Lenovo ThinkPad X220 laptop review

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Review sources:

• Computer shopper
• IT Pro
• TechRadar
• CNET

Pros:

• Well-designed keyboard
• Huge battery life
• Robust, tried and tested design
• Bright, crisp display

Cons:

• No CD or DVD drive
• Fiddly touchpad
• Design lacks flair
• Higher-end models are expensive

Key points

If you’ve ever used a ThinkPad before, you’ll be familiar with the solid black case and robust feel. This businesslike laptop certainly lacks flair next to some competitors, but it feels built to take a few knocks.

Its 1.7kg weight compares well to laptops like the Dell Vostro V131. The keyboard is spacious and you can type on it all day with ease. The touchpad buttons are fiddly making it hard to click when you want to. Lenovo provides a pointing stick too, which you’ll either love or hate.

Key points

The Lenovo ThinkPad X220’s 12.5” screen is an unusual size. But it’s bright and crisp, with excellent viewing angles. These mean you can see what’s going on even if you’re right off to the side, making the laptop a good choice for ad-hoc presentations.

The 1366 x 768 pixel resolution is standard for this class of laptop and gives you adequate screen space for most tasks.

Key points

The ThinkPad X220 comes in two models, one with an Intel i3 processor and one with a more powerful i5 processor. Once you’ve chosen which you want, you can customise the specification further.

Even the entry-level model has enough power for general business use, though it’s probably a good idea to upgrade the memory to at least 4GB.

Battery life is where this laptop really shines. You should get seven or so hours of use from the standard battery. Serious road-warriors can opt for a slice battery (£200) which clips to the ThinkPad’s base. It adds weight and bulk but will give you around 20 hours of working time.

Key points

You can choose from a number of different storage options, from a basic hard drive to a super-fast but expensive solid state drive. For business use the standard 320GB hard drive isn’t overly-generous, but should have enough space for your files.

There’s no built-in CD drive but the ThinkPad compensates by providing a really good range of connectors so you can connect accessories and other equipment.

A nice touch is that one of the three USB connections is always on. This allows you to charge a mobile phone from it even when the laptop is switched off.

What you need to know

With its no-nonsense design and solid feel, the Lenovo ThinkPad X220 screams ‘business laptop’. And with neither the coloured lid or solid metal case of its competitors, it could also be accused of being a little boring.

However, this is a quality laptop. It’s fast and efficient and definitely up to heavy use. Even the entry-level model will run common business software like Microsoft Office.

Throw in its relatively low weight, excellent battery life and high-quality screen and you’re on to a winner … as long as you don’t mind the cost. With prices starting at £839, the ThinkPad is a little more expensive than some of its competitors.