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I’m testing out the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 and I’m loving it!

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On this Mobile Monday, I’m delighted to have the latest foldable laptop on our test bench. This device, eagerly anticipated since its announcement, is finally here, and it’s thrilling to see it in action. The company has made significant strides in mobile computing, refining and enhancing the usability of foldable technology. This model blends versatility, performance, and portability, improving upon previous iterations. Its bold design and powerful specifications make it a compelling choice in a niche market, aiming to redefine how we work and play on the go. Let’s dive into the details and explore what makes this foldable marvel impressive.

Designer: Lenovo

Design and Build Quality

The foldable laptop showcases a striking bell-shaped hinge that allows the device to fold flat, eliminating any significant gap and maintaining the OLED display’s integrity. Handling the device, the hinge feels robust and well-engineered, ensuring durability and smooth operation. When closed, it’s a compact 0.69 inches thick, 10.87 inches wide, and 6.94 inches deep, weighing in at 2.89 pounds. When open, it transforms into a sleek 0.34-inch thick, 13.61-inch wide, and 10.87-inch deep workstation.

This hinge distributes mechanical stress evenly, reducing strain on the OLED panel and preventing debris and dust from entering, which could damage the screen or interfere with its operation. The build quality and choice of materials give it a premium feel, ready to handle the rigors of daily use while maintaining a professional appearance.

Display Quality

The 16.3-inch OLED touchscreen is a joy to use. With a resolution of 2560 x 2024 pixels and support for HDR 600, the display delivers vibrant colors and sharp details. From hands-on experience, the screen impresses with its clarity and richness, making it ideal for media consumption and professional tasks. The fold crease is virtually invisible to the naked eye and can only be seen if you’re really looking for it in certain lighting conditions. Otherwise, running your fingers through the center is the only way to detect it.

The OLED panel’s ability to produce deep blacks and vibrant colors enhances the viewing experience, whether watching high-resolution videos, editing photos, or reviewing detailed documents. The high resolution ensures text and images are crisp and clear, reducing eye strain during prolonged use. The display’s 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage makes it suitable for color-critical tasks like graphic design and video editing. HDR support further boosts the display’s capabilities, making it versatile for professional and entertainment purposes.

Performance

Powered by an Intel Core i7-1250U processor, 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD, this setup provides robust performance for multitasking and handling intensive applications. Hands-on use proves the device is efficient in managing complex tasks like video editing, software development, and large-scale data analysis. The Intel Core i7 processor and high-speed RAM ensure smooth operation, even under heavy loads.

The PCIe 4.0 SSD delivers fast read and write speeds, significantly reducing load times and enhancing overall system responsiveness. This makes it an excellent choice for professionals who require a reliable and powerful device for demanding applications.

Versatile Stand and Keyboard

A key feature enhancing the device’s flexibility is its integrated kickstand and optional Bluetooth TrackPoint Keyboard. The kickstand allows the device to be used in landscape and portrait modes, providing stable support for various viewing angles. This is particularly useful for different work scenarios, such as presentations, coding, or media consumption.

The Bluetooth keyboard can either be attached magnetically to the device or detached for more flexibility. It includes a TrackPoint and haptic touchpad, offering a familiar and comfortable typing experience. This keyboard is essential for productivity tasks, transforming the device into a traditional laptop when needed. The keyboard’s ergonomic design ensures comfortable typing, whether drafting emails, writing reports, or coding. The detachable nature of the keyboard allows for a more flexible setup, enabling you to position the screen at a comfortable viewing distance while keeping the keyboard on your lap or desk. The TrackPoint and touchpad provide precise control, especially useful in tight spaces where using a mouse might be impractical. Additionally, the integrated fingerprint reader on the keyboard enhances security, allowing for quick and secure logins.

