Lenovo ThinkPad Battle: Discover the Pros and Cons of T490 vs X1 Carbon
What To Know
- The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 and X1 Carbon both feature the iconic ThinkPad design, with a sturdy chassis and a classic black exterior.
- The X1 Carbon takes durability to a new level with a carbon fiber chassis.
- The T490 comes with a 256GB solid-state drive (SSD) and 8GB of RAM as standard, with options for larger SSDs and up to 32GB of RAM.
In the realm of business laptops, two titans stand tall: the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 and the X1 Carbon. Both devices offer exceptional performance, durability, and portability, making them ideal for professionals on the go. But which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 vs. X1 Carbon, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 and X1 Carbon both feature the iconic ThinkPad design, with a sturdy chassis and a classic black exterior. However, there are subtle differences in their construction.
- T490: The T490 is built with a magnesium alloy chassis, making it lightweight and durable. It weighs approximately 3.5 pounds and has a thickness of 0.78 inches.
- X1 Carbon: The X1 Carbon takes durability to a new level with a carbon fiber chassis. It’s even lighter than the T490, weighing in at just 2.5 pounds, and has a slimmer profile of 0.6 inches.
Display
Both the T490 and X1 Carbon offer high-quality displays, but there are some key differences to consider.
- T490: The T490 features a 14-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. It offers good brightness and color accuracy.
- X1 Carbon: The X1 Carbon has a slightly larger 14-inch IPS LCD display with a higher resolution of 2560×1440 pixels. This provides a sharper and more detailed image.
Performance
Under the hood, the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 and X1 Carbon are powered by Intel’s 8th-generation Core processors. However, the X1 Carbon typically offers higher-end options.
- T490: The T490 comes with an Intel Core i5-8265U processor as standard, with options for Core i7 processors.
- X1 Carbon: The X1 Carbon offers a range of Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, including the more powerful Core i7-8665U.
Storage and Memory
Both the T490 and X1 Carbon offer ample storage and memory options.
- T490: The T490 comes with a 256GB solid-state drive (SSD) and 8GB of RAM as standard, with options for larger SSDs and up to 32GB of RAM.
- X1 Carbon: The X1 Carbon offers similar storage and memory options, including larger SSDs up to 1TB and up to 32GB of RAM.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for business laptops. Here’s how the T490 and X1 Carbon compare:
- T490: The T490 has a 50Wh battery that provides up to 15 hours of battery life.
- X1 Carbon: The X1 Carbon has a larger 57Wh battery that offers up to 18 hours of battery life.
Connectivity
Both the T490 and X1 Carbon offer a wide range of connectivity options.
- T490: The T490 has two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, two USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, an HDMI port, a microSD card reader, and a headphone/microphone jack.
- X1 Carbon: The X1 Carbon has a similar range of ports, including two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, two USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, an HDMI port, a microSD card reader, and a headphone/microphone jack. However, it also includes two Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Price
The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 and X1 Carbon are both premium business laptops with corresponding price tags.
- T490: The T490 starts at around $1,000 for the base model.
- X1 Carbon: The X1 Carbon starts at around $1,300 for the base model.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 and X1 Carbon are both excellent business laptops, but they excel in different areas.
- Choose the T490 if: You prioritize durability, affordability, and a long battery life.
- Choose the X1 Carbon if: You value a lightweight design, a high-resolution display, and the latest performance options.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re still undecided, here are some alternative laptops to consider:
- Dell XPS 13: A compact and powerful ultrabook with a premium design.
- HP EliteBook 840 G5: A durable and versatile business laptop with a long battery life.
- Apple MacBook Air: A lightweight and portable laptop with a sleek design and excellent battery life.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which laptop has a better keyboard?
A: Both the T490 and X1 Carbon have excellent keyboards, but the X1 Carbon’s keyboard is slightly more comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on both laptops?
A: Yes, both the T490 and X1 Carbon allow you to upgrade the RAM and storage.
Q: Which laptop is better for video conferencing?
A: The X1 Carbon has a slightly better webcam and speakers, making it a better choice for video conferencing.
Q: Which laptop has a fingerprint reader?
A: Both the T490 and X1 Carbon have fingerprint readers for added security.
Q: Which laptop has a longer warranty?
A: Both the T490 and X1 Carbon come with a standard one-year warranty. However, you can purchase extended warranties for both laptops.
