Macbook Pro 2017 Touchbar vs Thinkpad X1 Extreme

In this video I describe the differences between the older Macbook pro Retina 15" and the Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Extreme. I've been using these computers as my primary devices, the MBP for the last year and the X1 for the last month.

This video was processed on Linux Mint and Kdenlive. The videos were shot on my Iphone Xs and and copied over to the X1 to process. It took 20 minutes to export the video and generate what was uploaded here.

[FooBar]

Windows boots instantly on the X1E, there is a driver problem or something in Mint that makes it boot so slow

[bicyclingaround]

If only windows laptop makers did the WQHD 16:10 displays.

[CvanBMatthies]

Regarding your touchpad comparison: The MacBook indeed is the winner here but the ThinkPad comes with yet another tool: The trackpoint (the red nipple on the keyboard). It takes some time to get used to it but is really nice. Btw: The seemingly weird placement of the left/right "mouse bottons" above the touchpad is intentional: They are there to be used jointly with the trackpoint.

Moreover, the ThinkPad UltraHD model comes with a touchscreen for even more accessibility. Whether you like touchscreens on a regular notebook (non-tablet) or not, is your decision. I find it to be very handy when I'm on the go/have no desk.

Regardless: Very nice video! :-)

[rohit-gklr]

Way way informative !!! Need more videos

[strings]

Interesting review, Glenn. But I have to say, that Lenovo looks absolutely filthy.

[Freddels]

I've been using Macs for 20 yrs. About 2 weeks ago, I ordered a Lenovo Thinkpad P1 and a Surface Pro 7. Not being able to upgrade the Mac after purchase has just lost me.

[dudblock]

If Linux is running in DGPU mode 100% of the time, then it makes sense that your battery life is shit. Switch to the intel integrated and your battery life should massively improve.

[bamajjll]

Linux Mint should boot up in 15-17 seconds (I have Acer Aspire 5 8gb ram 256 ssd 8th gen i5). Maybe try and tweak a few settings. Hit F2 when powering on. Make sure F12 Boot Menu is enabled. Set supervisor password (this enables you to disable secure boot). Make sure secure boot is disabled. Shut down computer and then insert usb drive with Linux Mint. Power on computer and then install Mint. Hope that helps.

[LaptopRetrospective]

Over a minute to boot into Mint? That doesn't seem right unless it has a mechanical drive. My X220 with a SATA 2 mSATA does it in under 20 seconds. Liked your comparison, nice to hear from a hard user of both.

[bobbyv]

I received my ThinkPad X1 about 10 days ago and I love it! It replaced my 2018 Core i9 MacBook Pro as my daily driver. I'm currently running the Pop OS distro, but I may switch to something else. Did you have any issues getting Mint installed on the hardware?

[graphite]

Buy make up remover wipes, it leaves my X1 looking brand new.

[thangarajj]

I suggest running it in windows for a few days. No system with a SSD should take that long to boot. Again the battery life should be much better once you start using there integrated graphics when you don't need the power of the dedicated GPU. So rather than figuring out all the solutions to solve this on Linux, windows could be a simpler way to fix these issues.

[yotty]

lol so the only thing you prefer about the x1 extreme are the keyboard adn the ports?

[nizexlizzy]

well, I wasn’t getting into the OS side of things. But what else is there on a computer? It is like having a girlfriend that you can’t speak to because the only way to do it is through speaking and she talks pourly. After a while you’ll get tired of being around her now matter how good everything else is. On a computer, the only way to communicate with it is through the keyboard and Apples is so bad that no matter how good everything else is you’ll get tired of using it.

[jinraigami]

Just bought a second hand 2017 MacBook. Totally regret it. Hate the MacOS. Hate its keyboards and hate its I/O.

[Freddels]

It's Linux Mint that is slow. I have a dual boot MacBook Pro and it's slow to boot Linux Mint. My new Surface Pro 7 (i7, 16GB ram) boots Win10 lightening fast. When my P1 gets delivered, I'm certain it'll be just as fast or faster.

[idioteq]

The booting and the battery life seem wrong to me.