The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 8, released in 2020, continues the long-standing tradition of the ThinkPad line as a premium business-class ultrabook. It doesn’t drastically change the formula set by previous generations, but rather refines it with small improvements in performance, audio, and usability. Designed primarily for professionals who prioritize portability, security, and reliability, the Gen 8 maintains Lenovo's reputation for producing some of the most durable and practical laptops on the market.
Under the hood, the X1 Carbon Gen 8 comes equipped with Intel’s 10th-generation U-series processors, including Core i5 and i7 options, some of which support Intel’s vPro technology aimed at enterprise users. The laptop uses integrated Intel graphics, which are suitable for office tasks, media consumption, and light productivity workloads, but are not designed for heavy graphical tasks like gaming or video rendering. Memory options range from 8 GB to 16 GB of LPDDR3 RAM, which is soldered to the motherboard and therefore not upgradeable after purchase. Storage is fast and responsive thanks to NVMe SSDs, with configurations available up to 2 TB.
The laptop features a 14-inch display, with multiple options ranging from standard Full HD to higher-end 4K UHD panels. Some versions also include touch support or Lenovo’s PrivacyGuard screen technology, which narrows the viewing angle to protect on-screen content from prying eyes. Display brightness and clarity are generally very good, especially in the higher-resolution models, though the 16:9 aspect ratio may feel cramped compared to more modern 16:10 displays.
In terms of design, the X1 Carbon Gen 8 is impressively lightweight, weighing just over 2.4 pounds (approximately 1.09 kg), and measures just 0.58 inches thick. It’s built with a combination of carbon fiber and magnesium alloy, offering both rigidity and a premium feel. The keyboard continues to be one of its standout features, offering excellent tactile feedback and comfort for long typing sessions. Lenovo has also improved the speaker setup compared to earlier models, delivering clearer audio, particularly for conference calls and media playback.
Connectivity is robust, with two USB-A ports, two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports, an HDMI output, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. While there's no built-in Ethernet port, Lenovo includes support for an Ethernet dongle, and some models come with optional LTE for mobile connectivity. The Gen 8 supports WiFi 6, providing faster wireless speeds and better performance in crowded networks.
Battery life on the X1 Carbon Gen 8 depends heavily on the screen configuration. Models with the lower-resolution Full HD displays can last significantly longer than their 4K counterparts, which tend to consume more power. On average, users can expect between 8 to 15 hours of real-world usage, with lighter tasks and reduced brightness stretching battery life further.
Despite its many strengths, the X1 Carbon Gen 8 isn’t without compromises. The soldered RAM limits long-term flexibility, and the lack of a discrete GPU makes it unsuitable for those with heavier multimedia or graphical workloads. The 16:9 display, while standard at the time of release, now feels outdated compared to the taller 16:10 or 3:2 aspect ratios seen in newer laptops. Additionally, under sustained heavy loads, the laptop can become warm, particularly around the keyboard and underside.
Even five years after release, the X1 Carbon Gen 8 holds up well as a business and productivity laptop. Its combination of portability, build quality, and performance for everyday tasks makes it a compelling option, especially if found at a good price. However, for users seeking more modern features such as higher refresh rate displays, upgradeable components, better thermals, or enhanced GPU performance, newer generations or competing models may be more suitable.
In summary, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 8 is best suited for professionals, students, and frequent travelers who need a lightweight, durable, and dependable laptop for productivity and everyday use. The X1 Carbon Gen 8 is a high performance laptop that will continue to last years especially while running a Linux operating system.