Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 2 Review: The Ultimate Business Convertible
In the realm of premium business laptops, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 2 stands out as a versatile powerhouse. With a robust Intel Core i7-7600U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a capacious 512GB SSD, it’s poised to handle the demands of business professionals with ease.
This review will comprehensively explore the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 2, covering its design, performance, display quality, battery life, security features, and pricing. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear understanding of why the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 2 is a top choice for business users.
Design and Build Quality of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga (4.5/5)
The ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 2 boasts the classic ThinkPad design with a timeless, professional look. The matte black finish exudes elegance, while the iconic red TrackPoint nestled in the keyboard is a familiar and functional element. The laptop’s build quality is top-notch, with a sturdy, all-metal chassis that feels robust and durable.
One of the key highlights of the X1 Yoga Gen 2’s design is its convertible nature. The 360-degree hinge allows you to use it in various modes, including laptop, tablet, tent, and stand modes.
This versatility is particularly useful for business professionals who need a laptop that can adapt to different situations, such as presentations or note-taking during meetings.
The laptop is also impressively slim and lightweight, measuring 13.11 x 9.02 x 0.66 inches and weighing in at 2.99 pounds. This makes it highly portable, ideal for professionals on the go. The X1 Yoga Gen 2 is also built to withstand daily wear and tear, adhering to military-grade durability standards (MIL-STD-810G), ensuring it can handle a variety of environments and conditions.
In terms of design and build quality, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 2 exemplifies the ThinkPad legacy, offering a sleek, durable, and versatile package suitable for business users.
Display (4.5/5)
The ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 2 is equipped with a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS touch display. This screen delivers vivid and crisp visuals with excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
The touch functionality is responsive and a valuable feature for various tasks, such as drawing, annotating documents, or simply navigating the interface.
One of the standout features of the display is its anti-reflective coating, which effectively reduces glare and minimizes reflections. This is particularly advantageous for professionals who often work in diverse lighting conditions, both indoors and outdoors.
While the Full HD resolution is perfect for most business needs, it’s worth noting that there’s a higher-resolution WQHD (2560 x 1440) option available, which offers even more remarkable clarity and detail. If you require finer details in your work, it’s a worthy upgrade.
Overall, the X1 Yoga Gen 2’s display provides an exceptional visual experience, catering to the demands of business professionals who value color accuracy, touch functionality, and reduced glare.
Performance of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga (4/5)
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 2 is powered by an Intel Core i7-7600U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a spacious 512GB SSD. Here’s a closer look at the laptop’s performance aspects:
CPU Performance: The Intel Core i7-7600U is a 7th generation dual-core processor with a base clock speed of 2.8GHz and a turbo boost frequency of up to 3.9GHz. It’s well-suited for business users who require high-performance computing for tasks like running demanding applications, handling multitasking, and more.
The CPU is more than capable of delivering a swift and efficient experience for office professionals.
RAM and Multitasking: With 8GB of RAM, the X1 Yoga Gen 2 offers a proficient multitasking environment. You can seamlessly switch between applications, run multiple tasks concurrently, and maintain productivity without slowdowns. While some specialized users may benefit from 16GB of RAM, 8GB is generally sufficient for standard business use.
Storage Speed: The 512GB SSD contributes to snappy system responsiveness, swift boot times, and quick application launches. It ensures that you have fast access to your data and files.
Graphics Performance: The laptop’s integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 is suitable for regular office tasks and multimedia consumption. While it’s not intended for demanding 3D graphics work or gaming, it’s well-suited for the productivity and entertainment needs of business users.
The ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 2 handles everyday business tasks with aplomb, providing a smooth and efficient computing experience. It’s perfect for professionals who rely on a powerful machine to handle their workload, whether it’s handling spreadsheets, editing documents, or running business applications.
Battery Life (4/5)
Battery life is a vital aspect for a laptop designed for professionals on the move, and the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 2 doesn’t disappoint. The laptop comes with a 56Whr battery that offers commendable longevity.
In our tests, it achieved approximately 6-7 hours of battery life on a single charge, making it suitable for a full workday without needing frequent recharging.
The laptop also supports Lenovo’s RapidCharge technology, allowing you to recharge the battery rapidly. A short charging session can provide you with hours of use, which is a substantial convenience for professionals who are often on the move.
The ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 2’s battery life is a strong point, ensuring you can stay productive without being tethered to a power source.
Security Features (4.5/5)
Lenovo has a reputation for incorporating robust security features into their ThinkPad series, and the X1 Yoga Gen 2 is no exception. Some of the security features included are:
Fingerprint Scanner: The laptop is equipped with a fingerprint scanner that offers secure and convenient biometric login, providing an additional layer of security for your data.
Software-Based Security: Lenovo offers a suite of security software tools, such as Lenovo Vantage and Lenovo Companion, which provide system health diagnostics, driver updates, and support resources. These tools help you manage your laptop’s security and performance.
Webcam Privacy Shutter: The ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 2 comes with a physical shutter for the webcam, enabling you to cover the camera lens when not in use. This adds a layer of privacy protection against potential unauthorized camera access.
TPM (Trusted Platform Module): The laptop incorporates a TPM chip that enhances data encryption and security, vital for businesses handling sensitive information.
The combination of biometric authentication, encryption, physical security measures, and security software tools ensures that the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 2 is an excellent choice for business professionals who prioritize data security and privacy.
Ports and Connectivity (4/5)
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 2 offers a well-rounded selection of ports and connectivity options. Here’s a summary of the available ports:
- 2 x USB 3.0 Ports: These are standard USB ports for connecting various peripherals and devices.
- USB-C: The laptop includes a USB-C port, which is versatile for connecting to various peripherals and external displays.
- HDMI: The HDMI port is valuable for presentations and connecting to external monitors.
- Mini-Ethernet Port: The laptop features a mini-Ethernet port, which is a useful inclusion for wired network connectivity.
- Headphone/Microphone Jack: The standard 3.5mm audio jack allows you to connect headphones or external microphones.
- MicroSD Card Reader: The built-in MicroSD card reader is practical for transferring files from digital cameras or other devices.
- Mini DisplayPort: The Mini DisplayPort provides additional display connectivity options for multiple monitors or projectors.
The ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 2 offers a comprehensive array of ports, ensuring that you can easily connect your peripheral devices, whether you’re working in the office or on the go. The inclusion of a mini-Ethernet port is a valuable addition, as it caters to professionals who require wired network connectivity.
Pricing (4/5)
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 2 is a premium business laptop, and its price reflects its high-end positioning. In Kenya (KES), it typically retails for approximately KES 45,000. While this may seem relatively expensive, it’s crucial to consider the value that the laptop offers. With a powerful processor, substantial RAM and storage, a top-tier display, and a plethora of security features, it’s an investment in productivity and reliability.
When comparing the X1 Yoga Gen 2 to other premium business laptops, it holds its own and often competes favorably in terms of performance and features. The price is justifiable for professionals who demand top-tier performance, versatility, and durability in their laptop.
Conclusion (4.5/5)
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 2 is the quintessential business convertible, combining versatility with top-tier performance and features. Its design is professional and versatile, the display offers superb visual quality with reduced glare, and it’s built to endure the rigors of business life. The convertible nature of the laptop, with a 360-degree hinge, adds an extra layer of adaptability for different scenarios.
Performance-wise, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 2 is more than capable of handling business tasks with ease, and the speedy SSD ensures swift system responsiveness. The laptop’s robust security features offer peace of mind, ensuring that your data remains secure.
Battery life is commendable, and the laptop’s quick charging feature further enhances its practicality for mobile professionals. The comprehensive selection of ports provides ample connectivity options.
The pricing, while on the higher end, is justified by the laptop’s performance, features, and durability. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 2 is an investment in productivity and reliability, making it an excellent choice for business professionals who demand the best.
Pros:
- Professional and versatile design
- Outstanding display quality with anti-reflective coating
- Powerful performance for business tasks
- Swift system responsiveness with SSD
- Strong security features, including a fingerprint scanner and webcam privacy shutter
- Good battery life with rapid charging
- Comprehensive selection of ports, including a mini-Ethernet port
- Military-grade durability (MIL-STD-810G)
Cons:
- Relatively higher price point, but justifiable for its features and performance
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 2 is a premium business convertible that ticks all the boxes for professionals who seek versatility, performance, security, and durability. Whether you’re in the office or on the move, this laptop is designed to meet the demands of modern business life.
There are no reviews yet.