TechRadar Verdict
This platform appears to have been stymied by Intel before it was even made.
The model reviewed here uses a 12th-generation Intel Core i5 mobile processor that first appeared in January 2022.
It comes with 16GB of DDR4 memory, 512GB of storage, and a 14-inch 1440p resolution display.
It also uses an older GPU technology, and it lacks any biometric access control.
The i3 model starts at $369, and the i5-12450 is $399 in the USA.
They are 357.20 and 386.24 in Europe and 297.51 or 321.69 in the UK.
But these can use DDR5 memory, have USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and biometrics.
Most other laptops using this platform are either discontinued or end-of-line.
I wasnt expecting much from either, but the keyboard works well enough.
If possible, I would like to see inside laptops to determine what upgrade options are available.
To remove the underside involves nine visible screws, one of which was underneath a QA sticker.
From a business perspective, however, there is a significant pachyderm in this room.
You could add a security dongle, but that undermines the low-cost logic of this machine.
Thats the first issue; the second is that it uses DDR4 memory, not DDR5.
It also has the option for Thunderbolt.
Therefore, this system probably has PCIe lanes that remain forever unused.
As the numbers shout from the highest mountains, this system is bandwidth-limited.
Should you buy a Chuwi CoreBook X?
Value
Good build quality for the price.
3/5
Design
Well made, large screen, HDMI out, but no biometrics.
Using 1,000mb/s rated external SSDs or even faster options wont operate to their full potential.
For more options, we’ve reviewed thebest business laptopson the market right now.
