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Lenovo Thinkpad T490 Vs X1 Carbon: Which Business Laptop Is Right For You?

Essential Information

  • The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 and X1 Carbon are two of the most popular business ultrabooks on the market.
  • The T490 is available with a Core i5 or Core i7 processor, while the X1 Carbon is available with a Core i5, Core i7, or Core i9 processor.
  • The T490 can last up to 15 hours on a single charge, while the X1 Carbon can last up to 18 hours.

The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 and X1 Carbon are two of the most popular business ultrabooks on the market. They offer similar features, such as a lightweight design, a long battery life, and a powerful processor, but they also have some key differences. In this blog post, we’ll compare the two laptops and help you decide which one is right for you.

Design

The ThinkPad T490 and X1 Carbon are both well-built laptops with a sleek, professional design. The T490 has a more traditional ThinkPad look, with a black chassis and a red TrackPoint pointing stick. The X1 Carbon is more minimalist, with a silver chassis and a carbon fiber lid.

Both laptops are very portable, weighing in at just over 3 pounds. The T490 is slightly thicker and bulkier than the X1 Carbon, but it’s still easy to carry around.

Display

The ThinkPad T490 and X1 Carbon both have 14-inch displays, but there are some key differences between the two. The T490 has a TN panel, while the X1 Carbon has an IPS panel. IPS panels offer better viewing angles and color reproduction than TN panels, so the X1 Carbon’s display is superior to the T490’s.

The T490’s display is also available in a variety of resolutions, from 1366 x 768 to 1920 x 1080. The X1 Carbon’s display is only available in a 1920 x 1080 resolution.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The ThinkPad T490 and X1 Carbon both have excellent keyboards. They’re both backlit and offer a comfortable typing experience. The T490’s keyboard has a slightly deeper travel than the X1 Carbon’s, but both keyboards are very good.

The T490 and X1 Carbon also have very good trackpads. They’re both responsive and accurate. The T490’s trackpad is slightly larger than the X1 Carbon’s, but both trackpads are very good.

Performance

The ThinkPad T490 and X1 Carbon are both powered by 8th-generation Intel Core processors. The T490 is available with a Core i5 or Core i7 processor, while the X1 Carbon is available with a Core i5, Core i7, or Core i9 processor.

Both laptops offer plenty of power for everyday tasks, such as web browsing, email, and office productivity. However, the X1 Carbon is a better choice for demanding tasks, such as video editing and gaming.

Battery Life

The ThinkPad T490 and X1 Carbon both have long battery lives. The T490 can last up to 15 hours on a single charge, while the X1 Carbon can last up to 18 hours.

Both laptops also support fast charging. The T490 can charge up to 80% in just 60 minutes, while the X1 Carbon can charge up to 80% in just 30 minutes.

Price

The ThinkPad T490 starts at $999, while the X1 Carbon starts at $1,299. The price of each laptop will vary depending on the configuration you choose.

Which Laptop is Right for You?

The ThinkPad T490 and X1 Carbon are both great laptops, but they’re not right for everyone. The T490 is a good choice for business users who need a durable and affordable laptop. The X1 Carbon is a good choice for business users who need a lightweight and powerful laptop.

Ultimate Verdict: Lenovo ThinkPad T490 vs X1 Carbon

Ultimately, the best laptop for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a durable and affordable laptop, the ThinkPad T490 is a great choice. If you’re looking for a lightweight and powerful laptop, the X1 Carbon is a great choice.

Common Questions and Answers

1. Which laptop has a better display, the ThinkPad T490 or the X1 Carbon?

The X1 Carbon has a better display than the ThinkPad T490. The X1 Carbon’s display has an IPS panel, which offers better viewing angles and color reproduction than the T490’s TN panel.

2. Which laptop has a better keyboard, the ThinkPad T490 or the X1 Carbon?

Both laptops have excellent keyboards, but the ThinkPad T490’s keyboard has a slightly deeper travel than the X1 Carbon’s.

3. Which laptop has a better trackpad, the ThinkPad T490 or the X1 Carbon?

Both laptops have very good trackpads. The T490’s trackpad is slightly larger than the X1 Carbon’s, but both trackpads are very good.

4. Which laptop has better performance, the ThinkPad T490 or the X1 Carbon?

The X1 Carbon has better performance than the ThinkPad T490. The X1 Carbon is available with a more powerful processor and a dedicated GPU, which makes it a better choice for demanding tasks, such as video editing and gaming.

5. Which laptop has a better battery life, the ThinkPad T490 or the X1 Carbon?

The X1 Carbon has a better battery life than the ThinkPad T490. The X1 Carbon can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, while the T490 can last up to 15 hours.

