Description
Quick summary: The Lenovo ThinkPad X280 is a professionally refurbished 12.5-inch ultraportable with Intel Core i5 8th Gen (i5-8250U or i5-8350U) with 4 cores / 8 threads, up to 3.6 GHz, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD and a 12.5″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS anti-glare display. Best for: frequent travellers who want the smallest, lightest ThinkPad with 16GB RAM.
Overview
The Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (2018) is a 12.5-inch ultraportable from Lenovo. This configuration pairs the Intel Core i5 8th Gen (i5-8250U or i5-8350U) with 16GB RAM and a 256GB SSD. Its 12.5″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS anti-glare screen and 1.13 kg weight make it comfortable for long working days. Each unit is professionally refurbished – cleaned, fully tested and ready to use – so you get business-class build quality for far less than a new machine.
Key features
- Processor: Intel Core i5 8th Gen (i5-8250U or i5-8350U) – 4 cores / 8 threads, up to 3.6 GHz
- Memory: 16GB RAM
- Storage: 256GB SSD – fast boot and app loading
- Display: 12.5″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS anti-glare
- Portability: 1.13 kg, 48 Wh battery
- Just 1.13 kg – fits small bags
- 16GB RAM on this unit
- MIL-STD-810G tested
Lenovo ThinkPad X280 full specifications
Processor & graphics
| Processor | Intel Core i5-8250U / Intel Core i5-8350U (varies by unit) |
|---|---|
| Generation | 8th Gen (Kaby Lake R) |
| Cores / threads | 4 cores / 8 threads |
| Base clock speed | 1.6–1.7 GHz |
| Max turbo speed | 3.4–3.6 GHz |
| Cache | 6 MB Intel Smart Cache |
| Processor power (TDP) | 15 W |
| Integrated graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
Memory & storage
| Memory (RAM) | 16GB RAM |
|---|---|
| RAM upgrades | Soldered DDR4 (not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
| Storage interface | M.2 2242 PCIe NVMe SSD |
Display
| Display | 12.5″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS anti-glare |
|---|---|
| Touchscreen | No |
Connectivity & ports
| Wireless | Intel Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) + Bluetooth 4.2 |
|---|---|
| Ports | 1x USB-C Thunderbolt 3, 1x USB-C 3.1 (charging), 2x USB-A 3.1, HDMI 1.4b, microSD reader, Ethernet via adapter port, 3.5 mm combo jack |
Camera, audio & input
| Webcam | 720p HD webcam |
|---|---|
| Keyboard | Backlit ThinkPad keyboard with TrackPoint |
| Security | Fingerprint reader, dTPM 2.0 |
Battery & power
| Battery | 48 Wh |
|---|---|
| Charger | 65W USB-C |
Design
| Weight | 1.13 kg |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 17.4 mm |
| Form factor | 12.5-inch ultraportable |
Software, condition & warranty
| Condition | Professionally refurbished – cleaned, fully tested and ready to use |
|---|
How it compares
How the Lenovo ThinkPad X280 stacks up against similar machines buyers in Kenya often compare it with (all available from Computer Accessories Kenya):
| Model | Processor | RAM / storage | Display | Weight | Stand-out feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (this item) | Core i5 8th Gen | 16GB / 256GB SSD | 12.5″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS anti-glare | 1.13 kg | Just 1.13 kg – fits small bags |
| Dell Latitude 7390 | Core i5 8th Gen | 8GB / 256GB SSD | 13.3″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) anti-glare | 1.17 kg | Carbon-fibre / aluminium body from 1.17 kg |
| HP EliteBook 830 G5 | Core i7 8th Gen | 16GB / 512GB SSD | 13.3″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS anti-glare | 1.33 kg | Quad-core i7 with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD on this unit |
Verdict: the Lenovo ThinkPad X280 stands out for: Just 1.13 kg – fits small bags. It is the right pick for frequent travellers who want the smallest, lightest ThinkPad with 16GB RAM.
Who it’s for
- Microsoft Office, email and web browsing
- Zoom, Teams and Google Meet calls
- Online classes, research and assignments
What’s in the box
- Lenovo ThinkPad X280 laptop
- Power adapter / charger
Frequently asked questions
What processor does the Lenovo ThinkPad X280 have and how fast is it?
This unit has the Intel Core i5-8250U (some units ship with the Intel Core i5-8350U), an 8th Gen (Kaby Lake R) chip with 4 cores and 8 threads. It boosts up to 3.6 GHz, with 6 MB of cache.
Can I upgrade the RAM or storage on the Lenovo ThinkPad X280?
The RAM is soldered DDR4 (not upgradeable). Storage uses M.2 2242 PCIe NVMe SSD, so you can fit a larger SSD later.
Who is the Lenovo ThinkPad X280 best for?
Frequent travellers who want the smallest, lightest ThinkPad with 16GB RAM. It handles Office, browsing, video calls and online learning with ease; it is not designed for heavy gaming.
What condition is this refurbished unit in?
It is professionally refurbished: cleaned, fully tested and ready to use, so you get a business-grade machine at a fraction of its original price.
Do you deliver in Nairobi and across Kenya?
Yes. Computer Accessories Kenya offers free delivery within Nairobi for orders of up to 5 items, and countrywide delivery to all counties from KSh 500 depending on location. Returns are accepted within 7 days.
Buy the Lenovo ThinkPad X280 in Kenya
Order online from Computer Accessories Kenya (computeraccessories.co.ke) and pay securely at checkout. We offer free delivery within Nairobi for orders of up to 5 items, countrywide delivery from KSh 500 depending on your county, and 7-day returns. Need help choosing? Contact our team before you order.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.