Lenovo X1 Extreme

[SDColorado]

Yes, it is also very hot.

@SDColorado I asked Lenovo to give me a refund. They asked me the reason and whether or not I contacted tech support to get a case number. They created a case number and asked me to wait for an email for instructions on how to return it. Is this normal?

I am not sure about the case # part, but the email part is correct. The Lenovo return process includes a step where the tech you speak to on the phone has to submit it for approval (it is always approved within the 30 day return period) and then they will issue you an RMA along with return instructions.

It is fairly simple from that point on. You will receive an email with an RMA and pre-paid shipping label (at least that is the case in the USA where you receive a UPS label). You will need to affix that label and the RMA number to the box the X1E arrived in and you should have 10 days in which to return it under the RMA. Make sure you reset and wipe all data.

That said, I am not sure why you would need a case # vs just an RMA # if the return is for a full refund, rather than an exchange?

 

[maflynn]

They asked me the reason and whether or not I contacted tech support to get a case number.

When did you purchase the laptop and what is Lenovo's return policy? If its 2 weeks, and you're asking for a refund in the 3rd week, it will be a bit more difficult. Tbh, I never heard of a company wanting a case # and tech support when the consumer is requesting a refund.

 

[SDColorado]

When did you purchase the laptop and what is Lenovo's return policy. If its 2 weeks, and you're asking for a refund in the 3rd week, it will be a bit more difficult. Tbh, I never heard of a company wanting a case # and tech support when the consumer is requesting a refund.

That was the question that I had as well. Lenovo has a 30 day return policy with no restocking fee. The only thing that they should need to issue is an RMA.

The only thing I can figure is perhaps they want to assign a case # if someone is returning for a specific reason such as fan noise, just so that they can track the complaints internally?


Edit: If it were me, I would call them back and make sure they are clear that you want to return for a full refund and not do an exchange for another unit.

 

[maflynn]

Edit: If it were me, I would call them back and make sure they are clear that you want to return for a full refund and not do an exchange for another unit.

Agreed, I would just say that I want to return it.

 

[hajime]

When did you purchase the laptop and what is Lenovo's return policy? If its 2 weeks, and you're asking for a refund in the 3rd week, it will be a bit more difficult. Tbh, I never heard of a company wanting a case # and tech support when the consumer is requesting a refund.

I requested to return within the 30 days return period.
[doublepost=1541633550][/doublepost]

I am not sure about the case # part, but the email part is correct. The Lenovo return process includes a step where the tech you speak to on the phone has to submit it for approval (it is always approved within the 30 day return period) and then they will issue you an RMA along with return instructions.

It is fairly simple from that point on. You will receive an email with an RMA and pre-paid shipping label (at least that is the case in the USA where you receive a UPS label). You will need to affix that label and the RMA number to the box the X1E arrived in and you should have 10 days in which to return it under the RMA. Make sure you reset and wipe all data.

That said, I am not sure why you would need a case # vs just an RMA # if the return is for a full refund, rather than an exchange?

Maybe too many people are returning? Anyway, they sent me the RMA.

 

[SDColorado]

I requested to return within the 30 days return period.
[doublepost=1541633550][/doublepost]

Maybe too many people are returning? Anyway, they sent me the RMA.

I don't think that would have anything to do with a case number. But if you stated a specific reason for return, such as fan noise, it might trigger a case # because they wish to investigate it for themselves to see if it is within standard or abnormal.

In other words, "I am returning it because I think there is a problem with the fans" might be of interest to them. "I am returning it because I decided to go a different direction" would not be.

 

[hajime]

I don't think that would have anything to do with a case number. But if you stated a specific reason for return, such as fan noise, it might trigger a case # because they wish to investigate it for themselves to see if it is within standard or abnormal.

In other words, "I am returning it because I think there is a problem with the fans" might be of interest to them. "I am returning it because I decided to go a different direction" would not be.

I see. I asked the agent which configuration of P1 or X1E has no noisy fan issue. She told me to ask sales. We know that sales usually don’t know anything but only interested in selling.
[doublepost=1541684701][/doublepost]Am I correct that laptops with 8 gen cpu with H at the end have higher chance of having noisy fans than those 8 gen cpu with an U at the end?

