The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 (Touch Screen) is widely regarded as one of the best business ultrabooks, combining performance, portability, durability, and a feature-rich design. It continues the ThinkPad legacy of providing high-quality business laptops, but with modern enhancements that cater to professionals on the go. In this extensive review, we will examine every aspect of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6, focusing on its design, display, performance, keyboard, battery life, and more to determine whether it is still a top choice in today’s competitive ultrabook market.
Table of Contents
1. Design and Build Quality
Lenovo’s ThinkPad series has always been known for its sturdy and minimalist design, and the X1 Carbon Gen 6 is no exception. It is a refinement of the classic ThinkPad design, with sleek lines, high-quality materials, and a soft-touch finish that gives the laptop a premium feel.
The laptop features a carbon-fiber reinforced chassis, making it exceptionally lightweight without sacrificing durability. At just 2.49 pounds (1.13 kg) and measuring 0.62 inches (15.95mm) in thickness, it is one of the most portable 14-inch laptops on the market. The build quality is robust, with the laptop meeting several MIL-STD 810G standards, which means it can endure harsh environments such as extreme temperatures, dust, humidity, and even mechanical shock.
The X1 Carbon’s black exterior is complemented by subtle red accents in the form of the ThinkPad logo and the iconic red TrackPoint located in the center of the keyboard. Lenovo has retained the traditional look that appeals to business users while providing a high-quality product that feels durable and professional.
One of the standout features of this model is its touch screen, which adds an extra layer of versatility to the laptop. The touch-enabled display enhances productivity, particularly for tasks that benefit from direct interaction, such as presentations, note-taking, or sketching. The touch screen is highly responsive, smooth, and works well with Windows 10’s touch gestures.
2. Display
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 comes with a 14-inch screen that is available in several configurations, including Full HD (1920 x 1080) and WQHD (2560 x 1440) options. The touch screen version typically comes with the WQHD panel, which provides sharp visuals, vivid colors, and excellent brightness levels.
The WQHD display offers 2560 x 1440 resolution, making it ideal for professionals who need to work with detailed content, such as graphic designers, photographers, or those who work with spreadsheets and presentations. Text looks crisp, images are vibrant, and videos look great. The color accuracy is also commendable, with around 99% coverage of the sRGB color gamut, making it suitable for photo and video editing tasks.
The brightness levels on the WQHD panel peak at about 500 nits, which makes it usable in bright environments and even outdoors in direct sunlight. The anti-glare coating on the display also helps to minimize reflections, although the touch screen is glossy, which can make glare more noticeable compared to non-touch matte displays.
The bezels around the screen are relatively thin, providing a modern look and increasing screen real estate without enlarging the laptop’s footprint. Lenovo’s decision to keep the webcam at the top of the screen (instead of the bottom bezel, as seen on some ultrabooks) is a welcome choice, ensuring that video calls have a more natural viewing angle.
3. Performance
Under the hood, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 is powered by Intel’s 8th-generation Core processors, with configurations ranging from the Intel Core i5-8250U to the Core i7-8650U. These quad-core processors provide a significant boost in performance over previous generations, especially for multitasking and demanding applications.
The Core i7-8650U model, with a clock speed of up to 4.2 GHz (Turbo Boost), offers excellent performance for day-to-day tasks such as web browsing, video conferencing, document editing, and light photo editing. Paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR3 RAM and up to 1TB of PCIe SSD storage, the X1 Carbon Gen 6 delivers fast and responsive performance in most scenarios.
In benchmark tests, the Core i7-equipped model performs well in both single-core and multi-core workloads, making it suitable for professional applications such as software development, running virtual machines, or handling large datasets. However, this ultrabook is not designed for intensive gaming or heavy-duty 3D rendering, as it relies on Intel UHD Graphics 620, which is integrated and not as powerful as discrete GPUs.
For business users, this performance is more than adequate, and the laptop handles multitasking effortlessly, allowing for multiple applications to run smoothly in parallel. Whether you are working with large spreadsheets, conducting video conferences, or browsing the web with multiple tabs open, the X1 Carbon Gen 6 can handle it all with ease.
4. Keyboard and Trackpad
Lenovo ThinkPads have long been known for their outstanding keyboards, and the X1 Carbon Gen 6 continues this tradition. The laptop’s keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience with keys that are well-spaced and have good travel (1.5mm) for an ultrabook. The tactile feedback is excellent, making it ideal for typing for extended periods without fatigue.
The layout is traditional for a ThinkPad, with large keys, a slightly concave design for better finger grip, and a good amount of spacing between the keys. The arrow keys are also well-placed, making navigation simple. The keyboard is backlit, with two levels of brightness adjustment, which makes typing in low-light environments much easier.
A standout feature is the TrackPoint, the red nub located in the center of the keyboard, which many ThinkPad fans swear by. It allows precise cursor control without needing to move your hand away from the keyboard, making it a great tool for productivity. For those who prefer a touchpad, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 also includes a glass touchpad that is smooth and highly responsive. It supports Windows Precision drivers, meaning multi-touch gestures such as two-finger scrolling and pinch-to-zoom work flawlessly.
