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The X220 is a very attractive machine and similar to the X1 we reviewed last year. Lenovo are using a high quality IPS screen (1366×768 resolution) with the X220, which is noticeably better than the TN screen incorporated into the X1. Colours are well saturated, viewing angles are some of the best we have seen, and definition is both sharp and perfectly legible when viewing super small text. Ideal for office duties. It is a little duller than we had hoped however.
Lenovo have managed to incorporate a large keyboard, which is no mean feat considering the diminutive physical dimensions of the X220. On first glance we can see the return key is double size, coloured blue, and the obligatory red controller ‘joystick' (technically known as a ‘TrackPoint') in the center of the keyboard which I enjoy using more than a trackpad.
The X220 is Milspec verified, which is a series of tests to test against altitude, thermal and physical shock, dust and vibration. There are also tests for cold, heat and humidity. In real world terms, these laptops are designed to deal with rough handling and abuse on the move.
The quality of the keyboard is well above average, although it is not in the same league as the proprietary, class leading design implemented on the X1. The individual keys aren't quite as tactile and the response is a little muted. That said, it is still a great keyboard, but some distance behind the X1.
The trackpad at the bottom is high quality, although due to the size of this machine, there isn't quite as much room for it, or the palm rests. In this regard the X1 is more comfortable to use long term. I found when typing that my wrist would sometimes press against one side of the X220 trackpad which was slightly irritating.
Offset to the right is a fingerprint reader, which is a great way to securely lock the machine without having to remember a series of passwords.
Unlike the majority of ultra portable laptops, the X220 looks good from all angles, and has a much more rigid chassis design. The X1 shared similar traits with absolutely no keyboard flex anywhere across the full width of the chassis.
Like the X1, the X220 can be opened to 180 degrees, which is really useful when using the machine leaning over a table, almost like a tablet.
Along the top of the keyboard are a series of function keys, highlighted in blue. These adjust various parameters, such as screen brightness, wireless and multiple screen configurations. There is a direct volume control button, which resides next to the power button.
The sound from the X220 is actually quite impressive, as far as an ultraportable could be rated anyway, and it puts the Sony Z series to shame in this regard.
Sadly, the X220 keyboard is not a backlight design, however Lenovo offer a button combination to turn on a ‘light' at the top of the screen, as shown above. This casts a blue glow over the keyboard, highlighting the keys a little. This works fine, but I would much prefer a dedicated backlit keyboard, like that found on the X1. It seems unusual to omit this feature on a luxury machine like this.
The X1 even has a liquid proof keyboard, protecting against accidental spills. The X220 hasn't got this feature either.
Above, the X220 (left), beside the X1 (right). The X220 has a superior quality IPS screen with magnificent viewing angles, but in all other regards I feel the X1 is the clearly superior design.