 

[SDColorado]

I see. I asked the agent which configuration of P1 or X1E has no noisy fan issue. She told me to ask sales. We know that sales usually don’t know anything but only interested in selling.
[doublepost=1541684701][/doublepost]Am I correct that laptops with 8 gen cpu with H at the end have higher chance of having noisy fans than those 8 gen cpu with an U at the end?

H - High-Performance Graphics. These are going to be your 45W chips with Intel graphics such as the Intel UHD 630 found on the MacBook Pro. These are going to draw more power, generate more heat and require more cooling. But they will deliver better performance.

U - Ultra Low Power. These are 67% more power efficient than the H models. They will run considerably cooler and quieter, but have reduced memory bandwidth compared to the H models and will not meet the performance of the H model.

Everything is a compromise, you need to decide which compromise you can best live with. If the fan noise really bothers you, you want a cool and quiet notebook and can live with the performance of the U processor, then a model with a U processor might be the right choice for you. Many of the U models are passively or minimally cooled and remain relatively quiet even under load.

 

[maflynn]

H at the end have higher chance of having noisy fans than those 8 gen cpu with an U at the end?

High end vs ultra low power. The H series will run hotter, no question. For people who need or want that performance, heat and fan noise is an acceptable compromise. U is for people who need battery, portability and are not concerned about performance.

 

[hajime]

For the X1E, I tried various settings to lower the performance to make it quiet. So it seems that for me, there is no point to get a high performance cpu but noisy laptop? Are high end i7-8550U and 8650 U cpus on the Thinkpads also quiet? Do I need to go for the i5? The performance of the cpu in rMBP 2014 15"is sufficient for my needs. Even I did 3D CAD on it, never heard any noise not had heat issue. The cpus of that generation were so good.

 

[SDColorado]

For the X1E, I tried various settings to lower the performance to make it quiet. So it seems that for me, there is no point to get a high performance cpu but noisy laptop? Are high end i7-8550U and 8650 U cpus on the Thinkpads also quiet? Do I need to go for the i5? The performance of the cpu in rMBP 2014 15"is sufficient for my needs. Even I did 3D CAD on it, never heard any noise not had heat issue. The cpus of that generation were so good.

Any of the U-processors are going to be 15W rather than the 45W H processor of the X1E.

Whether or not to get the i5u or i7u for quietness will depend on the design of the laptop in question. I don’t know enough about the Lenovo models to know if the i5 is passively or actively cooled and if actively what kind of fan it uses. Apparently from reviews, even the Y processor in the new MacBook Air can get noisy when worked.

I have the i7 dual core in my Surface Pro and the Surface Book has the i7 quad core. Both of these are actively cooled, but make little more than a “wooosh” sound when worked. You described the X1E as sounding like a jet engine, these sound more like the air vents over the seat when you open them.

The i5 fan-less models will of course make no noise, provided that there is no audible coil whine or the like.

If your priorities are cool, quite and good battery life, the U processors may be a better fit for you than the H.

 

[hajime]

Any of the U-processors are going to be 15W rather than the 45W H processor of the X1E.

Whether or not to get the i5u or i7u for quietness will depend on the design of the laptop in question. I don’t know enough about the Lenovo models to know if the i5 is passively or actively cooled and if actively what kind of fan it uses. Apparently from reviews, even the Y processor in the new MacBook Air can get noisy when worked.

I have the i7 dual core in my Surface Pro and the Surface Book has the i7 quad core. Both of these are actively cooled, but make little more than a “wooosh” sound when worked. You described the X1E as sounding like a jet engine, these sound more like the air vents over the seat when you open them.

The i5 fan-less models will of course make no noise, provided that there is no audible coil whine or the like.

If your priorities are cool, quite and good battery life, the U processors may be a better fit for you than the H.

Thanks. I shall choose a Thinkpad with U processor or an Air and test. What did you do to completely erase personal data before returning your X1E to Lenovo?

 

[Queen6]

For the X1E, I tried various settings to lower the performance to make it quiet. So it seems that for me, there is no point to get a high performance cpu but noisy laptop? Are high end i7-8550U and 8650 U cpus on the Thinkpads also quiet? Do I need to go for the i5? The performance of the cpu in rMBP 2014 15"is sufficient for my needs. Even I did 3D CAD on it, never heard any noise not had heat issue. The cpus of that generation were so good.

