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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold (Gen 2)
Lenovo's second-gen ThinkPad X1 Fold brings faster CPUs, RAM, and storage, a larger display with improved specs and thinner bezel, Thunderbolt 4 and 5G connectivity, and a full-size attachable keyboard with haptic touchpad and ThinkPad typing. It costs more than the aging X1 Fold (Gen 1) and it's not expected to launch until November 2022.
For
- 12th Gen Intel U-Series vPro CPUs
- 16.3-inch OLED display without crease or gap
- Full-size keyboard, haptic touchpad
- Faster RAM and storage
- Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E, 5G
Against
- Not launching until November 2022
- Higher starting price
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold (Gen 1)
Lenovo's first-gen ThinkPad X1 Fold is available now starting at less than half the price of the Gen 2 models. It's still an awesome experiment that resulted in an extremely portable PC, but its underpowered CPU, cramped keyboard, and display crease with gap are symptoms of a first-gen product that have been cleared up in the Gen 2 model.
For
- Much more affordable, available now
- Compact and easy to carry
- 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6
- Built-in stand
Against
- Weaker Lakefield CPU, less RAM
- Slower storage
- Smaller display with larger bezel
- Display crease, gap when folded
- Cramped keyboard
Availability, price, and specs
The ThinkPad X1 Fold (Gen 1) is available now at Lenovo's official website and several third-party retailers. Amazon seems to currently offer the best price at about $915 for a model including a Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. Lenovo currently offers the same model for about $1,399.
You'll have to wait until the expected November 2022 launch date to get your hands on the ThinkPad X1 Fold (Gen 2). Prices should start at around $2,500, making it significantly more expensive than the first-gen model. Why so much pricier? Aside from the massive amount of upgrades the Gen 2 model has received compared to the Gen 1 model, Lenovo is no doubt attempting to blow out stock on the older PC.
Here's a look at the specs available in each foldable PC.
| ThinkPad X1 Fold (Gen 2) | ThinkPad X1 Fold (Gen 1) | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro | Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro |
| Processor | 12th Gen Intel U-Series vPro | Intel Lakefield |
| Core i5, Core i7 | Core i5-L16G7 | |
| RAM | Up to 32GB LPDDR5 | 8GB LPDDR4x |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe | Intel UHD |
| Storage | Up to 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD | Up to 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 SSD |
| Display | 16.3 inches, foldable, touch, inking | 13.3 inches, foldable, touch, inking |
| 2024x2560, OLED, 600 nits (HDR), 400 nits (SDR), 100% DCI-P3, Dolby Vision | 2048x1536, OLED, 300 nits, 95% DCI-P3, | |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 4, USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2) | Two USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2) |
| Audio | Three speakers, Dolby Atmos | Dual 1W speakers, Dolby Atmos |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, 5G |
| Camera | 5MP RGB + IR hybrid, Intel VSC | 5MP RGB + IR hybrid |
| Security | IR camera, fingerprint reader | IR camera |
| Battery | 48Wh (16Wh extra optional) | 50Wh |
| Dimensions | Unfolded: 10.87 x 13.6 x 0.34 inches (276.1mm x 345.7mm x 8.6mm) | Unfolded: 11.77 x 9.28 x 0.44 inches (158mm x 235.6mm x 27.8mm) |
| Folded: 6.9 x 10.87 x 0.68 inches (176.4mm x 276.2mm x 17.4mm) | Folded: 6.2 x 9.28 x 1.09 inches (158mm x 235.6mm x 27.8mm) | |
| Weight | PC: 2.82 pounds (1.28kg) | From 2.2 pounds (0.99kg) |
| Full setup: 4.19 pounds (1.9kg) |
Design and features
Lenovo learned a lot about foldable PCs during its first-gen X1 Fold development and launch, and it used the information to make a number of significant changes to the Gen 2 version. Most notably, the new ThinkPad X1 Fold is larger to support the 16.3-inch display, it no longer has a built-in kickstand, and the attachable keyboard and touchpad segment has also been upgraded. It's likely going to take a spot in our collection of the best Lenovo laptops, and it should prove to be one of the best Windows laptops when it comes to versatility and design.
