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SDColorado

macrumors 601
Nov 6, 2011
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Highlands Ranch, CO
I must say I was playing with SB2 and I loved how it felt. Then I shut it, saw that hinge, got the heebie-jeebies and left it alone.

The hinge is polarizing I suppose. I personally really like it. It sets it aside from the increasing number of Macbook clones and generic designs on the market that sometimes make it hard to tell one brand from the next without checking the logos.

But the look is a little different and a little industrial or something. I can appreciate how it isn’t a look that would please everyone. It does also add a little extra width to that end

I am also amazed at just how light the display portion feels for its size as a tablet when removed from the base and I like how you can remove it and turn it around so that you still always have a solid base with the keyboard protected, rather than the keyboard underneath and exposed (like Yoga or Dell) when using it in “clipboard” mode.
 
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navaira

macrumors 68040
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May 28, 2015
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It does also add a little extra width to that end
That's what "scared" me :) I was playing with it thinking "this is lovely, what is it?", then I discovered it was a Surface Book and I felt like a traitor ;) and then I shut it... EEEK!

It definitely stands out. I'm just not sure whether it's in a good way.
 

SDColorado

macrumors 601
Nov 6, 2011
4,360
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Highlands Ranch, CO
That's what "scared" me :) I was playing with it thinking "this is lovely, what is it?", then I discovered it was a Surface Book and I felt like a traitor ;) and then I shut it... EEEK!

It definitely stands out. I'm just not sure whether it's in a good way.

It is in the eye of the beholder I suppose and in some ways, it is function over form and makes sense in adding a little angle to the inking platform :)

microsoft-surface-book-1.jpg


and for not having the keyboard and keys table side down. If it was a MBP imagine all the keyboard killing dust that would get in if they keyboard were to be face down :)

surfacebook-2.jpg
 

navaira

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May 28, 2015
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Oh! I forgot you can use that with an Ap... er... stylus. ;) I'm no longer used to laptops with ANY removable parts ;)

I've narrowed it down to X1 Carbon, Matebook X Pro, and Dell XPS 13 9370. Each of them comes with problems though. A review I read yesterday of X1C pointed out that even the reviewer needed three laptops before he got one without problems, as Lenovo source their components from various producers and some of them aren't as good as others. MXP seems to heat up a lot. And 9370 is very difficult to Hackintosh. Surface Book 2 looks cool, but I am just never going to need the extra options you just showed me. Unless there is a market for absolutely awful "artwork" made by an adult who can't quite figure out how to draw a circle, then I need it :D
 

SDColorado

macrumors 601
Nov 6, 2011
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Highlands Ranch, CO
Oh! I forgot you can use that with an Ap... er... stylus. ;) I'm no longer used to laptops with ANY removable parts ;)

I've narrowed it down to X1 Carbon, Matebook X Pro, and Dell XPS 13 9370. Each of them comes with problems though. A review I read yesterday of X1C pointed out that even the reviewer needed three laptops before he got one without problems, as Lenovo source their components from various producers and some of them aren't as good as others. MXP seems to heat up a lot. And 9370 is very difficult to Hackintosh. Surface Book 2 looks cool, but I am just never going to need the extra options you just showed me. Unless there is a market for absolutely awful "artwork" made by an adult who can't quite figure out how to draw a circle, then I need it :D

I hear you on the artwork, I can't draw a brick. But the removable tablet part and pen works for me for the same reason that attracted me to the Surface Pro, Which is that that I need a lot of signatures on contracts, etc. Both mine and the clients. I also need to take notes and sometimes a photo or two. The rear cameras on the Surface devices are actually pretty good.

The tent mode works well for watching media out on the deck or on airplane / train as well. The take up minimal space and get the keyboard out of the way.

Lenovo definitely isn't the only one that sources components from various producers. But I think most are most comonly with RAM, SSD and displays. Particularly the smaller configuration SSD's. The 128/256 and to a lesser degree 512 seem to be sourced from various suppliers. Most 1TB's seem to be Samsung though.

