Unlike Apple’s M1 MacBooks, ARM-based Windows on Snapdragon laptops haven’t loved fairly the identical degree of success or recognition. But Lenovo is hoping to vary that – no less than for enterprise clients – with the brand new ThinkPad X13s.

The ThinkPad X13s’ secret weapon is its , which Lenovo says is the primary time Qualcomm’s latest laptop computer processor has been featured in a business system. By leveraging improved power effectivity and a low-power 400-nit 13.3-inch show, Lenovo says the ThinkPad X13s can last as long as 28 hours on a single cost. That mentioned, I’m going to wish to affirm this myself, as a result of I’ve positively been burned by shorter-than-expected longevity on earlier Windows on Snapdragon machines.

In retaining with the ThinkPad X13s’ concentrate on cell productiveness, the laptop computer additionally incorporates a fanless design whereas weighing simply 2.5 kilos, with high and backside panels made out of 90 p.c recycled magnesium. And to ensure you have a speedy web connection wherever you go, the laptop computer additionally helps 5G (each sub-6GHz and mmWave) and WiFi 6E. Other specs embody as much as 32GB of RAM, as much as 1TB of PCIe storage, and two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports (however no Thunderbolt 4, trigger that’s an Intel factor).

Inside, the laptop computer comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, with Lenovo counting on plenty of Qualcomm’s collaboration options like AI-based auto-framing for its 5MP webcam and clever noise suppression that works with the laptop computer’s triple microphone setup. There’s even a human presence detection characteristic that may routinely dim or flip off the laptop computer’s show when it detects that you’ve regarded away to guard delicate knowledge from prying eyes.

Now I do know I’m not precisely Lenovo’s audience for the ThinkPad X13s, and I in all probability wouldn’t purchase a Windows on Snapdragon laptop computer for myself since they usually battle to run video games (even informal titles). But even so, throughout my transient hands-on time with the system, I discovered that there’s quite a bit to love. Its design is sort of modern even by ThinkPad requirements, whereas its magnesium chassis provides sturdiness with out a vital improve in weight. And after all, there’s that claimed 28 hours of battery which ought to final for days of real-world use (assuming the laptop computer can dwell as much as Lenovo’s figures).

The solely concern I observed throughout my transient time with the pocket book was a touchpad that felt softer and spongier than I’d like. Though because it’s a ThinkPad, you’ll be able to all the time use Lenovo’s iconic TrackPoint nub as an alternative. Thankfully, the X13s’ keyboard felt crisp with loads of key journey, so there should not be a lot of a studying curve for ThinkPad diehards.

For a low energy show, the laptop computer’s display is admirably brilliant, and the auto-framing digital camera labored like a allure, even when it was a contact too aggressive zooming out and in once I moved my head forwards and backwards. You even get built-in IR cameras for facial recognition and Windows Hello face login. And due to the App Assure program, enterprise clients can get assist instantly from Microsoft to make sure all of an organization’s company software program runs easily on the X13s’ Arm-based processor.

So regardless of a bumpy reception for earlier Windows on Snapdragon machines, between the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 and Lenovo’s willingness to place that chip in a ThinkPad for the primary time, we could possibly be taking a look at a brand new period for ARM-based Windows notebooks.

The ThinkPad X13s is slated to go on sale someday in May beginning at $1,100.

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