What you need to know
- Lenovo announced the second generation of its 2.1lb ThinkPad Nano laptop.
- The Ultrabook gets 12th Gen processors, a new touchscreen option, and a full HD camera.
- The CPU jumps from just 15W to a more powerful 28W P-series Intel chip.
- The X1 Nano features Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and now Dolby Voice with AI noise cancelation.
Lenovo first introduced the X1 Nano back at the last CES in 2021. The laptop's concept is quite simple: It's literally a smaller version of the best business laptop, the X1 Carbon, but meant for frequent travelers. We reviewed the computer and were surprised just how much we liked it due to the excellent keyboard 2K display, options for 4G/5G, and being so light and portable.
Now, Lenovo is introducing the Gen 2 of the X1 Nano, and it brings with it some substantial improvements.
The first, and most important, is the processor. Sure, it's getting Intel's latest 12th Gen chips with the new P- and E-core architecture, but it's the type of processor that's important. The first-gen Nano used the Intel 11th Gen i7-1160G7 (max 15W), whereas its bigger brother could go up to a Core i7-1185G7 (max 28W).
| Category | Spec |
|---|---|
| OS | Up to Windows 11 ProUbuntu LinuxFedora |
| Processor | Up to 12th Gen IntelCore i7 vProP28 series |
| RAM | Up to 32GB LPDDR5 |
| Graphics | Intel Iris XeIntegrated |
| Storage | Up to 2TB M.2 PCIe SSD |
| Display | 13 inches16:10 aspect ratio2160x1350 (2K)100% sRGB, 450 nitsTouch, non-touchLow blue lightDolby Vision |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 43.5mm audioNano SIM |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6EBluetooth 5.25G sub-64G/LTEeSIM or Nano SIM |
| Camera | Front-facing FHDIR cameraCamera shutterHuman Presence Detection |
| Keyboard | Backlit |
| Touchpad | GlassPrecisionTrackPoint |
| Security | Fingerprint readerIR cameradTPM 2.0Webcam shutterPrivacyAlert |
| Battery | 49.6Wh65W Type-C adapter |
| Dimensions | 11.5 x 8.19 x 0.58 inches(293.3mm x 208.1mm x 14.77mm) |
| Weight | From 2.13 pounds (970g) |
| Color | Deep BlackCarbon fiber weave top (optional) |
| Availability | April 2022 |
| Price | From $1,659 |
For Gen 2, Lenovo can actually squeeze in a Core i7-1280P 28-watt processor giving this laptop way more power. Going with that new chip is a new thermal design to match its heat output and performance. These CPUs are also Intel Evo and vPro certified.
RAM jumps from just 16GB LPDDR4X up to a max of 32GB LPDDR5 memory with Gen 2, and there is now greater PCIe SSD storage going from just 1TB to now 2TB when configured.
The screen stays mostly the same, but there is some improvement there. Lenovo notes that the 13-inch 16:10 Dolby Vision 2K display now has an optional touch display that uses "new add on film touch (AOFT) technology to enable a better interactive experience without adding much weight."
Obviously, as a business productivity machine, video meetings are a big deal. The new X1 ThinkPads Lenovo is bringing onboard its "communications bar," highlighting the camera and microphones. The X1 Nano's webcam is bumped to full HD with separate IR and RGB sensors for improved quality. There is also the new Dolby Voice, which uses AI to filter out background noise in real-time.
And, like last time, there is still Lenovo's "Intelligent Security," including human presence detection to lock and unlock your laptop without touching it automatically.
There's even a heavy focus on sustainability, a common theme with all laptop OEMs in 2022, as the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 is shipped in plastic-free, tapeless, fully-recyclable packaging.
Overall, this is one exciting little machine and we can wait to get our hands on it.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 will be available from April 2022, with an expected starting price of $1,659.