Lenovo seems to source keyboards from various manufacturers as well though and if you are refering to the same review I read, some poor tester *loved* the X1C he tested, but is now on I think unit 4 (?) trying to get a keyboard that felt like his test unit and one he tested at Costco, but none of the ones he has received have been the same?

Bummer about the MXP, with the unavailability of them maybe there will be an update that addresses the heat and a couple other niggles with it?

To bad about the 9370 being so hard to hack. They seem to get glowing reviews from what i can tell.
 
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roxygal9

macrumors regular
Jan 28, 2010
165
47
FL
I am going to chime in here, as I have had the 6th gen X1C for about 3 months or so now. I really love the keyboard and trackpad on this machine. The keyboard is amazing to type on - I understand why so many people rave about it. I also own a base 2017 MacBook. Typing on that is hard to do, but it isn't bad. The trackpad of course is much nicer, but for the Lenovo, I have had no issues with gestures, etc. and have used it to navigate in word docs, excel, and the internet. If I am going to type a brief - I am pulling out the 14 inch Lenovo. The screen real estate is wonderful, and its just more comfortable. I have had no issues with the Lenovo since purchasing it. I love watching Netflix on it (even more so then on the MacBook or ipad pro) as the screen is just beautiful (I have the UHD screen-500 nits). I am deployed right now, so a big tv isn't an option for me so it is nice to be able to whip this guy out and watch movies, shows, etc on it with others. And this thing is so light, it feels just as light as my MacBook. To be able to pick up a 14 inch laptop and barely feel its weight is very impressive. I highly recommend the X1C - Lenovo really got it right here.
 

zen

macrumors 68000
Jun 26, 2003
1,713
472
I am going to chime in here, as I have had the 6th gen X1C for about 3 months or so now. I really love the keyboard and trackpad on this machine. The keyboard is amazing to type on - I understand why so many people rave about it. I also own a base 2017 MacBook. Typing on that is hard to do, but it isn't bad. The trackpad of course is much nicer, but for the Lenovo, I have had no issues with gestures, etc. and have used it to navigate in word docs, excel, and the internet. If I am going to type a brief - I am pulling out the 14 inch Lenovo. The screen real estate is wonderful, and its just more comfortable. I have had no issues with the Lenovo since purchasing it. I love watching Netflix on it (even more so then on the MacBook or ipad pro) as the screen is just beautiful (I have the UHD screen-500 nits). I am deployed right now, so a big tv isn't an option for me so it is nice to be able to whip this guy out and watch movies, shows, etc on it with others. And this thing is so light, it feels just as light as my MacBook. To be able to pick up a 14 inch laptop and barely feel its weight is very impressive. I highly recommend the X1C - Lenovo really got it right here.
Glad to hear it. I think that settles my decision! X1C here I come.
 
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navaira

macrumors 68040
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May 28, 2015
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if you are refering to the same review I read, some poor tester *loved* the X1C he tested, but is now on I think unit 4 (?) trying to get a keyboard that felt like his test unit and one he tested at Costco, but none of the ones he has received have been the same?
Yes! Exactly this review. I was thinking about perhaps ordering one, then opening it in front of the seller to see how the keyboard feels. (Mind you, I don't know how it's supposed to feel...) I already spoke with customer service at the store and they are happy to let me do it.
 

SDColorado

macrumors 601
Nov 6, 2011
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Highlands Ranch, CO
Yes! Exactly this review. I was thinking about perhaps ordering one, then opening it in front of the seller to see how the keyboard feels. (Mind you, I don't know how it's supposed to feel...) I already spoke with customer service at the store and they are happy to let me do it.

Well, when you consider that he had already used one and was looking for one that felt like the one he had as a test unit, we can only assume that he is looking for one that felt the way HE felt it was supposed to feel. Or at least one that had his ideal of how it should feel.

Keyboards are highly subjective, as the multiple debates about the butterfly keyboards in the main section go to show.

