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Lenovo X13 Gen5 First Look and Review

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From time to time Lenovo sends me computers for testing and evaluation and I run them through their paces and compare them to various past versions. This computer is one of those examples.

The new Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 5 replaces the ThinkPad X13 Gen4. While it is a simple update without any design changes (meaning the FN/Ctrl key swap does not happen here), there are a few interesting changes of note. this new model features Intel CPUs. Intel Meteor Lake, also known as Core Ultra. Both Core Ultra U and Core Ultra H are going to be available, which means that the new model can contain the Intel ARC GPU. Notably, the new X13 G5 is called just that, X13 Gen 5. Progress compared to the previous version can be found in the RAM department. While the memory is still soldered, the 8 GB option has been cancelled. Memory size now starts at 16 GB and 64 GB configurations will be available. This machine came with 64 GB.The 2.8K OLED screen option featured on the X13 G4 is no longer available, which means the X13 Gen 5 is limited to a WUXGA screen resolution. The X13 Gen 5 gains WiFi 7 as a new option. The rest of the system appears to be identical to the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G4.

Here is the PSREF of the computer showing all the different specs of the Models:

https://psref.lenovo.com/Product/ThinkPad_X13_Gen_5

This is a comparison of Specs. between the X13 G4 and the new X13 G5.

Attribute​X13 G4 Intel​(Cleansheet 2023)​X13 G5 Intel​(Refresh 2024)​
Dimension (mm/in)​hybrid CF deep black A: 301.7 x 214.8 x 15.95​CFRP deep black A: 301.7 x 214.8 x TBD​aluminum storm grey A: 301.7 x 214.8 x TBD​hybrid CF eclipse black A: 301.7 x 214.8 x 15.95​CFRP eclipse black A: 301.7 x 214.8 x 15.95​
S / T / B Bezel Size (mm)​7.21 / 10.6 / 13.71​7.21 / 10.6 / 13.71​
Screen Size & Ratio​13.3”, 16:10, 83.9%​13.3”, 16:10, 83.9%​
Starting Weight (lbs/kg)​non touch 2.51lbs / 1.14kg (CFRP deep black + OLED + 41WHr)​  non touch 2.84lbs / 1.29kg (aluminum storm grey + OLED + 41WHr)​non touch 2.51lbs / xxxkg (Hybrid CF black + 41WHr)​
Color/Material​deep black CFRP A, hybrid CF A, 90% recycled magnesium C, 50% recycled aluminum D ​storm grey WLAN 50% recycled aluminum A/C, 50% recycled aluminum D; ​storm grey WWAN 50% recycled aluminum A, 90% recycled magnesium C, 55% recycled aluminum D​deep black CFRP A, hybrid CF A, 90% recycled magnesium C, 50% recycled aluminum D ​
Resolutions/Color Gamut​WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS AG (300nit, 100% sRGB)​WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS OCT touch AG (300nit, 100% sRGB)​WUXGA (1920×1200) LP IPS AG (400nit, 100%sRGB, Eyesafe)​2.8K (2880×1800) OLED AGARAS (400nit, 100% DCI-P3, Dolby Vision, Eyesafe, HDR True Black 500, 90Hz)​WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS AG (300nit, 100% sRGB)​WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS OCT touch AG (300nit, 100% sRGB)​WUXGA (1920×1200) LP IPS AG (400nit, 100%sRGB, Eyesafe)​
SoC​Intel Core RPL P28 21W + U15 15.5W​Intel Core Ultra (5/7) MTL H 21W + U15 15.5W​
Graphics​Intel integrated Iris Xe​Intel ARC Graphics and intel integrated Graphics​
Memory​LPDDR5 8G, 16G, 32G-4800MHz soldered down (dual channel)​LPDDR5x 16G, 32G, 64G 5600MHz soldered down (dual channel)​
Storage​up to 2TB PCIe Gen4x4 SSD (2280)​up to 2TB PCIe Gen4x4 SSD (2280)​
Battery​ up to 97% PCC 41Whr, 54.7Whr; up to 95% PCC 45W,65W USB-C​ up to 90% PCC 41Whr, 54.7Whr; up to 90% PCC 45W,65W USB-C​
OS​Win11 DG, Win11 Pro, Linux​Win11 DG, Win11 Pro, Linux​
Input Device​up to 85% PCC ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard (1.5mm travel), glass-like Three Button Clickpad​up to 85% PCC ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard (1.5mm travel), glass-like Three Button ClickPad, TrackPoint QuickMenu​
Docking​TBT4, USB-C​TBT4, USB-C​
Ports​2x USB-A 3.2 G1, 2 x USB-C(TBT4), Audio, HDMI 2.0b, SIM​2x USB-A 3.2 G1, 2 x USB-C(TBT4), Audio, HDMI 2.1, SIM​
Audio​user facing Dolby Audio Premium, Dolby Voice, 95% PCC 2 speakers, 2 mics​user facing Dolby Audio Premium, Dolby Voice, 90% PCC 2 speakers, 2 mics​
Camera​HD RGB, FHD RGB, 5MP + IR w/ webcam privacy shutter​5MP RGB, 5MP + IR w/ webcam privacy shutter​
Connectivity​Wi-Fi 6E, 4G LTE CAT4 (black), CAT16 (black), 5G sub6 eSIM (black), NFC (black), BT 5.2​Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 6E, 4G LTE CAT4 PRC (black), 4G LTE CAT6 (black), 5G sub6 eSIM (black), NFC (black), BT 5.3​
Biometric / Security​FPR in PWR, IR Cam, SCR, Privacy Shutter, dTPM, Nano lock, ThinkShield, Firmware Shield​FPR in PWR, IR Cam, SCR, Privacy Shutter, dTPM, Nano lock, ThinkShield, Firmware Shield​
Additional Features​Ultrasonic HPD, Intel Evo, MIL-SPEC 810H, EPEAT Gold, NIST SP800-193, Secured-Core PC, Glance, recycled packaging​Ultrasonic HPD, Intel Evo, MIL-SPEC 810H, EPEAT Gold, NIST SP800-193, Secured-Core PC, Glance, recycled packaging​
Material used in manufacturing and packaging:
50% recycled aluminium on storm grey top cover 50% recycled aluminium or 90% recycled magnesium on keyboard cover 55% recycled aluminium on bottom cover 90% PCC recycled plastic used in speaker enclosure 90% PCC recycled plastic used in the battery enclosure 90% PCC recycled plastic used in standard 45W and 65W adapters Low-temperature solder Retail or standard packaging: plastic free packaging with 100% bamboo sugarcane fiber

