Lenovo Unveils New ThinkPad and IdeaPad Laptops
Lenovo has joined the list of OEMs to announce new laptops following Intel's announcement of its Core Ultra series CPUs. The latest additions to Lenovo's lineup are the ThinkPad X1 Carbon 12th Gen, the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 9th Gen, and the IdeaPad Pro 5i. Here are the key details of each device:
ThinkPad X1 Carbon 12th Gen/ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Specs & Features
Both the ThinkPad X1 Carbon 12th Gen and the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 9th Gen are powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra processors. However, there are some differences in memory specifications. The X1 Carbon supports up to 64GB of LPDDR5X memory, while the X1 2-in-1 accommodates up to 32GB of LPDDR4X memory. Both laptops offer impressive storage options with up to 2TB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage. The X1 Carbon features Intel Arc Graphics, while the X1 2-in-1 is equipped with Intel Iris Xe graphics.
Display and Audio
Both laptops feature a 14-inch narrow bezel display. The X1 Carbon stands out with its 2.8K OLED touch display boasting a 120Hz refresh rate, while the X1 2-in-1 features a 1920×1200 IPS touch display. The X1 Carbon's display offers Dolby Vision HDR and 400 nits of brightness, while the X1 2-in-1's display provides 300 nits of brightness.
For audio, both laptops deliver Dolby Atmos audio with Dolby Voice enhancement. They also feature an up to 8MP MIPI computer vision camera with a privacy shutter. Additionally, both laptops include a tactile keyboard, a larger TrackPad, and a glass Haptic TouchPad.
Battery and Connectivity
The X1 Carbon boasts a 57Wh battery, while the X1 2-in-1 comes with a slightly smaller 50Wh battery. Both laptops prioritize security with a dTPM 2.0 chip and a fingerprint reader, with the X1 2-in-1 adding an extra layer of security through a camera privacy shutter.
Connectivity features are consistent between the two laptops, offering 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) ports, 2x USB-A (5Gbps) ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The X1 Carbon provides the option of Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7, while the X1 2-in-1 is equipped with Wi-Fi 6. Both laptops include Bluetooth 5.3, but the X1 2-in-1 stands out with additional connectivity options like 5G sub-6 (CAT20), 4G LTE (CAT16), 4G LTE (CAT4) for the China market, eSIM, and Nano SIM support.
Design
The X1 Carbon is lighter and thinner than the X1 2-in-1. The X1 Carbon weighs 2.42 lbs and has a thickness of 14.96mm, while the X1 2-in-1 weighs 2.92 lbs and is slightly thicker at 15.49mm.
IdeaPad Pro 5i Specs
The IdeaPad Pro 5i is available in both 16-inch and 14-inch models. It offers powerful performance with up to Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 processors. Running on the Windows 11 operating system, it boasts a maximum memory capacity of 32GB LPDDR5X and storage options of up to 1TB Gen 4 PCIe NVMe SSD. The graphics capabilities include integrated Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon graphics, along with the option for discrete NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti or RTX 4050 Laptop GPU.
Display and Audio
The display choices cater to various preferences. The 16-inch model features a 2.5K IPS screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, or an enticing 2K OLED alternative. The 14-inch version offers either a 2.8K OLED or IPS display, both with a 120Hz refresh rate. All displays adhere to a 16:10 aspect ratio, ensuring a vivid visual experience. Audio quality is enhanced with 2 x 2W speakers and Dolby Atmos Audio technology.
Camera, Battery, and Connectivity
The laptop is equipped with an IR FHD camera featuring a ToF sensor and a privacy shutter, along with a dual-microphone array for improved video conferencing. The device packs an 84WHr polymer battery for extended usage. Connectivity options include a Thunderbolt 4-enabled USB-C port, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C with Power Delivery and DisplayPort support, HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Wireless connectivity is facilitated by WLAN WI-FI 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.
Dimensions
The 16-inch model measures 356mm x 251mm x 22.1mm and weighs 1.95kg (4.30lbs), while the 14-inch variant is more compact at 312mm x 210.8mm x 15.99mm and weighs 1.46kg (3.22lbs).
Pricing & Availability
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 will be available in December 2023, starting at $2,989. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 will be available from March 2024, starting at $2,639. The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i in the 16-inch variant is currently available, starting at $1,149.99.
