Can I just say that I've been watching a bunch of your reviews looking for a laptop for college and they are so easy to understand and follow even though I've never bought a laptop myself before. You explain what needs to be explained in a clear and concise manner while enjoying yourself! You rock Lisa.
I've recently started watching your reviews and comparisons and I must say they are super informative, objective and on the point. Subscribed and and thank you.
Originally, I was not a fan of MobileTechReview... I don't know what it was, but after watching many of your videos I've really warmed up to the channel. You provide great unbiased reviews and I'm liking Lisa more and more as a reviewer. Thanks for helping choose the Dell XPS 13 (i7 model). I absolutely love it and couldn't be happier, especially after the underwhelming "New Macbook" announcement. Once again Thank You! I am now a happy subscriber.
Thanks Lisa awesome review, for sometime I am planning to buy XPS or X1, and after your review I able to make my finial decision and I'll go with X1 for my office use! :) X1 with LTE support and PCe-SSD 512 is really cool to have / use. thank you for your review, keep it up!
Excellent comparison. As these are ultrabooks, portability is particularly important. With the other specs being relatively equal, the Dell is the clear winner for me. The only device category that can challenge the Dell XPS 13 is the tablet...like the Surface Pro 3. Plus, this Dell is gorgeous! With that "infinity" display and carbon fiber interior, Dell has redefined sexy. The Asus Zenbook and MacBook Air were the design champs but this XPS is the new king.
I recently found out about why Thinkpad have its laptop designed to open 180, so that when when attached to external monitor via docking station it's keyboard can be used as traditional keyboard without much hassle
thanks Dell, now it's virtually impossible to "Unsee" the bezels surrounding all the other laptops (disclaimer: not a dell user; i have a lenovo thinkpad yoga 14 non-x1 on the way)
As a long-time IBM/Lenovo user I finally caved and got an xps 13. I work on X1s frequently at my job and the panels are not the best. (cannot speak for the OLED ones though!!!) Its soooo pretty and I'm a sucker for Carbon Fiber! (that and 780$ for an i7-6500u 16gb QHD -128gb SSD made it really hard to say no. I've got a 512gb 950 pro from another project waiting to go in it) Its a little bit ironic since my 2005 xps 13 was the reason I stopped buying Dells in the first place. (a neat little machine, but throttled horrifically due to really dumb fan placement)
Considering my main travel laptops have been 12" for over 10 years. 2.5lbs to 3lbs is a big difference. Now if Dell can make a XPS 14" in a 12" form factor.
I have the Carbon X1. I'm baffled why the base configurations of laptops are still 4GB these days (MacBook Air, X1 Carbon, XPS, etc). If it was a "netbook" that was just designed for media consumption, then I can understand 4GB RAM or less. My base configuration budget Gateway laptop from 2011 (Core i5) was 4GB of RAM....and that was almost 1/2 decade ago. With nothing open but just Chrome, running Windows 7, my RAM is already at ~55% usage with 4GB RAM. Once you open up 3 Excel spreadsheets, RUclips, a Word document, PDF, etc, I'm sitting at 85% RAM and everything starts to become sluggish. If 8GB is cost-prohibitive, I'd say 6GB should be the base configuration these days.
I have the Dell with 256gb ssd and 8gb ram. Perfect in all ways except for the fact that it looks so beautiful and functions so beautifully that you can't toss it around thoughtlessly.
To help those that are really torn, I have the Dell and it is the best that I have owned and I have had a couple of the previous models. The screen is unmatched, the key travel is not as good as the Carbon but still very good. The soft touch is great and the mouse pad rivals the Mac. It is the best and most responsive mouse pad on a pc. Very sensitive and very responsive. I love the new drivers from Microsoft. The size is awesome. Love the footprint. Great style! Often times, the business class machines are really basic and bland. The Carbon is consistent while the Dell has great style.
I haven't noticed much of a battery decline. It still has better battery life than I expected. Games kill it though. Asphalt 8, on a full battery gives you less than 30 minutes.
Eric Johnson Have you had any issues with the trackpad? I really want the XPS 13 but I've heard so much bad stuff on the trackpad that it has me double thinking things.
Thanks, Lisa for the very timely review. I may have to flip a coin on the selection between the two. Keyboard and ruggedness and display size pushes me to X1, display quality and size and price to XPS particularly since I favor non-touch at this juncture.
I'm split between these two and i'm going towards the X1. I'm getting the fully upgraded model of it and both are similarly priced for very similar specs. The reason I am aiming more towards the X1 is because of the nicer keyboard, more durable build, bigger display, micro-sim built in, trackpoint, better trackpad, and slightly better battery. The X1 isn't that much more expensive and for me, the micro-sim slot is a huge deal breaker as it allows me to work on-the-go.