Ports on the left side are:

  • 2 x USB-C Thunderbolt™ 4 (40 Gbps, power in)
  • USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (always on)
  • Headphone / mic combo
  • Optional: Smart card reader

Ports on the right side include:

  • USB-A 3.2 Gen 1
  • HDMI 2.1
  • Kensington Nano Security Slot
  • This can come with an Optional: Nano SIM (WWAN not available in North America)

What came in the box, the computer and the 65W AC adapter.

Professional-grade Performance

Powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra processors, the compact 13.3″ Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 5 laptop taps into AI-assisted productivity like never before. Enjoy optimized performance with workloads pushed to dedicated AI engines, including the low-power neural processing unit (NPU) that enables you to do more, unplugged. Choose the Intel vPro® Evo™ Edition, for multilayer security, professional-grade performance, reliable stability, and complete management for IT.

Engineered to Endure

We use the US Department of Defense’s MIL-STD 810H to create a balance of reliability and durability for ThinkPad laptops. Meeting or exceeding 12 standards, 26 procedures, and 200+ quality checks ensure that these devices run in extreme conditions, including harsh variables like Arctic wilderness, desert dust storms, extreme temps, pressure, humidity, vibration, and more.

Tech Specs

Performance

ProcessorIntel® Core™ Ultra 5 125U Processor (E-Core Max 3.60 GHz, P-Core Max 4.30 GHz with Turbo Boost, 12 Cores, 14 Threads, 12 MB Cache)Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 135U Processor with vPro® (E-cores up to 3.60 GHz P-cores up to 4.40 GHz with Turbo Boost, 12 Cores, 14 Threads, 12 MB Cache)Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 155U Processor (E-Core Max 3.80 GHz, P-Core Max 4.80 GHz with Turbo Boost, 12 Cores, 14 Threads, 12 MB Cache)Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 165U Processor with vPro® (E-cores up to 3.80 GHz P-cores up to 4.90 GHz with Turbo Boost, 12 Cores, 14 Threads, 12 MB Cache)
Operating SystemWindows 11 Pro
GraphicsIntel® integrated graphics
Memory16GB LPDDR5X 6400MHz
StorageUp to 1TB PCIe SSD Gen 4 Performance
Battery41Whr or 54.7WhrSupports Rapid Charge (60 minutes = 80% capacity) with 65W or higher adapter
AudioDolby Audio™ Dolby Voice®2 x speakers2 x mics
Camera5MP & infrared (IR) with webcam privacy shutter