What you want currently doesn't exist as you seem to want; Sub 2Kg, ultra quiet and massive computational performance Go for a notebook with a lesser CPU and TB-3, if needs be pickup an eGPU. As I've stated you wont be doing anything meaningful with CUDA on a notebook, outside of an exercise. Even with a full GTX 1070, I'd buy time, or I'd offload to a dedicated array, unless I had absolutely no other alternative.

If you think that you will need a full Workstation further down the line, just purchase a semi decent Ultrabook and put the saved $$$$ into the Workstation, although I would generally expect an employer or faculty to provide such a heavy lifter given the costs.

Irrespective of the CPU if you push it hard fans are going to spool up, difference being higher TDP and greater stability at higher loads. I opted for a bigger notebook as I don't care it weighs close to 3Kg, I care it's silent under basic productivity scenario's and doesn't irritate me. When I need it to run analysis I want to rip through the data as fast as is technically possible, I want all cores to light up to max frequency and hold.

You've been in a holding pattern for months, all notebooks are compromised by their nature simple as that. Part and parcel of science & engineering is making decisions and moving forward...

Q-6

 

[SDColorado]

Thanks. I shall choose a Thinkpad with U processor or an Air and test. What did you do to completely erase personal data before returning your X1E to Lenovo?

The Air can still apparantly be fairly noisy. See video starting at about 2:07. 300 nits would be a non-starter for me as much as I use it outside.

I didn't have much on it since I was still demo-ing with the possibility of return, so I just did Recovery, Reset this PC, Remove Everything.

 

[Queen6]

The Air can still apparantly be fairly noisy. See video starting at about 2:07. 300 nits would be a non-starter for me as much as I use it outside.

I didn't have much on it since I was still demo-ing with the possibility of return, so I just did Recovery, Reset this PC, Remove Everything.

Paying too much for the name here and Apple knows it, D2D absolutely nailed it...

Q-6

 

[SDColorado]

Paying too much for the name here and Apple knows it, D2D absolutely nailed it...

Q-6

Apple knows they have you by the short and curlies, because if you want MacOS and you want to stay in the Apple eco, you have only one choice of vendor. You buy their laptops, regardless of price and issues or you go with a Windows machine. A lot of people love MacOS and the Apple eco that they are willing to pay Apple to stay in it.

$1200 starting price for a wedge design that went out with the Triumph TR7? Come on Apple.

 

[Queen6]

Apple knows they have you by the short and curlies, because if you want MacOS and you want to stay in the Apple eco, you have only one choice of vendor. You buy their laptops, regardless of price and issues or you go with a Windows machine. A lot of people love MacOS and the Apple eco that they are willing to pay Apple to stay in it.

$1200 starting price for a wedge design that went out with the Triumph TR7? Come on Apple.

Think I'd prefer a TR7, it might even be more reliable, by a small margin

Q-6

 

[maflynn]

Paying too much for the name here and Apple knows it, D2D absolutely nailed it...

Q-6

D2D does properly nail down the MBA is not a good value for your money, but he is quick to say its a nice laptop, just too much money (relatively speaking). That's the theme we're seeing from apple in 2017 and now 2018. Higher priced products and people who are enmeshed into the ecosystem have the hands mostly tied. In odd twist that describes me, I like the macOS/apple ecosystem and chose the 2018 MBP. For me its been a stable computer, but it is pricey.

 

[hajime]

D2D does properly nail down the MBA is not a good value for your money, but he is quick to say its a nice laptop, just too much money (relatively speaking). That's the theme we're seeing from apple in 2017 and now 2018. Higher priced products and people who are enmeshed into the ecosystem have the hands mostly tied. In odd twist that describes me, I like the macOS/apple ecosystem and chose the 2018 MBP. For me its been a stable computer, but it is pricey.

The only good thing it has over the old one is that it can drive an external 4K TV.

 

[maflynn]

The only good thing it has over the old one is that it can drive an external 4K TV.

It has multiple USB-C ports (the MacBook only has 1), the screen is retina and a big step above the prior display. Performance is excellent (for that class of machine). Decent battery life. Overall if someone needs an ultabook and they prefer macOS, this is a nice albeit expensive buy.