Great review. Thanks for focusing on key travel, screen brightness and reflections, this was all very helpful. Sadly, I'm still waiting for a perfect machine for writing on the go (even if MBA 12" comes with Retina, the key travel in a machine so thin and the Core M might not be enough to consider it seriously..). My Samsung Series 9 matte FHD is fine besides keyboard and battery life. I'm thinking of rMBP 13" but this is heavy if you're constantly on the move. I hope you'll review a perfect laptop soon :) I think you're waiting for one yourself in this area, Lisa.
Just recived the carbon X1 Gen3 today found the keyboard is the killer thing on the market for laptops which with a thinnest body. The trackpoint still one of the best on the market
Great review. One detail, though: you mentioned in passing (around 8'45) that there are "no surprises" about the lock slots - Sadly that's not the case. The Lenovo has a standard Kensington lock, with cables available everywhere at any price point. Dell decided to change to the proprietary "Noble locks", for which they charge a premium.
You make the best laptop reviews, congrats. I would love to see some torture tests on the laptops, specially on the Lenovo ones, like how it behaves under the rain? and stuff like that.
Great review Lisa! I've been contemplating the Dell XPS for school, and your smackdowns have definitely helped with many of my questions. A big concern I have is the fan noise. I've read that the fan kicks on quite frequently. With that said, I just found out about the fanless Asus Zenbook UX305, and was wondering if this happens to be on your list of reviews for the near future?
Good comparison. Could you throw in the new macbook 2015 into the comparison? The only thing you didn't mention is that the dell also comes as a developer edition running linux - something I haven't seen any other manufacturer do yet.
Great review, touching on some of the more rarely discussed points, like keyboard travel. Disgruntled with Lenovo about my X230's build quality, low-res display and fast battery aging, I chose the XPS13 when my company offered me a laptop. As a communications officer, I regret it a little bit. The keyboard is by far superior on the Lenovos, that said, it is a step back from the X200 days - which had _nothing_ wrong with it. So typing has become a little more difficult. Also hugely miss the TrackPoint on the Dell. My mileage varies on two points in your review, though: I find that my XPS13 does not display certain purples correctly. Incidentally it's our corporate identity's purple. Secondly, my battery life on a non-touch (but core i7 and with potentially non-optimized Windows 10) is more like 5-6 hours, even when just editing Word files. Finally, for an always-on-the-road ultrabook, I'm missing a discussion about the build quality and toughness. The aluminium on the XPS feels superior to the plastic on the Thinkpads. And of course Lenovo used to flaunt its keyboards' water-draining ability. Is this still the case on the Carbon X1?
damn, why can’t I have the lenovo keyboard and trackpoint with the rest of the dell machine? or maybe more realistic: hey lenovo guys, it is time for an X1 with igzo panel!
damn, I've been hearing great reviews about both these models and I still can't decide.. I have the feeling I might end up with the X1 carbon for the better keyboard and more ports though
Thank you for the review, I was really curious to see them side-by-side. Personally, I just stopped buying Dell, because of its worst technical support. On the other side, I think the Lenovo's highest price ($200 more on avg.) are worth the deal: with my different laptops and based on my colleagues experiences, on Lenovo you rarely need a technical support, but when you do, then it works. That said, apart from the keyboard and the tarckpoint, two main features everyone should copy (!), I prefer how the Dell renewed its look. The no-bezel screen is quite intriguing and the touch makes much more sense on it. On the other side, remember that 14"1' is bigger than a 13"3', something often disregarded but essential for productivity.
We buy both and if you have to support them or reinstall... two words "System Update." We let our users order either Dell, HP or Lenovo and we prolly have ten times as many X1's. As you mentioned the Dell's are very solid and are sure prettier (aesthetics as well as display). The Lenovo's are a joy to support and have much fewer hardware failures. Nobody really picks the HP's these days. It's either Apple, Lenovo, or Dell in that order. I think if you bought either you'd probably be happy. New X1 for me tomorrow. Awesome review! Love your stuff.
On your website as of 3/17/2015 you have a picture of the Blackberry passport with video review. When I click on it it shows the Lenovo and Dell smackdown.
XPS 13 is pretty similar in specs to Lenovo Thinkpad 13 could you do a comparison with the two? X1 Carbon is bit more expensive than XPS. ThinkPad 13 is cheaper. but bit larger formfactor..
