Skip to main content

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga (4th Gen) hands-on review

The first aluminum ThinkPad finally feels as sturdy as it looks

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga (4th Gen) hands-on
“The new ThinkPad X1 Yoga is aluminum and better for it.”
Pros
  • Thin, light for its size
  • Keyboard feels great
  • Beautiful optional HDR display
  • Aluminum chassis is very robust
Cons
  • Look doesn’t excite
  • Still a bit large for a 2-in-1

One does not simply change a ThinkPad. Lenovo’s hugely successful business line, bought from IBM thirteen years ago, has a cult following of users with specific needs. Even the slightest alteration can cause controversy.

More from CES 2019

Lenovo’s newest ThinkPad X1 Yoga, now on its fourth generation, is a prime example. It has an aluminum chassis. Other brands, including Lenovo’s IdeaPad line, have used aluminum for over a decade. Yet, Lenovo is guarded about its first aluminum ThinkPad, worried that fans of the brand – who are used to magnesium alloy or carbon fiber – will reject it.

Luckily, there’s no reason for concern.

There’s a reason everyone else uses aluminum

I’ll address the aluminum elephant first.

Modern ThinkPads are durable machines, but they have a problem. They don’t always feel that way. Both magnesium alloy and carbon fiber are light, and what’s light often feels fragile. The grippy texture that covers most ThinkPads doesn’t help. It keeps the system in your hand, but it feels like inexpensive plastic.

The aluminum X1 Yoga feels durable and robust yet, unlike many ThinkPads, looks luxurious as well.

It’s an issue we’ve complained about in the past. ThinkPads are not inexpensive, and while geeks in the know might appreciate the technology that makes them robust, most people will lean towards a laptop that seems more robust. That’s the Dell XPS 15 or 13, not the X1 Extreme or ThinkPad T480s.

The aluminum X1 Yoga feels durable and robust yet, unlike many ThinkPads, looks luxurious as well. No one will mistake it for an inexpensive laptop. Though, the design is a bit safe. Lenovo has stuck with a conservative style that won’t offend, but it also doesn’t make a statement.

The recipe has changed, but the baker is the same

Lenovo says the aluminum chassis had another benefit. Strength. It allowed for a stiffer chassis and that, in turn, helped the company shave the bezels. The X1 Yoga still has a 14-inch display, but it’s now about a half-inch smaller than the previous model in width and depth. It’s also a tenth of an inch thinner and a few grams lighter, though those changes are almost unnoticeable.

First, the bad news. While smaller than before, the X1 Yoga still isn’t a good tablet. It’s too heavy and too large to be used as a tablet for long. The versatility of its touchscreen and 360-degree hinge can be useful, but if you want to flip around your screen and carry a Windows 2-in-1 like an iPad, look elsewhere.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga
Matt Smith/Digital Trends

That leads to the good news. This is a very, very good PC that nails the fundamentals. It has a great keyboard with lovely key travel, a large touchpad, a trackpointer (for those inclined to use it), and several great display options including a 1440p touchscreen with HDR support. It also carries over 8th-gen Intel Core processors paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 2TB of PCIe solid state storage, so performance should be excellent.

This is a very, very good PC that nails the fundamentals.

The port selection also remains solid. The X1 Yoga is thin, yet still includes two USB-A ports and two Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C ports, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Surprisingly, the speakers have improved drastically. The X1 Yoga now has a four-speaker system that includes user-facing tweeters with small woofers underneath. This enabled Dolby Atmos support and, in our brief listen, made for a much richer experience. It’s still a laptop, but you won’t feel deep regret if you forget your headphones.

Much ado about nothing?

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga is now aluminum. It’s a change, arguably a big one. Yet, that’s not how we felt when we used the 2-in-1.

The X1 Yoga has, since its introduction, served a specific niche of professional user who needs a seriously capable laptop but also wants to the benefits of 2-in-1 versatility. It’s always served that niche well, and the X1 Yoga doesn’t change the formula despite the switch of materials.

On the contrary, the fourth-generation model feels like a simple, robust, and pleasant upgrade. It’s smaller and feels more luxurious, yet retains the functional perks that define the device.

Yes, it’s aluminum. It’s also the best X1 Yoga yet.

Lenovo says the ThinkPad X1 Yoga 4th-gen will be available in June 2019 starting at $1,930.

Editors' Recommendations

The best ThinkPad laptops
The logo on the palm rests of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9.

Lenovo's ThinkPad is one of the most iconic laptop lineups, with a black-on-black aesthetic (in most cases) that makes a ThinkPad instantly recognizable from a distance. ThinkPads are extremely well-built and laptops with business-oriented designs, but they've gained a following of loyal users who love the line's construction and durability. You'll find a ThinkPad on several of our best-of lists, including the best 14-inch laptops and the best business laptops.

If you're looking for a laptop that will meet your business demands or just last you a long while, then consider our list of the best ThinkPads. You'll find a mix of thin and light machines, 2-in-1s, and the most powerful ThinkPads, offering something for everyone.

Read more
Updated ThinkPad X13 and L-series laptops start at $799
The ThinkPad X13 Yoga Gen 3 Family.

Lenovo has announced a number of new models in its ThinkPad series focusing on business, productivity, and members of a hybrid workforce.

The models include the ThinkPad X13 and Think Pad X13 Yoga Gen 3, as well as the third-generation ThinkPad L series.

Read more
ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 adds 165Hz screen and RTX 3080 Ti
The ThinkPad X1 Extreme, now in its 5th generation.

Lenovo has announced an impressive update to the ThinkPad X1 Extreme, now in its fifth generation. The two key features are the 165Hz refresh rate screen and the addition of up to RTX 3080 Ti graphics.

In the current generation, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme maxes out at the RTX 3070 and 60Hz.

Read more