The kickstand now attaches magnetically to the tablet, allowing for horizontal and vertical orientations. It's a bit unwieldy having three separate portions (keyboard, stand, and tablet), but it allows for better versatility. The X1 Fold (Gen 1) has a built-in stand on the back that works best in one orientation. Both laptops still have MIL-STD 810H certification for added durability in environments outside of the office.
Typing is cramped on the first-gen model. The keyboard, which charges wirelessly, is smaller than that of the Surface Go 3. The new keyboard for the Gen 2 model is essentially the same one used in the ThinkPad X1 Nano, with the usual ThinkPad typing experience available. That means cupped keys, decent travel, and a more spacious layout. The new keyboard has a haptic touchpad that simulates real clicks, and the whole thing charges via USB-C.
Speaking of ports, the X1 Fold (Gen 2) has been upgraded to have dual Thunderbolt 4 and one USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2). That means you can connect to some of the best Thunderbolt 4 docking stations out there, something the X1 Fold (Gen 1) isn't capable of due to its non-Thunderbolt USB-C ports. Both laptops offer 5G connectivity, and the Gen 2 model has been upgraded to Wi-Fi 6E from Wi-Fi 6 in the original model.
The camera is still 5MP with IR + RGB hybrid in the new model, allowing you to log in with facial recognition through Windows Hello. There is, however, an additional Intel VSC portion that adds human presence detection and auto framing, keeping you the right way up no matter how you're holding the tablet. Lenovo also added a fingerprint reader to the keyboard portion in the X1 Fold (Gen 2), something the Gen 1 model lacks.
Audio from the X1 Fold (Gen 1) relies on two 1W speakers with Dolby Atmos. Lenovo added one extra speaker in the Gen 2 model and kept Dolby Atmos tuning. Two of the speakers work at any one time, but it provides unmuffled sound in many different orientations.
One last thing to make note of is the reparability factor. The first-gen model relied more on adhesive to keep its parts together, which stood in the way of upgrades and repairs. The Gen 2 model has removable front and rear covers that provide access to storage and battery, allowing you to keep the device relevant longer into the future.
Foldable displays
The most significant upgrade to the X1 Fold (Gen 2) has to be the display. It's now sized at 16.3 inches compared to 13.3 inches, folding down to about 12 inches when closed. Whereas the first-gen display has a bit of a visible crease down the middle and a small gap between screens when closed, the Gen 2 model has solved these problems. It folds flat, sort of like a book, and there's no visible crease when the screen is fully opened.
Resolution is understandably higher for the larger display, and you get Dolby Vision support, which the first-gen display lacks. Both screens are OLED with accurate color reproduction, and you get pen support for Windows Ink.
We will still have to further test in-house the display on the X1 Fold (Gen 2), but our hands-on time with it so far is promising.
Performance hardware
The original X1 Fold is unfortunately underpowered due to the Intel Lakefield Core i5-L16G7 CPU, maximum 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM, and M.2 PCIe 3.0 SSD. That's changed for the Gen 2 model.
You can now get Core i5 or Core i7 versions of Intel's 12th Gen U-Series hybrid chips, and the entire system is now fanless. Up to 32GB of faster LPDDR5 RAM and up to 1TB of speedy M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD storage are also available.
The standard battery in the X1 Fold (Gen 2) is actually slightly smaller at 48Wh compared to 50Wh, but Lenovo gives the option of adding an extra 16Wh depending on the configuration you checkout with. This pushes it ahead, at least in theoretical capacity, of the X1 Fold (Gen 1)'s battery. We will have to perform our own in-house tests to get a good idea of how long the battery lasts.