Hey Lisa, sorry for being a bit off topic here but can we get a review of the new Hp Spectre x360 and a smackdown between it and the Dell Xps 13? (maybe even a triple smackdown including the ThinkPad X1 Carbon?) Btw, love you channel!
if you throw away the thinkpad logo or maybe give it a modern look and drop the red dot that's redundant now with the touchpad, im pretty sure people would pick that over vs the other laptops around the same specs just bc it's cheaper and does almost everything similarly (when it comes to productivity like programming or things not gpu intensive). i mean thinkpad's trademark is the logo and the red dot but i think it makes it look older and less special (since most common corporate laptops are usually thinkpads). but then that's just me nitpicking on the physical aspect. dell's design just looks premium like the recent ultrabooks out right now.
Lisa, your videos are great! Just a suggestion needed from you, comparing the keyboard of the X1 Carbon 2015 with the MacBook Air 13, which keyboard is better for a writer?
@Mobile TechReview i am a thinkpad user and i was thinking to buy the carbon but then i saw surface book and for the first time in my life i am thinking to consider something new please make a review surface book vs carbon ... that will be very helpful :)
Considering the fast charging time (more unplugged time, more portable), the very quite fan (good for presentations), low light reflecting screen (healthier for eyes, good for presentation) and low heat generation (comfortable when working on knee), I think Lenovo carbon x1 really won Dell as a "business class" laptop One more thing missing in the review, x1 carbon got keyboard back light, more convenient to work at night
on amazon now, im working all summer so i can get one for uni(chemistry student), and for 8gb ram, i5, FHD (not QHD), non-touch models. the carbon is £200 cheaper than the dell. not including the adapter you need to buy for the dell thunderbolt which is £50-80.
Thanks so much for this review! I am looking for laptops for school and home stuff and have some fairly detailed specs that I would like to have. I plan on running Ubuntu on my machine, so do you have any idea how either of these guys would perform? I know that Dell makes a Developers Edition with Ubuntu pre-installed, but there is no price listed, so I am hesitant to go for that. For the time being, I am also inclined to go with the Dell. Although, I have a case that rated for the 13.3 inch laptops, so would the Lenovo fit in there? Thanks!
This might not be a big issue for other folks, but is it to me ... are the batteries on either or both of these laptops "built in" (i.e., sealed / not removable/replaceable by the user)? This is a trend in laptop/ultrabook manufacturing of which I am particularly unfond...
which would you recommend for a person who is programming often? I feel like it would be the thinkpad because of the larger screen and better keyboard. but, yea I wanted to hear more thoughts
Which do you prefer? The new X1 Carbon or the new thinkpad yoga 12. As I'm someone who won't miss the digitizer pen input (but of course I can find a use for it), I'm wondering how these two compare as a BUSINESS laptop.
I am thinking about getting the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch, but I do not know if it is worth waiting till Jan 2016, when they will be equipped with 6th Gen Intel processors. What do you think?
Lisa what would you suggest between XPS 13" Infinity Edge (Non-touch) and Lenevo X1 Yoga ? I would not like to invest 300 Euros to get touch screen xps13" because the screen won't rotate completely.. My main requirement is light weight (and surface book was a no-go, ordered it and returned, because the battery in tablet mode lasts very little and screen is heavier than the base).. I'm not a user of digital drawing etc would only be using touchscreen for presentations.
Looking for comparison between October 2016 HP Spectre X360 with Kaby Lake vs Dell XPS 13 Late 2016 Refresh vs Lenovo Yoga 910 vs Lenovo Yoga X1 Late 2016
Lisa, can you compare Acer Aspire s7-393, Dell XPS 13 touch and HP Spectre X360? All three with i7 processor, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD. Can't seem to decide between the three of them? Would appreciate your insights! Thanks
When you speak of key travel, what constitutes an "average" amount of travel in an ultrabook like these? I've seen some ultrabooks say "1.5mm" of travel is normal, but I don't have a frame of reference. Do you have any ability to measure that travel for the sake of comparison?
TheQuikMix You really have to feel it yourself. To me, XPS key travel is in between macbook and x1. I would have gone with XPS if it had keyboard like X1's.
In screen size, it is not (if brightness, deltas, ... are equal) but X1 has much bigger screen bezels. It makes a major difference in size between these devices.
I have a used thinkpad t23 that still works very well. Ive heard the lenovos arent nearly as durable as the ibm thinkpads--is this true? If so, what is as durable as the old thinkpads? And what 2-5 year old model laptop would be safe to buy used in the sense that it would be fully functional for many years just like my ancient 10+ year old T23?
