Lenovo ThinkPad X270 review

A 2017 ThinkPad X270: compact chassis, modest silicon, honest price

The Lenovo ThinkPad X270 (2017) is the classic 12-inch subcompact business machine: an Intel Core i5 7300U with 32GB of RAM at $184, well below the business-class median of about $297. There is no discrete graphics on file (score zero against a class median of 3.84), and the CPU score of 23.33 against 52.97 places it in the basic band by class standards.

The X-series formula: small, sturdy, upgraded memory

The X270 delivers the traditional X-series virtues — a compact magnesium-reinforced chassis, the ThinkPad keyboard, and in this listing a substantial 32GB of RAM that doubles what most X270s shipped with. For writing, browsing and office work on the move, the memory upgrade keeps the machine comfortable years beyond its processor generation. The dual-battery architecture (internal plus swappable) was an X270 signature worth checking on any specific unit.

Basic-band compute and an aging outlook

The verdict names graphics the leading weakness — integrated-only, no capability flags on file — and the CPU sits well below the class median. Reliability reads 16 against 42.5, consistent with the machine's age. This is gentle-duty hardware: buyers should expect solid office performance, nothing sustained or visual, and should inspect battery health given the years.

The value curve has flattened

From a $1300 base the X270 has eased to $184, about 7.6% per year, with a projected $157 in two years. The remaining dollar risk is small.

Business-class neighbors

Pricier options include the EliteBook 850 G4 ($207) and ProBook 640 G3 ($195); cheaper ones include the ProBook 455 G2 ($174) and EliteBook 745 G4 ($172). The X270's differentiator is its subcompact size and keyboard — the alternatives are all larger machines.

Bottom line

The X270 at $184 is a compact typist's ThinkPad with an unusual 32GB memory upgrade. Basic-band CPU (23.33), no graphics claims and reliability 16 define the ceiling: gentle office duty. Buy it for the size, the keyboard and the RAM — the classic X-series argument at a floor price.