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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold (Gen 2)
The ThinkPad X1 Fold (Gen 2) costs more than the Gen 1 model and doesn't launch until November 2022, but it's an upgrade in almost every way. If you can hold out for launch and have the money, it's the right choice.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold (Gen 1)
The ThinkPad X1 Fold (Gen 1) is an intriguing device that kicked off the age of the folding PC. However, it has now been overshadowed by the Gen 2 model that's been improved in almost every way. Still, the X1 Fold (Gen 1) is a lot cheaper and is available now.
Cale Hunt
Senior Editor, Laptop Reviews
Cale Hunt is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. He focuses mainly on laptop reviews, news, and accessory coverage. He's been reviewing laptops and accessories full time since 2016, with hundreds of reviews published for Windows Central. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user, and spends most of his time either tinkering with or writing about tech.
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FAQs
Is Lenovo X1 Fold good? ›
There's no denying the appeal of the X1 Fold. It's an interesting take on utilising folding, flexible display panels. There aren't many devices like it out there yet, and it's one of the neatest implementations we've seen yet.
Is X1 Carbon best laptop? ›Tested battery life:
The 14-inch Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 is the best laptop we've tested in the past few years—and it costs several hundred dollars more than most people should pay for an ultrabook.
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9) Best overall ThinkPad you can buy. ...
- Lenovo ThinkPad X13 (AMD) The best budget laptop. ...
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano. ...
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga (Gen 6) ...
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 4. ...
- Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook. ...
- Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable. ...
- Lenovo ThinkPad E14.
...
| ThinkPad X1 Fold | ||
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Processors | Up to Intel vPro with 12th Gen Intel® Core™ U9 i5 and i7 Processors |
| Connectivity | Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E 802.11 AX (2×2) |
This model sells with its magnetic attachable keyboard and kickstand included. When not in use, you can fold the ThinkPad X1 Fold into its 12-inch form and snap both accessories onto the PC for easy carrying without needing an additional case.
Does the X1 Fold come with a keyboard? ›As a tablet or book. For the $2,600 starting price, you'll only get the X1 Fold itself without a keyboard or stylus, meaning you'll largely be using it as a tablet or "book". It's a serviceable device and is surprisingly well made.
Why do people use ThinkPad? ›ThinkPads have been widely praised for their superior keyboard quality on a laptop computer. ThinkPads were also the first to employ a pointing stick for cursor movement, and some models have built-in key lights. In 1995, the folding "Butterfly" keyboard won awards for its unique design.
How long does ThinkPad X1 last? ›With 15+ hours of battery life, generous screen real estate and great usability, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon remains the ultrabook of choice for productivity on the go.
What is special about Lenovo X1 Carbon? ›The main change to the 2021 X1 Carbon is the move to 11th-generation Intel processors. Oh, and the new, slightly taller screen, which now has a 16:10 aspect ratio, just like the Dell XPS 13.
Are ThinkPads better than Macs? ›The MacBook Pro's M1 SoCs perform better than the ThinkPad's Intel 11th Gen processors, but the ThinkPad has higher-end GPU options that provide better graphical performance. The ThinkPad has more ports, and its memory and storage are user-upgradeable, which you can't do on the MacBook Pro.
What is the newest generation ThinkPad? ›
...
Highlights include:
- Performance: Latest Intel 12th Gen Core with Intel vPro options including U15 and P28 processors. ...
- User Experience: ...
- Connectivity and Security:
Lenovo ThinkPad laptops are specially designed for business use. The ThinkPad offers extra security options to encrypt files. These laptops also use the Pro version of the Windows operating system. Thanks to the very good build quality, they can easily take a beating.
How do you rotate the screen on a Thinkpad? ›- Change your machine from Laptop mode to Tent/Stand/Tablet mode.
- Enter the words Settings into the search box on the taskbar, and then select Settings from the list of results.
- Click System (Display, notifications, apps, power).
- Scroll down and toggle Lock rotation of this display to On or Off.
One device. So many ways to use. Fold it like a book for side-by-side pages.