5. Ports and Connectivity
Despite being an ultrabook, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 offers a good selection of ports, striking a balance between portability and functionality. On the left side, you’ll find two USB Type-C Thunderbolt 3 ports, one of which is used for charging, along with a USB 3.0 Type-A port, an HDMI 1.4 port, and a headphone/mic combo jack. There is also a docking connector that allows the laptop to interface with Lenovo’s docking stations for enhanced connectivity.
On the right side, there is a second USB 3.0 Type-A port and a Kensington lock slot. The inclusion of two USB Type-A ports is particularly useful for professionals who still rely on older peripherals, while the Thunderbolt 3 ports provide fast data transfer speeds, support for external displays, and the ability to connect to high-performance accessories such as external GPUs or storage devices.
For wireless connectivity, the X1 Carbon Gen 6 is equipped with Intel’s Dual-Band 8265 Wi-Fi card, supporting 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2. The Wi-Fi performance is excellent, with strong signal reception and reliable connections even in environments with heavy network congestion.
6. Security and Privacy Features
In a business-oriented laptop, security is always a major consideration, and the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 doesn’t disappoint in this regard. It comes with several security features that will be appreciated by professionals who handle sensitive information.
One of the most prominent security features is the fingerprint reader located just below the keyboard. It supports Windows Hello, allowing for quick and secure logins without needing to type a password. The fingerprint scanner is fast and accurate, providing a seamless user experience.
In addition, the laptop includes an infrared camera option for facial recognition through Windows Hello. This is an excellent feature for those who prefer biometric authentication, as it allows users to unlock the laptop just by looking at the screen.
For those concerned about webcam privacy, Lenovo has also included a ThinkShutter, which is a physical cover for the webcam. This can be easily slid over the webcam when not in use, providing peace of mind that you’re not being watched without your consent.
The laptop is also equipped with a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip, which encrypts sensitive data such as passwords and encryption keys, adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.
7. Battery Life
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 boasts excellent battery life, especially considering its slim profile and high-resolution display. Lenovo claims up to 15 hours of battery life on a single charge, although this figure is based on specific usage scenarios such as light web browsing or working with documents.
In real-world usage, the battery life will vary depending on what you’re doing. With moderate usage that includes web browsing, video streaming, and document editing, you can expect around 8 to 10 hours of battery life, which is still very impressive for a laptop this thin and powerful. If you’re using more demanding applications, such as video editing software or virtual machines, the battery life will be shorter but still reasonable.
One of the most convenient features of the X1 Carbon Gen 6 is the rapid charging capability. With Lenovo’s RapidCharge technology, the battery can be charged from 0 to 80% in just about an hour. This is incredibly useful for professionals who are always on the go and may not have much time to charge their laptop during the day.
8. Audio and Speakers
The audio quality on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 is generally decent for a business laptop, though it’s not one of its standout features. The laptop is equipped with two downward-firing speakers located at the bottom of the chassis, which produce clear sound for casual listening but lack deep bass and richness. For conference calls and video meetings, the speakers perform well enough, delivering clear vocals and making it easy to hear participants. However, for more immersive audio experiences such as watching movies or listening to music, you may want to use external speakers or headphones.
The speakers support Dolby Audio Premium, which enhances the sound experience by dynamically adjusting the audio based on the type of content being played. This feature does improve the clarity and depth slightly, but it doesn’t fully compensate for the physical limitations of the small, downward-firing speakers.
In terms of microphone quality, the X1 Carbon Gen 6 excels with its dual-array microphones that provide clear audio capture during voice calls and video conferences. These microphones are optimized for conference calls, reducing background noise and improving voice clarity, making it ideal for professionals who often engage in virtual meetings. Lenovo has also integrated far-field microphones, which allow the laptop to pick up voice commands from across the room, useful for virtual assistants like Cortana.
9. Thermal Performance and Noise
Despite its slim profile, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 manages to keep thermal performance under control quite effectively. Lenovo has implemented a cooling system that uses heat pipes and fans to dissipate heat without becoming overly loud or disruptive. During light tasks such as web browsing, document editing, or video streaming, the laptop remains cool and quiet, with the fans barely audible.
Under more demanding workloads, such as running multiple applications simultaneously or performing processor-intensive tasks, the laptop does become warmer, particularly near the bottom of the chassis. However, even during heavy usage, the temperature remains manageable, and the cooling system prevents the laptop from overheating. Fan noise may increase slightly during intense workloads, but it never becomes loud enough to be bothersome, especially in a typical office environment.
The laptop’s efficient thermal design ensures that performance remains stable without thermal throttling, which is important for business users who require consistent performance during long work sessions. The carbon-fiber body also helps to dissipate heat more effectively than plastic, contributing to the laptop’s impressive thermal management.