I would go with the carbon x1 or thinkpad yoga p40 (for stylus) but im not sure if a 14,1 inch display would be comfortable to work for at least 5 - 6 hours a day. Mostly internet using, writing texts, some simple graphic editing. Is someone here who switched for example from 15 inch to 14?
Lisa. I have a lot of trouble adjusting to the new fn key on the X1 since that is usually where the CTRL key is. Is there a way to reformat the keys to resolve this problem? If so, is it easy to do? Thanks!
Lisa - I really like your reviews, having watched several of them. HOWEVER, you speak way too fast. Could you please slow down. Also, the speed causes you to (1) not enunciate clearly, and (2) to have your voice trail off so that words cannot be heard.
"Believe me, I am not going to want to give back this review model" So do you think we'll eventually see that 13" rMBP replaced with a 3rd Gen TP X1C in your next "Tech I'm using" video =D
just do't buy the Lenovo OLED Screen, mine last 13 months. And It will cost $600 to replace it. LENOVO didn't cove it with the warranty, because It is over 12 months. I paid almost US $2,500.00 for this Laptop.
Lenovo all the way. No Trackpoint on the Dell. Using the trackpoint makes everything easier. Longer key travel on the Lenovo, simply the best keyboard of all laptops on the market. Dell keyboard feels like that MacBook Air junk keyboard. Much easier to customize the track pad.....and on and on it goes.
+R Setiawan At my company we use primarily these two computers. I personally use the X1 carbon because it has longer key travel and it feels more robust while typing. The key caps on the XPS feels better though.
+Truman1201 If you are worried about spyware from the manufacturer(unlikely for such a large and trusted company as lenovo) you can always format the drives and install your operating system yourself.
+Truman1201 I do hope you realise that the USA's NSA (Dell) also has a funny history of putting spyware places where it shouldn't go. Also, format the drive. You should be ok.
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Can I just say that I've been watching a bunch of your reviews looking for a laptop for college and they are so easy to understand and follow even though I've never bought a laptop myself before. You explain what needs to be explained in a clear and concise manner while enjoying yourself! You rock Lisa.
I've recently started watching your reviews and comparisons and I must say they are super informative, objective and on the point. Subscribed and and thank you.
Originally, I was not a fan of MobileTechReview... I don't know what it was, but after watching many of your videos I've really warmed up to the channel. You provide great unbiased reviews and I'm liking Lisa more and more as a reviewer. Thanks for helping choose the Dell XPS 13 (i7 model). I absolutely love it and couldn't be happier, especially after the underwhelming "New Macbook" announcement. Once again Thank You! I am now a happy subscriber.
I felt the same. Were we sexist or just dumb :) Anyway, great reviews. Also, D2D makes wonderful reviews, not jus Brownlee.
Thanks Lisa awesome review, for sometime I am planning to buy XPS or X1, and after your review I able to make my finial decision and I'll go with X1 for my office use! :) X1 with LTE support and PCe-SSD 512 is really cool to have / use. thank you for your review, keep it up!
Excellent comparison.
As these are ultrabooks, portability is particularly important.
With the other specs being relatively equal, the Dell is the clear winner for me. The only device category that can challenge the Dell XPS 13 is the tablet...like the Surface Pro 3.
Plus, this Dell is gorgeous! With that "infinity" display and carbon fiber interior, Dell has redefined sexy. The Asus Zenbook and MacBook Air were the design champs but this XPS is the new king.
I recently found out about why Thinkpad have its laptop designed to open 180, so that when when attached to external monitor via docking station it's keyboard can be used as traditional keyboard without much hassle
Lisa, I absolutely love your reviews. Very detailed and thorough. The first place I check when looking for reviews! Keep up the good work!
thanks a lot Lisa! that`s exactly what i`ve been waiting for ))
thanks Dell, now it's virtually impossible to "Unsee" the bezels surrounding all the other laptops (disclaimer: not a dell user; i have a lenovo thinkpad yoga 14 non-x1 on the way)
+Daniel Lee Happy with it?
As a long-time IBM/Lenovo user I finally caved and got an xps 13. I work on X1s frequently at my job and the panels are not the best. (cannot speak for the OLED ones though!!!)
Its soooo pretty and I'm a sucker for Carbon Fiber! (that and 780$ for an i7-6500u 16gb QHD -128gb SSD made it really hard to say no. I've got a 512gb 950 pro from another project waiting to go in it)
Its a little bit ironic since my 2005 xps 13 was the reason I stopped buying Dells in the first place. (a neat little machine, but throttled horrifically due to really dumb fan placement)
wrg, bezelx doens' tmatter
What a well thought out, balanced review. Excellent!
