The Lenovo X9 is a modernised ThinkPad at a mainstream price
The X9-14 drops the iconic red TrackPoint for a Mac-like haptic trackpad. I like it.
The Lenovo X9-14 Gen 1 Aura Edition has almost everything you'll want in a laptop. After using it for a few weeks, I can say this: if you tell me I can only ever work from a laptop from now on, the X9-14 would be what I'll get. Here's why.
New ThinkPad range
The X9 is essentially a refreshed take on Lenovo's popular ThinkPad series. It maintains the look and feel in terms of the keyboard and the uniquely shaped keys, but drops the iconic red TrackPoint.
In its place is a much larger Mac-like haptic trackpad, an "engine-hub" for heat dissipation, and all the capabilities you'll expect from a flagship laptop. And oh, at a notably lower price.
What I liked
(Left) The Lenovo X9-14 Aura Edition opens up flat, ThinkPad-style. (Right) It also comes with the "camera bump" of newer ThinkPads.
I used an X9-14 for around three weeks, including for an overseas trip. The laptop came with an Intel Core (Series 2) Ultra 7 258V processor and 32GB RAM.
As expected from its specs, the device delivered lag-free performance with exceptional battery life, which meant no worrying about running out of power when on the move.
There are a few things I particularly liked about the X9-14, starting with the matte aluminum skin that resists oil stains better than the coated skin of other ThinkPads. I am also fond of the bright 2.8K OLED touch screen, the ThinkPad-like keyboard, and the haptic trackpad.
I'd like to especially highlight the chassis, which is made of beautiful CNC-machined aluminum. In fact, the bottom case consists of contoured grooves that help your grip. The aluminum is pleasant to the touch and resists oil stains well, so the laptop continues to look good even after regular use. For sure, I have greater confidence the material will stand the test of time.
How it stacks up
(Left) The "Engine Hub" holds the processor and other components that run hot - it means the rest of the laptop can be kept slim. (Middle) Notice the chiseled keys. (Right) Massive trackpad.
The only way to make the X9-14 better would be to add a USB-A port for versatility - it comes with two USB-C ports and HDMI. And perhaps bring the weight down from 1.26kg to below 1kg.
We know the latter won't happen, though, as that would compete with the premium X1 Carbon Gen 13 which weighs 986 grams. I wrote about it earlier this year here.
But honestly, I'll get the X9-14 if I am only allowed to use a laptop. It feels like a premium laptop, offers great value, and makes a great travel companion. Crucially, the base 32GB RAM edition of the X9-14 is currently available at just S$1,833. Note: Lenovo also offers a 15-inch version with slightly more ports.
What do you think of the X9-14? What laptop are you using now?
