Hands-on: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 YOGA
Lenovo claims they have the world's lightest 14" Business Convertible, and that it's essentially a laptop, tablet and beyond.
With a 6th Generation Intel Core i7 vPro Processor, Windows 10Pro 64 bit operating system, the test machine came with 8 GB of DDR3 RAM installed with a maximum of 16GB. It has up to 1TB ultrafast PCIe SSD storage.
This device also comes with the option of 4G/LTE WWAN for premium mobility and a unique OLED panel (available from June 2016).
With a touch screen and optional integrated pen, the ThinkPad X1 YOGA is supported by high-quality branded X1 accessories including a slim power adapter and wireless WiGig dock. Like the X1 Tablet, this is a machine aimed squarely at the business user, and it will not disappoint.
Power computing
Like most of you, I'm used to hopping from one device to another. In the course of a day I can be found on my laptop, phone or tablet. With the ThinkPad, I could happily function with just the ThinkPad, with maybe my phone for taking the occasional call.
As I write, my iPhone has happily synced with the ThinkPad, downloading my photos and videos faster than my personal laptop. In fact, the speed of this range of ThinkPads has seriously got me considering switching to the "other" side, so well-thought out are the features that have gone into this build.
I've tried tasking the processor, but I think I'd have to import some serious software to get it straining. I don't know how, but these ThinkPads seem to give off no heat to speak of, and I'm yet to hear the whirring of any fan. I would love to try using some serious image-editing software on here, but suspect it would take it all in its stride.
Incredibly, the battery performance extends up to 11 hours (according to MM14) and also features RapidCharge, allowing you to charge it from low to full in under an hour. Impressive.
Multimode Computing
The literature tells me that I can operate the ThinkPad in "Laptop, Tablet, Tent, or Stand mode." I have happily played around in tablet and laptop mode but I can see the Gen X'ers and beyond all joyously forgetting about the keyboard as they utilise the features of the 21st Century power users.
Our modern thinkers tend towards the visual rather than the verbal, and I can see them dictating, using the stylus and once in a while flexing their digits over the keyboard.
On the subject of the keyboard, I have to admit I'm fast becoming a fan of it. The feel of the keys are positive with just the right amount of play, and I'm enjoying the left and right clicker which means I can forget about the ctrl-click thing I have to do whenever I use my own trackpad. I suppose I could plug in a mouse, but honestly, why bother?
Tablet mode
In tablet mode the keys make a pleasant sound reminiscent of popping bubblewrap, and apart from my occasional tendency to hit a wrong key, typing in tablet mode is a quite enjoyable tactile experience and I love the layout of the numeric keys, like an extended keypad on a desktop.
I can tilt the screen to any desired angle quite comfortably. The laptop politely enquires of me if I want to exit "tablet mode" when I change over. I will admit too that tablet mode must have generated a little heat because now I can hear the quiet hum of the fan. Back in laptop mode it was only on for a couple of minutes.
Time and space constraints mean I cant tell you all of the features of this lap...er. Tab...um.. Multimodal device. Its weight is 1.27 kg, admittedly my version has a slightly smaller 256GB SSD drive, but it's so light and yet so substantial a laptop.
If you aren't a fan of using the cloud, the 1TB SSD option is a great alternative. If you are a busy business person and continually on the move, I can't recommend this ThinkPad highly enough. It may be a lightweight laptop, but it delivers the punch of a heavyweight.
For more information and pricing options, click here.
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This white paper will not only help you learn how Lenovo ThinkPad X1 mobile devices work, but how they work with Lenovo Unified Workspace can help your transform your business.