Considering my main travel laptops have been 12" for over 10 years. 2.5lbs to 3lbs is a big difference. Now if Dell can make a XPS 14" in a 12" form factor.
I have the Carbon X1. I'm baffled why the base configurations of laptops are still 4GB these days (MacBook Air, X1 Carbon, XPS, etc). If it was a "netbook" that was just designed for media consumption, then I can understand 4GB RAM or less. My base configuration budget Gateway laptop from 2011 (Core i5) was 4GB of RAM....and that was almost 1/2 decade ago. With nothing open but just Chrome, running Windows 7, my RAM is already at ~55% usage with 4GB RAM. Once you open up 3 Excel spreadsheets, RUclips, a Word document, PDF, etc, I'm sitting at 85% RAM and everything starts to become sluggish. If 8GB is cost-prohibitive, I'd say 6GB should be the base configuration these days.
easy... you buy it yourself. they save money haha
you still got it? i am thinking of getting one 3rd gen
I like this woman. :) Very great video, thorough, covered what needed to be covered precisely and concisely.
I have the Dell with 256gb ssd and 8gb ram. Perfect in all ways except for the fact that it looks so beautiful and functions so beautifully that you can't toss it around thoughtlessly.
To help those that are really torn, I have the Dell and it is the best that I have owned and I have had a couple of the previous models. The screen is unmatched, the key travel is not as good as the Carbon but still very good. The soft touch is great and the mouse pad rivals the Mac. It is the best and most responsive mouse pad on a pc. Very sensitive and very responsive. I love the new drivers from Microsoft. The size is awesome. Love the footprint. Great style! Often times, the business class machines are really basic and bland. The Carbon is consistent while the Dell has great style.
Eric Johnson eric, have you noticed a decline in battery life since the ups 13 only has 300 charge cycles before reaching 80% capacity
I haven't noticed much of a battery decline. It still has better battery life than I expected. Games kill it though. Asphalt 8, on a full battery gives you less than 30 minutes.
Eric Johnson Have you had any issues with the trackpad? I really want the XPS 13 but I've heard so much bad stuff on the trackpad that it has me double thinking things.
Thanks, Lisa for the very timely review. I may have to flip a coin on the selection between the two. Keyboard and ruggedness and display size pushes me to X1, display quality and size and price to XPS particularly since I favor non-touch at this juncture.
I'm split between these two and i'm going towards the X1. I'm getting the fully upgraded model of it and both are similarly priced for very similar specs. The reason I am aiming more towards the X1 is because of the nicer keyboard, more durable build, bigger display, micro-sim built in, trackpoint, better trackpad, and slightly better battery. The X1 isn't that much more expensive and for me, the micro-sim slot is a huge deal breaker as it allows me to work on-the-go.
hey how is your X1 after one year?the battery, display, speakers and the keyboard?
Great review. Thanks for focusing on key travel, screen brightness and reflections, this was all very helpful. Sadly, I'm still waiting for a perfect machine for writing on the go (even if MBA 12" comes with Retina, the key travel in a machine so thin and the Core M might not be enough to consider it seriously..). My Samsung Series 9 matte FHD is fine besides keyboard and battery life. I'm thinking of rMBP 13" but this is heavy if you're constantly on the move. I hope you'll review a perfect laptop soon :) I think you're waiting for one yourself in this area, Lisa.
I do enjoy your reviews, well done!
Just recived the carbon X1 Gen3 today found the keyboard is the killer thing on the market for laptops which with a thinnest body.
The trackpoint still one of the best on the market
hey how is your X1 after one year?the battery, display, speakers and the keyboard?
Great review. One detail, though: you mentioned in passing (around 8'45) that there are "no surprises" about the lock slots - Sadly that's not the case. The Lenovo has a standard Kensington lock, with cables available everywhere at any price point. Dell decided to change to the proprietary "Noble locks", for which they charge a premium.
You make the best laptop reviews, congrats. I would love to see some torture tests on the laptops, specially on the Lenovo ones, like how it behaves under the rain? and stuff like that.
Great review Lisa! I've been contemplating the Dell XPS for school, and your smackdowns have definitely helped with many of my questions. A big concern I have is the fan noise. I've read that the fan kicks on quite frequently. With that said, I just found out about the fanless Asus Zenbook UX305, and was wondering if this happens to be on your list of reviews for the near future?
Eagerly waiting for Dell XPS 13 (2015) vs HP Spectre X360 Smackdown video...hope you'll soon come up with one :)
Good comparison. Could you throw in the new macbook 2015 into the comparison? The only thing you didn't mention is that the dell also comes as a developer edition running linux - something I haven't seen any other manufacturer do yet.
