ThinkPad X13 Gen 1 AMD Student’s Review : A workhorse with no compromise

I’ve been using ThinkPad laptops since I was young. The X60s that used to be my father’s, the X220 I got when I’m 12 years old, and now the ThinkPad X13 Gen 1 I have.

Only ThinkPad in Starbucks. ;)

I have this X13 for a year now (purchased on 8th April 2021) and I think it’s time for me to make a review of this laptop. It’s my favorite laptop so far with several features and the unique black-red aesthetic of ThinkPad series.

Specifications

• AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 4650U (6 Cores, 12 Threads, 2.1GHz Base Clock, Max Boost Up To 4.0GHz)
• 16GB DDR4–3200 RAM (Soldered)
• 512GB M.2 SSD
• Intel AX200 11ax, 2x2 + BT5.2
• 13.3" FHD (1920x1080) IPS 300 nits Anti-glare
• 311.9 x 217.2 x 16.9 mm (12.28 x 8.55 x 0.67 inches)
• 1.29 kg (2.85 lbs)
• Starting price at $906 in Thailand (Now unavailable)

Pros

• Satisfying keyboard
• TrackPoint
• Good performance
• Cheaper than Intel model
• Acceptable battery life
• Thin and light
• Plenty of ports
• Built-in Camera shutter
• Matte screen makes working outdoor easier
• Excellent build quality

Cons

• 16:9 aspect ratio screen may not be good for documents (Improved in 2nd Gen with 16:10 Aspect ratio screen)
• Design may not look appealing
• Touchpad isn’t very good
• Can be pricey
• Bad camera
• Soldered RAM makes it impossible to upgrade
• Speakers may not be very good for music producer, or someone who use speakers to consume media
• Attracts fingerprints and grease from hands a lot.

Performance

The Cinebench R23 test of this ThinkPad X13 Gen 1 AMD specs results with 5443 points for Multi-core Test, and 1160 points fot Single-core test (following image)

Cinebench R23 Test (Plugged in with Lenovo Vantage’s performance mode)

If you aren’t looking for a mobile workstation for 3D rendering or heavy load work, and just want a laptop for word processing, online classes, programming, etc. This ThinkPad is perfect for you.

Gaming

ThinkPad laptops aren’t the best laptop series for gaming, but if you aren’t serious about having no dedicated graphic card, or if you don’t want to play current AAA video games, and just want to play games for relaxing after work or class. ThinkPad X13 Gen 1 AMD is good for that job. I have tested these games on my ThinkPad, and got these following results. (Played while plugged in, with Lenovo Vantage Performance mode)

Genshin Impact

Even with the ThinkPad, you still won’t be able to beat Oceanid :(

Average FPS of 36 FPS with low settings (Motion blur off, 60 FPS Settings)

Minecraft Java Edition

Have fun with best selling game ever!

>60 FPS with Fancy graphics and no mods or any texture packs

Need for Speed: Most Wanted 2012

Burnout: Most Wanted?

Average FPS of 47 FPS with low settings on almost everything in Graphics settings

Mobility

Being a light laptop with only 1.28 kilograms in weight, and a compact body with 13 inch screen. ThinkPad X13 Gen 1 AMD is a laptop that is very good for carrying around, and thanks to the matte screen, this laptop is better for working outdoor with sunlight than laptops with glossy screen.

Great mobility! (Location : Kan Machi Cafe, Kanchanaburi, Thailand)

Conclusion

ThinkPad X13 Gen 1 AMD is a laptop from legendary ThinkPad line that is perfect for students, or people who want a laptop for a simple work, and is light, portable, and cheaper than a high-end X1 line, but still have enough performance when needed.

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