ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 Review | foldable laptop for deep work & me-time

November 2, 2023 Ruth Dela Cruz

My current lifestyle allows me to be more flexible with my time and day. As such, I need a device that helps me enjoy my me-time during lazy days, and stay focused when working on projects and content.

I have been using the ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 for almost a year and it perfectly fits the lifestyle I choose to live. It is modern, sleek, and flexible. It transforms into different modes depending on my needs. Lenovo Thinkpad is a trusted brand for computers and I love how the brand offers a new way to experience a laptop.

Lenovo X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 Review foldable laptop philippines

The Design and First Impressions

ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 is a foldable laptop with a 16.3″ OLED display that can be folded in half like a book. It has a massive 16.3″ 4:3 display and a full-size keyboard which can be magnetically attached, along with a built-in kickstand that can be used for different orientations.

At first, I was very careful when using it because I thought it was so fragile but the ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 has a premium build quality, with a durable and lightweight magnesium alloy. It weighs 1.26 kg (2.78 lbs) and is folded to carry like a small book (176.4 mm/6.9 in x 276.2 mm/10.87 in x 17.4 mm/0.68 in). It may not be the ligthest foldable laptop that I owned (I previously use a Lenovo Yoga), but as expected, it is packed with really cool features.

It is powered by i7 Alderlake vPro Processors and has up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, making it capable of handling demanding tasks. While the battery life can last up to 11 hours.

It even has a SIM slot for mobile connectivity – something useful when traveling abroad and using a local SIM.

The ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 box includes the foldable screen laptop, keyboard, 4K precision pen, adapter and connectors, and paperwork.

I felt somewhat intimidated when I unboxed it. I am used to using a traditional laptop, or at least a Yoga Laptop.

The ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 is very sturdy yet flexible. The display appears smooth even when looking at the centerfold, and the hinge is hidden. The Lenovo technology allows for the display to not crease which I find so amazing!

The OLED display supports Dolby Vision which gives the perfect brightness, contrast, and colors for each frame of the video. It is also running with Pen support – Wacom Active Pen that glides perfectly on the screen – something that digital artists would greatly appreciate.

I love using it unfolded (Landscape Mode) which gives me a big and wide view of anything on my screen. It is perfect for work, or even as simple as answering emails. While the Portrait Mode gives a new vertical display experience. It is perfect for viewing vertical videos on an app via the web – like Tiktok and Instagram. I especially enjoy re-watching my Japan vlogs through this orientation.

I can toggle the display to set up panels or columns to pin different apps, programs, or windows. This is especially helpful for those who use different apps and programs for the work that they do. Personally, I do not multi-task and I am more productive when I focus on one task. I mostly use this feature for Zoom Meetings. I keep the other column for the Zoom app, and the other for the active task.

The ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 comes with a full-sized detachable keyboard with Trackpoint and Haptic Touchpad. This allows me to easily transition from the old laptop to this new device. It can be connected via a USB cord or Bluetooth. I can attach it directly to stand through a magnetic band or put it on top of the screen when using it as a Clamshell Mode.

Regardless of the mode, I have access to at least two of the three USB-C ports—two of which are Thunderbolt™-enabled. I just wish that there is a USB Type-A port for me to easily connect my camera and transfer my files.

How I Use the Lenovo X1 Thinkpad

As a content creator: ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 ‘s OLED 600nit HDR feature gives me a beautiful display – deep blacks, high contrast, and vivid colors. This feature allows me to see more of the work that I do – be it writing or editing videos.

The visuals appear more lively and true to their color which helps me re-live beautiful memories, especially when I am working on content for my travels.

When using it as folded, it can fit the size of a tray table when flying via airplane. Although I haven’t really experienced using it on a flight, it is a nice feature and design for remote workers.

The ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 is powered by i7 Alderlake vPro Processors by Intel, which balances the power and performance of the machine. As someone who has so many interests, I can open different tabs and apps, and immediately jump from one task to another – the Lenovo X1 Fold works smoothly without any delay.

Although I am not a digital artist, it is convenient to have the 4k Precision Pen which makes exploring and drawing a lot more engaging. I personally use it for signing documents and contracts. It instantly connects via Bluetooth and slides smoothly on the screen.

The ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 also has a built-in camera which is perfect for online meetings. I use it for presentations and campaign briefs/meetings.

As a fan girl: I am a big fan of BTS, and my current form of entertainment and me-time is watching each member’s individual projects and shows. I love that the ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 has apps that I can open and switch to in between work.

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I have downloaded the Amazon Prime app that I can access with a quick click. I enjoy watching the series in the landscape as it gives a full cinema-like experience because of the screen size and lively color.

The ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 perfectly captures the settings of these 2 different shows. Wednesday in its deep blacks and gothic vibe; and Jinny’s Kitchen with its lively, colorful ambiance and appetizing food.

The ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 s also perfect for listening to music or watching concerts online. It has built-in speakers that produce decent and loud music that can fill my room and set the mood.

As a learner/student: I am continuously learning and growing as a creator, especially in the industry that I am in where everything is constantly evolving and changing. I love listening to podcasts and reading materials online. One of my resolutions this year is to start reading books. The ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 set the stage and environment for me with its Kindle application that mirrors reading via an actual book.

I just simply downloaded the app which I can access for a quick break during production hours. The ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 can be folded like a book, and with available tools, I can take notes and highlight important quotes.

Students can really benefit from the the design since it is very convenient to bring around, and easy to use for jotting down notes, reading materials, and doing research.

Lenovo X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 Review Ruth dela Cruz

As a traveler: The truth is, I rarely work or spend my time in front of a laptop when I am traveling. The only time I do this is when I have to check my email or have an important story I need to publish. I do bring my laptop with me (just in case), and the ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 is versatile to bring to any adventure. It can fit in my shoulder bag that I can use as a hand-carried bag during flight. I brought it during our 10-day trip to Indonesia for the agustd-day concert.

What I Love About the ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Gen 1

I love brands that love the planet. The ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 is a premium device made with recycled materials. The chassis is made of 100% recycled PET* Woven Performance Fabric cover, while the speaker chamber—which houses top-of-the-line Dolby Atmos^® certification—is made of 97% post-consumer content (PCC). Likewise, the battery enclosure includes 97% PCC as well, while the AC adapter relies on 90-95% PCC. Even the packaging is 100% rapid-renewable made from bamboo sugarcane fiber—and it’s compostable.
It is powered with ThinkShield which protects data privacy and security. In this digital era, data security is the highest priority.

It is also running with Intel® Visual Sensing Controller that automatically locks the laptop and dims the light when it senses that you are away from the device. It helps save battery life and power.
I love the OLED Display that gives a cinematic-like experience.

What I Wish to See

I need a USB Type-A port to connect my external drive and camera.
I would love a lighter Thinkpad X1 Fold Gen 3(?). I got used to bringing my Lenovo Yoga which was once hailed as the lightest and thinnest laptop, so I felt that the 1.26 kg ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 is a little too heavy on my shoulder. But I am expecting this weight as it is so powerful, durable and sturdy.

The Verdict

The ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 is a sleek and versatile foldable laptop designed for productivity and rest. It provides the portability of a tablet, and the productivity of a laptop – a new way to experience a computer. The future is truly foldable.