Lenovo is one of the top brands that comes to mind when looking for a reliable business laptop or 2-in-1 device. It’s largely thanks to the company’s ThinkPad X1 Series, a professional staple for many years. The ThinkPad is perhaps best known for its iconic TrackPoint, a red analog stick embedded in the keyboard.
Over the last two weeks, I’ve spent my workdays and evening downtime using the new Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9.) This 2-in-1 has an optional Lenovo Slim Pen and can be folded backward into a tablet. I’ve run it through various benchmarks and monitored its performance as part of testing, and here’s what I’ve discovered about this versatile device.
This review was made possible thanks to a review unit provided by Lenovo. The company did not see the contents of this review before publishing.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Price and specs
Pricing & specifications highlights
- This is an expensive laptop that is designed specifically for business.
- There are plenty of configuration options to help you get the perfect device for your needs.
- At the time of writing, you can purchase it at Lenovo’s official storefront alongside third-parties like Amazon.
- Value rating: 4/5
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 specs
Price: Starting at $2,965.00 MSRP | $3,471.00 (reviewed at)
OS: Windows 11 Home | Pro (reviewed at)
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 125U | Ultra 7 135U | Ultra 7 155U (reviewed at)| Ultra 7 165U
GPU: Intel(R) Graphics
RAM: 16GB (reviewed at)| 32GB | 64GB LPDDR5
Storage: 512GB | 1TB (reviewed at) | 2TB M.2 2280 PCIe SSD
Display: 14″ WUXGA (1920 x 1200), IPS, Anti-Glare, Touch, 100%sRGB, 400 nits, 60Hz (reviewed at) | 14″ 2.8K (2880 x 1800), OLED, Anti-Reflective, Touch, HDR 500, 400 nits, 120Hz
Battery:
Ports: 2x USB-A, 2x USB-C/USB4, 1x nano SIM slot (optional), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x headphone jack
Size: 0.61 x 12.31 x 8.57 inches (15.49 x 312.8 x 217.65mm)
Starting Weight: 2.94 lbs (1.33kg)
Lenovo has a high MSRP for this business laptop, starting with the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) at $2,965.00. However, Lenovo frequently has deals happening, and at the time of writing, the starting price was discounted to $2,082.60 at Lenovo. Still, this remains relatively expensive for some users.
When customizing this laptop’s configuration, you have the choice between various AI-boosting Intel Core Ultra processors, including the Ultra 5 125U, Ultra 5 135U, Ultra 7 155U, and Ultra 7 165U. However, the graphics solution will always be an integrated Intel chip. As for memory and storage, options range from 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB LPDDR5 (soldered) RAM accompanied by either 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB M.2 2280 PCIe solid-state drive (SSD.)
As is often the case these days, this laptop’s 14-inch display can either be a simple IPS touchscreen that reaches a 1920 x 1200 resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate or a more vibrant OLED panel that reaches 2880 x 1800 with HDR 500 support and a 120Hz refresh rate. Plus, the ThinkPad X1 is an Intel Evo device, offering a direct connection to your smartphone via Intel Unison, support for instant wake, and fast charging.
If you travel frequently, you might want to spring for the integrated mobile broadband support, which earns the ThinkPad X1 a Quectel RM650N-GL 6G Sub6 chip and makes the device compatible with eSIMs. There are also plenty of other optional add-ons for pre-installed Adobe programs and various security software packages.
The sample configuration I reviewed features the Intel Core Ultra 7 155U processor with a 15W base TDP, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro, an IPS touchscreen, and was packaged with the Lenovo Slim Pen. At the time of writing, this specific configuration was selling for $2,100.60 at Lenovo.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) can be purchased from the official Lenovo storefront and third-party sellers like Amazon. However, this particular model is missing from Best Buy and Walmart, likely because it’s aimed more at business users rather than at average consumers.
Recommended configuration
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Design and build
Build quality and design highlights
- While its design will not garner much attention, the ThinkPad line with its iconic red TrackPoint does stand out.
