Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Extreme is a 15.6-inch business laptop that is filled with performance hardware to help you get through a day's work. It's loaded with ports, it has plenty of security features, and you can choose from FHD or 4K display options. It's pretty much the complete package, though it can certainly benefit from some worthwhile accessories. We've rounded up the best right here that will work with both the first- and second-generation X1 Extreme models.
Thunderbolt 3 dock
This is an expensive dock, but it's well worth the money if you want to create a workstation with your X1 Extreme. It connects with Thunderbolt 3 and adds 15 ports, including five USB-A 3.1, DisplayPort, two USB-C 3.1, Ethernet, and two Thunderbolt 3, and it can charge your laptop with up to 85W of power at the same time.
Premium design
Waterfield's products are handmade in San Francisco and come with a stellar warranty, so you can be sure this is a quality sleeve. It's made to fit exactly around the X1 Extreme, and it's available in either waxed canvas or ballistic nylon. Choose from vertical or horizontal orientation, and add a strap if you'd like to sling it over your shoulder.
Quality inking
If you have a first-gen 4K touch model, a Wacom AES 2.0 pen — like Lenovo's Pen Pro — will let you take advantage of Windows Ink features. The pen has 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, a battery that lasts more than 150 hours, and it supports tilt function. It has three buttons that can be configured, and it includes three replacement nibs.
Wireless pointing
The X1 Extreme includes a touchpad and a ThinkPad TrackPoint system, but a wireless mouse can still increase productivity and precision. The MX Master 2S is an outstanding mouse thanks to ergonomic design, up to 70-day battery life, a precise Darkfield sensor that works on any surface, and connections over Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz receiver.
Comfortable keyboard
The X1 Extreme promotes productivity, but typing all day can harm your wrists. An ergonomic keyboard, like this Surface option, can help. The keys are split and angled to promote better wrist health, it has an Alcantara palm rest for added comfort, and a number pad allows you to crunch numbers.
Budget protection
Inateck's sleeve keeps it basic, which allows for a bargain price that's pretty much unbeatable. Included is a main zippered pocket with soft fleece lining and a secondary zippered pouch on the front for your smaller accessories. Choose from three different colors to suit your style and carry it alone under an arm or in a backpack thanks to a slim profile.
Laptop messenger
This Timbuk2 Command messenger should do the trick for anyone who commutes or often travels. It has plenty of room inside with padding for your laptop, two secure clips hold the flap in place, and it can be carried in-hand or over the shoulder. Choose from a bunch of different colors to best match your style.
Bigger 4K display
HP's Z27 is a 27-inch 4K display with superb color and contrast, a 60Hz refresh rate, and 8ms response time for smooth visuals. The IPS panel has wide viewing angles, and you can connect with USB-C, HDMI, or DisplayPort. Included are three USB-A ports for connected accessories. If the 15.6-inch display in the X1 Extreme isn't enough, this should make a great addition to your workstation.
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All of the above accessories can definitely complement the ThinkPad X1 Extreme, but if you're wondering exactly where to start, we can help.
Thanks to dual Thunderbolt 3 ports on the X1 Extreme, you can easily connect a quality Thunderbolt 3 docking station for added connectivity. Our pick is the CalDigit TS3 Plus with plenty of ports, a compact design, and excellent performance. You get five USB-A 3.1 ports, two USB-C 3.1, DisplayPort 1.2, two Thunderbolt 3 (one for the host connection), Ethernet, S/PDIF, an SD card reader, and 3.5mm audio in and out.
That's a lot of ports, and they're all contained in a durable aluminum chassis that can sit vertically or horizontally. While connected, your X1 Extreme will stay charged thanks to up to 85W of charging power. If you're looking to connect more external monitors, the TS3 Plus will handle dual 4K displays at a 60Hz refresh rate.
The X1 Extreme can fill many roles, and you'll no doubt want to keep it close by your side. There are many sleeves and cases out there, but for something truly premium that will last for years, we recommend checking out Waterfield's Sleevecase. It costs more than a lot of options, but it's handmade in San Francisco from either ballistic nylon or waxed canvas.
Leather accents add to the style, and you can choose from vertical or horizontal orientation for the flap. A secondary pouch on the outside has room for your smaller accessories, and it's TSA-checkpoint friendly, so you don't have to pull out your laptop while traveling. A lifetime warranty helps digest the relatively steep price.
