ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 is at the moment on sale for $1,106, which is 30% off the common value.
- It is surprisingly versatile for its 13-inch dimension and comes with a strong processor and spectacular battery.
- Nevertheless, its ultraportable type issue limits it to means it solely has USB-C ports.
Regardless of its bite-sized type issue, the ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 is a powerhouse. Lenovo first confirmed off this ultraportable at CES 2024, and preliminary impressions have been targeted across the return of Magic Bay, a mix-and-match household of peripherals that hook up with the laptop computer by way of magnetic pogo-pins (assume MagSafe, however for laptops).
Additionally: I went hands-on with Lenovo’s auto-swiveling laptop at IFA 2024, and it’s quite the spectacle
However though the Magic Bay merchandise is perhaps probably the most attention-grabbing, this Lenovo laptop has much more going for it beneath the hood. In reality, this laptop computer is surprisingly versatile.
The ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 comes with the Intel Core Extremely 5 125H processor (2.4 GHz) however may be supercharged with the Intel Core Extremely 9 — an possibility I used to be stunned to see for this laptop computer — which propels it to be according to different performant enterprise machines (elevating the worth over $400 within the course of).
The review unit I tested was snappy sufficient with the Extremely 5 and had completely no issues multitasking with a handful of productiveness apps and a number of browser tabs throughout two shows. Additionally, this laptop computer is compact sufficient to make transporting to and from the workplace a breeze, making me query why I selected to have a 16-inch as my major driver.
However then I began engaged on the 13.5-inch show, and I remembered. Do not get me mistaken, the show on the ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 seems to be good — actually good, truly, with 500-nit brightness and a 120Hz variable refresh charge. However its dimension, even at max decision, leads to a display screen that may appear a little bit cramped when you’re used to extra actual property. In the end, it is a tradeoff that comes down to non-public desire.
The efficiency and flexibility of this laptop computer suggestions the dimensions towards the optimistic, nevertheless. In my benchmarking of this laptop computer, I bought strong learn and write speeds from the SSD in PCMark 10, and barely higher efficiency out of the Intel Core Extremely 5 in Cinebench than I anticipated.
The reminiscence on the ThinkBook 13x can be a number of the quickest you may get in an ultraportable of this dimension, because the 8400MHz dual-channel RAM is soldered in with the intent of future-proofing the laptop computer. However when you go for the Intel Core Extremely 5, the utmost quantity of RAM you may get is 16GB. With a purpose to bump it as much as 32GB, you may should spring for the Core Extremely 9 chip. I might have appreciated to see the 32GB possibility obtainable with the cheaper processor.
Additionally: Lenovo’s newest laptops have a clever solution for iPhone file transferring that you have to see for yourself
Following in that vein, it is a laptop computer wanting towards the longer term, not making an attempt to be backward appropriate, and that is evident in its number of ports. You get three USB-C ports on this machine, all of that are Thunderbolt 4 appropriate. With three Thunderbolts, you do not actually need an HDMI or USB-A, however it does include a 3.5mm headphone jack, and the ability button can be a fingerprint reader.
Regardless of its small dimension, the keyboard feels spacious and crisp. Its distinctive design extends the keyboard all the best way to the very fringe of the system with just about no bezels, leading to satisfyingly thick keys equal in dimension (and even larger) than you’d see on a 16-inch. The dearth of a right-side quantity pad compounds this truth additional.
This laptop computer’s chassis is available in a metallic “Luna gray” colorway and a restricted version white coloration known as “Seashell” that I want I may have seen up shut and private, because the default grey is totally company in look.
That stated, the ThinkBook 13x feels extraordinarily strong — iron-clad, I might even say — with just about no bend or give to the chassis. Its sturdiness is measured in opposition to 12 military-grade certification strategies, incomes it the MIL-STD 810H normal. In case you favor this type of laptop computer, you may love the laptop computer, which regardless of its dimension, is nothing if not sturdy.
Additionally: How we test laptops at ZDNET in 2024
Okay, let’s speak concerning the Magic Bay. In case you’re into laptop computer equipment or have a drawer filled with webcams, undoubtedly check out this. The modular versatility of the Magic Bay ecosystem offers this laptop computer (and different Lenovo machines that assist it) the power to put on many hats, relying on the equipment you are into.
For instance, the Magic Bay Light may act as a hoop mild when you’re taking calls in suboptimal lighting, or the Magic Bay LTE Hotspot can safe your web connection if the Wi-Fi is spotty. There are additionally extra apparent add-ons, like exterior storage, followers (for you, not the laptop computer), or perhaps a second show, though these are in varied phases of growth and availability.
It is the Magic Bay Studio, nevertheless, that’s the most instantly helpful add-on. It is a 4K webcam with built-in audio system, and it elevates this laptop computer into pro-creator territory. It is but to be seen how far Lenovo will take the Magic Bay merchandise, however it’s one thing that I believe may work properly if executed well.
The Magic Bay pogo pins on prime of the laptop computer’s show.
Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET
In case you’re questioning how all these add-ons relate to the battery life, fortunately, the ThinkBook 13x isn’t missing in that division. It comes with a 74WHr battery, which is a pretty big capability for a 13-incher.
Additionally: These 6 new travel gadgets announced at IFA are must-haves for any jet setter
In my testing, I bought properly over 10 hours in PCMark 10’s battery take a look at, and barely lower than that operating my very own take a look at with a YouTube livestream at 50% brightness and 50% quantity over Wi-Fi. That is undoubtedly a laptop computer that may deal with a day of heavy work with ease and prolong into the second day with mild or intermittent use.
The very last thing that stunned me about this laptop computer was the sound high quality. The Harman Kardon audio system have spectacular bass and quantity, notably for such a small machine, including additional to its versatility.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
In case you’re searching for a 13-inch laptop computer that’s highly effective and versatile, take a severe take a look at the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4. For the sale value of $1,106, the highly effective processor choices, robust battery life, and the Magic Bay make it a strong 13-inch decide, particularly for distant and hybrid staff.
In order for you a 13-inch laptop computer with comparable specs however is a little bit simpler on the price range, MSI’s Prestige 13 AI Evo is a strong different that begins at $899. In case you like ThinkBooks however are searching for a bigger display screen, take a look at the Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1.
