Lenovo ThinkPad X390 The 13.3-inch premium compact ThinkPad
The ThinkPad X390 is the compact 13.3-inch ThinkPad — the T-series experience in a smaller body, and the last generation under the old X3xx name before the line moved to the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 1. As a refurbished business laptop from ITR Bulgaria, it suits people who want the classic ThinkPad keyboard and a durable chassis with a carbon-fibre or PPS lid and a magnesium-aluminium base, weighing 1.28 kg in some configurations.
Benefits
Why the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 makes sense as a refurbished business laptop from the premium compact ThinkPad class
Classic ThinkPad keyboard, 1.8 mm travel
Deep 1.8 mm key travel and the red TrackPoint in the middle. For people who type for hours, that is why the hand never has to leave the keys to navigate.
Carbon-fibre or PPS lid, MIL-STD-810G
A chassis with a carbon-fibre or PPS lid and a magnesium-aluminium base, tested against 12 MIL-STD-810G military-grade requirements covering conditions such as vibration, shock, temperature and humidity. This generation was built to survive years of daily carrying.
1.28 kg in a compact 13.3″ body
Around 1.28 kg and a slim 16.9 mm body. You feel it by the third client visit of the day — a machine you carry without thinking about the bag.
Thunderbolt 3 for docking and monitors
A single Thunderbolt 3 port turns the compact laptop into a full workstation — one dock handles monitors, network, peripherals and charging over a single cable.
48 Wh battery + Lenovo Rapid Charge
A 48 Wh battery with Rapid Charge — up to 80% in about an hour with the laptop switched off and a 65W USB-C charger. Enough to skip hunting for an outlet between two meetings in different offices.
ThinkShutter + optional IR camera
On configurations with a camera, the physical ThinkShutter slides across the 720p lens with a finger. On select configurations an IR camera adds Windows Hello — face sign-in without a password.
ThinkShield security + dTPM 2.0
The corporate ThinkShield platform: a discrete TPM 2.0, an optional match-on-chip fingerprint reader, an optional Smart Card slot and a Kensington lock.
Replaceable M.2 NVMe SSD
The M.2 2280 NVMe slot stays open for replacement or an upgrade to 1 TB — a real reserve for extending the life of the machine after purchase.
Optional 4G LTE for field work
Configurations with a nano-SIM slot and a 4G LTE module get online without Wi-Fi — useful when the client network is unavailable or locked down.
Value as a refurbished laptop
As a used laptop from the X series, the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 brings a premium compact ThinkPad build and a recognised corporate brand at a sensible price.
Lenovo ThinkPad X390: the 13.3-inch premium compact ThinkPad before the X13 Gen 1
Some machines earn their place in the story not for what they do, but for the moment they arrive. The ThinkPad X390 is one of them — the last compact ThinkPad to carry the old three-digit X3xx name. The compact X series is the premium compact ThinkPad line, with both 12.5-inch and 13.3-inch models: a functional equivalent of the T series in a smaller body. The Lenovo ThinkPad X390 closes that line under the old name. The next generation shipped as the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 1 (Intel), and with it the whole X280/X380/X390 numbering quietly disappeared.
The story behind that name is worth telling. For a decade the X series followed a scheme introduced back with the Lenovo ThinkPad X300, where each generation added to the model number. After the Lenovo ThinkPad X280, Lenovo did two things at once: it swapped the smaller panel for a 13.3-inch one and jumped to the X390. That turned out to be the end of the scheme — it had simply run its course after ten years, and from the following year the compact and mainstream ThinkPads moved to the simpler X13 and T14 names. What matters for a refurbished-laptop buyer today is that the X13 Gen 1 successor was essentially the same machine — a hardware bump on an identical chassis, keyboard and build. In other words, the X390 is the mature, settled version of a design Lenovo carried unchanged into the next name.
The transition's engineering focus deserves respect: the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 fit a 13.3-inch panel into a footprint nearly indistinguishable from its 12.5-inch predecessor's. The bezels melted to half, and the machine even got thinner than the X280. For the traveling user the trade-off is more screen in the same bag compartment for about 90 grams more when comparing starting weights. Generations like this rarely win headlines, but they are the ones that set a series' course: after the X390, nobody asked again whether the compact ThinkPad needed 13 inches.
