Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13, Aura Edition): Ultra Lightweight Innovation

Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Carbon series, renowned for its innovative ultrabooks since 2012, introduces the 13th-generation model, dubbed the "Aura Edition." This latest version has caught attention for its remarkably light design coupled with advanced features.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Aura Edition creates an immediate impact with its lightweight build, weighing just 2.2 pounds, making it the lightest in its series by a noticeable margin. For comparison, the previous generation weighed 2.4 pounds. Constructed from a mix of recycled materials including aluminum, magnesium, and carbon fiber, the device maintains a sturdy form at just 20 millimeters thick.

Hardware and Features

The standout feature of this edition is its minimal weight, attributed in part to its "semaglutide diet." The laptop is powered by the upgraded Intel Core Ultra 7 258V (Series 2) CPU, qualifying it as a Copilot+ PC. Notably, the Aura Edition comes equipped with "Smart Modes" accessed via the F8 key, providing pre-configured settings to enhance user experience in areas such as eye health and privacy.

"Just unboxing the new laptop had me double-checking that I’d received the right computer.”

Despite its lightweight nature, the laptop does not skimp on performance, featuring a 512-GB SSD, 32 GB of RAM, and a comprehensive array of ports including USB-C Thunderbolt 4, USB-A 3.2, HDMI, and a nano-SIM slot. This robust configuration underlines its commitment to performance.

Design and Usability

Design-wise, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon continues to uphold the series' reputation for excellent keyboard quality, offering a superior typing experience. Its compact touchpad with three separate buttons and a pointing stick bolster usability. Despite the uniquely small arrow keys, they are more user-friendly than other designs.

Photograph: Christopher Null

Display and Additional Features

While the laptop lacks a touchscreen, its 2,880 x 1,800-pixel display is highly sharp and bright. The inclusion of a physical switch beside its 1,080p webcam is a thoughtful design choice, despite being slightly awkward to use. A small notch above the webcam adds a practical flair for opening the device easily. Lenovo's signature design touch, the illuminated red dot on the "i" in ThinkPad, remains a stylish element.