What do you call foldable laptop? ›Sometimes referred to as "convertible" or "hybrid" laptops, these innovative devices deliver the processing power and keyboard of a Windows 10 laptop. When you're ready to play, either detach the screen or fold your 2-in-1 into tablet mode to watch movies, play games, read an e-book and more.
What is a ThinkPad? ›ThinkPad is a line of business-oriented laptop computers and tablets designed, developed and marketed by Lenovo, and formerly by IBM until 2005, when IBM's PC business was acquired by Lenovo.
How do you fold a Lenovo laptop? ›Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold hands-on: Big upgrades, inside and out
What pen works with Lenovo X1 fold? ›BoxWave Stylus Pen Compatible With Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold. The AccuPoint Active Stylus from BoxWave looks and feels just like a real pen!
How do you charge a X1 fold pen? ›Wireless charging (for selected models)
Put your foldable PC in the mini clamshell mode with the camera side upward, and then attach the keyboard to the magnetic side as shown. Fold the computer and the keyboard charges automatically.
Use the AC power adapter that comes with your foldable PC to charge the pen.
Why are ThinkPads the best? ›
Thanks to its high-end components and aggressively designed thermals, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 4 can tackle both creative applications that can utilize the GPU and even some 4K gaming. It's the ThinkPad to buy if you want a laptop that's both powerful and -- thanks to its upgradeable design -- built for the future.
Why does NASA use ThinkPad? ›The firsts provide the interface with the ship's computer systems while the others are used for office and personal tasks. ThinkPad is the only laptop certified for use on the International Space Station (ISS). ThinkPads have been used aboard the International Space Station since 1998.
How long do Lenovo ThinkPads last? ›However, the term “budget” is what decides the laptop's lifetime. Most Lenovo laptops are predicted to last three years on average. However, if you buy laptops from their high-end line, you may expect 5 years of uninterrupted service!
Which is the best Lenovo or Dell? ›In comparison between Lenovo VS Dell, overall, Dell laptops are a good option in terms of price, but when it comes to other factors like innovation, battery life, and specifications, then Lenovo laptops top the list. Aside from being rated as the best laptop by most people, Lenovo laptops offer great value for money.
How good is Lenovo ThinkPad? ›ThinkPads are generally hailed as being awesome business laptops because of their comfortable keyboards and silent operation. With its quiet keyboard, security features, and booming audio, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 is one such laptop.
How long does X1 Carbon battery last? ›The battery is one of the best features of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, as it can last over 14 hours on a single charge.
What is the latest generation of X1 Carbon? ›- This item: Latest Gen 8 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 14" FHD Ultrabook (400 nits) with 10th Gen Intel i7-10510U Processor up to 4.90 GHz, 1 TB PCIe SSD, 16GB RAM, and Windows 10 Pro. ...
- Lenovo USA ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 Dock Gen 2 135W (40AN0135US) Dual UHD 4K Display Capability, 2 HDMI, 2 DP, USB-C, USB 3.1, Black.
It's unbelievably thin and light (2.49 pounds, 0.59 inches) while still being quite durable; Lenovo says it's undergone MILSpec durability testing. The X1 Carbon is absolutely up there with Dell's XPS as one of the best-built laptops you can buy.
Is Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon touchscreen? ›Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon Touch 14-Inch Touchscreen Ultrabook - Core i5-4300U, 14" MultiTouch WQHD Display (2560x1440), 128GB SSD, Windows 8.1 Professional.
Is Lenovo a Chromebook? ›Whatever you're looking for, we have a Chromebook for you. Designed for entertainment and productivity, our Chromebooks are part laptop, part tablet. They're the perfect device to kick back with and surf social media, stream videos, edit photos, create and share documents, or interact with learning apps.
What is the price of Lenovo ThinkPad? ›
As of 23rd October 2022, Lenovo ThinkPad price in India starts at Rs. 1,29,231.
