The ThinkPad X1 Yoga (Gen 7) gets a new OLED display, fresh performance hardware, and better biometrics
Fans of OLED displays can now enjoy the deep picture on the X1 Yoga (Gen 7). With new performance hardware and an upgraded communications bar, the convertible is more versatile than ever.
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What you need to know
Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Yoga (Gen 6)was one of thebest Lenovo laptopsto come out of 2021, and it’s now been improved for the seventh generation. Announced at CES 2022, the new X1 Yoga (Gen 7) benefits from many of the same X1 series upgrades that we’ve also seen in the refreshed X1 Carbon (Gen 10) and the X1 Nano (Gen 2).
These X-series changes primarily involve the performance hardware and camera setup. Starting with the former, The X1 Yoga is now available with new12th Gen Intel Core U- and P-series CPUsfor added performance and efficiency. With up to 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM, 2TB of M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD storage, and a 57Wh battery, the convertible laptop should again prove to be a versatile business partner. The X1 Yoga also has the new keyboard air intake that doesn’t affect spill resistance.
On the latter side, the new communications bar installed above the display should make collaboration easier than ever while also providing advanced security. There are three different camera setups available, all with an FHD resolution and 1.4µm sensor. One is a basic FHD camera, one is an FHD and IR camera hybrid with webcam shutter, while the other adds Lenovo’s “Computer Vision” along with the IR camera.
Computer Vision combinesHuman Presence Detection (HPD)and a neural processing unit to analyze any activity in front of the laptop, even when the device is asleep. If the X1 Yoga realizes it’s not you approaching it, it won’t attempt to unlock automatically. Computer Vision can also sense when you look away from the display and will dim or turn off the screen to save energy or add privacy. For those wearing a mask in the office, Computer Vision will supposedly be able to tell it’s you even with a face covering.
The ThinkPad X1 Yoga (Gen 7)’s 14-inch UHD+ touch display — with 3840x2400 resolution and 16:10 aspect ratio — now uses an OLED panel for deeper color and contrast. It’s low power, it has an anti-reflective finish, and it hasDolby Visionwith HDR 400 support and 100% DCI-P3 color for a beautiful picture. The other touch displays are all set at an FHD+ resolution (1920x1200) with 100% sRGB color. One has a standard anti-glare finish, one has an anti-reflective finish, and one adds Privacy Guard with 500 nits brightness. The others top out at 400 nits. An integrated pen comes standard with the laptop for inking.
Connectivity has been bumped up toWi-Fi 6Eand Bluetooth 5.2, plus there’s optional 5G and 4G LTE connectivity with eSIM and Nano SIM support. This being a ThinkPad, security features are still plentiful and include a fingerprint reader, dTPM 2.0 chip, Kensington lock slot, and optional IR camera, Privacy Guard, Privacy Alert, and Computer Vision. The ThinkPad X1 Yoga (Gen 7) is expected March 2022 and should start at about $1,749.
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Cale Hunt brings to Windows Central more than eight years of experience writing about laptops, PCs, accessories, games, and beyond. If it runs Windows or in some way complements the hardware, there’s a good chance he knows about it, has written about it, or is already busy testing it.
