I've had a special place in my heart for the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon series for a while now. I have personally reviewed Gen 11, Gen 12, and now Gen 13.

The Gen 12 was a nice upgrade from the Gen 11, and that trend continues with the Gen 13. So much so, that if I ever needed to move my primary machine away from Mac (stuck in Mac Ecosystem for many reasons for my primary machine), I would strongly consider this laptop as a business every-day machine.

It's got everything that a busy business professional could want or need. It has great ports, power, a good battery, excellent performance, and is lightweight and easy to carry. What more could you want from one of the best business laptops around?

I keep specifically saying that a business professional laptop is needed for a reason- that's what it is. With that being said, I will review this laptop. It's not meant to be a creative powerhouse, it's not meant for the developers who need maxed-out machines to process large warehouses and scripts, and it's not meant for the casual browser who might check their email and Google a few things.

This computer is intended for the business professional whose day-to-day work depends on their needs. Still, one thing is for sure: they need something reliable, able to jump in and out of work, portable enough to go from place to place, has a great port selection for what may come and whatever they may need, and the ease of use that comes with a ThinkPad. It might be one of the best Lenovo ThinkPad laptops around - and it's definitely my favorite yet.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition: Unboxing & first impressions

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 came in compact and secure packaging, much like all Lenovo devices I have reviewed. It came with a 65W USB-C charger, the proper documentation, and nothing else. It's pretty straightforward.

After my first look at this machine, I noticed that it reminds me of the other Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon laptops I tested. They are all clearly in the same family. Beyond the comparison, it looks very sleek and professional, it's lightweight, portable, and built from clearly high-quality materials that I don't have to worry about breaking every day I take it out of the house.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition: Design & Build Quality

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition is built from, as the name implies, carbon fiber and magnesium alloy, making a durable yet lightweight chassis while still allowing for a professional and premium feel as well.

The keyboard has the touchpoint in the middle as Lenovo Laptops do, and on top of that, it has a great backlit keyboard with excellent tactile feedback on every press, making it comfortable to use all day long. The ThinkPad's touchpad has integrated buttons on the top of the square, making it super easy to click, click and drag, right click, and so on from the touchpad or the touchpoint.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition: In use

I could go on and on about using this machine for the last 137 days. During this time, I have had the X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura in a rotation with my other workhorse machines, and even so, this one has stood out among the rest. It's been a favorite to grab quick for a day working out and about, using when working from home, or taking on a short trip due to it's compact size yet blazing performance.

So far, it has handled multitasking and productivity for business tasks with ease. I have thrown my plethora of Chrome tabs with project management tools and large documents at it without a problem. I've run basic prompts through Postman, done some light photo editing, a lot of writing, emails, and some fun benchmarks, and so far this machine has not skipped a beat.

One thing that makes this machine special with that Aura edition is the inclusion of security parameters like how it will blur the screen, suggest a VPN, and prompt me if someone is looking over my shoulder while I am working out at a coffee shop or in a co-working space.

I love the 14-inch platform for laptops. I have had 12-inch laptops, 13-inch laptops, 15-inch laptops, 11 iPads, and so on, but the 14-inch is my absolute favorite. It's just the right size, the sweet spot even, between easy to carry and still having plenty of room on the screen for all your tasks, project management, virtual meetings, writing, and so on.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition: Final verdict

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition is a powerful option for professional individuals in need of a laptop that is not just lightweight but also durable and loaded with all manner of features. This computer is a fantastic component helping me do what I do.

Some people love all-in-one computers; some hate them. I've been in offices where every station has an iMac, in environments where everyone has a desktop with a monitor, in workspaces where everyone has a laptop, and in hot desk offices.

I always prefer to have what I need in my bag or a hot desk scenario, but for that workspace that makes sense, like a front desk, an admin's desk, or a simple in-room computer, for whatever reason, the best all-in-one computers make a lot of sense.

The goal is to have something that is simply all in one; there is no need for extra docks, monitors, adapters, or bulk. Just one display with a machine built into the casing is always there and ready to go. Simple.

That's where the ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5 thrives. It's a simple machine. However, that can also be its downfall if misused.

ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5: Price and Availability

The Lenovo ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5 is available on the Lenovo main site for $959.40. It's also widely available from online retailers, so you should have no trouble getting your hands on one.

ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5: Unboxing & first impressions

The Lenovo computers are always well packaged, ensuring no damage in transit or delivery. This model specifically had some odd instructions for assembly, though we were able to put the few pieces together to get this machine booted up and running as it should.