Under the hood, the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 runs on 8th-generation Intel Core Whiskey Lake-U — i5 or i7, with vPro options on some units. Graphics are integrated Intel UHD 620 — enough for Office, the browser, video calls and everyday document work, not heavy video editing. Connectivity is premium for the compact class: a single Thunderbolt 3 port for a dock and external monitors, two USB-A 3.1 ports for legacy peripherals, HDMI, and an Ethernet Extension connector for wired networks, with the Ethernet adapter included in the box — the detail that saves you when the client office still runs on cable. The 48 Wh battery with Lenovo Rapid Charge returns about 80% in an hour with a 65W USB-C charger, and the M.2 NVMe SSD slot stays replaceable for a longer service life.
Who is this for? Someone who carries the laptop every day and feels every gram — 1.28 kg in the bag makes a difference by the third client visit. People who type for hours and care about the classic ThinkPad keyboard: 1.8 mm key travel, a clear tactile response, and the red TrackPoint in the centre that keeps navigation between the letters, so the hand never leaves the typing position. This is a machine for people who work mostly from the laptop rather than from a fixed desk setup.
The honest trade-off on the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 is the memory. As on its predecessor, the Lenovo ThinkPad X280, the RAM is soldered to the board — DDR4-2400 up to 32 GB, no SO-DIMM slot, no upgrade after purchase. If memory upgrades weigh on your decision, the direct rival HP EliteBook 830 G6 in the same 13.3-inch premium class keeps a SO-DIMM slot — while the X390 brings back the classic ThinkPad keyboard and TrackPoint. If you want longer runtime and a lighter chassis, the Dell Latitude 7300 offers a carbon-fibre option and a larger 60 Wh battery in the same size. And if you need a touchscreen and tablet mode, the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga is a separate build with 360° hinges and touch. The smaller 13.3-inch screen is a trade-off too — for working with several windows side by side, a 14- or 15-inch T-class is more comfortable. As a refurbished business laptop from ITR Bulgaria, though, the X390 is one of those models where you know exactly what you get: a ThinkPad build with a carbon-fibre or PPS lid, a magnesium-aluminium base and MIL-STD-810G durability, a brand corporate IT teams recognise, and a replaceable SSD. Used laptops from the X series hold a good reputation precisely because they were designed for a long service life — and every refurbished Lenovo ThinkPad goes through a technical audit and preparation with a verified result.
Who it suits
Scenarios where the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 makes the most sense
Travelling professionals who value compactness
A consultant who spends half the week at client sites appreciates the 1.28 kg every time the laptop comes out of the bag — and Rapid Charge every time there is only an hour between two meetings.
Fans of the ThinkPad keyboard
Lawyers, journalists and analysts who type for hours. The deep 1.8 mm travel and the TrackPoint are the reason these people come back to ThinkPad, even when shopping for a compact 13-inch model.
Hybrid work on the move
At the desk a Thunderbolt 3 dock connects monitors and network over one cable; on the move the Ethernet Extension connector (RJ45 adapter included) and the optional 4G LTE keep the connection alive even in someone else's office.
Managers who want a compact machine
For a manager who wants a small, serious laptop for email, documents and video calls between meetings — a chassis with a carbon-fibre or PPS lid and a magnesium-aluminium base, and ThinkShield security in a discreet black body, with no extra bulk.
Model highlights
The last X3xx ThinkPad
The Lenovo ThinkPad X390 ends a decade of X3xx numbering — the next generation is already the X13 Gen 1. It is the mature version of a design Lenovo carried unchanged into the next name.
8th- or 10th-gen Intel Core
Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 from 8th-generation Whiskey Lake-U with Intel UHD 620; outside EMEA, 10th-generation Comet Lake-U Core i5 or i7 with Intel UHD is also offered. vPro options on some configurations — a balanced platform for everyday business work.
Classic ThinkPad keyboard (1.8 mm + TrackPoint)
Deep 1.8 mm key travel, a spill-resistant build and the red TrackPoint in the centre — navigation without the hand leaving the letters.
Carbon-fibre or PPS lid, MIL-STD-810G
A chassis with a carbon-fibre or PPS lid and a magnesium-aluminium base, tested against 12 MIL-STD-810G military-grade requirements. Slim (16.9 mm), black and solid in the hand — a build made for years of daily carrying.