- This ThinkPad has a sturdy design with a steel-gray aluminum chassis. The top has a matte finish, while the sides look like brushed metal.
- Well-made, two-point hinges allow the display to be pushed back into tablet mode without straining the device.
- Built-in magnets on the left side allow the laptop to hold the optional Lenovo Slim Pen in both tablet and laptop mode.
- When in tablet mode, the keyboard deactivates, so you can’t accidentally send inputs.
- Design rating: 5/5
While the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) doesn’t have an overtly flashy design, the red TrackPoint within the keyboard makes it stand out from competitors. It can be either good or bad, depending on how you might feel about Lenovo’s TrackPoint. That said, it’s really not uncommon to see this laptop line in business settings.
Overall, the laptop is sturdy and looks great with a chassis made from recycled steel-gray aluminum. You’ll note from my pictures that the top has a matte look, while the sides have a brushed metal texture. I was happy to find that fingerprint smudges don’t show up much at all, which helps keep this laptop looking clean even after many hours of use.
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Since this is a 2-in-1 device intended to be used as both a laptop and a tablet, it has thick hinges that pivot on both the display and keyboard sides. Even after countless times of bending the screen back one way or the other, the hinges felt sturdy and well-built. In case you don’t know, the keyboard deactivates when the screen is pushed back far enough, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally pressing keys and sending inputs when the device is in tablet mode.
The bevel around the display isn’t as sleek as on some other laptops, but it doesn’t look clunky. As is common with Lenovo laptops, there’s a bit of a lip on top of the display that makes the device easier to open when closed. Speaking of which, it’s not the slimmest laptop when the lid is shut, but the laptop can easily fit in laptop bags and backpacks.
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As far as business laptops go, this one has a great range of ports compared to some competitors (I’m looking at you, Dell). There are two USB-A ports and two USB-C ports for connecting your various accessories. Meanwhile, if you want to connect the laptop to a monitor, there’s an HDMI 2.1 port. There is no Ethernet connection, but that’s pretty typical for a non-gaming laptop these days, and you still get Wi-Fi 6E support.
The sample I reviewed came with the optional Lenovo Slim Pen. Magnets on the left side of the laptop make it easier to keep the pen nearby, whether I’m using the ThinkPad in its tablet or laptop mode. I’m not super keen on the pen’s flat shape, which makes it feel like a carpenter pencil in my hand rather than the usual circular shape I prefer. However, being narrow like this does keep it flatter against the ThinkPad’s side.
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There are two buttons on the pen, a right and a left click, to make it easier to access certain controls in various programs. I can hover the pen a few centimeters over the display and still see the reticle appear on the screen for more precise strokes. This pen is charged up via a USB-C port in its base, which is accessed by pivoting the back rubber open. It would be nicer if it recharged via a magnetic connection like the latest Apple Pencils do, but it’s also not the worst design I’ve seen in a rechargeable pen. The battery lasts roughly 10 hours per charge, so you can use it throughout a given workday as long as you remember to plug it in every now and then.
I spent a few hours digitally drawing in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Fresco to get a sense of the Lenovo Slim Pen’s abilities. While the pen registers up to 4,096 pressure sensitivity and supports tilt detection, it’s far more suited to business use and navigation than precise creative work.
Is the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) good for digital drawing?
It is possible to digitally draw with the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 as long as you have the Lenovo Slim Pen or a similarly useful stylus. However, there are other laptops, tablets, and 2-in-1 devices on the market that work better for drawing.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Software
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Software highlights
- When configuring the laptop, you can choose from several different add-on programs, such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Office.
- You also have the choice of adding a Norton or McAfee security software package.
- Lenovo Commercial Vantage is an intuitive software that is pre-installed. It is the primary program that you use to adjust settings, check system performance, download updates, and get assistance.
- Most laptops, including this one, come with some bloatware, so you might want to shut some programs down.
