Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 Review: The Ultimate Business Laptop
£535.00
Amazon.co.uk
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 continues the legacy of its predecessors as one of the best business laptops available in 2024. Combining power, portability, and premium build quality, the 11th generation of the X1 Carbon is designed to cater to professionals who demand top-tier performance in a lightweight chassis. But how does it hold up against its competitors? In this detailed review, we’ll explore every aspect of this laptop, from its design and performance to its battery life, display quality, and more.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11: Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1335U / i7-1365U / i7-1370P |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| RAM | 8GB / 16GB / 32GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB SSD |
| Display | 14-inch WUXGA (1920×1200) / 2.8K OLED (2880×1800) / 4K UHD+ (3840×2400) |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Battery Life | Up to 15 hours |
| Weight | 2.48 lbs (1.12 kg) |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.0b, 3.5mm Audio Jack, Optional Smart Card Reader |
| Security Features | Fingerprint Sensor, TPM 2.0, Webcam Privacy Shutter |
Who is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 For?
- Business Professionals: Secure, lightweight, and built for productivity.
- Frequent Travelers: Compact form factor, long battery life, and durable design.
- Remote Workers: Great webcam, microphone, and connectivity options.
- Students & Academics: Fast performance, excellent keyboard, and reliable build.
One of the standout features of the X1 Carbon Gen 11 is the variety of configurations available, ensuring that users can tailor the laptop to their specific requirements. Whether you need an entry-level business laptop with an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB RAM or a high-end configuration with a Core i7 and 32GB RAM for intensive workloads, the options are plentiful.
Furthermore, the ThinkPad series has always been synonymous with reliability and security, and the X1 Carbon Gen 11 is no exception. With features such as a fingerprint scanner, TPM 2.0 encryption, and a webcam privacy shutter, Lenovo ensures that business users can work with confidence, knowing their data is protected.
With robust connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and optional LTE/5G support, the X1 Carbon Gen 11 is designed to keep professionals connected no matter where they are. For remote workers, frequent travelers, or business executives who need an always-on connection, this laptop offers impressive flexibility.
Design and Build Quality: Elegant Yet Rugged
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 maintains Lenovo’s signature business aesthetic with its carbon-fiber and magnesium alloy chassis, ensuring durability without adding unnecessary weight. The soft-touch finish adds a premium feel, while the laptop remains highly portable at just 2.48 lbs (1.12 kg). The hinges are reinforced, designed to withstand long-term usage, and the entire build meets MIL-STD 810H military-grade durability standards, making it resilient against shocks, spills, and extreme temperatures.
Lenovo also includes a spill-resistant keyboard, which ensures peace of mind for those who frequently work in coffee shops or travel with their device. The overall design is sleek, professional, and lightweight—ideal for modern business users who need a device that is both stylish and robust.
Display: A Stunning Visual Experience
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 offers multiple display configurations:
- 14-inch WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS: Best for long battery life and general productivity.
- 2.8K OLED (2880×1800) Touchscreen: Provides vibrant colors and deep blacks, excellent for media consumption and creative professionals.
- 4K UHD+ (3840×2400) HDR: The highest resolution available, perfect for professionals dealing with high-resolution media, though it consumes more battery.
Performance: Fast, Efficient, and Reliable
Powered by Intel’s 13th Gen U-Series and P-Series processors, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 handles business tasks effortlessly. Whether it’s multitasking, software development, or media editing, this laptop provides solid performance without overheating.
Benchmarks & Real-World Performance:
| Test | Score |
| Geekbench 6 (Single-Core) | ~1800 |
| Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core) | ~7500 |
| Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core) | ~6800 |
| PCMark 10 (Productivity) | ~5200 |
Battery Life: Built to Last
The 57Wh battery provides excellent longevity, making this laptop a true all-day device:
- Light work (documents, browsing): 12-14 hours
- Moderate work (multitasking, video calls): 9-11 hours
- Heavy workloads (streaming, software development): 6-8 hours
With Rapid Charge technology, the laptop charges up to 80% in 30 minutes.
Connectivity: Stay Connected Anywhere
The X1 Carbon Gen 11 comes with multiple connectivity options:
- Wi-Fi 6E & Bluetooth 5.2 for fast and reliable wireless connections.
- Optional 4G LTE/5G support for always-on connectivity.
- Wide range of ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-A, HDMI 2.0b, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
ThinkPad Keyboard & TrackPoint: A Typing Dream
The legendary ThinkPad keyboard offers deep key travel, tactile feedback, and spill resistance. The glass trackpad is smooth and responsive, supporting multi-touch gestures seamlessly. Additionally, the iconic red TrackPoint allows for precision control without lifting hands from the keyboard.
Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 | Dell XPS 13 Plus | MacBook Air M3 |
| Processor | Intel 13th Gen i5/i7 | Intel 13th Gen i7 | Apple M3 |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe | Intel Iris Xe | Apple M3 GPU |
| Display Options | WUXGA, 2.8K OLED, 4K | FHD+, OLED | Retina (2560×1664) |
| Battery Life | Up to 15 hours | Up to 12 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Ports | 2x TB4, USB-A, HDMI | 2x TB4 | 2x TB4, MagSafe |
| Weight | 2.48 lbs (1.12 kg) | 2.71 lbs (1.23 kg) | 2.7 lbs (1.22 kg) |
| Best For | Business & Travel | Stylish Design | macOS Users |
Pros & Cons
✔️ Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight yet durable build
- Fantastic keyboard and trackpad
- Sharp and vibrant display options
- Strong security features
- Long battery life with rapid charging
- Wide selection of ports
❌ Cons:
- Integrated graphics limit heavy creative workloads
- No SD card slot
- Premium price tag
Final Verdict: Is the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 Worth It?
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 is one of the best business ultrabooks of 2024, offering a lightweight yet powerful computing solution with top-tier security, excellent battery life, and a premium keyboard experience. If you’re looking for a business-class ultrabook with premium performance, security, and portability, this is an outstanding choice.
FAQ Section
Q: Is the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 good for business use?
A: Yes, it’s designed for professionals with strong security features and premium performance.
Q: How does the X1 Carbon Gen 11 compare to the Dell XPS 13?
A: The X1 Carbon offers better battery life and security, while the XPS 13 has a more modern design.
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