Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 6th Generation - Episode 264

Piltch Point (Video)

Description

It's been a while since Avram brought us a new laptop, and this week we have the 6th generation of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga. The Yoga family is known for its bend-backward design, allowing you to convert from a laptop into a tablet. But, it also allows for various other configurations, such as a tent (which is great for presentations). The newest model of the family, and has been upgraded with a new processor, adjusted screen resolution, and a lot more. While the official review will hit this week on Tom's Hardware, Avram gave us a preview of what to expect.

First and foremost, the X1 Yoga has unbelievable battery life. In the Tom's Guide tests, the model they are testing ran for 16 hours. When talking about a laptop, that will give you more than all-day battery performance. For a business-focused laptop, that means you'll be able to use it throughout your entire workday.

Another important topic for Avram is the keyboard, and the X1 Yoga does not disappoint. This new model has a keyboard that vo users will recognize, as the company is known for its quality laptop keyboards. In addition, the computer features the eraser-head track pointer. While this may not be a big selling point for all users, those who love the older-style mouse alternative will appreciate its inclusion.

Of course, nothing is quite as important as the specs of the computer, and these are great. The company has upgraded the processor to the 11th generation Intel Core, with choices to configure the way you want. Models start out with the Core i5-1135G7 but can be configured up to the Core i7-1185G7. In addition, you can get both 8GB and 16GB of RAM. It is important to note that this RAM is soldered onto the board, so it cannot be upgraded later. You will want to spend the extra money and upgrade to the 16GB of RAM, because a computer is not usually a short-term purchase, and 8GB is not enough today, let alone in the future.

One of the most obvious changes in specs, though, is the screen. Rather than a more traditional 16:9 aspect ratio, the newest model has taken on a 16:10 aspect ratio. This will give you as much horizontal screen real estate while adding a noticeable amount of vertical real estate. The traditional aspect ratio has been seeing a decrease in use outside of televisions, which many consider a win.

Lenovo chose to allow the X1 Yoga to be a little thicker, coming in at 0.6 inches, in order to give us some much-needed ports. While many modern laptops have been going thinner at the expense of ports, the X1 Yoga includes 2 USB-A ports, 2 USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, and an HDMI port. The laptop comes in at just about 3 pounds, only a half-pound more than the X1 Carbon, which is one of Avram's top choices. The availability of the extra ports will be useful in a business environment and are therefore much more appreciated than a slightly thinner or lighter computer.

Participants

Scott Ertz

Host

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Avram Piltch

Host

Avram's been in love with PCs since he played original Castle Wolfenstein on an Apple II+. Before joining Tom's Hardware, for 10 years, he served as Online Editorial Director for sister sites Tom's Guide and Laptop Mag, where he programmed the CMS and many of the benchmarks. When he's not editing, writing or stumbling around trade show halls, you'll find him building Arduino robots with his son and watching every single superhero show on the CW.

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