10. Software and Pre-installed Applications
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 comes preloaded with Windows 10 Pro, which is the standard operating system for business users. Windows 10 Pro includes several features tailored to business environments, such as enhanced security tools, remote desktop access, and BitLocker drive encryption. These features are particularly useful for professionals who need a secure and productive operating system for their work.
Lenovo also includes a few pre-installed applications, many of which are business-focused. Some of the notable software includes:
- Lenovo Vantage: A utility that allows users to manage system updates, check hardware health, and optimize system performance. It’s a helpful tool for maintaining the laptop’s health and ensuring drivers and firmware are up to date.
- McAfee LiveSafe: A security suite that provides virus protection, firewall features, and web security tools. However, many users may opt to remove or replace it with their preferred antivirus solution.
- Microsoft Office Trial: A 30-day trial of Microsoft Office, useful for users who rely on Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office applications for work.
Thankfully, Lenovo has kept bloatware to a minimum, ensuring that the pre-installed applications do not bog down the system. Most of the included software is either business-related or useful for maintaining system performance, and any unwanted programs can be easily uninstalled.
11. Battery Life in Real-World Usage
While Lenovo advertises up to 15 hours of battery life on the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6, real-world usage typically yields slightly lower results, depending on the user’s workload. For users engaging in regular business tasks—such as using Microsoft Office, web browsing, and attending video conferences—battery life hovers between 8 to 10 hours. This is still impressive for a laptop of this class, providing all-day battery life for most professionals.
More demanding tasks like video editing, software development, or running multiple virtual machines will decrease battery life significantly, with the laptop lasting around 5 to 7 hours in those scenarios. The WQHD touch screen, while stunning, also consumes more power than the Full HD variant, so users who prioritize battery life may want to consider the non-touchscreen model with a lower resolution.
Charging is also a breeze with Lenovo’s RapidCharge technology. In under an hour, the laptop can charge from 0% to about 80%, which is incredibly helpful for users who are constantly on the move and may not have access to power for extended periods. The convenience of fast charging helps mitigate the need to carry around a charger throughout the day.
12. Business Features and Use Cases
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 is designed with business professionals in mind, offering a range of features that cater specifically to this user base. With its robust security features, lightweight design, and powerful performance, it is well-suited for executives, managers, IT professionals, and mobile workers who need a reliable, portable workstation.
Some of the key business features include:
- MIL-STD 810G Certification: This certification ensures that the laptop can withstand drops, shocks, and harsh environmental conditions, making it ideal for professionals who travel frequently or work in rugged environments.
- Comprehensive Connectivity: The laptop’s wide array of ports, including Thunderbolt 3, USB-A, HDMI, and an Ethernet extension connector, makes it easy to connect to a variety of devices and accessories without needing dongles.
- Enterprise-Grade Security: With a fingerprint reader, IR camera for facial recognition, and the ThinkShutter webcam cover, the X1 Carbon provides excellent security for sensitive business data and communications.
- Global LTE-A Connectivity: Some models come equipped with an LTE-A modem, allowing users to stay connected on the go without relying on Wi-Fi networks. This is especially useful for business travelers who need constant access to email and cloud services.
Professionals who work in industries such as finance, engineering, or consulting will appreciate the combination of power and portability, as well as the ability to run multiple productivity apps simultaneously without any performance hiccups. The WQHD touch screen version is particularly beneficial for designers and creatives who need to view content in high resolution and interact directly with the display.
13. Pricing and Configurations
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 is available in several configurations, allowing users to choose the model that best suits their needs and budget. The base model, which typically comes with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage, is generally priced in the $1,300 to $1,500 range. As you upgrade the processor, RAM, and storage capacity, the price increases accordingly.
The higher-end models, which include the Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB or 1TB of SSD storage, can cost upwards of $2,000, depending on the specific configuration. The touch screen variant with the WQHD display is usually more expensive than the standard non-touch Full HD model.
While the X1 Carbon Gen 6 may be pricier than some other business laptops on the market, its premium build quality, excellent performance, and robust feature set justify the investment for professionals who need a reliable, high-performing ultrabook. Lenovo often offers discounts or sales on its website, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for promotions if you’re looking to save on the purchase.
Final Thoughts
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 (Touch Screen) is a premium business ultrabook that delivers in nearly every aspect that matters to professionals. Its excellent design, powerful performance, long battery life, and thoughtful business-centric features make it a leader in the ultrabook market, especially for users who need a machine that can perform well both in the office and on the road.
The touch screen adds an extra level of versatility to the already excellent X1 Carbon line, making it a great choice for users who need to interact directly with their content. Whether you’re reviewing documents, giving presentations, or simply navigating the web, the touch screen enhances productivity and adds a more intuitive experience to the overall package.
While it may not be the cheapest option out there, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 is worth every penny for business users who demand a high-performing, reliable, and portable machine. It’s a well-rounded laptop that will meet the needs of most professionals, offering the perfect balance between portability, performance, and premium design.
Ultimately, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 (Touch Screen) is more than just a laptop—it’s an investment in productivity, security, and peace of mind for the modern professional.