Could you do a review on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 4th Gen vs Dell XPS 13 (2016) ?
cynthita93 yes please
this, please :)
+1, I'd love to see updated review
Just came to this Video because I wanted to ask that question. Especially now that the X1 Carbon is to be updated in June 2019
What the hell...? Those bezels on the Dell... unbelievable...
This comment didn't she too well
Great review, touching on some of the more rarely discussed points, like keyboard travel. Disgruntled with Lenovo about my X230's build quality, low-res display and fast battery aging, I chose the XPS13 when my company offered me a laptop. As a communications officer, I regret it a little bit. The keyboard is by far superior on the Lenovos, that said, it is a step back from the X200 days - which had _nothing_ wrong with it. So typing has become a little more difficult. Also hugely miss the TrackPoint on the Dell.
My mileage varies on two points in your review, though: I find that my XPS13 does not display certain purples correctly. Incidentally it's our corporate identity's purple. Secondly, my battery life on a non-touch (but core i7 and with potentially non-optimized Windows 10) is more like 5-6 hours, even when just editing Word files.
Finally, for an always-on-the-road ultrabook, I'm missing a discussion about the build quality and toughness. The aluminium on the XPS feels superior to the plastic on the Thinkpads. And of course Lenovo used to flaunt its keyboards' water-draining ability. Is this still the case on the Carbon X1?
Nice video. I was trying to switch to XPS but realized it wasn't possible - Thinkpad keyboard has spoiled me too much for too long...
ditto on the keyboard (and trackpoint)
I'm a big ThinkPad fan,, but if I shelled out the cash for a 3rd gen X1 Carbon and it came with a TN screen!!! ... .. I'd lose my shit
The phrase you're looking for is "couldn't care less," not "could care less."
Nothing makes me happier than hearing Lisa confidently exclaim "bottoms up" whilst turning two laptops over.
damn, why can’t I have the lenovo keyboard and trackpoint with the rest of the dell machine? or maybe more realistic: hey lenovo guys, it is time for an X1 with igzo panel!
Agreed!
+Johannes Stolba It will come true on the day the Lenovo finally purchases Dell.
that's exactly my problem; spoiled by the lenovo keyboard and trackpoint
Are you a psychic Lisa? How did you know I wanted this smackdown? =P
Outstanding review, very helpful!
Thank you for this review!
I love my new xps13, It has great battery life. I have the 8gb 1080p core i5 version.
Great choice
With touchscreen?
David Novosartov no, the 1080p is only available with non touch
Where can I get the 8gb non touch version?
David Novosartov uhh, their website
damn, I've been hearing great reviews about both these models and I still can't decide..
I have the feeling I might end up with the X1 carbon for the better keyboard and more ports though
Hi Lisa, Thanks for your good reviews. Does SD card sticks out the 1-T450s, 2-Dell XPS new, and 3- the new X1 carbon?
Thank you for the review, I was really curious to see them side-by-side.
Personally, I just stopped buying Dell, because of its worst technical support. On the other side, I think the Lenovo's highest price ($200 more on avg.) are worth the deal: with my different laptops and based on my colleagues experiences, on Lenovo you rarely need a technical support, but when you do, then it works.
That said, apart from the keyboard and the tarckpoint, two main features everyone should copy (!), I prefer how the Dell renewed its look. The no-bezel screen is quite intriguing and the touch makes much more sense on it. On the other side, remember that 14"1' is bigger than a 13"3', something often disregarded but essential for productivity.
man your good I'm in a medical office program I'm a dell fan but I think after reading some reviews and so on I'm going to go with lenovo
I personally have had bad experiences with Dell so I will always have to pass on them.
We buy both and if you have to support them or reinstall... two words "System Update."
We let our users order either Dell, HP or Lenovo and we prolly have ten times as many X1's. As you mentioned the Dell's are very solid and are sure prettier (aesthetics as well as display). The Lenovo's are a joy to support and have much fewer hardware failures. Nobody really picks the HP's these days. It's either Apple, Lenovo, or Dell in that order. I think if you bought either you'd probably be happy. New X1 for me tomorrow. Awesome review! Love your stuff.
On your website as of 3/17/2015 you have a picture of the Blackberry passport with video review. When I click on it it shows the Lenovo and Dell smackdown.
XPS 13 is pretty similar in specs to Lenovo Thinkpad 13 could you do a comparison with the two? X1 Carbon is bit more expensive than XPS. ThinkPad 13 is cheaper. but bit larger formfactor..