- Software rating: 4/5
The default operating system for this business laptop is Windows 11 Pro. However, you can save some money if you decide to go with the base Windows 11 Home instead. If you’re unsure which one to go with, you can check out our Windows 11 Home vs Pro comparison. It is sufficient to say that the Pro version provides users with several more features, including Windows Information Protection, Windows Defender Application Guard, BitLocker, State Roaming with Azure, Windows Updates for Business, and more. If you want to feel more secure, then Windows 11 Pro is designed to protect your laptop better.
As with most laptops, this one comes with various programs installed by default. You’ll likely only need to use a few of these, but you can turn other bloatware off in order to help the device run more smoothly. One of the most important programs is Lenovo Commercial Vantage. This is where you’ll go to change settings, check up on system performance, download updates, and get assistance. There’s also a Wi-Fi security tab that Lenovo claims is designed to help the laptop “differentiate safe wireless networks from potentially malicious ones,” which is always a helpful thing when traveling for business and being forced to rely on internet connections.
Outside of that, you might also find yourself using Lenovo View, the “advanced Image Processing and Computer Vision Framework” that enhances your camera’s features while also making it protect your privacy better. With this program, you can adjust your video quality’s light, intensity, and color. I also enabled background blur and Auto-framing, which pans and zooms to keep my face as the focal point during video calls. If you often give presentations, you might want to take advantage of Virtual Presenter, which overlays an image of yourself on the top left corner of the display over your shared screen. As you can tell, these are helpful features specifically suited to virtual work meetings.
Curiously enough, Lenovo View even has a wellness section. When its tools are enabled, they remind me to have better posture or tell me to periodically rest my eyes so they don’t get too much screen time. It’s useful for people like me who tend to put way too many hours into a workweek.
I have touched on this already, but one of the nice things about ordering this laptop straight from Lenovo is that you can pay for a few different add-on programs to be installed on the device. For instance, you could pay for Adobe Photoshop Elements 2024, both Photoshop Elements 2024 and Premiere Pro Elements 2024, Adobe Acrobat (standard or professional), or an Adobe Creative Cloud membership. If you care to pay for it, you can also purchase a security software subscription for either Norton or McAfee.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Display
Display highlights
- When choosing your configuration, you have the choice of going with a 14-inch IPS touchscreen or an OLED touchscreen.
- The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) IPS display produced a decent 100% of sRGB, 75% of AdobeRGB, and 76% of P3 in a color gamut test.
- Despite not being an OLED, the IPS option produces excellent contrast, but it doesn’t get as bright as would be preferred.
- Display rating: 4/5
The laptop I reviewed features the IPS (1920 x 1200) 60Hz touchscreen. To test it, I connected a SpyderX colorimeter to it and ran a color gamut test. The screen produced 100% of sRGB, 75% of AdobeRGB, and 76% of P3, which isn’t anything too exciting but is decent enough. Color saturation and hues are more than good enough for average work needs.
That said, if you tend to work within creative programs, you’ll want to go with the OLED (2880 x 1800) 120Hz touchscreen rather than this IPS one. You can learn more in my OLED vs QD-OLED vs QLED vs AMOLED vs Mini LED guide. The long and short of it is that OLEDs offer extremely good color range and contrast, which is enhanced by their ability to produce true black. As such, they are ideal for gaming and creative programs like Adobe Creative Cloud.
Obviously, I can’t speak for the OLED’s touch capabilities, but the IPS panel was very responsive to my fingertips. I found I usually preferred navigating webpages by putting my finger to the screen rather than using the trackpad, pen, or TrackPoint.
| Setting | Brightness | Black | Contrast | White Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | 5.7 | 0.00 | 0 : 1 | 6200 |
| 25% | 44.7 | 0.02 | 1890 : 1 | 6200 |
| 50% | 87.1 | 0.05 | 1800 : 1 | 6200 |
| 75% | 166.5 | 0.10 | 1740 : 1 | 6300 |
| 100% | 375.3 | 0.21 | 1750 : 1 | 6300 |
I also ran a brightness and contrast test, and I found that the IPS display only reaches a peak brightness of 375 nits. This doesn’t quite hit the 400 nits Lenovo boasts. At any rate, this means that the display is harder to see outside, so it’s not the best choice for people who tend to work al fresco.