Use Cases in Landscape and Portrait Modes

The foldable design allows the device to switch between landscape and portrait modes, each suited to different tasks:

Landscape Mode:

  • Media Consumption: Ideal for watching movies and videos, thanks to the large, high-resolution OLED screen. The HDR support enhances the visual experience by providing richer colors and deeper contrasts.
  • Productivity: It supports multitasking with multiple windows open side by side, perfect for simultaneous work on documents, web browsing, and video calls. This setup maximizes screen real estate, making managing different applications and workflows easier.
  • Desktop Replacement: When used with the stand and keyboard, it is a compact desktop, suitable for extended work sessions. This mode allows for a more ergonomic setup, reducing the strain on your neck and eyes during long periods of use.

Portrait Mode:

  • Document Reading and Editing: It provides a natural reading experience, similar to a printed page, enhancing productivity for reviewing and annotating documents. The taller aspect ratio is beneficial for viewing long documents or web pages without frequent scrolling.
  • Coding and Development: This mode allows more lines of code to be visible on the screen, reducing the need to scroll and improving programmers’ workflow. This mode helps maintain context while working on complex projects, making it easier to navigate through code.
  • Social Media and Communication: Aligns well with the layout of social media platforms, making browsing feeds and video calls convenient. The portrait orientation is also ideal for video conferencing, providing a more natural framing of the participants.
  • Stock Market: Its large, high-resolution OLED screen and versatile design make it an excellent tool for day traders. In portrait mode, traders can easily monitor long lists of stocks or detailed news articles, while landscape mode can be used for broader market analysis and multi-window setups. The device’s portability and performance ensure that traders can stay connected and responsive, whether at their desks or on the move.

Comparison with the 2020 Model

The latest model builds upon the foundation set by its 2020 predecessor, introducing several key improvements. The original featured a smaller 13.3-inch display, whereas the new model boasts a larger 16.3-inch OLED screen with higher resolution and better color accuracy. The enhanced display makes a significant difference in both productivity and entertainment applications.

In terms of performance, the 2020 model was equipped with an Intel Core i5-L16G7 processor, which, while innovative at the time, struggled with more demanding tasks. The latest version steps up to an Intel Core i7-1250U, providing a noticeable boost in processing power and efficiency. The RAM and storage have also seen upgrades, with the new model featuring faster LPDDR5 RAM and a PCIe 4.0 SSD for improved responsiveness.

The hinge design in the 2020 model was innovative but had room for improvement. The new bell-shaped hinge offers better durability and a smoother folding experience. I don’t miss being able to pack the keyboard in the middle and fold the device, which allows for a creaseless and seamless display. Additionally, the new model’s integrated kickstand and optional Bluetooth keyboard enhance its versatility and ease of use, making it a more practical option for a broader range of tasks.

Workflow Enhancement

This foldable laptop can significantly enhance your workflow by providing a versatile, high-performance device that adapts to various tasks. Its design allows seamless transitions between modes, supporting various professional activities from coding and document editing to media consumption and presentations. Combining a high-quality display and versatile accessories ensures you can maintain productivity at your desk, in a meeting, or on the go. The fanless design, enabled by its efficient processor, is necessary to achieve this, ensuring quiet operation and a sleek form factor.

The flexibility of switching between landscape and portrait modes allows you to optimize your workflow based on the task at hand. For instance, you can use the landscape mode to create and present slideshows, while the portrait mode can be utilized to read and annotate lengthy documents. The integrated kickstand and detachable keyboard enhance this flexibility, providing a comfortable and ergonomic setup that adapts to your working style.

This forward-thinking laptop combines thoughtful design with powerful performance. Its versatility and adaptability make it an excellent choice for professionals looking to optimize their workflow across different environments and tasks. Whether you need a compact device for travel, a powerful machine for intensive applications, or a flexible setup for various work scenarios, it delivers on all fronts, making it a valuable addition to your tech arsenal.