48 Wh battery + Lenovo Rapid Charge
48 Wh with Rapid Charge — up to 80% in about an hour with the laptop switched off and a 65W USB-C charger. A quick top-up between two meetings if you use the break under these conditions, without waiting for a full charge.
Thunderbolt 3 + Ethernet Extension connector (RJ45 adapter included)
One Thunderbolt 3 for docks and monitors, two USB-A 3.1, HDMI and an Ethernet Extension connector with the Ethernet adapter included — a full docking ecosystem in a compact body.
ThinkShield, ThinkShutter, optional PrivacyGuard
Corporate security: dTPM 2.0, a physical ThinkShutter on configurations with a camera, an optional fingerprint reader, and an optional 400-nit PrivacyGuard panel against side viewing.
A sensible choice as a refurbished laptop
A premium compact ThinkPad build and a trusted corporate brand at a sensible price. The replaceable SSD makes the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 well positioned as a used laptop that has been refurbished.
Refurbished by ITR Bulgaria: what value do you get?
Buying a refurbished business-class laptop makes the strongest sense when the device has gone through a standardised internal refurbishment process and arrives with a real warranty. That is how used laptops become refurbished laptops — a practical, predictable and professional alternative to new entry-level machines, or a far more sensible purchase than new premium equivalents.
- ✓ Technical audit and cosmetic assessment of the device according to an internal standard
- ✓ Refurbishment, cleaning, quality improvement and configuration to standard for repeat business use
- ✓ Use of original software and a prepared configuration appropriate to the model
- ✓ Packaging, real warranty and ongoing support for the model from ITR Bulgaria
Ready to browse available units?
The Lenovo ThinkPad X390 is a refurbished business laptop from the premium compact ThinkPad class — checked and prepared for long-term use. Browse current stock or get in touch for help.
Additional information
Where does the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 fit in the series? ▼
In Lenovo's ThinkPad business portfolio the hierarchy runs in tiers: ThinkPad E is the entry business line, ThinkPad L is mainstream, and the premium class splits in two — ThinkPad T (the premium workhorse in 14/15″) and ThinkPad X compact (the premium 13.3″ format). Above them sits the ThinkPad X1 as the ultra-premium flagship. The Lenovo ThinkPad X390 lives in the premium compact class — a functional equivalent of the T series in a smaller body.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X390 succeeds the Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (the smaller 12.5-inch predecessor) and is itself succeeded by the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 1 (Intel), which is essentially the same machine under the new name. Specifically, the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 runs on Intel Whiskey Lake-U (8th generation), with Comet Lake-U (10th generation) versions also offered outside EMEA.
There is also an AMD twin — the Lenovo ThinkPad X395 (Ryzen Pro), which shares the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 chassis but without Thunderbolt. The touch, convertible variant from the same generation is the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga with 360° hinges.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X390 is not ideal if… ▼
- You want to upgrade RAM after purchase — on the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 the memory is soldered (DDR4-2400 up to 32 GB with 8th-generation Intel Core; up to 16 GB with 10th generation; no SO-DIMM). For a SO-DIMM upgrade in the same 13.3-inch class, look at the HP EliteBook 830 G6.
- You want longer runtime or a lighter chassis — the Dell Latitude 7300 offers a carbon-fibre option and an optional larger 60 Wh battery in the same size.
- You need tablet mode or a pen — the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 is a clamshell laptop without 360-degree hinges, although it has touchscreen configurations. For touch and a convertible mode, look at the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga.
- You work with several windows side by side or large spreadsheets — the 13.3-inch screen is compact; the 14-inch Lenovo ThinkPad T490 or the 15-inch Lenovo ThinkPad T590 give more working area.
- You need discrete graphics for video editing or 3D — the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 relies on integrated Intel UHD 620, aimed at office tasks.
- You need a guaranteed specific configuration (a particular CPU, IR camera, 4G LTE, PrivacyGuard panel, FHD display) — configurations vary, so it is worth checking the specific unit.
Choosing the right size and form factor ▼
13.3-inch compact class (Lenovo ThinkPad X390): the most portable premium ThinkPad — around 1.28 kg, for people who carry the machine every day.
14-inch class (Lenovo ThinkPad T490): more screen area and upgrade headroom in the same generation — a balanced size for desk-led work with frequent travel.