The area that this IPS touchscreen really comes through with is contrast. Even at its brightest setting, the screen didn’t get too far from true black, which means the darker parts of images will actually look black rather than dark grey. Contrast helps add a more dynamic look to imagery, which will be appreciated whether you’re simply attending video meetings or running programs.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Performance and thermals
Performance & thermals highlights
- While this laptop offers good enough performance for basic work tasks and video calls, it isn’t very impressive overall.
- The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 often performed lower than expected in various benchmarks.
- Performance rating: 3/5
Overall, the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is a good laptop for browsing the Internet, running basic programs, attending virtual meetings, and doing other common work-related tasks. That said, it performed slightly lower than expected in various benchmark tests.
So, in what ways did the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 disappoint? First, I tested Intel’s low-power CPU by running Geekbench 6, to which the laptop earned a low single-core score of 1,545 and a similarly unimpressive 8,112 multi-core score. For context, this is the lowest Core Ultra 7 result we have, with it scoring even lower than the Yoga Book 9i (Gen 9), which also had a less-than-stellar result and is hardly different from previous 15W 13th Gen i7-1355U equivalents.
It’s worth noting that Windows on ARM laptops that utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, tended to reach a much higher score than Core Ultra laptops in CPU benchmark testing. For instance, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (Gen 9) reached a much higher single-core score of 2,426 and a multi-core score of 13,687, while the Surface Laptop 7 hit even higher numbers with a 2,832 single-core score and a multi-core score of 14,557. This clearly shows that if you want better power, it’s worth considering a Snapdragon X Elite laptop rather than a Core Ultra one.
Our Top Gaming Recommendations
After Geekbench 6, I used Cinebench R24 to check the CPU’s rendering capabilities. It only scored a single-core score of 97 and a lowly multi-core score of 407, which means it has some of the weakest CPU rendering performance of any device we’ve tested, even lower than the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i (Gen 9), which utilizes the same 15W processor. In comparison, the lowest-scoring Snapdragon X Elite laptop we’ve tested so far in Cinebench R24 produced significantly higher results — a 123 single-core score and an 833 multi-core score. That’s more than double the multi-core score of the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1.
Since this laptop only has a simple Intel Graphics card, I didn’t expect much from the graphics test. However, I still ran 3DMark Time Spy out of curiosity, and it predictably managed to earn a good result. Specifically, it scored higher than laptops with Intel Iris Xe graphics cards. This means that the device can handle basic graphics workflows but should not be expected to run graphically intensive creative programs or graphically demanding video games.
When testing overall system performance with Crossmark, I found that the laptop earned a decent score, placing it between the ThinkBook 16p and the latest AMD AI-boosted Lenovo Yoga 7 laptop. It’s not the most exciting result, but it’s not a bad one.
Since this laptop features a processor with an NPU (neural processing unit), I ran a couple of Procyon benchmarks. These devices are still relatively new, so we don’t have a ton of results against which to compare. That said, of the eight AI PCs we’ve tested so far, the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1’s score of 51 was the lowest score in our Windows ML Float32 (CPU) testing. The laptop faired better in the Intel OpenVINO Float16 NPU test, reaching a score of 273, which is similar to where we’ve seen other laptops of this caliber. Theoretically, this should mean that this laptop’s NPU can handle AI tasks relatively efficiently compared to similar devices on the market.
Finally, I also ran a CrystalDiskMark test to check SSD performance. The laptop scored well in this area, reaching a read speed of 7,021 MB/s and a write speed of 5,481 MB/s. This tells us that the laptop can access/load and write data relatively quickly compared to some similar devices on the market.
