We’ve had quite a few all-in-one (AIO) computers come through the various doors here at Techaeris, and many of them have offered different experiences in one subtle way or another. Today we’ve got another AIO PC, and you can keep reading to see how the Lenovo ThinkCentre X1 performs in this full review.
Specifications
The Lenovo ThinkCentre X1 AIO as tested featured the following specifications:
- Processor: Core i5-6200U (2.3 Ghz)
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home (64-bit)
- Display: 23.8″ FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS, Anti-Glare Display, 250 nits
- Storage: 256GB (SATA SSD)
- Memory: 8 DDR4 2133MHz GB
- Graphics: Intel HD 520
- Audio Support: JBL 3W x 2
- Communications: 11ac, 1×1 + BT4.0
- Ports/Slots: USB 3.0 (5), DP(1), Multi-card(9-IN-1), GIGABIT LAN
- Camera: 2.0-megapixel camera, fixed focus, supports 1080p, with dual array digital microphone, LED indicator, physical switch on/off, Skype for Business certified
- Communications: DualBand Wireless AC – 3165 + Bluetooth 4.0
- Case Color: Business black color, Aluminum Alloy
- System Weight: Without stand 8.8 lb. / with stand 11.02 lb.
- Dimensions: Without Stand: 22.44″ x 1.3″ x 14.17″ / With Orchid Tilt Stand: 22.44″ x 9.45″ x 17.75″
What’s in the Box
- 1 x Lenovo ThinkCentre X1
- 1 x Orchid Tilt Stand/Base
- 1 x Wireless keyboard
- 1 x Wireless mouse
- 2 x AAA batteries for keyboard
- 2 x AA batteries for mouse
Design
Most AIO PCs have the same general design, but it’s what is done with that design that makes some of the difference. The Lenovo ThinkCentre X1 follows the same general AIO design, though there are a few things that make it stand out. The first thing you’ll notice is how absolutely thin the chassis is. After that you can start to take stock of the rest of the design.
The front of the device is, of course, the screen. Here you’ll be looking at a 23.8” FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS anti-glare display. There is a moderately sized bezel surrounding the screen — approximately an inch on the sides, slightly thicker on the top and bottom of the screen. The ThinkCentre name mark is located on the lower left corner of the monitor, with some LED status indicators on the lower right for power and HDD activity. Also appearing on the front of the device is the standard webcam. What’s slightly less standard is the switch directly above the webcam that covers or uncovers the webcam at your discretion. We’ve talked about the steps that some people have taken to keep any prying eyes off of them via their webcam, this is simply a nice built-in way of doing so.
The left side features a 9-in-one card reader, two USB 3.0 ports, and a headphone/mic combo jack. The right side has two smaller buttons for microphone mute and a DisplayPort in/out switch along with a larger power button. The bottom of the screen includes grills for the speakers.
The back of the device is slightly thicker at the bottom where all of the hardware components are, and significantly thinner at the top. The back of the device includes three more USB 3.0 ports, an RJ-45 Ethernet port, DisplayPort, power input, and security lock port.
The metal stand is very thin, and attaches to a circular metallic base. The stand has a red plastic ring for cord management, and the hinge allows for adjustment from -5° to 45° to fit your favorite viewing angle. If you’d prefer to mount the ThinkCentre X1, you can purchase a standard VESA mount separately.
Included with the X1 are a wireless keyboard and mouse. The keyboard is a pretty standard low profile full size keyboard with chiclet-style keys. The mouse is more of a mini-mouse, though as small as it is there is a decent bit of heft behind it. It’s got the standard two buttons and a middle scroll wheel.
Display
Coming in at just under 24” (23.8″ to be exact), the FHD 1080p display of the ThinkCentre X1 is very big and bright. Colors and contrast are very clear. Photos and videos look great too. The anti-glare coating makes for a more pleasant viewing experience.
Software/Ecosystem
The ThinkCentre X1 runs Windows 10 out of the box. We’ve covered Windows 10 devices pretty extensively here in the past, so Windows 10 really shouldn’t be much of a surprise or an unknown at this point. It runs very well on the hardware, and should provide a familiar experience to anyone that has used it in the past.
Lenovo does, as usual, include a selection of pre-installed software that you may, or may not choose to use. Their Windows 10 pre-load includes software such as:
- CyberLink PowerDVD Create, Power2Go, & Power Producer
- Desktop Power Manager
- Fingerprint Software / Softex Omnipass
- Lenovo Bluetooth® Lock
- Lenovo Companion 2.0
- Lenovo ID
- Lenovo REACHit
- Lenovo SHAREit
- Lenovo Solution Center
- McAfee® LiveSafe™ (trial)
- Microsoft Office (trial)
- My Timeline
- PC Device Stage
- Rainbow
- ThinkVantage Password Manager
The good news is that anything you really don’t like can be removed to clear up some space on your internal storage.
Performance
In the machine as tested, an i5 processor and 8GB of RAM should be sufficient for most general computing. Web browsing, creating and working with office documents, and other similar activities work flawlessly. I’m the wrong person to try and test photo editing, but my meager skills using Paint.net didn’t pose any sort of problem for the X1. Since the X1 supports up to 16GB of RAM, it should run most higher-calibre photo editing apps without too much trouble.
To keep its svelte figure, the ThinkCentre X1 does — as do most other AIO PCs — rely on integrated graphics. As is usually the case this won’t have too much of a detrimental effect on most computing activities, but it will of course hinder some of your gaming pursuits. Games that don’t require a ton of graphics power won’t have any problem here, but you’ll need to carefully consider what you’re going to try and run when it comes to games.
Speakers/Sound
The integrated speakers provide ample sound for videos and music. They get rather loud, and I usually kept the volume pretty low. You won’t get the greatest sound from these speakers, but you really shouldn’t expect to. Integrated speakers will almost always come in second to a set of external speakers, or even a good pair of headphones.
When you plug in a good pair of headphones you’ll definitely get a better experience, as the Dolby Audio tuning really has a chance to shine.
Camera
I spoke very briefly about the cover for the webcam earlier. It’s definitely a nice little feature for the security conscious out there to ensure that there’s no chance of spying eyes catching a glimpse of what you’re doing. The camera itself is functional, nothing super fancy but it really doesn’t need to be. It works well enough for video chats, or the occasional desk selfie, but there’s not a whole lot else you’re going to want to be able to do with an AIO camera.
Price/Value
Starting at around $850 after current incentives, the ThinkCentre X1 offers an exceptionally slim, functional computer for a good price. This is the type of AIO that you’re going to want to have out in the open somewhere, to really show off its design and style.
Wrap Up
If you’re looking for an all-in-one PC with reasonable specs and good performance to go along with a slim frame the Lenovo ThinkCentre X1 is worth a look.
[button link=”http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/desktops/thinkcentre/x1/” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Lenovo[/button]*We were sent a review unit of the Lenovo ThinkCentre X1 AIO for the purposes of this review.
Last Updated on February 20, 2020.
