Lenovo has refreshed its ThinkPad X13 ($1,139+) laptops with new ThinkPad X13 and X13 Yoga models. These laptops feature 16:10 displays with 1920×1200 or 2560×1600 resolutions, which seems like an excellent choice for battery life. Creative users have other Lenovo laptops to choose from, including the powerful ThinkPad P1 Gen3 we recently reviewed.The ThinkPad X13 series is geared towards productivity and has a full array of ports (USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, security lock, and a SIM tray + eSim). That is hugely convenient if you need to exchange USB keys or use a projector on a regular basis, for example.
The X13 also has a Lenovo Pen stored on the lower right side of the chassis. It is always charged and available for note-taking.
The keyboard is a classic Lenovo design, and I appreciate the extra space allocated for the arrow keys. As someone who frequently selects text using CTRL + Arrows, this is a must-have feature. The trackpad is larger than usual for a Lenovo laptop but not huge by industry standards.
The Power button includes a fingerprint reader and is now near the keyboard’s upper-right side to avoid accidental button action when located on the side. That is a good choice because it’s infuriating when you have to lay the laptop on its side for a second (especially during public events) to find out that you accidentally powered it down.
Users can choose Intel (Gen11) or AMD (Ryzen 5000) processors and get the latest tech, including WiFi 6E and an optional 5G wireless broadband.
Finally, Lenovo has introduced a “Human Detection” mechanism that can lock and unlock the laptop when you’re leaving your seat. I like the idea of passively increase security with (hopefully) no friction for the user. Note that it is only available on Intel models.
The detection works by using the webcam to detect if you are in front of the computer. To lower the power usage, the image processing activity is done on a low-resolution stream and probably at low frequency (FPS). Smart.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T series ($1,159+) has also been updated to get the latest Intel and AMD CPUs and come with 14 and 15-inches display options. The T series is the Lenovo business laptop series to look at if you need a large 4K display with Dolby Vision certification, among several screen options.
Unlike the X13 laptops, the T Series does have discrete GPU options, such as the NVIDIA GeForce MX450 on select Intel configurations. AMD users will have no choice but to use the integrated Radeon graphics, which is more than fine for most business users.
Sturdiness aside, what I usually like about the ThinkPad T series are the ports. MicroSD and Ethernet are rarely available on laptops, but some ThinkPad T models do have them, in addition to the USB-A, USB-C, and full-size HDMI ports.
ThinkPas T Series Official Specs
- Up to 11th Gen Intel Core vPro or latest AMD Ryzen 5000 Mobile Processors
- Up to 14” UHD HDR Dolby Vision® and 500nit or 15.6” UHD HDR Dolby Vision and 600nit
- Intel UHD graphics, Intel® Iris® Xe or NVIDIA MX450; integrated AMD Radeon Graphics on AMD Ryzen Processor models
- Intel® Wi-Fi 6E (Intel models), Intel® Wi-Fi 6 (AMD and select Intel models)
- Optional 5G sub-6 or 2×2 MIMO CAT12 4G on ThinkPad T14s i and T14s; up to 4×4 MIMO CAT16 4G on T14 i; up to 2×2 MIMO CAT16 4G on T15
- Up to FHD Hybrid Infrared (IR) webcam on T14s models, HD or HD Hybrid IR on T14 and T15
- Dolby Audio Speaker System with user-facing speakers
- ThinkShield security features including Match-on-Chip Fingerprint Reader (integrated into power button on T14s models) and Human Presence Detection on T14s i
ThinkPas X13 Series Official Specs
- Up to 11th Gen Intel Core vPro or latest AMD Ryzen 5000 Mobile Processors
- Up to 13.3” WQXGA 16:10 aspect ratio with Low Blue Light technology.
- Intel Iris Xe graphics; integrated AMD Radeon Graphics on AMD Ryzen Processor models
- Intel Wi-Fi 6 or 6E on ThinkPad X13 i, Intel Wi-Fi 6 on X13 and X13 Yoga
- Optional 5G sub-6 or 2×2 MIMO CAT12 4G on ThinkPad X13 i and X13; up to 2×2 MIMO CAT12 4G on X13 Yoga
- Up to FHD Hybrid Infrared (IR) webcam on X13 models, HD or HD Hybrid IR on X13 Yoga
- Dolby Audio Speaker System, with user-facing speakers on X13
- ThinkShield security features including Match-on-Chip Fingerprint Reader integrated into power button and Human Presence Detection on Intel models
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