So, what does all of this information tell us? Basically, the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 isn’t a bad laptop by any stretch. It offers stable performance for basic work usage, even if it isn’t the most powerful. What’s more, it should handle AI tasks relatively easily. However, plenty of other 2-in-1 laptops on the market will give you better performance for your money.
Is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 an AI PC or a Copilot+ PC?
The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 is an AI PC because it features an AI-boosting Intel Core Ultra processor, which uses an AI-accelerating NPU (neural processing unit). However, this laptop does not feature a Copilot key and, therefore, does not qualify as an official Copilot+ PC.
If you’re interested, you can learn more about these AI devices at our NPU guide, Copilot+ PC guide, or our list of the best AI PCs.
Thermals and fans
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My standard practice for analyzing a laptop’s thermals involves stressing the CPU for 20 minutes straight using Cinebench and then measuring the device’s heat using a thermal camera. Like many laptops, the hottest part of the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) is the hinge area just above the keyboard. In this instance, this area peaked at 106 degrees Fahrenheit (F) (~41 degrees Celsius (C)).
As someone who frequently uses her laptop while literally on her lap, I always want to know if a device will scald my legs. I found that this ThinkPad can get decently warm on the bottom but doesn’t get overly hot to the touch. The bottom side measured in at a peak of 104 degrees F (~40 degrees C), with the hottest area predictably being at the back. The keyboard gets hottest at its center, but it only measured at a peak of 97 degrees F (~36 degrees C), which isn’t bad. Meanwhile, the magnetic side that holds the Slim Pen in place only reached as high as 88 degrees F (~31 degrees C), so I didn’t have to worry about it sapping the accessory’s battery due to heat.
Since the fans were running their loudest during this CPU stress test, I also pulled out my decibel meter and took a reading. Even while the computer was working hard, the fans only reached 39 dB, which isn’t very loud at all. Honestly, I hadn’t even noticed the fans up to this point because they run so quietly.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Battery life
Battery highlights
- Laptop battery life tends to last over 14 hours on average.
- Long battery life makes this an ideal device for people who work on-the-go or who travel often.
- This laptop uses a 65W USB-C charging adapter cable.
- Battery rating: 5/5
I’ve noticed that there’s some disagreement online about whether or not this laptop offers good battery life, so I’m going to clarify that it does last a long time. I usually use the PCMark 10 Battery benchmark to get a read on laptop battery life. However, the test always ended early on the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 for some reason. The first time I ran the test, the benchmark claimed the laptop had run out of battery at around eight hours, but the laptop was still on. When I checked the battery life percentage, it told me I could expect several more hours out of the laptop still. As such, I had to rely more on personal usage experience for this review.
With the screen set to about 200 nits and the laptop doing basic tasks like attending video meetings and using common programs, the battery can last up to 15 hours and 13 minutes. I never had to worry about it running out of juice on me within a workday. In fact, I usually could use it far into the night while watching shows or browsing the internet. I also ran a Windows 11 battery report after using the laptop for a couple of weeks, and the program estimates that the laptop can last 14 hours and 29 minutes on average.
You typically want any laptop to last a little longer than an eight-hour workday, so 10 hours or longer is ideal. Obviously, this laptop blows that minimal requirement out of the water. The laptop comes with a 65W USB-C charging cable, which is preferred over a barrel plug.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Keyboard, TrackPoint, and touchpad
Keyboard, TrackPoint, and touchpad highlights
- When configuring your laptop, you can choose between a trackpad or a haptic touchpad.
- Each key feels very good to type on, with satisfying bounce back and slight resistance when used.
- It can be slightly awkward to use the fingerprint reader at certain angles because it is at the bottom of the keyboard.
- The TrackPoint analog stick is responsive and doesn’t get in the way of the keyboard.
- This Trackpad is also responsive but feels a bit too narrow, which necessitates excessive swiping.
- Keyboard and touchpad rating: 4/5
When choosing your ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 configuration, you can choose between a trackpad or a more expensive haptic touchpad. These are both useful pointing devices, but haptic touchpads feature a haptic actuator, giving a tactile sensation when you press down on them, so many people find them more satisfying (they are also less prone to breakage over time due to having no moving parts).
