NFC is optional, but not available on our test model. You can combine WWAN and WiGig on the ThinkPad X1 Carbon. The manufacturer also offers an optional 802.11ad adapter (Intel 18625) with WiGig support, which is required for the optional wireless docking station. The device is either shipped with the corresponding LTE module or not it is not upgradeable. 'WWAN-ready' is not available for the ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017. The corresponding M.2 slot is there, but there are no prepared antennas. We are a bit disappointed – especially on our test model – by the WWAN support. We did not experience any issues with the WiFi connection and our WLAN test with the router Linksys EA8500 (1m distance) also determines very good results. The Intel 8265 supports Bluetooth 4.2 in theory, but it is limited to 4.1 by the OS according to Lenovo. It is a 2x2 module (2.4 & 5 GHz) with a maximum transfer rate of 867 Mbps in ac-networks.

Our test model is equipped with the M.2 adapter Dual-Band Wireless-AC 8265. In addition to the wired Gigabit-Ethernet port, Lenovo equips the ThinkPad X1 Carbon with WiFi modules from Intel. This is only a minor issue on the test model and pressure only resulted in minor backlight bleeding. One typical weakness of ThinkPads is often the lower bezel between the hinges, which can easily be warped. You need a lot of force to twist the display or dent it, but we could not provoke picture distortions or ripples on the screen. The stability cannot keep up with the base unit, but we are still very happy with the performance. The lid is made of a CFRP/GFRP hybrid (carbon fiber reinforced plastic/glass fiber reinforced plastic). You will not notice it in practice though. Everything is extremely rigid and sturdy, and we can only warp the keyboard area slightly with a lot of pressure. The new chassis design did not hurt the stability. The tactile feeling of the smooth surfaces is basically identical to the ThinkPad T470s. Lenovo still uses a hybrid magnesium alloy for the base unit.

It is even smaller than before (~1 cm less width and depth) and also lighter – the test model is extremely portable at just little more than 1.1 kg and can basically be stored anywhere. The previous ThinkPad T460s managed to reduce the gap to the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, so Lenovo went back to the drawing board and designed a new chassis for the current X1 Carbon 2017.

Core i7 5th generation