So if the seller allows you to open it in front of him and try it out. The only thing that really matters is whether the one you opened feels good to you or not and if not, how many are you willing to try to find one that does?

For all you or I know, we may prefer the ones that the reviewer is rejecting and feel those are the ones with the proper feel hahaha
 

zen

macrumors 68000
Jun 26, 2003
1,713
472
Revisiting this thread, as I’ve been reading loads of reports of the X1C having trouble with the surface/coating peeling, chipping or otherwise deteriorating, revealing the silver chassis.

But more to the point, Microsoft are having a sale on the Surface Laptop 2 here in the UK, and I just wonder if that machine would be “good enough”, considering I can get a higher-spec model (save for the HDR screen and keyboard) for £600 less than the X1C. I currently have a 2013 MBP (pre-horrible butterfly keyboard), and it seems that the Surface Laptop keyboard is more or less the same.
 

navaira

macrumors 68040
Original poster
May 28, 2015
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
I'm really happy with the Yoga C930 – great quality, great screen, great keyboard. I actually saw those X1C reports as well – those plus the Atmos soundbar helped me make my choice.

The less said about the trackpad, though, the better. And according to reviews this is a GOOD trackpad. Apple spoiled me rotten there.
 

zen

macrumors 68000
Jun 26, 2003
1,713
472
I'm really happy with the Yoga C930 – great quality, great screen, great keyboard. I actually saw those X1C reports as well – those plus the Atmos soundbar helped me make my choice.

The less said about the trackpad, though, the better. And according to reviews this is a GOOD trackpad. Apple spoiled me rotten there.
Glad to hear the C930 is working for you - it has been advertised quite heavily on TV here, and I am quite interested in it. I assume no problems with the coating peeling, etc?

As a stop-gap, I installed Windows on my 2013 MacBook Pro last night - and was amazed to discover Windows running much faster and smoother than Mojave! Mojave is a real pig on this machine - sluggish, unresponsive, with jittery graphics and animations. Windows 10 is smooth as silk.

That’ll tide me over until I can make a decision on which actual Windows laptop to get.
 

navaira

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May 28, 2015
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No problems with the coating. Keyboard stays much cleaner than the Macbook keyboard – I cleaned that rMB every few days because a dust speck might be too near, but keys always looked greasy. This laptop looks like it just came out of the box, and trust me, I use it quite a bit ;)
 

zen

macrumors 68000
Jun 26, 2003
1,713
472
No problems with the coating. Keyboard stays much cleaner than the Macbook keyboard – I cleaned that rMB every few days because a dust speck might be too near, but keys always looked greasy. This laptop looks like it just came out of the box, and trust me, I use it quite a bit ;)
Excellent. I must take a look at this model in person!
 

Never mind

macrumors 65816
Oct 25, 2018
1,071
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Dunedin, Florida
No problems with the coating. Keyboard stays much cleaner than the Macbook keyboard – I cleaned that rMB every few days because a dust speck might be too near, but keys always looked greasy. This laptop looks like it just came out of the box, and trust me, I use it quite a bit ;)

Could you tell us a little bit about your experiences with the C930? What screen did you get (1080 or 4K) and how does it look in and out of the house in different lighting conditions and especially if clear and sharp screen ? I’m in my 70s and I need something good for my aging eyes. What CPU/memory amount did you get and are you happy with it? Any regrets?
 
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roxygal9

macrumors regular
Jan 28, 2010
165
47
FL
I have had the 6th gen X1C for about 5 months now, and I have not had any issues with the surface coating, keeping the keyboard clean, etc. The trackpad does attract fingerprints, but it is black and can easily wipe off. I really enjoy this machine and Windows 10 isn't that bad. I do prefer MacOS but I rather be on this machine for my writing and other office tasks. And I cant emphasize enough how light this laptop and with a 14inch screen. I also have the HDR screen, and have thoroughly enjoyed it as well - no issues with backlight bleed or the panel. This is my first thinkpad, and really love it. I also own a 2017 rMB, and I enjoy that too for web browsing, but I watch movies on this bad boy all the time (deployed). It easily hooks up with my JBL Bluetooth speaker. I have to say I am starting to like Windows 10 a lot more - I am glad I gave it a try. I am thinking about trying a 2-1 and perhaps ditching mac altogether, but happy for now with my current set up.
 