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Lenovo at MWC 2023 offers to upgrade your hybrid work experience

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Although many businesses have gone back to working in the same office space, some a bit more controversial than others, a new kind of work arrangement has also arisen that gives people a bit more flexibility in where they can sit down to do work. Of course, that also needs a different set of tools, particularly mobile computers that are able to perform as well as desktops. Then again, not every hybrid worker needs a powerful behemoth of a laptop, and some have different requirements, like portability or even price. Catering to these varied needs is a Herculean task, one that Lenovo is facing head-on with an equally varied mix of PC solutions designed to empower users in this fast-changing world.

Designer: Lenovo

ThinkPad Z13 and Z16 (Gen 2)

Right at the top of the list are Lenovo’s powerhouses, bringing the best of the best when it comes to mobile computing. AMD Ryzen 7000 processors paired with the latest AMD Radeon 700M graphics cover all your bases, especially with a maximum capacity of 64GB of RAM. Even with a larger haptic touchpad, Lenovo’s iconic TrackPoint nub still takes center stage, especially with a customizable TrackPoint Quick Menu for easy access to most-used features, functions, and configuration options. Available in 13.3-inch (Z13 Gen 2) and 16.0-inch (Z16 Gen 2) sizes, these top-of-the-line Windows 11 laptops offer all the power that both office workers as well creatives need to do their best work.

Most notable is the ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 which comes with an optional new natural fiber material bonded to the 75% recycled aluminum top cover. Made from 100% agricultural product from flax plant fibers, the woven Flax material gives the laptop a unique visual as well as texture that is certain to grab the eye and envy of every passerby. Even without this distinctive cover, though, the new ThinkPad Z Gen 2 laptops convey a sleek and professional character that alludes to the powerful hardware running inside. The ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 arrives in July for $1,249, while the ThinkPad Z16 Gen 2 follows in August for $1,749.

ThinkPad X13 and X13 Yoga (Gen 4)

Some people prefer a laptop that is easier to slip into bags, and the sleeker, more portable ThinkPad X13 Gen 4 siblings definitely fit the bill. With narrower bezels, there is more room for the 13.3-inch 2.8K displays on both models, increasing the screen-to-body ratio and reducing the overall size. Powered by the latest Intel 13th-gen Core processors, with an AMD Ryzen 7000 option for the ThinkPad X13 Gen 4, these travel companions are no slouches when it comes to performance. Now equipped with front-facing speakers, they are also great for more immersive audio, whether it’s for a video meeting or for chilling with a film after work.

While the ThinkPad X13 Gen 4 comes in a traditional laptop form, the X13 Yoga Gen 4 flips that convention on its head, literally. With Lenovo’s signature 360-degree hinge, it takes almost no effort to transform the work laptop into an entertainment machine, presentation display, or creative canvas, all without having to switch computers. Available in Black and Storm Gray colors, the ThinkPad X13 Gen 4 and ThinkPad X13 Yoga Gen 4 will launch sometime in May 2023 with starting prices of $1,099 and $1,379, respectively.

ThinkPad T Series

Lenovo churns out new laptops year after year like clockwork. While some models are relatively new, others can trace their origins back decades, at a time when the “ThinkPad” brand was best known for high-end laptops catering to business needs. The ThinkPad T Series has long been fulfilling that role back when it was still under IBM’s watch in 2000, and this year’s newest additions to the family bring a plethora of options to meet the different needs of businesses, whether it’s for video conferencing or for comfortable use.

As business workhorses, it’s not surprising to see the ThinkPad T14 Gen 4, T16 Gen 2, and T14s Gen 4 equipped with the latest high-end processors from Intel and AMD. These 14-inch and 16-inch laptops offer a variety of options when it comes to screen resolution, including a new 2.8K OLED panel for the T14 and T14s. Although video conferencing has become more common, it’s still not something universally required, so Lenovo leaves the door open to have a 5MP webcam configured for these laptops. Additionally, these cameras can be equipped with an IR sensor for better depth detection as well as face recognition. ThinkPad T14s, T14, and T16 will be available in May with start prices of $1,479, $1,239, and $1,269, respectively.