The laptop I reviewed had a touchpad with three buttons running above it and proved very responsive. However, it feels very narrow height-wise (roughly 4.75 inches by 2.25 inches), leading to me swiping more often than usual. As you can guess, this makes it somewhat tedious.
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Lenovo’s ThinkPad laptop line still uses the iconic red TrackPoint analog stick that was far more common on business laptops a decade ago. The stick is situated so that it’s easy to access but doesn’t get in the way of the keyboard if you just want to pretend it doesn’t exist. Performance-wise, it’s very responsive, going wherever I intended it to during testing.
As is usually the case, many helpful controls are found on the top function row. Here, I can easily mute the speakers, adjust the volume, mute the mic, change screen brightness, open the Display Settings menu, take screenshots, or open Lenovo Commercial Vantage. Meanwhile, the fingerprint reader is near the arrow keys with an obvious fingerprint icon. It responded correctly each time I used it. However, it is relatively far down on the keyboard, making it an awkward angle to reach when the laptop is literally in my lap.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Camera, mic, and audio
Camera, mic, and speaker highlights
- The 1080p FHD and IR camera captures good picture quality.
- A physical camera shutter provides additional privacy.
- This ThinkPad’s speakers are hidden under the keyboard rather than being on the sides or bottom of the laptop.
- Two 360-degree quad-array microphones carry my voice clearly in meetings.
- Camera, mic, and speaker rating: 5/5
I attended several virtual meetings with the X1 2-in-1, so I got to appreciate the picture quality of the 1080p FHD IR camera. As long as I’m in a room with good lighting, my image comes through clearly, with both accurate coloring and great motion clarity. The aforementioned Lenovo View helps keep me in focus and gives me better control over how I’m presented. When I first set up this laptop, I enabled Windows Hello, which made it easier to log in quickly.
As someone who prefers to keep my camera shutter closed when not in use, I appreciate that this laptop has a physical shutter that I can simply slide back and forth over the lens. Some competitors on the market only offer a digital shutter or don’t have a shutter at all.
Regarding audio, my voice also carried clearly to my coworkers in meetings as long as I sat within a reasonable distance from the 360-degree quad-array microphones located at the top of the display. Meanwhile, the speakers aren’t the best I’ve heard on a laptop, but they offer decent audio quality and get plenty loud. Just don’t expect them to go crazy on bass. The interesting thing with the X1 2-in-1 is that the speakers are actually hidden under the keyboard rather than on the side of the laptop or the bottom. This makes it so that sounds come from the keyboard itself. Opening Dolby Access allows me to tweak speaker settings until I get them operating the way I want.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Competition
You don’t have to look outside Lenovo when considering something similar to X1 2-in-1. Arguably, the closest sister competitor can be seen in our Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 12) review. This specific 14-inch laptop uses the 28W Intel Core Ultra 7 155H AI-boosting processor, an Intel Arc graphics card, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD. In their review, our own Zachary Boddy said this TrackPoint laptop has a refined, lightweight design and stealthy speakers. However, he also pointed out that battery life wasn’t that great and that performance falls behind other Intel Core Ultra devices. At the time of writing, this laptop starts selling for $1,440.45 at Lenovo.
Another great option is the HP Spectre 14 2-in-1. This is yet another Intel Core Ultra 7 laptop, only this time with an Intel Arc graphics card. Multiple configurations are available, including one with an OLED touchscreen, up to 32GB RAM, and a 2TB SSD. As with the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1, this laptop features a fingerprint reader for fast login. It sells for $1,629.99 at Best Buy.
If you don’t want an AI PC, then you should check out our Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 (Gen 8) review. In their analysis, Zachary explains that this laptop offers solid performance with its non-AI processor, Intel Core i7-1355U, and Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics. It even includes a number pad for those who regularly enter numeric data. However, Zachary also points out that this device’s camera always looks washed out. At the time of writing, it was selling for $789.99 at Lenovo.
