The Lenovo ThinkPad X240 is a compact business ultrabook that was first introduced in 2013 as part of Lenovo's highly regarded ThinkPad lineup. Designed with portability, durability, and professional productivity in mind, the X240 offers a solid blend of performance and functionality, especially for business users and professionals who require a lightweight and reliable machine for on-the-go computing. Despite its age, the X240 remains relevant today for budget-conscious users looking for a durable and dependable laptop for basic tasks.
The ThinkPad X240 features a 12.5-inch display with options ranging from a standard HD (1366x768) TN panel to an upgraded Full HD (1920x1080) IPS touchscreen, providing better viewing angles and sharper image quality. While the bezels are thicker compared to modern ultrabooks, the build quality is impressive thanks to the carbon-fiber reinforced plastic lid and magnesium chassis, which gives the laptop a sturdy and rugged feel. At just around 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs), the X240 is extremely portable and designed for life on the road, fitting easily into backpacks and briefcases.
Under the hood, the X240 is powered by Intel’s 4th generation Haswell processors, including Core i3, i5, and i7 options, which offer improved power efficiency and decent multitasking capabilities for general productivity tasks. It supports up to 8GB of DDR3L RAM and has a single 2.5-inch SATA slot for SSD or HDD storage. Although these specifications are modest by today’s standards, they are sufficient for users focused on web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4400 delivers basic graphical performance, adequate for casual use but not intended for gaming or intensive graphical work.
One of the standout features of the ThinkPad X240 is its battery configuration. It includes Lenovo’s Power Bridge technology, which combines an internal non-removable 3-cell battery with a swappable external battery (3- or 6-cell options). This allows users to replace the external battery without powering down the system, a useful feature for professionals who need uninterrupted usage throughout the day. Depending on the configuration, the battery life can range from 6 to over 15 hours, making it ideal for travel and long work sessions.
The keyboard on the X240 follows the acclaimed ThinkPad tradition, offering one of the best typing experiences in the laptop world. The spill-resistant keyboard features island-style keys with excellent tactile feedback and ergonomics, making it comfortable for extended typing. The X240 also includes both a TrackPoint (the iconic red pointing stick) and a buttonless multi-touch trackpad, though some users criticized this generation’s clickpad design for being less precise than earlier models with physical buttons.
Connectivity on the X240 includes two USB 3.0 ports, VGA, Mini DisplayPort, an SD card reader, Ethernet port, and a combo audio jack. For wireless connectivity, the laptop supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, with optional WWAN (cellular) support in certain configurations. While it lacks modern ports like USB-C or HDMI, the legacy support can still be beneficial in business environments where older projectors and devices are in use.
In terms of software, the X240 typically shipped with Windows 7 or Windows 8 Pro but is fully capable of running Windows 10 and even Linux distributions, making it a versatile choice for different user needs. Given its age, it is no longer supported by Lenovo for firmware or BIOS updates, but the hardware remains functional and compatible with most modern software for light use.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X240 is a well-built, reliable business ultrabook that balances portability with durability and performance. While it may not meet the needs of power users or gamers, it continues to serve well as a secondary machine, a budget-friendly option for students, or a travel companion for professionals. Its excellent keyboard, strong battery life, and solid build quality have helped it maintain a loyal user base long after its initial release.