ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 4

Technical Specifications

• Processor: Up to 6th Generation Intel Core i7 vPro (Skylake U-series, e.g., i5-6200U, i5-6300U, i7-6500U, i7-6600U).
• RAM: Up to 16 GB LPDDR3, soldered onto the mainboard.
• Storage: Options include up to 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD or SATA-3 M.2 SSD.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel HD Graphics 520.
• Display: 14-inch IPS panel with anti-glare coating. Available resolutions include Full HD (FHD) at 1920 x 1080 and WQHD at 2560 x 1440. Both options offer 300 nits brightness.
• Ports: 3 x USB 3.0 (one with always-on charging), Mini DisplayPort, HDMI, OneLink+ docking port, 3.5mm audio/mic combo jack, microSD card slot, and an optional SIM card slot for 4G LTE.
• Battery: Integrated 4-cell, 52 WHr Lithium Polymer battery.
• Dimensions: 13.11″ x 9.01″ x 0.65″ (333mm x 229mm x 16.5mm).
• Weight: Starting at 2.54 lbs (1.15 kg).
• Chassis: Constructed from carbon-fiber reinforced plastic and super magnesium, designed to pass MIL-STD 801G durability tests.

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 4 features a robust set of specifications for a business-oriented ultrabook. The 6th Gen Intel Core processors provide ample power for productivity tasks. The inclusion of up to 16 GB of soldered LPDDR3 RAM ensures efficient multitasking, though the non-upgradeable nature of the RAM is a limitation. Storage is a strong point, with fast PCIe NVMe SSD options significantly boosting system responsiveness. Display choices offer good visual fidelity with both FHD and WQHD IPS panels, catering to different user preferences for resolution and clarity. Connectivity is comprehensive for its time, offering multiple USB 3.0 ports, video outputs, and a dedicated docking solution. The absence of USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 is a notable omission compared to newer standards. Its lightweight and durable chassis, combined with a decent battery capacity, emphasize its portability and suitability for mobile professionals.

Support & Compatibility

• Operating System Support: Officially supports Windows 10 Pro or Home, and Windows 7 Professional. It can also run Windows 11 through a clean installation.
• End of Support Date: While specific end-of-life dates for hardware are not always public, official support for Windows 7 has concluded, and Windows 10 is approaching its end-of-life. Lenovo typically provides driver updates for several years post-launch.
• Available Drivers: Comprehensive driver support is available from Lenovo for Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 (both 32-bit and 64-bit versions).
• Warranty: Typically comes with a standard three-year warranty.
• Upgradeability: The RAM is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded post-purchase. The M.2 SSD storage and Wi-Fi card are user-upgradeable components.

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 4 offers solid compatibility with mainstream Windows operating systems, ensuring broad software support. While Windows 7 is no longer officially supported by Microsoft, the device's original compatibility and driver availability for it are present. The ability to run Windows 11, albeit unofficially, extends its potential lifespan. Lenovo's commitment to providing drivers for multiple Windows versions ensures continued functionality. The three-year warranty provides a good period of manufacturer support. However, the soldered RAM is a significant limitation for users who might require more memory in the future, impacting long-term upgradeability and flexibility.

Security Status

• Security Features: Includes a Trusted Platform Module (TPM TCG 1.2), a Kensington Lock slot, a touch-style fingerprint reader for biometric authentication, and Intel vPro Technology for enhanced manageability and security features. The keyboard is spill-resistant.
• Vulnerabilities: Several Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) have been identified across various ThinkPad models, some of which may affect the X1 Carbon Gen 4. These include privilege escalation vulnerabilities in Lenovo Active Protection System and Realtek audio drivers, as well as BIOS/UEFI vulnerabilities related to improper write protection, SMM handler issues, and potential information leaks.
• Recommendations: Regularly update the system's BIOS/firmware and all device drivers, especially those related to audio and system management, to mitigate known security vulnerabilities. Utilize the integrated security features such as the fingerprint reader and TPM for enhanced data protection.