ThinkPad L Series

While everyone will probably want a powerful laptop, the sad truth is that these machines aren’t always within reach, especially when considering the price tag. Some will be willing to compromise on a few aspects for a more accessible figure, but that doesn’t mean they have to give up on the essentials. The 2023 ThinkPad L family was made especially for this situation, with a variety of sizes, forms, and hardware that customers can change to hit that sweet spot of performance and price.

The ThinkPad L13 Gen 4 and L13 Yoga Gen 4, for example, now offer a TUV Low Blue Light screen option that will help protect their users’ eyes while working or, in the case of the Yoga variant, enjoying a good video binge. The ThinkPad L14 Gen 4 and L15 Gen 4, on the other hand, now offer twice the maximum storage capacity, now up to 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD. Whichever of these four models you pick, you’ll still have access to either a 13th-gen Intel processor or an AMD Ryzen 7000, paired with your choice of Intel, AMD Radeon, or even NVIDIA graphics. They will all land on April 2023, starting at $869 for the ThinkPad L13 Gen 4, L14 Gen 4, and L15 Gen 4, and $1,099 for the ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 4.

ThinkPad E Series

You might think that “E” stands for “Economy,” and you won’t be completely wrong. Aimed at “value-conscious” customers, the ThinkPad E gives small and medium businesses the power they need without going broke. For 2023, that means access to 13th-gen Intel or AMD Ryzen 7000 processors with up to 40GB of RAM, which is definitely an odd number. You can also squeeze in two 1TB SSDs for all your storage needs, while the new 16:10 screen ratio leaves more room for content.

The 14-inch ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 is joined this year by the newest member of the family, the 16-inch ThinkPad E16 Gen 1. With an increased screen-to-body ratio and a matching larger 115mm touchpad, users won’t have to compromise on productivity just because they’re setting their sights a little bit lower. The ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 will start at around $739, while the ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 will go for $759, both arriving in May.

IdeaPad Duet 3i and Slim 3 Chromebook (Gen 8)

Lenovo has long expanded its portfolio to include other form factors and even operating systems, all in the name of providing people with the portable computers they want and need. The new IdeaPad Duet 3i, for example, is an 11-inch detachable 2-in-1 Windows 11 device that can be a laptop or a tablet, depending on what you need at the time. Slim and stylish, it makes for a perfect companion for students, allowing them to be productive and creative wherever they go. Power by the latest Intel N200 processor, this multifunctional computer won’t launch in North America but will be available in the EMEA region by June for 449€, roughly $479.

The IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook Gen 8, on the other hand, looks like a typical laptop but runs something other than Windows. With Google’s Chrome OS and a MediaTek Kompanio 500 processor, this thin and lightweight laptop is made especially for users often on the go, allowing them to immediately pick up where they left off. This highly portable and Web-centric laptop will go for around $340 and will arrive in May 2023.

ThinkCentre TIO (Gen 5)

Even with large laptop screens going as big as 16 inches, there are still some tasks that are better done on an even bigger display. When you do need to settle down on your desk at home or in the office, Lenovo’s fresh and new ThinkCentre TIO (Tiny-in-One) Gen 5 computers will help you get that work done. Combining a 21.5-inch or a 23.8-inch monitor with a Tiny desktop unit, this product line trades portability with modularity, letting you upgrade one or the other part only as needed.

This year’s models put special focus on everyone’s favorite video conferencing, upgrading the webcam to a 1080p shooter and equipping the monitors with a mic and two front-facing speakers. The sRGB FHD displays now also use natural blue light filtering to protect users’ eyes and can even be configured with ten-point touch capabilities. The Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One (TIO) Gen 5 starts sales in August with starting prices of $274 and $294 for the 22-inch and 24-inch models, respectively.

Changing for a Greener Tomorrow

With more and more new computers being made each year, the dangers these products pose to the planet’s health also grows. From the materials used to the manufacturing process to even shipping, consumer electronics like laptops and smartphones make human lives more convenient at the expense of the environment. Fortunately, companies have started to take notice, and Lenovo continuing investment in a more resilient and more sustainable business tries to make up for bad habits to help heal the planet slowly but surely.