6. Which laptop is a better value, the ThinkPad T490 or the X1 Carbon?

The ThinkPad T490 is a better value than the X1 Carbon. The T490 offers similar features to the X1 Carbon at a lower price.

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T490 vs x1 carbon: which lenovo thinkpad offers the best bang for your buck?

At a Glance

  • The ThinkPad T490 and X1 Carbon both feature the classic ThinkPad design, with a sleek and understated aesthetic.
  • The X1 Carbon takes it a step further with its ultra-durable “ThinkPad X1 Nano” design, which makes it even more resistant to drops, shocks, and spills.
  • If you prefer a more premium design, a higher-resolution display, and better performance, the X1 Carbon is the best option.

In the realm of business laptops, Lenovo’s ThinkPad line has long been a trusted choice for professionals seeking durability, performance, and security. Among its offerings, the ThinkPad T490 and X1 Carbon stand out as two exceptional options. But which one is the right choice for your needs? This comprehensive comparison will guide you through the key differences between the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 and X1 Carbon, helping you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The ThinkPad T490 and X1 Carbon both feature the classic ThinkPad design, with a sleek and understated aesthetic. The T490 is slightly larger and heavier, measuring 13.2 x 9.1 x 0.78 inches and weighing 3.4 pounds. The X1 Carbon is more compact and lightweight, measuring 12.9 x 8.9 x 0.6 inches and weighing 2.5 pounds.

Both laptops are built to withstand rigorous use, meeting military-grade durability standards. They feature a carbon fiber-reinforced chassis, which provides exceptional strength and rigidity. The X1 Carbon takes it a step further with its ultra-durable “ThinkPad X1 Nano” design, which makes it even more resistant to drops, shocks, and spills.

Display

The ThinkPad T490 offers a 14-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It is available with either an IPS or TN panel, with the IPS panel providing wider viewing angles and more accurate colors.

The X1 Carbon has a 14-inch display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. It is available with either an IPS or OLED panel, with the OLED panel offering superior contrast and color accuracy.

Performance

The ThinkPad T490 is powered by 8th-generation Intel Core processors, with options ranging from the Core i5-8265U to the Core i7-8665U. The X1 Carbon offers 10th-generation Intel Core processors, with options ranging from the Core i5-10210U to the Core i7-10810U.

Both laptops provide ample performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. The X1 Carbon has a slight edge in performance due to its more powerful processors and integrated Intel Iris Plus graphics.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial factor for business laptops, and both the ThinkPad T490 and X1 Carbon deliver impressive results. The T490 has a 50Wh battery that provides up to 15 hours of battery life. The X1 Carbon has a 51Wh battery that provides up to 18 hours of battery life.

Connectivity

The ThinkPad T490 and X1 Carbon offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options. Both laptops feature two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, two USB-C ports (with Thunderbolt 3 support), an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port. The X1 Carbon also includes a microSD card slot and a nano-SIM slot for cellular connectivity.

Security

Security is paramount for business laptops, and the ThinkPad T490 and X1 Carbon offer robust security features. Both laptops include a fingerprint reader for biometric authentication, a TPM 2.0 chip for data encryption, and a Kensington lock slot for physical security.

The X1 Carbon goes a step further with its ThinkShutter camera cover, which allows you to physically block the webcam for added privacy. It also features an optional “PrivacyGuard” display that narrows the viewing angle to prevent shoulder surfing.

In a nutshell: Lenovo ThinkPad T490 vs. X1 Carbon

The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 and X1 Carbon are both excellent business laptops that offer a combination of durability, performance, and security. The T490 is a more affordable option with a larger display and longer battery life. The X1 Carbon is more premium with a smaller, lighter design, a higher-resolution display, and better performance.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific needs and budget. If you value affordability, a larger display, and long battery life, the ThinkPad T490 is an excellent choice. If you prefer a more premium design, a higher-resolution display, and better performance, the X1 Carbon is the best option.

What You Need to Know

Q: Which laptop has a better display?

A: The X1 Carbon has a higher-resolution display with an OLED option, which offers superior contrast and color accuracy.

Q: Which laptop has longer battery life?

A: The T490 has a longer battery life of up to 15 hours, compared to the X1 Carbon’s 18 hours.

Q: Which laptop is more secure?

A: Both laptops offer robust security features, but the X1 Carbon has additional features such as a ThinkShutter camera cover and an optional PrivacyGuard display.

Q: Which laptop is more durable?

A: Both laptops meet military-grade durability standards, but the X1 Carbon’s ultra-durable “ThinkPad X1 Nano” design makes it even more resistant to damage.

Q: Which laptop is better for business use?

A: Both laptops are well-suited for business use, but the X1 Carbon’s premium design, better performance, and additional security features make it a more suitable choice for executives and professionals who require the best possible laptop.

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