Is MacBook Pro better than Lenovo Yoga? ›Apple's M1 processor isn't just fast, it can achieve those speeds while using less power and generating less heat. That means you're likely to get much better battery life from the MacBook Pro compared to the ThinkPad X1 Yoga. The MacBook Pro should offer much better battery life and GPU performance.
How old is Lenovo X1 Carbon? ›In early August 2012, Lenovo released the ThinkPad X1 Carbon as the 14-inch successor to the earlier ThinkPad X1. The X1 Carbon was first released in China due to the popularity of ThinkPads in that market.
What is a 2 in 1 laptop computer? ›A 2-in-1 laptop (also called a "2-in-1 PC" or simply a "2-in-1") is a portable computer that includes features of both tablets and laptops. Just call it a "laplet" or a "tabtop" that includes a PC operating system, keyboard, touchscreen and other convenient features of both devices combined into one.
How much does a Lenovo ThinkPad X1 cost? ›The X1 Carbon Gen 9 (starts at $1,475; $2,197 as tested) catches up with the Dell and other elite ultraportables by moving to an 11th Generation Intel "Tiger Lake" Core processor and a slightly taller 16:10 rather than 16:9 screen aspect ratio.
What's better IdeaPad or ThinkPad? ›Whilst the Lenovo Thinkpad is definitely the better option for business and work use, many casual users have found it to be powerful enough for their needs too. In comparison to this, the Ideapad is better for everyday users who don't need everything that the Thinkpad offers.
Why is it called ThinkPad? ›The "ThinkPad" name comes from a slogan coined by IBM employees back in the 1920s. The word "THINK" adorned early IBM mainframes and eventually made its way onto pocket-sized paper notepads. From this, the ThinkPad brand was born. The first device released under the ThinkPad moniker wasn't a traditional laptop.
What are the different levels of Lenovo laptops? ›Lenovo divides its laptops into six categories: ThinkPad, ThinkBook, Yoga, IdeaPad, Legion, and Chromebook.
What is a ThinkPad? ›ThinkPad is a line of business-oriented laptop computers and tablets designed, developed and marketed by Lenovo, and formerly by IBM until 2005, when IBM's PC business was acquired by Lenovo.
What is a Lenovo? ›Lenovo is a manufacturer of personal computers, smartphones, televisions, and wearable devices. Some of the company's earliest products included the KT8920 mainframe computer and a circuit board that allowed IBM-compatible personal computers to process Chinese characters.
Why is ThinkPad so good? ›
Legend in Durability. First developed by IBM before it was taken over by Lenovo in 2005, the ThinkPad is well-known for its durability and longevity. It was the only laptop certified for use aboard the International Space Station by 2003, so that says a lot about the quality of this range of computers.
Why is the ThinkPad so popular? ›ThinkPads typically have one of the best keyboards compared to any other laptop. Firstly, the keyboards have a higher travel distance. This makes typing much easier compared to the shallow keyboards found on many laptops. Also, shallower keyboards tend to fail more often compared with the thicker ThinkPad keyboards.
What is difference between normal laptop and ThinkPad? ›The ThinkPad offers extra security options to encrypt files. These laptops also use the Pro version of the Windows operating system. Thanks to the very good build quality, they can easily take a beating. This is why a Lenovo ThinkPad is an attractive option for use at the office or if you're working from home.
Is 8gb RAM enough? ›The standard 8 GB will do fine, as it can cover most of your basic computer needs. You'll even be able to open a couple of tabs in your browser without experiencing a huge hit on performance. Quick tip: If you like keeping dozens of programs open at all times, more RAM is key.
Which is better HP or Lenovo? ›Which brand is better, HP or Lenovo? Lenovo laptops are best in comparison with HP laptops as they provide good value for money. Lenovo laptops have decent build quality, however, HP laptops are better in terms of their quality components, but they are more expensive than Lenovo laptops.
Is ThinkPad a good laptop? ›1. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 – Best overall. ThinkPads are generally hailed as being awesome business laptops because of their comfortable keyboards and silent operation. With its quiet keyboard, security features, and booming audio, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 is one such laptop.