At first glance, this machine stood out as more modern-looking, with a professional leaning toward it. It's designed for an office space as a front desk unit or at a desk in a cubicle. The display, the center of an AIO unit, offers good color accuracy and brightness, though nothing ground-breaking with its FHD resolution.

The ThinkCentre M90a also comes with a bundled mouse and keyboard, though I'd suggest not using it, grabbing a decent Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, and freeing up those ports.

In my initial feel test, setup, and first impression of this machine, it seems capable of what it's designed for. With ports to spare, this machine could be a true all-in-one, not needing extra docks or hubs to get the basics done as many computers need.

ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5: Design & Build Quality

The Lenovo ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5 has the build quality you'd expect if you have any experience with Lenovo products. It's built well, feels like it will last, and is relatively compact.

That compact design saves overall desk space because you don't need a monitor, a desktop, or a dock; all you have on the desk is the base to the AIO if even that. If you want to, you can VESA mount this machine and get it off the desk entirely.

If you choose to use the stand, it has adjustable tilt and height with some integrated cable management as well, helping to keep that tidy workspace even more.

ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5: In use

This machine is designed for basic admin and basic office work. In that sense, it handled those tasks efficiently and easily. I started trying to push it under the heavy load of my day, but I felt a bit slow. However, for the vast majority of users who could benefit from a Lenovo AIO machine, you'll be just fine with the ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5 capabilities.

I've been on a single monitor kick recently. I went through my phase of wanting as many monitors as possible, and many of my reviews around here will showcase some images from those days. However, recently, I have become a big fan of simplicity. I realized while using this machine that it doesn't get much simpler. It's just a machine that you can leave wherever you are. You have one power cable running into it, and you know it will always be there, ready to work when you are.

If you want to expand your screen real estate, there is an HDMI and a DisplayPort out, allowing you to plug into an external monitor and have even more room to work with. This would be great for a TV if you need to prep and present things in a conference room but don't want to mount a headless mini desktop behind the TV or if you have a desk running a menu board or display screen. Or, of course, it's also great if you just want to see what you are working on even better than before.

All around, this machine is solid for what it is; it's a simple productivity machine for business tasks that don't require a heavy computational load. For that, this computer is good, but this one feels a tad lacking in the world of high-performing, high-powered machines.

ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5: Final verdict

Lenovo ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5 is an all-in-one desktop PC that blends nicely into professional settings.

It is an excellent model for use by someone with everyday computing demands since it makes for a streamlined and clean environment and gives users solid and steady performance one can rely on.

For people or professionals, though, who either need improved performance for their graphics or have specific requirements, this may not be the machine for you, and that's okay.

For more pro-level devices, we've reviewed the best business computers and the best business laptops for professionals.

Branch is a professional ergonomic furniture company that I have grown to appreciate over the last few years. I've reviewed a pretty wide range of the company's desks and chairs - so I was pretty excited to try out the Branch Aire.

As the name suggests, this chair is light. It has a very breathable design, with a single piece of material running from the seat to the back, creating a cohesive, all-in-one look. All around, this chair is solid. It's lightweight and a bit skimpy, but it's solid, comfortable for most, and out of all the best office chairs I've tested, it's the easiest one I have ever assembled (other than chairs that come fully assembled).

Branch Aire: Price and Availability

The Branch Aire is available on the Branch website right here, where it retails for just under $500 in three different colorways - Vapor (reviewed here), Graphene, and a brand new Hunter color.

Branch Aire: Unboxing & first impressions

The Aire arrived in a compact yet well-packaged box. Each component is labelled and protected with packing material to ensure no rips or punctures in the mesh material during transit.

The chair took only about 7 minutes to assemble as I did not have to screw a backrest into a base or armrests into a base/backrest like I usually have to with the chairs that I test. All I had to do was take the base, add the wheels, add the piston, and then put the chair on top of the piston/base combo. All around, it's it's pretty simple.

Before I saw this chair in person, I looked it up online. It appeared sleek, sharp, and futuristic. However, experiencing it in person was a completely different story. The mesh material feels both durable and comfortable.

Sitting in it for the first time confirmed my expectations; it conformed to my body so perfectly that it felt like I was sitting in a custom-molded chair. It was significantly lighter than I expected it to be, but that's not a bad thing in the slightest. I've had a lot of cumbersome chairs, so having one that is super lightweight is a nice change of pace.

