Think Tank: What Is the Best X Series Thinkpad?

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Lenovo ThinkPads are popular amongst business professionals and college students alike. Not only are they durable and pack a lot of power, but they’re also affordable.

You can find a laptop for between 200 and 400 bucks. They have a simple and sleek design with a battery life that can last for hours.

They also have some pretty great security and technological features. To get the most out of your new laptop, you’re going to have to choose the best ThinkPad for your needs.

We can help you out with that. Check out this guide to learn what you should be looking for in a Lenovo computer.

Buying Tips

When shopping around for a ThinkPad laptop, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. If you don’t think about the future before you make your purchase or fail to account for ports, you may end up with a device that doesn’t suit your needs.

ThinkPads are affordable, but there are ways to get an even better deal on them, and when in doubt, it’s okay to go with an older model of laptop.

Think About the Future

When buying a laptop, think about what you’re going to be using the computer for a few years from now. Are you trying to go back to school?

Are you going to need the computer for work? Are you going to be using the ThinkPad as your personal computer? Having your goals and intentions in mind before you go shopping will help you find a laptop with the specs that you need.

It’s Alright to Backtrack a Few Years

Many people find that the older ThinkPad models are a little more durable than the newer ones. The older models are also more budget-friendly.

The best part is that going with an older computer won’t set you back too far when it comes to specs. If you’re only going to be using the laptop for spreadsheets and browsing the internet, you won’t need the extra power that the newer models bring to the table.

Wait Until Black Friday or Cyber Monday

Going with an older computer model is only one way to save. You can cut down the price tag even more by heading to Lenovo.com during Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

There are always deals going on during this time, so you’re to find a ThinkPad that suits your budget.

Don’t Stress the Specs

We understand that you want a computer that provides the best performance. We’re here to tell you not to sweat the specs too much, however.

For more work and school-related tasks, the standard 4 to 8GB of RAM is plenty. The only reason why you would need anything more than that is if you’re planning to use the computer for gaming or heavy-duty photo manipulation.

If you are one to choose a computer over specs and specs alone, pour your browsing efforts into the screen size. It’s a feature that most people can understand, so you’re not likely to get overwhelmed with the numbers.

Don’t Forget About Ports

Ports are a feature that many people sleep on, but you’re going to need them. You won’t be able to connect your accessories and other devices to your computer without them.

Choosing the Best ThinkPad

Now that you know what you should be on the lookout for, it’s time to begin browsing. Here are a few great models that you can start out with.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Series

If you’re the type of person to take your computer with you to work on the go, this is the computer for you. This ThinkPad has an impressive 15-hour long battery life.

The slim design makes it easy to stuff it into a bag as well, and carrying it around won’t hurt your shoulder. It has a comfortable keyboard that will make typing up emails and spreadsheets a breeze.

It’s got an attractive design that will make you the envy of anyone who sees you with it, and it has a great 14-inch display that’s pretty easy on the eyes.

Of course, nothing is without its faults. The webcam on this computer isn’t anything to write home about, and there aren’t any card slots. If you have larger hands, you may have some trouble using the tiny trackpad.

ThinkPad X13

ThinkPad X13 computers are great for anyone on a budget. It’s a decent laptop that you can get for less than 1000 dollars. It doesn’t cut corners for it being so affordable either.

It’s got a decently fast CPU and a durable design. Like with the X1 Carbon, the keys will feel nice under your fingertips and you shouldn’t have any trouble carrying the computer around.

The main reason to avoid the X13 is the battery life. It doesn’t last near as long as the X1 Carbon. You may get about 7 hours out of it before you’ll have to start hunting down an outlet.

Yoga Series

The Yoga X1 series is a good laptop to get if money isn’t an object for you. It’s got a solid design that can be a little bulky, so it’s not as portable as the other ThinkPads that we’ve mentioned so far. It doesn’t have an SD card slot either.

This being said, if you’re looking for performance, the Yoga has you covered. It has a gorgeous 14-inch display screen. It has a detection sensor for an easier and more convenient login experience.

It’s a lot faster than some of the other models on this list, and it has a battery life of 15 hours. The 2-in-1 design will allow you to transform the computer into a tablet in a matter of seconds.

It has a touch screen with a place to store a stylus, making this the ideal computer for artists. You’ll also be able to mark up your PDF files and take written notes in the office.

X1 Nano

Out of all the different ThinkPads, the Nano is the most portable. It weighs a total of 2 pounds, so you shouldn’t have an issue taking it where ever you need to go.

It has a 13-inch anti-glare display. You won’t have to worry about carrying your charger around with you because the battery can last up to 12 hours.

When you’re buying accessories for this computer, think Bluetooth. The X1 Nano doesn’t have that many ports to speak of. If you have larger hands, you may find it difficult to use this laptop.

If smudges tend to drive you insane, pass on the Nano. The sleek design is nice to look at, but it will leave a fingerprint every time you touch the surface of the computer. It’s enough to drive a neat freak insane.

ThinkPad T-480

If you’re going to be on an extended trip without an outlet in sight, this computer will help you stay productive the entire time. It has an impressive 17-hour battery life that will pull you through multiple workdays before it needs a charge.

It’s got a powerful processor that will allow you to do whatever you need to do for work and even do some gaming on the side. You won’t be able to run AAA titles, but it can handle the indie ones.

Like many ThinkPad models, the keyboard is fairly responsive and easy to use. It’s kind of bulky, making it difficult to carry around with you. It also has a duller screen than some of the other Lenovo computers.

E Series

The E14 and 15 are good options if your funds are spread a little thin. They provide great performance for less than 600 bucks. They come equipped with 4GB of memory, which is sort of the standard.

You don’t want to go with anything less than 4. They sacrifice portability for processing power, however. They can be a little difficult to take on a business trip.

If having a touchscreen matters to you, you’ll need to skip out on the E series ThinkPad. None of the computers in this lineup have this feature.

Finding the best ThinkPad for Your Needs

Are you looking for a reliable computer that won’t break your piggy bank? Pick up a Lenovo ThinkPad. They come in a variety of different price points.

For all the processing power and features that they’ll provide you with, you get a great bang for your buck. As you can see, they’re perfect for business professionals and college students alike.

If you need more tips that will help you find the right laptop, we’ve got your back. Visit the Computers section of our blog for all the latest news and picks.