In addition to reducing carbon emissions through more efficient manufacturing and the use of renewable energy, Lenovo has also started to switch to sustainable aviation fuel and biofuels to similarly reduce the negative impact of shipping. These early 2023 laptops have also increased their use of recycled materials and Post Consumer Content plastic, both in the chassis as well as some components. It might take a long while before sustainable laptops become the norm, but every little step forward counts, especially when from a reputable giant such as Lenovo.

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 is utility laptop for professionals who demand more for less

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Business computing has been a breeze with the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Second Gen thanks to its lightweight body frame, portability, performance and nifty user-centric features.

Now ahead of CES 2023, they’ve launched the new generation of ThinkPad X1 laptops with the conscious use of recycled materials for the chassis. This new series is in line with its target to achieve net zero by 2050 for its lineup of products. The brand is already focused on a sustainable future by gradually increasing the use of recycled materials.

Designer: Lenovo

Along with a slew of other announcements Lenovo is proudly celebrating 30 years of innovation for the ThinkPad series to keep setting benchmarks in durability, productivity, and most of all, user experience. The high-end series this time around comprises the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11, X1 Yoga Gen 8 and X1 Nano Gen 3 laptops. All of them are crafted out of recycled metal and designed specifically for professionals to seamlessly access their digital content. Be it toggling between email inboxes, presentations, or participating in video conferences. All of this while keeping things ultra-secure and encrypted courtesy of the ThinkShield suite.

The X1 Nano Gen 3 like its bigger brothers has the customary digital wellness feature dubbed Lenovo View to reduce eye strain and the continuous hours of working. There’s the absolutely beautiful Dolby Vision capable 13-inch OLED display (certified by TÜV Rheinland) which helps in this quest. The Dolby suite extends to the video conferencing platform with fully enabled Dolby Atmos and Dolby Voice. Lenovo has mindfully added AI noise cancellation, quad-array 360-degree microphones and IR MIPI Computer Vision camera (FHD resolution) for smooth video conferencing.

ThinkPad X1 Nano is powered by the latest generation Intel Core i7 processor based on the Intel Evo platform. The portable Windows 11 laptop leverages the processing power in conjunction with 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, Intel Iris X Graphics and storage of 2TB Gen 4 PCIe NVMe SSD. All this should reassure professionals of having all the computing power and a seamless experience in a small package.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 will be available for purchase from April 2023 for an expected price tag of $1649.

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 is a powerful convertible for creative professionals

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Although paper will never really disappear in our lifetime, our civilization today heavily relies on digital content, from graphics to videos to even documents. These digital artifacts don’t just appear out of thin air, of course, and somebody (or something) has to make them. Creating these assets, especially computer graphics and digital art, is a job in itself, and it requires the proper tools for the best possible output. Normal laptops, no matter how powerful they are, won’t always cut it because they lack both the form and the features to support more creative work. To address that particular market, Lenovo will be launching the new ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 with a sturdy 360-degree hinge and garaged stylus to deliver the power that professionals need, no matter their line of work.

Designer: Lenovo

The pen is mightier than the sword, as they say, and it is definitely more usable than the mouse for certain work. The stylus has become the tool of choice for those who need to draw or write in digital form, whether it’s for drawing art or signing documents. Although some laptops do support this kind of pen, most have it as an additional purchase that exists outside the body of the machine. In contrast, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 makes the pen a core part of its design and purpose to the point that it has its own silo inside the laptop, so you’ll never risk losing it while in transit.

Of course, such a tool would be almost pointless if the laptop didn’t support actually using it comfortably. As the name suggests, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga can bend backward completely, transforming the laptop into a tablet and anything in between. This flexibility in form brings flexibility in function, allowing the same laptop to be used for typing, drawing, watching, and even reading. Even better, the latest generation of this convertible PC has the muscle to support all those use cases and applications you need for work.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 will run on the latest Intel Core processors, which would be the 13th generation at the time of this writing. The 14-inch screen not only supports resolutions of up to WQUXGA 4K but can also have a touch option, turning the laptop into a true tablet when fully folded backward. The laptop is also designed to support hybrid work arrangements, particularly with the Lenovo View suite of features that include privacy guards and alerts that detect unauthorized people looking over your shoulder, as well as auto-framing, background concealment, and video enhancements for stress-free video meetings.

