of it has its justifiable share of enhancements. For starters, it is greater now, measuring 4.72 inches throughout. Above it are three buttons that perform equally to these discovered on a mouse. Personally, I want utilizing these over urgent down on the trackpad as they provide higher haptic suggestions and a satisfying “click on.” You possibly can nonetheless push down on the trackpad itself, however it’s much more mushy. All of it comes right down to desire, and should you want having the haptic suggestions on the trackpad itself, you might really feel a contact dissatisfied.
My assessment unit got here with the Intel Core Extremely 7 155H processor, which allowed the laptop computer to work very well for almost all of the time. I used to be capable of have a number of home windows and tabs open on the identical time with out having a serious efficiency drop. Nevertheless, I did expertise a efficiency drop after I tried waking up the ThinkPad and opening Google Chrome. The laptop computer would typically take an abnormally very long time to get up or launch an app to the purpose the place I fearful I had damaged one thing.
Additionally: Why this Lenovo Yoga is my choose for finest MacBook Air various (and it is $300 off)
These issues prolonged to the battery, too. I carried out my typical battery take a look at of enjoying a 720p YouTube video continuous at 50 % brightness to see how lengthy it lasts. I do that to simulate a mean day of labor. On battery saver, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon lasted round 5 hours earlier than dying. That is not very lengthy. With the quirky efficiency in thoughts, all this leads me to imagine that the ThinkPad’s {hardware} is not properly optimized.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
I’d advocate the Twelfth-generation ThinkPad X1 Carbon to only about everybody: informal customers, professionals, programmers, and creators. There are a myriad of various ThinkPads on the market, however this one stands out for its considerate consideration to element and improved design. Like all ThinkPads, it is sturdy, utilitarian, and lightweight sufficient to commute to and from the workplace with. In the event you’re somebody who takes a number of video calls, you will love the webcam.
You possibly can select a number of totally different configurations for this machine, which can elevate or decrease its value. The bottom mannequin usually retails for $2,649, however it does go on sale.
The latest US tariffs on imports from nations like China, Vietnam, and India intention to spice up home manufacturing however are prone to drive up costs on shopper electronics. Merchandise like smartphones, laptops, and TVs could turn out to be costlier as corporations rethink international provide chains and weigh the price of shifting manufacturing.
CNET: Tariff Pricing Tracker: We’re Watching 11 Merchandise You May Must Purchase
Laptops and PCs are additionally hit exhausting by the brand new US tariffs, with import duties probably rising costs by as much as 35%. Many main manufacturers nonetheless depend on Chinese language and Vietnamese factories for meeting, which means customers may quickly pay considerably extra for every little thing from price range Chromebooks to high-end gaming rigs.
These tariffs could speed up efforts to maneuver manufacturing to areas like Mexico or India, however buyers can anticipate greater prices and fewer reductions within the brief time period.