Connectivity

Ports/Slots2 x USB-C Thunderbolt™ 4 (40Gpbs, power delivery 3.0 / DisplayPort 2.1)2 x USB-A, 5GbpsHDMI® 2.1 (supports resolution up to 4K@60Hz)Headphone / mic combo
USB port transfer speeds are approximate and depend on many factors, such as processing capability of host/peripheral devices, file attributes, system configuration and operating environments; actual speeds will vary and may be less than expected.
WirelessIntel® Wi-Fi 6E AX211 802.11AX (2 x 2)
Bluetooth® 5.3vPro®: On vPro® Processors

*6GHz WiFi 6E operation is dependent on the support of the operating system, routers/APs/gateways that support WiFi 6E, along with the regional regulatory certifications and spectrum allocation.
Supported DockingThunderbolt™ DockUSB-C Dock

Design

Display13.3” WUXGA (1920 x 1200) 16:10 aspect ratio, IPS, on-cell touchscreen, antiglare, 300 nits, 100% sRGB
13.3” WUXGA (1920 x 1200) 16:10 aspect ratio, IPS, antiglare, 300 nits, 100% sRGB
Dimensions (H x W x D)Starting at 15.95mm x 301.7mm x 214.8mm / 0.61″ x 11.88″ x 8.46″
WeightStarting at 1.13kg / 2.25 lbs
KeyboardOptional: BacklitSpill-resistant (up to 200ml / 6.76oz)Dual-function TrackPoint: navigate cursor or double-tap to open TrackPoint Quick Menu TrackPad: 110mm / 4.33″
ColorBlack

Sustainability

Material90% recycled magnesium on keyboard frame (C)55% recycled magnesium on bottom (D) coverUp to 85% post-consumer content (PCC) recycled plastic used in keycaps90% PCC recycled plastic in speaker enclosure90% PCC recycled plastic in battery enclosureUp to 90% PCC recycled plastic in AC adapter100% recycled and/or sustainable packaging, Forest Steward Council® certified**Packaging composed of recycled, and/or biobased, and/or sustainably forested content.
Certifications / RegistriesENERGY STAR® 8.0EPEAT® Gold, where applicable*Eyesafe® (select models)Forest Stewardship Council® for packagingIntel® Evo™ (select models)MIL-SPEC 810HTCO 9
*Visit www.epeat.net for registration status by country.

Other Information

Thinkshield SecurityDiscrete Trusted Platform Module (dTPM) 2.0Facial recognition login (requires IR camera)Intel vPro® securityKensington Nano Security Slot™Microsoft Secured-core PCsOptional: Power-on Match-on-chip Fingerprint ReaderUltrasonic Human Presence Detection (requires IR camera)Webcam privacy shutter
Preloaded SoftwareIntel® Connectivity Performance SuiteIntel® Unison™Lenovo Commercial VantageLenovo ViewTrackPoint Quick Menu
What’s in the BoxThinkPad X13 Gen 5 (13” Intel)USB-C 65W AC Adapter, supports Rapid ChargeInternal BatteryQuick Start Guide
Other InformationFull spec list for part numbers starting with 21LU available here
*Not all specs available on lenovo.com

Specifications may vary depending on region/model and availability

Setup was fast and smooth, no glitches. 64 GB RAM made everything go fast.

All in all, I believe that the changes made were all for the better. This machine runs smooth, cool, and flawless in this configuration.

Lenovo X13 Gen 4 Intel Review

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From time to time Lenovo sends me computers for testing and evaluation and I run them through their paces and compare them to various past versions. This computer is one of those examples. This is a cleansheet design for 2023, meaning they have redesigned the chassis for this generation.

The following image shows the differences between the Gen 3 and the Gen 4 units.

Other changes are listed here:

  • Black color is a deeper black vs previous charcoal-like black color. Storm Grey is aluminum option
  • Opening weight dropped from 2.65 to 2.41lbs
  • Increased amount of recycled metals and post-consumer content plastics throughout the device
  • Highest end panel is now 2.8k OLED
  • New Communication Bar design at the top of display panel
  • 5MP camera offering

This machine has the following specs:

13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1370P 1.90 GHz

Windows 11 Pro

16.0 GB RAM LPDDR5-4800 Soldered

2 TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD

Camera: 5.0 MP + IR Discrete, with privacy shutter, fixed focus.

Integrated Li-Polymer 54.7Wh battery, supports Rapid Charge (charge up to 80% in 1hr) with 65W AC adapter

Display: WUXGA (1920×1200) Multi-touch Anti-Glare

Material used in manufacturing and packaging:

50% recycled aluminium on storm grey top cover 50% recycled aluminium or 90% recycled magnesium on keyboard cover 55% recycled aluminium on bottom cover 90% PCC recycled plastic used in speaker enclosure 90% PCC recycled plastic used in the battery enclosure 90% PCC recycled plastic used in standard 45W and 65W adapters Low-temperature solder Retail or standard packaging: plastic free packaging with 100% bamboo sugarcane fiber

The speakers have been changed from the top of the keyboard to the left and right side of the keyboard.