This generation of ThinkPads also represents Lenovo’s continuing commitment to be a responsible company and reduce its negative effects on the environment. While the ThinkPad X1 Yoga itself doesn’t benefit from the use of recycled materials, save for Post Consumer Content plastic in some components, its packaging uses 100% bamboo and sugarcane fibers, and its box is made from plastic-free packaging with 90% recycled or FSC-certified content. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 will be available starting April 2023, with prices expected to start at $1,859.

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 brings a no-nonsense powerhouse for hybrid workers

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Thanks to a few incidents that rocked our world, a new trend was forced upon both employers and employees. Working from home was never going to last forever, as much as some might have wished, but working at the office like before is no longer ideal either. Hybrid work setups, which saw people dividing their time between the office and any other non-office location, are now an option that some companies and workers have started to embrace. That, however, also meant that they need proper tools that support such an arrangement, particularly a laptop that’s designed exactly for such a scenario. Lenovo’s upcoming generation of ThinkPads is indeed intended to target that market, and the ThinkPad X1 Carbon X11 offers the most powerful and most traditional computing solution among them.

Designer: Lenovo

Even before ownership transferred from IBM to Lenovo, the ThinkPad brand has been one of the most trusted names among laptops designed specifically with productivity in mind. It was often seen as the standard for what specs and features should go into a work laptop, and the newly announced batch of portable computers is no different. For the 30th anniversary of the ThinkPad brand, Lenovo is aiming for the latest trend among computer users in the office, that is, working from the office, at home, or even in a public space like a coffee shop.

Of course, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 has all the basics of a modern laptop powerhouse, starting with the latest Intel Core processors, which would be 13th-gen at this point, alongside up to 64GB of speedy LPDDR5 memory and up to 2TB of SSD storage. The 14-inch screen includes options for different resolutions up to 2.8K, though there is no possibility of adding touch support to that list. The laptop utilizes Intel’s Iris Xe technology for graphics, so using it for gaming might be a little limited.

Lenovo is marketing its new ThinkPads as the perfect hybrid work partner, particularly because of how it can help protect your privacy and security when working out in the open. Its Lenovo View application, in particular, includes features to blur your screen or warn you if an unauthorized onlooker’s face is detected, as well as performance optimizations for video conferencing. It will even warn you when your posture is wrong or if your eyes deserve a break to encourage digital well-being as you spend more time working, even outside the office.

The new Lenovo ThinkPads also represent a step forward in the company’s sustainability commitments. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11, for example, uses 90% recycled magnesium in its palm rest, 55% recycled aluminum on its bottom cover, and 100% bamboo and sugarcane fiber for packaging. The Lenovo Commercial Vantage software also provides tips and settings to improve the efficiency of the laptop and help reduce its power consumption or prolong its lifespan. All in all, this new ThinkPad X1 Carbon laptop promises a no-frills hybrid work experience, with no extraneous features and gimmicks to get in the way of your productivity. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 launches on April 2023 with a starting price of $1,729.

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Lenovo’s Thinkpad X1 Fold is available for pre-order starting at $2,499

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After five years of development, Lenovo is almost ready to start shipping the Thinkpad X1 Fold, which it claims is the first PC with a foldable display. It has opened up pre-orders for the device, which starts at $2,499.The Thinkpad X1 Fold has a 13....

Lenovo’s 2-pound Thinkpad X1 Nano features Intel’s latest processors

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Lenovo has announced its latest addition to the ThinkPad X1 collection: the X1 Nano. The company says its features should make it a sleek but powerful laptop ideal for business professionals. For one thing, the newest ThinkPad is powered by 11th Gen...