ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch review

Lenovo's X1 Carbon Touch updates the firm's ThinkPad ultrabook with a touch-enabled screen to make it a better device for Windows 8, but is otherwise pretty much the same as the ThinkPad X1 Carbon we tested out last year.

In other words, the system is a thin-and-light but sturdy laptop with the characteristic ThinkPad styling, designed to appeal to the business market.

However, it also shares the drawbacks of the original X1 Carbon, such as its sealed design that makes maintenance or upgrades difficult, non-removable battery and the lack of a docking connector for linking to desktop peripherals when in the office.

With a starting price of £1,525, the X1 Carbon Touch also seems very expensive, costing £250 more than its predecessor for little more than the addition of touch capability.

This does not mean that the X1 Carbon Touch is unsuitable for corporate use, but these drawbacks detract from what is otherwise an excellent system. It should be noted that many other ultrabooks share the same shortcomings, due to their slimline form factor.

Design and build
Announced in December and available through resellers such as Insight UK now, the X1 Carbon Touch delivers the performance of Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors alongside its vPro security and management technology, and fits these into an ultrabook format along with a 14in HD+ touchscreen.

The X1 Carbon models get their name from the use of carbon fibre material in their construction, which is intended to provide strength and durability for mobile use. It certainly feels the part, with very little give evident in the casing, which is coloured Lenovo's signature ThinkPad black.

Like its X1 Carbon predecessor, the 14in screen size means the X1 Carbon Touch has a larger footprint than many other ultrabooks. While this model is slightly heavier, at 1.55kg versus the 1.36kg of the X1 Carbon, it does not seem heavy for its size.

Next: Design and display.