Hey Lisa, sorry for being a bit off topic here but can we get a review of the new Hp Spectre x360 and a smackdown between it and the Dell Xps 13? (maybe even a triple smackdown including the ThinkPad X1 Carbon?) Btw, love you channel!
if you throw away the thinkpad logo or maybe give it a modern look and drop the red dot that's redundant now with the touchpad, im pretty sure people would pick that over vs the other laptops around the same specs just bc it's cheaper and does almost everything similarly (when it comes to productivity like programming or things not gpu intensive). i mean thinkpad's trademark is the logo and the red dot but i think it makes it look older and less special (since most common corporate laptops are usually thinkpads). but then that's just me nitpicking on the physical aspect. dell's design just looks premium like the recent ultrabooks out right now.
thank you for your reviews :)
Lisa, your videos are great! Just a suggestion needed from you, comparing the keyboard of the X1 Carbon 2015 with the MacBook Air 13, which keyboard is better for a writer?
+slavehunter105 X1 for sure
+slavehunter105 Lenovo's have hands down the best keyboards there are. Like, ever.
@Mobile TechReview i am a thinkpad user and i was thinking to buy the carbon but then i saw surface book and for the first time in my life i am thinking to consider something new please make a review surface book vs carbon ... that will be very helpful :)
Considering the fast charging time (more unplugged time, more portable), the very quite fan (good for presentations), low light reflecting screen (healthier for eyes, good for presentation) and low heat generation (comfortable when working on knee), I think Lenovo carbon x1 really won Dell as a "business class" laptop
One more thing missing in the review, x1 carbon got keyboard back light, more convenient to work at night
on amazon now, im working all summer so i can get one for uni(chemistry student), and for 8gb ram, i5, FHD (not QHD), non-touch models. the carbon is £200 cheaper than the dell. not including the adapter you need to buy for the dell thunderbolt which is £50-80.
I just wish the Dell had more than a buttonless touchpad, and that it opened up to a wider (flatter) angle.
Thanks so much for this review! I am looking for laptops for school and home stuff and have some fairly detailed specs that I would like to have. I plan on running Ubuntu on my machine, so do you have any idea how either of these guys would perform? I know that Dell makes a Developers Edition with Ubuntu pre-installed, but there is no price listed, so I am hesitant to go for that. For the time being, I am also inclined to go with the Dell. Although, I have a case that rated for the 13.3 inch laptops, so would the Lenovo fit in there?
Thanks!
Lisa, Can you do an updated smack down please? Dell XPS 13 2018 vs X1 carbon gen 6 please!
A smackdown between the new versions of X1 Carbon (5th gen) and XPS 13 (kaby lake) please.
do you think the lenovo's screen is too dim?
+Freediver HD I have the Gen2 with touch and I have no problem with the screen.
great review, thanks!
This might not be a big issue for other folks, but is it to me ... are the batteries on either or both of these laptops "built in" (i.e., sealed / not removable/replaceable by the user)? This is a trend in laptop/ultrabook manufacturing of which I am particularly unfond...
Please do an update of this comparison, with dell latitudes 7000 and thinkpads!
which would you recommend for a person who is programming often? I feel like it would be the thinkpad because of the larger screen and better keyboard. but, yea I wanted to hear more thoughts
Which do you prefer? The new X1 Carbon or the new thinkpad yoga 12. As I'm someone who won't miss the digitizer pen input (but of course I can find a use for it), I'm wondering how these two compare as a BUSINESS laptop.
I am thinking about getting the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch, but I do not know if it is worth waiting till Jan 2016, when they will be equipped with 6th Gen Intel processors. What do you think?
Lisa what would you suggest between XPS 13" Infinity Edge (Non-touch) and Lenevo X1 Yoga ? I would not like to invest 300 Euros to get touch screen xps13" because the screen won't rotate completely.. My main requirement is light weight (and surface book was a no-go, ordered it and returned, because the battery in tablet mode lasts very little and screen is heavier than the base).. I'm not a user of digital drawing etc would only be using touchscreen for presentations.
Maybe you're right. Maybe I'll just get both.
Lisa, are you reviewing the T450S and X250 anytime soon ?
Could you do an Update on this review comparison - especially now that the Lenovo X1 is to be updated in June 2019 and if its worth the wait
Dear Lenovo, the 80's called, and they want their ThinkPad logo back. Get with the times.