If you often need additional screen space while on the go, you should look at our Lenovo Yoga Book 9i 2-in-1 review. This unique business laptop comes with two OLED displays and a Bluetooth keyboard. You can use it like a typical one-screen laptop with the keyboard on the lower display, or you can rotate it sideways for a dual-screen folio view. At the time of writing, it was selling for $1,799.99 at Best Buy.
Outside of Lenovo, you might want to consider the HP Envy 2-in-1. Like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1, this laptop has a 14-inch display and utilizes an AI-boosting Intel Core UIltra 7 processor and integrated Intel Graphics. Various RAM and SSD capacity options are available. It’s a fantastic choice for any businessperson. Last we checked, it was selling for $1,099.99 at Best Buy.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Scorecard
| Attribute | Rating & Notes |
|---|---|
| Value | 3/5 — This is an expensive laptop, but one that comes with extra conveniences and software. There are plenty of configuration options to help you get device you need. |
| Design | 5/5 — It has a versatile deign, plenty of ports, and looks good in business settings. |
| Software | 4/5 — You have the option of adding various software to your laptop when you buy it. The main programs are intuitive and useful. |
| Display | 4/5 — The IPS touchscreen is responsive while offering a decent color gamut, great contrast, and good motion clarity. However, it doesn’t get very bright. |
| Performance | 3/5 — Compared to other similar AI-boosted laptops, this one often produced lower scores in various benchmark testing. |
| Battery life | 5/5 — With battery life that exceeds 14 hours, this laptop is great for travel and on-the-go use. |
| Keyboard and touchpad | 4/5 — Each key feels good to use and there are several useful function keys. However, the trackpad feels a bit too narrow. |
| Camera, mic, and audio | 5/5 — The FHD camera captures crisp detail and good coloring when in decent lighting. Meanwhile, the stealth audio gets plenty loud but doesn’t offer the best bass. |
| Total score | 4/5 — The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 looks good and has a versatile design, however, it’s relatively expensive and isn’t powerful enough to warrant the cost. |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Should you buy it?
✅ You should buy this if…
- You need a laptop with long battery life: With the ability to last much longer than 10 hours, this laptop can easily keep up with an average workday.
- You’re looking for something that can function as both a laptop and a tablet. This laptop’s 2-in-1 design gives it a flexible and versatile build, allowing it to operate like a tablet or laptop.
- You need a professional-level laptop with plenty of ports: Some business laptops on the market strive for a future-forward minimalist look that does away with ports, but this one offers two USB-A and two USB-C ports to meet your accessory needs.
❌ You should not buy this if…
- You’re looking for a budget laptop: The ThinkPad line is specifically marketed to business persons and, as such, offers a lot of extra features that the average consumer doesn’t need. Because of this, it’s a bit more expensive.
- You don’t care for the red TrackPoint: The analog stick has become an iconic element of the ThinkPad line, but it is outdated in some respects. If you don’t want this kind of control option, then a ThinkPad might not be your best fit.
- You specifically need a computer that can handle more demanding workloads. If you regularly run graphically demanding or processor-heavy software, you’ll want to get a more powerful laptop.
The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9)’s tablet mode combined with the Lenovo Slim Pen makes for useful on-the-spot presentation, regardless of where you are. Additionally, the keyboard feels great, the touchscreen is very responsive, and Lenovo View’s camera settings can help you look more professional in meetings.
Regarding business laptops, this one is on the more expensive side while offering slightly lower-than-average performance. It handles basic work tasks such as attending virtual meetings, running basic programs, and browsing the internet. However, similar devices on the market offer better performance overall. If you really care about having the fastest, most efficient device, then you might want to look elsewhere. Otherwise, this can serve your business needs well.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9
This versatile laptop has a sturdy build, whether you’re using it on a tablet or laptop. It also features excellent battery life and can easily keep up with an average workday. Plenty of configuration options are available to help you get the perfect laptop for your needs.
