Review: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (2017, 5th Gen)

Conclusion

Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Carbon has always been a very good Ultrabook and regular improvements over the years have combined to ensure that the fifth-generation model is the best yet.

Retaining its high level of build quality, the carbon-fibre-reinforced chassis still looks and feels beautiful but has trimmed-down in size to make this one of the lightest and most portable 14in laptops on the market. Performance has been brought right up to date courtesy of a seventh-generation Intel Core processor and a fast NVMe SSD, and the internal fan only kicks-in during demanding workloads, helping keep noise to a minimum.

And the hits just keep on coming. Connectivity is good with dual Thunderbolt Type-C and a pair of USB 3.0, the keyboard is second to none at this size, and battery life has improved to such an extent that it's no longer a case of getting through a working day - it's whether or not you can get through the following day, too.

This is a formidable 14in PC, yet there are a couple of stumbling blocks that prevent me upgrading from the 2012 original. The lack of a touchscreen option is irksome, and Lenovo's flagship ThinkPad continues to carry a price premium alongside direct rivals from the likes of Dell and HP.

Bottom line: there are a handful of truly stunning Windows PCs vying for your attention in 2017, and if you're willing to forego touchscreen functionality, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon remains the benchmark for business-class Ultrabooks.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (2017)

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The fifth-generation ThinkPad X1 Carbon is available to purchase from Lenovo.

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