Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 (21KC004AUS) Review – A Premium Ultrabook for Professionals

Table of Contents

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 (21KC004AUS) Review

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12, specifically the model 21KC004AUS, is a highly anticipated ultrabook for professionals. This latest iteration promises a blend of sleek design, robust performance, and long-lasting battery life. I’ve had the opportunity to put it through its paces, and this review aims to provide a comprehensive look at its strengths and weaknesses.

Features

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 is packed with features that cater to demanding users. The 14-inch WUXGA IPS display with touch support is crisp and vibrant, perfect for multimedia content and creative tasks. The Intel Core Ultra 7 165U processor, coupled with 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM, ensures seamless multi-tasking and fast application launches.

The integrated Intel Graphics may not be suitable for hardcore gaming, but it handles everyday tasks and light video editing effortlessly. The 1TB SSD provides ample storage space and swift file transfer speeds. Other notable features include a 1080P FHD IR+RGB camera with a privacy shutter, a fingerprint reader for secure login, and a backlit keyboard for comfortable typing in low-light conditions.

Performance

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 delivers impressive performance, exceeding expectations in various workloads. The Intel Core Ultra processor handles demanding applications like video editing and software development with ease. I was able to multi-task between several applications without any lag or performance bottlenecks. The fast RAM and SSD ensure a smooth and responsive user experience.

While the integrated graphics are not designed for high-end gaming, they are more than capable for casual gaming and everyday tasks. The battery life is excellent, providing ample hours of usage on a single charge, making it ideal for on-the-go professionals.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Exceptional performance powered by the Intel Core Ultra processor.
  • Beautiful 14-inch WUXGA IPS display with touch support.
  • Long-lasting battery life.
  • Lightweight and durable design.
  • Comfortable backlit keyboard and precise trackpad.
  • Secure fingerprint reader.

Cons:

  • Integrated graphics are not suitable for demanding gaming.
  • The price may be high compared to some other ultrabook options.

Final Verdict

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 (21KC004AUS) is a highly capable ultrabook that ticks all the boxes for professionals. Its impressive performance, long battery life, and robust features make it a worthy contender in the premium ultrabook market. While the price may be a deterrent for some, the quality and performance make it a worthwhile investment for those who need a powerful and portable machine.

I highly recommend the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 (21KC004AUS) to professionals who demand a balance of power, portability, and features.

Specifications

Feature Specification
Processor Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 165U vPro® Processor (E-cores up to 3.80 GHz, P-cores up to 4.90 GHz)
Operating System Windows 11 Pro 64
Graphic Card Integrated Intel® Graphics
Memory 32 GB LPDDR5X-6400MHz (Soldered)
Storage 1 TB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 Performance TLC Opal
Display 14″ WUXGA (1920 x 1200), IPS, Anti-Glare, Touch, 100% sRGB, 400 nits, 60Hz, Low Power
Camera 1080P FHD IR+RGB with Privacy Shutter
Fingerprint Reader Yes
Pointing Device TrackPad with 3 buttons
Keyboard Backlit, Black – English (US)
WLAN Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX211 2×2 AX vPro® & Bluetooth® 5.1 (Windows 10) or Bluetooth® 5.3 (Windows 11)
WWAN WWAN Ready, Antenna Only, No Card
Color Black