As we noted at the start, the matte-black X280 is a first-rate alternative to the white-and-gold XPS 13. We lean toward the latter because it offers a larger screen in a smaller package, as well as the option for a 4K-resolution panel, but we wouldn't kick the ThinkPad X280 out of our briefcase,...
Sleek design with MIL-SPEC durability; Excellent screen and keyboard; Good variety of ports
Loses its predecessors' hot-swappable battery; 12.5-inch display a tad small versus current 13.3-inchers