What came in the box:

65 Watt AC Adapter

USB-C to Ethernet adapter

HDMI to VGA Video Display adapter

These items were what came with mine, they might or might not be included in a purchase.

Another change worth noting is that the rear bottom support now reaches all the way from left to right instead of the past being only left and right rubber feet.

The ports on the left include:

Thunderbolt 4

Thunderbolt 4

USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On)

Headphone/microphone combo jack (3.5 mm)

Smart card reader

The ports on the right are:

Kensington Nano Security Slot

HDMI

USB 3.2 Gen 1

Nano-SIM card slot

Monitor Support

Supports up to 4 independent displays (native display and 3 external monitors via Thunderbolt and HDMI) • Thunderbolt supports up to 5K@60Hz • HDMI supports up to 4K@60Hz

Dimensions (WxDxH)[1]

301.7 x 214.8 x 15.95 mm (11.88 x 8.46 x 0.63 inches)

Weight[2]

ModelsWeight
Models with deep black CFRP top coverStarting at 1.12 kg (2.47 lbs)
Models with deep black carbon fiber hybrid top coverStarting at 1.09 kg (2.41 lbs)
Models with storm grey top coverStarting at 1.25 kg (2.76 lbs)

Case Color**

  • Deep black
  • Storm grey

Case Material**

  • Deep black models: carbon fiber hybrid or CFRP (top), aluminium (bottom)
  • Storm grey models: aluminium (top), aluminium (bottom)

Network

Ethernet

No onboard Ethernet[1]

WLAN + Bluetooth[1]

Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211, 802.11ax 2×2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.1[3]

WWAN**

  • Wireless WAN upgradable to 4G (with antenna ready)[4]
  • Fibocom FM350-GL, 5G Sub-6 GHz, M.2 Card, with embedded eSIM functionality
  • Fibocom L860-GL-16, 4G LTE CAT16, M.2 card, with embedded eSIM functionality
  • Quectel EM05-G, 4G LTE CAT4, M.2 card, with embedded eSIM functionality

Here is a link to the User Guide:

Click to access x13_gen4_x13yoga_gen4_ug_en.pdf

These are some stats while it is running:

All in all, I believe that the changes made were all for the better. This machine runs smooth, cool, and flawless in this configuration.

Yoga 900 Review and First Thoughts

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I was privileged to receive a Yoga 900 for testing and review. This is the newest addition to Lenovo’s line of convertible laptops and based on what I have observed after some use of it, Lenovo has listened to and incorporated changes based on user feedback concerning the previous versions of this line.

All in – the Yoga 900 is a tiny bit thicker and a bit heavier then its predecessor, the Yoga 3 Pro, but there are reasons for this.

The first reason is that there is a new keyboard – the keys have a bit more travel to them and it also inludes a 6th row of keys. It now has a dedicated Function (F) row. By default, the hotkey functions are accessible by pressing the appropriate hotkey. However, you can disable the hotkey mode in the BIOS setup utility. There is slightly more travel to the keys and they seem easier to type on than previous versions.

20151018_150728[1]

It also has Intel’s latest line of processors, the 2-Core Skylake i7-6500U @ 2.40 GHz which has resulted in a definite increase in performance over the M Processor which was in the Yoga 3 Pro.  This is coupled with 8 GB of RAM and Intel HD Graphics 520.

20151004_185049[1]

The display is a 3200 x 1800 resolution 13 inch capacitive screen and has excellent vciewing angles, as well as a full 10-finger touch.  The response to touch is flawless: at no time did the display ever register any ghost touches or act any way that it wasn’t supposed to.  The display is viewable in sunlight but there is some reflection.  However, at no time was I unable to view the screen.

The hard drive in this machine is the Samsung MANLN512HCJHOOOOL2 aand is at 512 GB (SATA-600) and runs very fast.

This also comes with a great selection of ports.  On the left side of the laptop are the power port, a USB 3.0 port, a memory card slot, and it now has a Type-C port which supports USB 3.0, Native display port 1.2 video output and VGA/HDMI adapter which is sold separately.  On the right side is a Battery and Power status indicator, the power button, the Novo button, the rotation lock button, the combo audio jack and another USB 3.0 port.

