We recently reviewed our first Ultrabook with an Ivy Bridge-based Core i7 inside, Samsung’s refreshed Series 9 (Samsung's Series 9 13.3" Ultrabook For 2012: Thinner And Lighter). The updated architecture had a truly positive impact on the system’s efficiency, and a SuperBright Plus screen impressed our editor, Andrew Ku, with chart-topping maximum brightness.
But there was another system that readers asked to see compared to the Series 9: Lenovo’s Carbon X1. The machine is currently in our lab undergoing the same suite of tests, and so far, it’s looking like a solid contender. It performs well, boasts a 14” screen, weighs less than three pounds, and measures less than 19 mm tall.
Those specs are common knowledge, though. We wanted to go into more depth and explore the one feature that isn’t getting much attention: vPro support. Although it doesn’t seem possible to manage the Carbon X1 through its Centrino Advanced-N 62055 module, we were able to get its Anti-Theft coverage activated right away. Our review unit didn’t come with Lenovo’s USB-to-Ethernet dongle, so the company shipped us a care package with the component needed (hopefully) to get remote management up and running. We’re working on that in the lab right now.
In the meantime, though, we put together a video covering some of the Carbon X1’s specs, pricing, and dimensions. As configured, our sample looks like it’ll beat a MacBook Air in many ways. But it also costs more. It’s a good thing Lenovo has that vPro support in there to make the choice easier for IT professionals who value security and remote control of provisioned machines.