navaira

macrumors 68040
Original poster
May 28, 2015
3,933
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
Could you tell us a little bit about your experiences with the C930? What screen did you get (1080 or 4K) and how does it look in and out of the house in different lighting conditions and especially if clear and sharp screen ? I’m in my 70s and I need something good for my aging eyes. What CPU/memory amount did you get and are you happy with it? Any regrets?
I have the 4K screen and absolutely recommend it – every review of the 1080p version mentions the screen is surprisingly dim. The 4K screen is fantastic. Incredibly sharp. BUT I have never seen a glossier screen. If there's sunshine coming into the room, I have to close the curtain (or bump up the brightness). I got the i7/16 GB/1 TB model – you can replace the SSD but since the difference between 512 GB and 1 TB was 100 euro, I just went for it.

Regrets... I regret that Apple decided to botch the keyboards so badly. And/or that the BIOS of the C930 is too simplistic to Hackintosh it. That's really it. I've been using Windows for over a month and I am yet to like anything about it. As for the laptop itself though... It weighs exactly the same as the 13.3" MBP, but it has a 13.9" touchscreen and a built-in little pen. The speaker hinge is genius. What I find the weirdest is that it feels much nicer than a Macbook/Pro. Not nicer as in better build quality. It feels more – I don't know – personal. Perhaps after my multiple bad experiences with Apple laptops in the last few years I got to the point where I felt I had to constantly be vigilant about a possible dust speck. But this one is just more...friendly. It's hard to describe such a peculiar feeling. Really, if it had macOS and an Apple trackpad it would have been pure perfection. Connectivity is 2xUSB-C plus one regular USB and that satisfies all my needs as well.

So really just the trackpad and Windows, and those are not regrets but sad reality ;)
 

Never mind

macrumors 65816
Oct 25, 2018
1,071
1,191
Dunedin, Florida
Thank you for the update on your experiences with the C930.

Now, I’m torn between the C930 and the X1 extreme. Some $ 467.00 apart from a great X1 to the OK C930.
Decisions, decisions. Both of them are on sale but not that great. Don’t need a great expensive notebook, but why not ? :)

X1 Extreme 15.6 $ 2,381.82 Sale
Windows Pro 64
CPU i7-8750H
DDR-4 16 Gb
256 Gb SSD
4K 400 nits
4 yr warranty
1050 Ti 4 Gb GPU
Intel Wifi
BlueTooth 5.0
Windows hello Webcam / Finger Print Reader


C930 13.9 $ 1,914.28 Sale USA
Windows Pro 64
i7-8550U
DDR-4 12 Gb
256 Gb SSD
4K 300 nits
3 yr warranty
Integrated 620 GPU
Intel WiFi
Finger Print Reader Only

Edited: Just purchased the X1 above.
 
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csurfr

macrumors 68020
Dec 7, 2016
2,310
1,748
Seattle, WA
With the bridge os issues on my 2018 mbp, I have been casually looking at the sb2. Other than the hinge, my complaint is that it only comes with one usb-c port... I have 2 of the UltraFine 4K displays. Not sure how I would be able to use the second one.

I don’t think that there is any way for that to happen.
 

SDColorado

macrumors 601
Nov 6, 2011
4,360
4,324
Highlands Ranch, CO
With the bridge os issues on my 2018 mbp, I have been casually looking at the sb2. Other than the hinge, my complaint is that it only comes with one usb-c port... I have 2 of the UltraFine 4K displays. Not sure how I would be able to use the second one.

I don’t think that there is any way for that to happen.

You can connect two monitors via the Surface Dock, but I believe only at 30Hz if running 2 4K monitors.
 
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