There are a variety of modes that this machine can be used in, laptop mode, tent mode Both shown above and tablet mode shown below.  The screen rotates 360 degrees and in tablet mode the keyboard is disabled.

The battery is now a 67000 mWh and it should give at least six hours watching movies or using power intensive programs.  I got 7 hours just surfing the internet and that is without having any power saving enabled.

The machine comes with Windows 10 Pro preloaded and it runs fast and smooth.  I haven’t found any issues yet with the preload.  The number of preloaded apps has been reduced significantly, again possibly as a result of user feedback.  There aren’t many third party programs loaded and the ones that are, are useful.

20151004_181125[1]

Tablet Mode

20151004_184304[1]

Tent Mode

20151018_150441[1]

Yoga 3 Pro and Yoga 900

Here you can see the slight thickness difference.

20151018_151012[1]

20151018_150809[1]

Above is the Yoga 900 with the new 6 row keyboard.

20151004_182022[1]

And that beautiful watchband hinge.

20151004_181706[1]

All in all, Lenovo certainly has listened to the feedback and changed some things that needed changed but kept the features that made the convertible laptops great.  One of these was the watchband hinge, which I really like a lot.  Power management handles the fan pretty well, under high load the fan speeds up like it is supposed to and powers back down under light load just like it is supposed to.

Lenovo has put together a well rounded convertible laptop that is powerful and smooth running.  I like the silver gray color also.

Lenovo Z500 Touch

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At first glance, the Lenovo IdeaPad Z500 Touch doesn’t look like anything out of the ordinary. It has a large form factor and it has a little weight to it. But, this laptop has a few things up its sleeve that lets it get the job done whether it is gaming, coding, video editing, or just about whatever you throw at it, plus it has the added benefit of having a full 10 point touch screen.

DSC01014

It should be said up front that this machine doesn’t have Intel’s just released new processor. It has a third generation processor, the Core i7-3632QN Ivy Bridge, and it has some very nice features.

It also has another trick to it, discrete switchable graphics. So, it’s up against other machines with the same specs. except that the Z500 won’t break your pocketbook. The price tag isn’t big like you would think with a laptop with these kinds of features. The i7 model will set you back about $1099.00 US.

DSC01013

True to form, the styling is a bit sober, no shiny chrome edges and no shiny surfaces.  Anybody who has had to clean fingerprints and smudges off of the lid and palmrest area will appreciate the styling. This comes with the Accutype Keyboard.  Key placement is good and the keys that I use a lot are a bit bigger than the rest.  This machine didn’t come with a backlit keyboard and I would have liked to see the numbers a bit brighter white than they are.

Just looking at this, you wouldn’t think that there would be anything special under the hood. The surprises are that it has a quad-core chip with a frequency of 2.2Ghz and only has a thermal envelope of 35W. It also packs an Nvidia GeForce GT 740M which is from the most recent Nvidia chips.  The GPU has 2GB of DDR3 RAM and it has a core operating frequency of 980Mhz, so it’s no slouch in the graphics department.

All this is coupled with a 1366 x 768 screen, which doesn’t seem very great considering the prevalence of 1080p screens around, but there’s a good reason for it.  You won’t be playing all the latest games at the highest settings, but lower those settings down just a bit and you can get very good frame rates.  So, the graphics system is paired fairly well with the lower resolution screen.

DSC01011

Left to right viewing angles are fine, vertical angles are fine when viewing normally.  Outside viewing on the glossy screen is fine in the shade and in low light, it’s a little hard to see in bright sunlight, but still viewable.

DSC01012Lenovo includes a nice variety of ports with this machine, Ethernet and wireless, Bluetooth 4.0, 2 USB 2.0 ports, 1 USB 3.0, HDMI, a card reader. a combo headphone and mic port and a DVD dual-layer burner.  The sizeable 1TB 5,400 rpm hard drive provides plenty of storage.  The speed of the machine covers the slower hard drive fairly well.

The four core processor supports multi-threading, so it offers 8 threads.  More and more software makers are making software that supports multi-threading, so this machine should stay right up there on top of the heap.

There’s a nice selection of software that goes along with this package, Cyberlink YouCam, Lenovo Energy Management with a dedusting button, OneKey Theater, Power2Go, PowerDVD, OneKey Recovery and more.

DSC01007     Three hours battery life for a machine of this size and power viewing 720p videos isn’t too bad in my opinion.  The machine at just shy of 6 lbs. isn’t totally portable, but I’ve been taking it back and forth to work and the weight is just a slight inconvenience.

You can game with this machine and go slogging through Windows along with doing your daily mundane tasks without missing a beat.  And do it with a touchscreen.  This is a well-built sturdy laptop with very good specs.