Looking for comparison between October 2016 HP Spectre X360 with Kaby Lake vs Dell XPS 13 Late 2016 Refresh vs Lenovo Yoga 910 vs Lenovo Yoga X1 Late 2016
Both good looking laptops, just wish they could tone down the branding on both.
hi, nice review. Would you have the possibility to review Toshiba Portégé Z30T-B-10H and compare with these two.
thanks
Lisa, can you compare Acer Aspire s7-393, Dell XPS 13 touch and HP Spectre X360? All three with i7 processor, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD. Can't seem to decide between the three of them? Would appreciate your insights! Thanks
Should i buy refurbished dell xps 13 2015???
When you speak of key travel, what constitutes an "average" amount of travel in an ultrabook like these? I've seen some ultrabooks say "1.5mm" of travel is normal, but I don't have a frame of reference. Do you have any ability to measure that travel for the sake of comparison?
TheQuikMix You really have to feel it yourself. To me, XPS key travel is in between macbook and x1. I would have gone with XPS if it had keyboard like X1's.
is the 13.3" display vs. the 14" a noticeable difference in person?
In screen size, it is not (if brightness, deltas, ... are equal) but X1 has much bigger screen bezels. It makes a major difference in size between these devices.
well with the x1 carbon 5th gen the new display is quite good.
Dell XPS 13 is by far the best notebook in the market right now.
do you find the fan annoying?
Dickson Pau I had fan noise problem but I figured out that the culprit it chrome browser. I stopped using it and the PC is good now.
Good smack down!
I have a used thinkpad t23 that still works very well. Ive heard the lenovos arent nearly as durable as the ibm thinkpads--is this true? If so, what is as durable as the old thinkpads? And what 2-5 year old model laptop would be safe to buy used in the sense that it would be fully functional for many years just like my ancient 10+ year old T23?
evadesc They don't have a rollcage since x10 on the screen anymore and the keyboard only got six row since x30. Any T/X/W thinkpad should be ok.
*****
Xiaotian Wang did you have to replace battery?
I would go with the carbon x1 or thinkpad yoga p40 (for stylus) but im not sure if a 14,1 inch display would be comfortable to work for at least 5 - 6 hours a day. Mostly internet using, writing texts, some simple graphic editing. Is someone here who switched for example from 15 inch to 14?
How would you rate the x250 against these two?
i love both of them equally.
Thinkpad x1 carbon is the clear winner...Thinkpad x1 carbon is the iPhone of 💻 😀
Lisa. I have a lot of trouble adjusting to the new fn key on the X1 since that is usually where the CTRL key is. Is there a way to reformat the keys to resolve this problem? If so, is it easy to do?
Thanks!
Lisa - I really like your reviews, having watched several of them. HOWEVER, you speak way too fast. Could you please slow down. Also, the speed causes you to (1) not enunciate clearly, and (2) to have your voice trail off so that words cannot be heard.
When did the word "Think Pad" change from the term "Lap Top" ?
Yesterday
Where can you find a Dell XPS 13 in matte screen?
I like my new thinkpad yoga 12 gen 2 more than the carbon gen 3
the nosecam on the XPS could be a dealbreaker for me
How to set up that home screen design with those applications I like them
"Believe me, I am not going to want to give back this review model"
So do you think we'll eventually see that 13" rMBP replaced with a 3rd Gen TP X1C in your next "Tech I'm using" video =D
just do't buy the Lenovo OLED Screen, mine last 13 months. And It will cost $600 to replace it. LENOVO didn't cove it with the warranty, because It is over 12 months. I paid almost US $2,500.00 for this Laptop.
Lenovo all the way. No Trackpoint on the Dell. Using the trackpoint makes everything easier.
Longer key travel on the Lenovo, simply the best keyboard of all laptops on the market. Dell keyboard feels like that MacBook Air junk keyboard. Much easier to customize the track pad.....and on and on it goes.
can you do an update with the latest versions of each?
how well does the qhd version of the lenovo thinkpad run ubuntu 14.1 ?
Hi!
What's the thing next to the power port for X1 carbon?
how about typing?? quality of keyboard?
+R Setiawan At my company we use primarily these two computers. I personally use the X1 carbon because it has longer key travel and it feels more robust while typing. The key caps on the XPS feels better though.
should we worry about spyware in the Chinese Lenovo ThinkPad? i think Dell is a safer choice.
+Truman1201 If you are worried about spyware from the manufacturer(unlikely for such a large and trusted company as lenovo) you can always format the drives and install your operating system yourself.
+Truman1201 I do hope you realise that the USA's NSA (Dell) also has a funny history of putting spyware places where it shouldn't go.
Also, format the drive. You should be ok.
+TheLukasDirector If the spyware is part of the BIOS, you are gonna need a new, clean version of that too.
2018 smackdown please
waiting for 2017 version