Lenovo ThinkPad X1 (bottom) and ThinkPad Edge E220s (top): both slim, both sleek.

Fancy a thin ThinkPad Lenovo's venerable ThinkPad brand may seem from a distance to look the same every year, since lately the interesting changes have been made under the surface lately. It's also a confusing landscape to navigate, even when you know what size you want. Case in point: the ThinkPad X1 and the ThinkPad Edge E220s.

In one sense, they're completely different laptops. The X1 is a full-powered 13-incher, with a serious professional bent and durable construction. The Edge E220s is a smaller, low-voltage laptop, a 12.5-incher with a more reasonable price tag. And yet, in a number of ways, both ThinkPads are addressing the same market. Both have high-end design features: Dolby sound, updated raised keyboards with comfortable, concave keys, and multitouch clickpads. Both sell their design changes and thinness as advantages. Both choose glossy screens over matte.

Which one's for you Let's compare.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E220s CPU 2.5GHz Intel Core i5-2520M 1.4 GHz Intel Core i5-2537M RAM 4GB 4GB Storage 320GB, 7,200rpm 320GB, 7,200rpm Weight 3.8 lbs. 3.3 lbs. Screen size 13.3 inches 12.5 inches Battery life 205 minutes 251 minutes Price as reviewed $1,399 $819 (via current Lenovo promotion)

The ThinkPad X1 is a notable, stylish laptop that's heavier on durability and performance, but lighter on integrated battery life, portability, and affordability. 3.8 pounds isn't particularly light, and the longer width of the X1 offsets its sleek angled compactness, making it feel more like a MacBook Pro than a MacBook Air.

The ThinkPad Edge E220s is lighter and has an edge in battery life, plus it's considerably more affordable. The smaller footprint helps it slip into a bag much more easily, and its dimensions feel more compact. It's not the modern powerhouse that the X1 is, but it's a more portable experience.

Which catches your eye Does battery life matter more than CPU performance Does price trump all Sound off in the comments. Which would you choose

Read our review of the ThinkPad Edge E220s. Read our review of the ThinkPad X1.