The X130e has the usual connectivity of a compact subnotebook. Three USB ports (USB 2.0) are provided on the laptop. Their performance is poor: a mere 25 MB/s. Optimally these interfaces should deliver 50% higher performance but we would have been happy with 30 MB/s. A modern USB 3.0 interface (as in the MSI Wind U270) would have been a great plus for this model.

VGA and HDMI interfaces take care of display output to an external monitor, but only one interface can be used at a time. Sound output can be delivered via HDMI interface or 3.5 mm audio jack, which is also compatible with a microphone or headset. The 4-in-1 card reader (SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC), GBit LAN and Kensington Lock round off the connectivity of the test model.

The positioning of the ports could have been better. Lenovo has placed all the interfaces on the left and right sides of the laptop and this will easily lead to a cable spaghetti if multiple ports are simultaneously used. Thankfully, the ports are well-spaced and will not block the neighboring interfaces while they are in use. In fact, Lenovo even went a little overboard (unlike in the X121e) and has made it possible to connect both ends of a USB Y cable to the notebook.

Communication

The WLAN module (manufactured by Broadcom) enables users to connect to wireless networks with the IEEE standard: 802.11b/g/n. The module can achieve speeds of up to 150 MB/s (1×1). Some models offer an a/b/g/n module which can access the 5 GHz frequency and achieve speeds up to 300 MB/s. Bluetooth 3.0 is also on-board and can be deactivated, like the WLAN, with an Fn key combination. An optional WWAN card (mini PCI Express) is essential for mobile devices but sadly the X130e is not provided with such a module.

Skype and other programs run well with the webcam despite the low resolution of 0.3 MP. The picture may not be very detailed but the webcam delivers a fluid video feed with few distortions. The integrated microphone (hand-rest region) could have been better, but for everyday use, the record quality is sufficient (ASM 42T4948 batteries).

Keyboard

The input devices are the strength of the ThinkPad models, and even the cheap X130e upholds this tradition proudly. The test model is equipped with a black chiclet keyboard with normal-sized keys (15 mm). The unconventional placement of the Print and Page Up/Down keys can prove to be annoying. As in other Lenovo models, the CTRL and Fn keys are swapped but their functions can be changed in the BIOS.  This keyboard is quite special as it is protected from water spills (“spill-resistant”).

The typing feel may not be at the same level as that of the ThinkPad T420 or other high-end models, but the test model still offers good quality. The large stroke distance paired with the medium pressure point gives the user good feedback. The experience would have been better if the surface of the keyboard were more structured. The sturdiness is great: typists will not find any weak spots on this keyboard. The quiet impact noise is the icing on the cake.

Trackpoint

This input device is familiar to many users around the world. The small red input device is placed between the G, H and B keys and allows the user to navigate the cursor quickly and precisely. The Trackpoint is a perfect mouse replacement thanks to the buttons placed under the space bar (scrolling, left and right click). The quality leaves no room for complaint. Some far more expensive laptops should learn form the precise pressure point and quiet click of this input device.

Touchpad

The touchpad is less exciting. It has a nice surface structure and offers many of the great qualities found in the Trackpoint. Sadly though the surface area far too small: 75 x 38 mm. Multi-touch gestures are much harder due to the small size. The exceptional mouse keys and the amazing slide property of the touchpad can not make up for the size. This touchpad is meant for emergency use (LENOVO FRU 42T4961 batteries).

Display

The resolution of 1366×768 pixels is standard for cheap 11.6 inch subnotebooks. The ThinkPad X130e has a pixel density of 135 dpi which is a good compromise between work area and letter size.

The LED backlight has a brightness of 173 cd/m², which falls to 142 cd/m² in the bottom right corner. Despite the matte display surface, the laptop is not suited for use in bright surroundings, as even indoors use requires the maximum brightness. In fact, use of the laptop is much better in the dark and the brightness has 15 levels which allows the user to almost deactivate it.

The notebook has a high black value of 1.24 cd/m² which translates to a contrast of 146:1. This value is typical for a cheap TN panel and the competition (MSI and Samsung) use similar low-quality displays, although at least the 305U1A has a decent illumination.

The display captures a mere 54% of the sRGB color space – one of the poorest values we have seen. Few people intend to use the ThinkPad for professional picture editing and we would like to emphasize the fact that this panel is not suited for it. Thankfully, the restricted color spectrum does not have an adverse affect on the everyday use of the laptop.

Outdoors use of the laptop will be a problem as the brightness is too low. The display is anti-glare, but due to the low brightness, the content on the screen is barely legible in the sunlight. We can not understand why Lenovo chose to cut costs in this area. We do not think that the X130e would have been a lot more expensive if it had higher brightness.

The viewing angle stability is poor. Deviations in the vertical plane will result in color inverting and drop in contrast. The horizontal plane is more stable: slight deviations are tolerated well. This TN panel is not suited for multiple viewers.

The video output quality of the provided display interfaces is decent. Although, the picture is not completely clear, VGA output is good and has no flickers. We recommend the use of the HDMI interface whenever possible.

Speakers

The X130e is not designed to be a great entertainer and thus Lenovo places little value in the speakers. The stereo speakers hidden under the keyboard deliver sound which leaves much to be wished. Music output is made up of a range of high tones and the speakers are not very loud. These speakers are cheap devices which are good enough for a Skype call or the playback of a trailer.

The headphone jack is far better. This interface delivers good sound even through HiFi models such as the AKG K 701. We recommend the use of the HDMI interface for home systems as this interface can transmit the signals of multiple channels (ASUS ADP-180EB D adapters).

Verdict

The question on every reader’s mind: can the buyer expect a real ThinkPad for less than 500 Euros? After all, even the predecessor, X121e, showed one or two flaws when we looked closer.

The X130e is a different story: even when compared to far more expensive laptops, the workmanship quality is amazing. The design may be old but the laptop was never meant to be part of a fashion show. The biggest disadvantage of this robust build is the heavy weight, which is noticeably higher than the competition.

Lenovo has picked the right CPU for the job: the AMD E-450. Users should not expect amazing performance from the Fusion APU but the extremely low consumption values and the thereby resulting long battery life are great pros for the X130e, as they allow the subnotebook to be used an entire day on-the-go. The decision to upgrade to the Intel alternative (Core i3-2367M) is free for each user to make. The upgrade will deliver more performance but will come at a high price.

We lament the missing USB 3.0 interface and the somewhat small touchpad (the input devices are otherwise exceptional). Thankfully, the ThinkPad has few major flaws, such as the display, which prevents the notebook from reaching an excellent rating. The screen is matt but far too dark for outdoors use (LENOVO 42T5288 adapters).

Students who need a mobile but sturdy laptop for the university will find the ThinkPad X130e to be a good fit. Other buyers should take a look at the more outdoors-friendly Samsung 305U1A and MSI Wind U270 with USB 3.0.