The Lenovo Thinkpad X1 is an excellent step up from their Edge series ThinkPads. In part one of my review, I'll be focusing solely on the ThinkPad's form factor and design. And as a laptop geared towards traveling professionals, these details matter significantly.

Dimensions

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 is the skinniest ThinkPad available on the market today. The X1 measures in at .85 of an inch. Although not as thin as its adversary the MacBook Air, this is a ThinkPad and not considered a ‘˜laptop’. The screen is 13.3 inches and is covered by Gorilla Glass. The Gorilla Glass provides excellent protection against scratches and damage to the screen. The only downfall of the Gorilla Glass is the glare that it gives off. ThinkPads are generally renowned for their glare-less screens. Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 is a bit bulky in the weight department for a ThinkPad, but not for the average 13 inch screen laptop. Weighing in at 3.7lbs and 4.7lbs with external battery (which is recommended), the X1 does weigh a pound more than its competitors. Encased in this extra weight though is processing power that rivals laptops and isn’t that noticeable.

Design

The design of the new Lenovo ThinkPad X1 is a tad robust in the ThinkPad department. It is the skinniest ThinkPad on the market, however, and the thickness can be attributed to its laptop quality processing power. The ergonomics of this ThinkPad is what really sets the X1 apart from similar products. The shape of the actual unit is wide enough to make hand movement across the spill resistant keyboard less bounded. The raised keys with the innovative textured click pad make for comfortable typing. The LED back-lit keyboard is also a plus when having to work in dimly lit environments. Laptops and ThinkPads alike generally use square style buttons for their keyboards. Lenovo has come up with a brilliant design for their buttons. They have concocted a ‘˜smile’ designed key with a contour groove in the center. This helps the finger better fit ‘˜into’ the key instead of ‘˜onto’ the key. The ‘˜smile’ design also provides a forgiveness zone for people who either are a little frantic with their typing, or just fast. The TrackPoint is a Lenovo feature that many users with either love or hate. You don’t have to use this feature and is really just an easier way to navigate if you learn how to use it. Located between the G, H, and B buttons, this button is an alternative to the touchpad. The outer shell of the X1 stays true to the compact look of the ThinkPad. Using a carbon-fibre rollcage the X1 is tapered on the sides making the unit smaller at the bottom than the top. The 180 degree two hinge smooth opening of the X1 is also a plus. When feeling the X1 it has an almost rubber like texture giving it a cool and lustrous appearance.

Overall, the form factor and design of the ThinkPad X1 are excellent. To read more about this laptop, continue reading part 2 of this review: {{http://lenovo-thinkpadx1-specs.reviews.r-tt.com/|Lenovo ThinkPad X1 specs}} review.