Branch Aire: Design & Build Quality

As I have said, the Branch Aire is an all-mesh chair with one cohesive section of mesh running from the shoulders down to the thigh. The entire back and seat is one piece of mesh, making it minimalist and simple while allowing maximum airflow and comfort.

The frame is sturdy, and the wheels roll nicely on my low-pill carpet, glass pad, and hardwood floor. The waterfall edge makes for a super comfortable thigh portion of the chair, allowing no circulation to cut off from my thigh, hitting a bar or something else uncomfortable.

Branch Aire: In use

Due to the nature of my role, I have a few desk setups. I have one to test new gear, so I can always leave a primary workstation set up to be operational to get work done quickly and easily. For the last 100 days, the Branch Aire has been one of the chairs I have rotated in and out of my secondary workspace, and I have gotten a pretty good feel for it. While it's not the most ergonomic option I've had, it is comfortable even for extended work hours.

I weigh around 205 pounds and stand at 6'2". This chair feels like it was made for people up to about 6', maybe 6'1". Even though I am noticeably too tall for this chair, it's still comfortable. The armrests can raise and lower and move forward and backward while sitting in the chair. However, they cannot get closer to your body.
The chair's design does not allow adjusting seat depth or include any form of lumbar support. So, although the chair does fit snugly against the body of most users, taller or larger users might find that the fit of this particular chair is less adjustable than other chairs manufactured by Branch.

I've done full 8-10 hour days in this chair, occasionally swapping to standing at my Flexispot E7 Plus standing desk. While a part of me misses the heavier-duty chairs that feel more robust, there is something fantastic about the minimalism of this chair. I could see enjoying this chair if I had a simpler workspace, a basic desk and laptop, or even a clean, simple desk in a more visible space like a living room. Since then, this chair has looked more like a statement piece than a comfortable, ergonomic office chair.

Another situation that would be great for this chair would be a conference room or co-working space. I would probably avoid having this in a highly-traffic space like a conference room that's open to the public or has a lot of new people in and out.

Branch Aire: Final verdict

Branch Aire Chair undoubtedly tops the list due to its innovative design and excellent breathability, collectively making it a highly worthy contender for an office chair that is both comfortable and good-looking.

However, if you're considering this chair, you'll want to note the non-adjustable seat size and the headrest height to ensure a good fit according to your needs.

I recommend this chair for anyone looking for a minimalistic chair to match a minimalistic workspace or someone looking for a modern yet comfortable chair.

For more office essentials, we've rounded up all the best standing desks.

AOC has built its reputation on putting together high-quality monitors for a great price, and that’s exactly what it has done here. What lifts the Q27V5CW apart from previous mainstream AOC products is that it offers USB-C docking along with HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, which is quite remarkable for the price: one obvious competitor is HP’s E27d G4, which costs almost £500.

In terms of panel quality, the AOC is definitely a match for the HP. Both offer a 2,560 x 1,440 resolution across a 27in diagonal, and with 94% coverage of the DCI-P3 gamut coupled with an average Delta E of 0.33 the Q27V5CW is a vibrant offering. If you prefer the sRGB color space then head into AOC’s (clumsy) OSD, which switches to a fixed brightness of 255cd/m². That is a drop from the screen’s peak of 336cd/m² but it locks you to the sRGB gamut: 95% coverage out of 96% volume with an average Delta E of 0.43. Those are exemplary figures.

Like the HP, AOC also includes a webcam. But where HP sticks at 720p, this one goes up to 1080p. Overall, I was impressed: plenty of detail and solid colors are all most people need. There are no fancy AI features, such as following you around during calls, but it does support Windows Hello logins. The dual microphones are merely fine, suffering as they do from a slight hum, but the pair of 5W speakers are just about good enough for listening to music on. Audiophiles won’t be happy with the lack of bass and detail, though.

The USB-C port delivers up to 65W of power, so not the 100W of the best docking monitors but plenty for most laptops. Connecting over USB-C not only cuts down on cable clutter but also activates the four USB-A ports tucked away at the rear. However, this is no USB-B input so you can’t share a keyboard and mouse between two connected computers.

I took advantage of the well-built stand’s pivot option to access the ports more easily, and it also offers 130mm of height adjustment and plenty of swivel and tilt. It adds up to a superb everyday screen, and while AOC doesn’t offer high refresh rates – up to 75Hz – a 4ms grey-to-grey response time means casual gamers should be satisfied. But the real prize here is the £330 asking price, which is simply amazing for a high-quality 27in USB-C docking monitor.

We've also ranked the best monitors for a dual-screen set-up.