15-inch class (Lenovo ThinkPad T590): the largest working area for spreadsheets and multi-window work; heavier, better for mostly stationary use.
Form factor: the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 is a clamshell laptop (no 360-degree hinges) with an optional touchscreen. For a touchscreen, tablet mode and pen, look at the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga — the same compact platform in a convertible build.
Chassis: the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 comes with a carbon-fibre or PPS lid and a magnesium-aluminium base in discreet black. The model is tested against 12 military-grade requirements related to MIL-STD-810G.
Alternative models ▼
Within Lenovo:
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga — the convertible variant from the same generation. The same compact platform, but with 360° hinges, a touchscreen and a pen. A different form factor for people who want tablet mode.
Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 1 (Intel) — the direct successor under the new name. Essentially the same machine with refreshed hardware — a more current platform as a refurbished laptop.
Lenovo ThinkPad X280 — the predecessor with a smaller 12.5-inch screen. Like the Lenovo ThinkPad X390, it has soldered RAM without a SO-DIMM slot for an upgrade, but it is an older generation.
Cross-brand alternatives (13.3″, premium business class):
HP EliteBook 830 G6 — the direct 13.3-inch rival from HP's premium line. It keeps a SO-DIMM slot for a RAM upgrade (a rarity in this class); the Lenovo ThinkPad X390, in turn, brings back the classic Lenovo ThinkPad keyboard and TrackPoint.
Dell Latitude 7300 — the flagship 13.3-inch Dell Latitude. It offers a carbon-fibre option and an optional larger 60 Wh battery. Trade-off: a different ecosystem and keyboard feel compared with Lenovo ThinkPad.
Note: do not compare the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 with the Lenovo ThinkPad E or L series — they sit in a different, lower business class and target a different audience.
Refurbished by ITR Bulgaria: what value do you get? ▼
The Lenovo ThinkPad X390 is a model where refurbishment by ITR Bulgaria has clear logic. First, the ThinkPad build is standardised and well documented, which makes the technical audit and preparation easier and with a verifiable result. The replaceable M.2 NVMe SSD further helps bring the machine into good shape for repeat use.
Second, ThinkPad has been a recognised and trusted brand in corporate IT teams for decades. When a refurbished used laptop is a Lenovo ThinkPad X390, it slots naturally into existing corporate standards. After refurbishment, the model is prepared for repeat business use with a real warranty and support from ITR Bulgaria — the difference between an unverified used laptop and a refurbished business laptop with a professional background.
Frequently asked questions ▼
Is the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 a good choice as a used laptop?
Yes, for a specific buyer profile. It is a premium compact ThinkPad with a carbon-fibre or PPS lid and a magnesium-aluminium base, a classic keyboard with TrackPoint and MIL-STD-810G durability — designed for a long service life. As a refurbished laptop, it gives a premium 13.3-inch experience at a sensible price. The main thing to keep in mind: the memory is soldered, with no upgrade after purchase.
What is the difference between the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 and the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 1 (Intel)?
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 1 (Intel) is the direct successor to the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 under the new name Lenovo introduced when the old X3xx scheme ran out. In practice it is the same machine with refreshed hardware — an identical chassis, keyboard and build. The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 1 (Intel) is the more current platform; the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 is often more affordable as a refurbished laptop.
What is the difference between the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T490?
The same platform and philosophy in a different size: the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 is the compact 13.3-inch version (around 1.28 kg), while the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 is the 14-inch one with more screen area and usually more upgrade headroom. The Lenovo ThinkPad X390 is for people who prioritise compactness and mobility; the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 is for those who want more working area.
What configurations are found on the Lenovo ThinkPad X390?
The model comes with Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 from 8th-generation Whiskey Lake-U (including vPro options) and, outside EMEA, with 10th-generation Comet Lake-U Core i5 or i7. The soldered DDR4-2400 RAM is up to 32 GB with the 8th generation and up to 16 GB with the 10th. It has an M.2 NVMe SSD up to 1 TB. On select units the following may be available: an IR camera for Windows Hello, a fingerprint reader, 4G LTE / nano-SIM, an FHD IPS display (up to 400 nits with PrivacyGuard) and a Smart Card reader. It is worth checking the specific unit.