 

[Queen6]

D2D does properly nail down the MBA is not a good value for your money, but he is quick to say its a nice laptop, just too much money (relatively speaking). That's the theme we're seeing from apple in 2017 and now 2018. Higher priced products and people who are enmeshed into the ecosystem have the hands mostly tied. In odd twist that describes me, I like the macOS/apple ecosystem and chose the 2018 MBP. For me its been a stable computer, but it is pricey.

I looked at the new Air myself today. It is indeed a nice notebook, however for the baseline asking price it should come with a 256 SSD, not the paltry 128 SSD.

Keyboard was better than expected and remains a concern, rest nothing special if your used to a modern Mac.

Agree, Apple is exploring pricing boundaries and will continue to do until things drop off or Apple persuades enough customer's that it's something it's not...

Q-6

 

[maflynn]

Keyboard was better than expected and remains a concern,

That's my concern as a MBP owner right now, I think I'll be ok, given my usage habits. One thing that bothers me, is that I paid a lot of money for the laptop, yet I don't have peace of mind when it comes to the keyboard. Given my preferences, I do enjoy being in the apple ecosystem, and so its fulfilling that need, and performance has been good, but given the negative reactions with the battery life, heat and performance of Mojave, I'm not going to upgrade the OS.

I looked on Swappa and I can sell this for around 2,200 (or 2,000) which means I 'm nearly breaking even if I opt for a similarly equipped Lenovo. I may save some $$ if the BF deals are aggressive for Lenovo. Will I sell this laptop after owning it for a few months? In all honesty, probably not, the temptation is there yes, but like I said, I do enjoy the apple ecosystem, even if I do run this MBP in windows often.

 

[hajime]

It has multiple USB-C ports (the MacBook only has 1), the screen is retina and a big step above the prior display. Performance is excellent (for that class of machine). Decent battery life. Overall if someone needs an ultabook and they prefer macOS, this is a nice albeit expensive buy.

After using the Thinkpad for a month, I know that I don't really need Mac OS. Lightweight is certainly good but I guess I will also have issues when trying to install Linux natively on it.

 

[Queen6]

That's my concern as a MBP owner right now, I think I'll be ok, given my usage habits. One thing that bothers me, is that I paid a lot of money for the laptop, yet I don't have peace of mind when it comes to the keyboard. Given my preferences, I do enjoy being in the apple ecosystem, and so its fulfilling that need, and performance has been good, but given the negative reactions with the battery life, heat and performance of Mojave, I'm not going to upgrade the OS.

I looked on Swappa and I can sell this for around 2,200 (or 2,000) which means I 'm nearly breaking even if I opt for a similarly equipped Lenovo. I may save some $$ if the BF deals are aggressive for Lenovo. Will I sell this laptop after owning it for a few months? In all honesty, probably not, the temptation is there yes, but like I said, I do enjoy the apple ecosystem, even if I do run this MBP in windows often.

Anything can fail, equally if it's critical I don't want to be concerned with a "when" not "if" scenario.

A Notebook to me is simply a tool, same as any other tool if I don't have faith in it I'll replace it in a heartbeat. In the wrong circumstance Apple's flaky keyboard could potentially cost me more than the hardware itself on a daily basis. Let alone the other rising issues we see across the forum.

Right now I'm confident in my primary W10 17.3" only backed up by the lightest of ultra books. Same as all it's predecessor's it will be replaced at the 24 month point.

My GL703GS is fully unlocked, allowing me to manage power limits, even pulling close to 90W CPU holds a stable 85C with all cores lit up at 3.9GHz.

I mostly leave it to the default state of 90/45, yet it can push to 90/90 for PL-1 & PL-2. More importantly I don't have any reliability concern. It travels with me globally be it by whatever means.

Sorry to say I don't want deal with one of Apple's fragile baby's. Pity as the MBP used to be such a stalwart, now more a lifestyle product...

Seen many dig their heels in only to switch in time, even the most aredent Apple fans. Apple turned it's back in it's professional audience, and it will reap what it sow's...

Q-6

 

[maflynn]

I will also have issues when trying to install Linux natively on it

I can pretty much guarantee that you will have issues installing linux. Aside from the fan noise, you had a machine that was fully configured for your needs, you're going to be back to square one now, and that includes the frustrating aspect of installing/configuring linux. The successes you enjoyed getting linux to work, may not occur with a different machine.