If you prioritize gaming or need high performance for tasks like video editing, the Dell Alienware x14 R1 is a better fit due to its powerful graphics and faster processor, but it may be heavier and have shorter battery life compared to the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, which is sleeker and more lightweight, making it ideal for general use and portability, especially if you often work on the go. Keep in mind that while the Alienware might be a bit cheaper, investing in the ThinkBook could pay off in terms of carrying comfort and battery longevity. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the Dell Alienware x14 R1
Very good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Very good overall build quality
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Excellent portability
Very good speakers
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.6/10
6.6/10
7.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.3/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is good for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x is only fair.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has a more powerful GPU and a higher screen refresh rate, making it well-suited for demanding gaming and 3D applications, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, with a less robust GPU and lower screen refresh rate, may handle less intensive tasks but could struggle with advanced gaming or 3D work despite having a competent CPU and good screen quality.
Screen Quality
7.9/10
8.2/10
14.0in
SIZE
13.5in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
411.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
500.0 nits
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has a better screen than the Dell Alienware x14 R1 for general use, engineering and design, and software development.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1, with its high-resolution and bright panel, provides clarity and comfort for everyday tasks and detailed work in engineering, but its lower refresh rate can hinder the smoothness desired in fast-paced gaming and 3D applications. On the other hand, the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x offers a similar high-resolution and bright display that excels in general use and provides accurate colors for professionals in engineering and design, yet it too doesn't meet the high refresh rate demands of gaming and 3D content creation. Both laptops present a compromise, delivering excellent visual fidelity for work and daily activities but falling short for the immersive experience gamers and 3D artists seek due to their lower refresh rates.
Portability
Very Good
Excellent
14.0in
SIZE
13.5in
4.0 lbs
WEIGHT
2.7 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has excellent portability, while the Dell Alienware x14 R1 has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5/10
7.6/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has very good build quality, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,201
$1,399
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has a price of $1,201 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x costs $1,399.
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Dell Alienware x14 R1 are both good for general use.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1, with a strong CPU and sufficient RAM, offers solid performance for most tasks, while its higher screen quality enhances visual experiences; however, its portability and battery life are slightly compromised due to its gaming-oriented design. On the other hand, the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x is lighter and boasts longer battery life, making it highly portable and suitable for everyday use, though it may not match the Alienware's performance for more demanding applications.
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
7.9/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
7.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Alienware x14 R1 to be very good for engineering and design, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x is good.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 boasts a higher-end CPU, more RAM, and a superior GPU, essential for demanding engineering software and design applications, alongside a quality screen for precise visuals. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, while still capable for engineering tasks, offers greater portability and a quieter operating experience, with a decent keyboard and speakers, but it falls short in raw computing power when compared to the Alienware.
Content Creation
7.9/10
8.0/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkBook 13x to be very good for content creation, while the Dell Alienware x14 R1 is good.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.7/10
7.9/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Dell Alienware x14 R1 are both good for software development.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Battery
9.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has 9 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has 8 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
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How the Dell Alienware x14 R1 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x compare to other laptops
"The Alienware X14 series is thinner, but also slower than the competition. With the X series, you get plenty of modern technology: Intel Alder Lake CPUs, GeForce RTX 3000 GPUs, Thunderbolt 4, PCIe 4.0, Wi-Fi 6E, G-Sync, and Advanced Optimus. However, the slim design has some drawbacks, just like its larger siblings. The shifted hinge position results in a very deep device with a large footprint compared to the competition."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware x14 R1 or the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
About Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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