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 4 incorporates enterprise-grade security features like TPM and vPro, crucial for data protection and remote management in business environments. The fingerprint reader offers convenient and secure login. However, like many complex systems, it has been subject to various software and firmware vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities, often related to drivers or BIOS components, highlight the importance of a proactive update strategy. Regular patching is essential to maintain the device's security posture against potential exploits and ensure a secure computing environment.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Processor Performance: The 6th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 U-series processors deliver strong performance for typical business and productivity applications. They are capable of handling light to moderate photo and video editing tasks. However, for intensive video rendering, encoding, or demanding computational workloads, the dual-core architecture shows its limitations compared to more powerful CPUs.
• Graphics Performance: The integrated Intel HD Graphics 520 provides sufficient performance for everyday graphical tasks, including high-resolution video playback and basic image manipulation. It is not designed for demanding 3D applications or modern gaming, offering only passable performance in such scenarios.
• Storage Performance: Configurations with PCIe NVMe SSDs offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to traditional SATA SSDs, resulting in quick boot times, rapid application loading, and efficient file transfers.
• Battery Life: Lenovo claims up to 11 hours of battery life based on MobileMark 2014 testing. In real-world usage, battery life typically ranges from 7 to 8 hours, with some users reporting around 5 hours under typical workloads.
• Comparison with Similar Devices: The X1 Carbon Gen 4 generally performs above average within its ultrabook class. While it may be slightly outpaced by some competitors like the ThinkPad T450s or certain Acer TravelMate models in specific benchmarks, it offers a noticeable performance improvement over its 2015 predecessor.

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 4 delivers a balanced performance profile optimized for its target audience: business professionals. Its processor handles daily tasks with ease, and the fast SSD storage significantly enhances overall system responsiveness. While its integrated graphics are not suited for gaming or heavy creative work, they are adequate for general use. The battery life, while not always reaching the advertised maximums, provides sufficient endurance for a full workday for most users. Its performance solidifies its position as a reliable and efficient business ultrabook.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback for the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 4 generally highlights its strengths in portability, build quality, and input devices, while also pointing out some areas for improvement.

Positive feedback often emphasizes:

• Portability and Durability: Users appreciate its exceptionally lightweight and thin design, combined with a robust carbon fiber and magnesium chassis that withstands daily wear and tear.
• Keyboard: The keyboard receives widespread praise for its comfortable typing experience, excellent tactile feedback, and spill resistance, maintaining the ThinkPad's reputation for superior input.
• Display Options: The availability of high-resolution IPS display options (WQHD) is well-received for sharp visuals and good viewing angles.
• SSD Performance: The fast NVMe SSD storage is frequently noted for contributing to quick boot times and responsive system performance.
• Port Selection: For a thin device, the array of ports, including multiple USB 3.0, HDMI, and Mini DisplayPort, is considered adequate and useful.

Common criticisms and areas for improvement include:

• Lack of USB-C/Thunderbolt 3: The absence of these newer, versatile ports is a significant drawback for users seeking modern connectivity standards.
• Soldered RAM: The inability to upgrade RAM is a frequent point of contention, limiting future-proofing and user customization.
• Display Brightness and PWM: While the display quality is good, some users find it to be less bright than comparable devices, and the use of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) for dimming might cause eye strain for sensitive individuals.
• Fan Noise: The fan can be audible or run consistently, which some users find distracting.
• Audio Quality: The integrated speakers are often described as lacking in quality, sometimes referred to as "tin cans," with a bass-boosted audio profile.
• Design: Some users perceive the design as somewhat outdated due to larger screen bezels compared to contemporary ultrabooks.

Summary

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 4 stands as a highly capable and well-regarded business ultrabook, striking a commendable balance between portability, durability, and performance for its generation. Its primary strengths lie in its exceptionally lightweight and robust carbon fiber chassis, making it an ideal companion for mobile professionals. The device features the acclaimed ThinkPad keyboard, offering an unparalleled typing experience that remains a significant draw. Performance is solid for everyday productivity, driven by 6th Gen Intel Core processors and fast NVMe SSD storage, ensuring quick responsiveness and efficient multitasking. The choice of high-resolution IPS displays further enhances the user experience with crisp visuals.

However, the X1 Carbon Gen 4 is not without its limitations. The soldered RAM restricts future upgrades, potentially limiting its longevity in increasingly memory-intensive workflows. The absence of USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports means it lacks the modern connectivity options found in newer devices. Some users may find the display brightness insufficient in certain environments, and the use of PWM for dimming could be a concern for those sensitive to screen flicker. Additionally, the integrated audio quality is generally considered subpar, and the fan can be noticeable under load.

Recommendations: The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 4 is highly recommended for business users who prioritize extreme portability, a best-in-class typing experience, and robust build quality for daily professional tasks. It is well-suited for document creation, web browsing, presentations, and light content consumption. It is less suitable for users requiring extensive memory upgrades, demanding graphical workloads, or those who heavily rely on modern USB-C/Thunderbolt peripherals. Prospective users should also be diligent in applying system and driver updates to address identified security vulnerabilities. Overall, it remains a strong contender in the used market for its core strengths, provided its limitations align with user needs.

Information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.