The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i has been creating quite a buzz in the tech world with its unique dual-screen design, making it a standout in the realm of 2-in-1 laptops. Its innovative features have captured the attention of many, even leading prominent brands like Hubspot and Wordstream to take note. In this Lenovo Yoga Book 9i review, we delve deep into the device’s design, performance, display quality, and more to help you decide if this is the ideal laptop for you.
Design: The Futuristic Look
The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i sports a sleek and modern design, featuring an all-aluminum unibody build in a captivating shade of Tidal Teal. The rounded edges, reflective finish, and minimalist aesthetics make it look like a premium device. When closed, the Yoga Book 9i resembles a typical laptop, but when opened, it reveals the intriguing dual-screen setup that sets it apart from the competition.
Dual-Screen Flexibility
The Yoga Book 9i’s claim to fame lies in its dual-screen design, boasting two separate 13.3-inch OLED displays connected by a unique soundbar hinge. This innovative design allows the laptop to function in various modes, including a traditional Windows 11 laptop, a tablet, a tent mode for presentations, and even a side-by-side dual-display setup using the included folio kickstand. This flexibility makes the Yoga Book 9i the perfect companion for multitasking individuals who require more screen real estate on the go.
Premium Build Quality
Weighing 2.95 pounds and measuring 11.78 x 8.03 x 0.63 inches, the Yoga Book 9i is certainly not the lightest or thinnest laptop in the market. However, its solid aluminum construction and durable design instill confidence in the device’s ability to withstand daily wear and tear. The rigid hinge allows for seamless transitions between different modes while maintaining the stability of the displays at various angles.
Performance: A Powerful Workhorse
Under the hood, the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is powered by a 13th generation Intel Core i7-1355U processor, 16GB of DDR5X RAM, integrated Intel Iris X graphics, and a 1TB SSD. With these impressive specs, the Yoga Book 9i delivers fast and responsive performance, making it ideal for productivity tasks, web browsing, and light media editing.
However, it’s worth noting that the Yoga Book 9i is not designed for heavy gaming or video editing, as its integrated graphics may struggle with more demanding applications. Nonetheless, for everyday use and multitasking, this laptop will efficiently handle whatever tasks you throw at it.
Displays: A Feast for the Eyes
The dual 13.3-inch 2.8K (2,880 x 1,800) OLED touch displays on the Yoga Book 9i are nothing short of spectacular. They offer vibrant colors, crisp images, and deep contrast, making them perfect for media consumption and multitasking. The touchscreens are also highly responsive, working flawlessly with both finger inputs and the included stylus.
Dual-Display Productivity
One of the main advantages of the Yoga Book 9i’s dual-screen design is the ability to multitask effectively. You can have one screen dedicated to your main task, while the other can be used for secondary tasks, such as web browsing, note-taking, or reference materials. This setup can significantly enhance productivity, especially for those who are accustomed to working with multiple monitors.
Display Quality and Performance
Both the OLED displays on the Yoga Book 9i are equally impressive in terms of quality and performance. They offer ample brightness, excellent color accuracy, and wide viewing angles, making them suitable for various tasks and environments. The 60Hz refresh rate may not be ideal for gaming enthusiasts, but it’s more than adequate for everyday use and media consumption.
Audio: Immersive Sound Experience
The Yoga Book 9i features Bowers & Wilkins speakers housed within its hinge, providing clear and loud audio output. The Dolby Atmos-optimized speakers deliver an immersive sound experience, whether you’re watching movies, listening to music, or participating in video conferences.
Battery Life and Heat Management
Despite having two power-hungry OLED displays, the Yoga Book 9i delivers decent battery life, lasting up to 9 hours and 18 minutes in dual-screen mode and 12 hours and 13 minutes in single display mode. While it may not be the longest-lasting laptop in its class, it’s still an impressive feat considering the dual-screen setup.
In terms of heat management, the Yoga Book 9i does an adequate job of keeping temperatures in check. During regular use, the laptop remains relatively cool, with the warmest area being the underside near the hinge. It’s recommended to use the device on a solid surface rather than your lap to ensure optimal heat dissipation.
Webcam and Software
The Yoga Book 9i comes with a 5MP webcam that delivers decent image quality for video conferencing. The infrared camera also supports Windows 11 Hello facial recognition for secure and convenient login.
As for software, Lenovo includes a pre-installed User Center App that provides tutorials and options for using the dual-screen features. This app helps users navigate the various display modes and gestures, ensuring a smooth and seamless user experience.
Accessories: Enhancing the Yoga Book 9i Experience
The Yoga Book 9i comes bundled with a range of useful accessories, including a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, a folio cover that doubles as a kickstand, and a stylus. These accessories not only enhance the laptop’s overall functionality but also provide a more comfortable and efficient user experience.
Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse
The included Bluetooth keyboard and mouse offer a more traditional laptop experience, allowing you to type and navigate with ease. The magnetic keyboard can be attached to the bottom display or used separately, while the mouse provides smooth cursor control.
Folio Stand
The origami-style folio stand is a versatile accessory that can prop up the Yoga Book 9i in various orientations, such as dual landscape, dual portrait, or tent mode. The stand is easy to assemble and offers a stable base for the laptop, making it ideal for multitasking and media consumption.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unique dual-display design offering flexibility and productivity
- Two stunning OLED displays
- Included origami stand and external keyboard
- Solid build quality and attractive design
- Excellent pen support
Cons
- A steep learning curve for mastering the various settings and options
- Several components to carry around and manage
- Battery life could be better
Tech Specs Table
| Specs | Lenovo Yoga Book 9i |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11.78 inches x 8.03 inches x 0.63 inches |
| Weight | 2.95 pounds |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-1355U |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X |
| Display | 2 x 13.3-inch 2.8K (2,880 x 1,800) OLED touchscreens |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD |
| Ports | 3 x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Webcam | 5MP with infrared camera for Windows 11 Hello support |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Battery | 80 watt-hours |
| Price | $2,000 |
Conclusion: A Compelling Dual-Screen Laptop
The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is a bold and innovative take on the 2-in-1 laptop, offering a unique dual-screen experience that caters to multitaskers and productivity enthusiasts. While it may have a steep learning curve and a few quirks, the Yoga Book 9i delivers an engaging and versatile user experience that sets it apart from its competitors.
If you’re willing to invest in the Yoga Book 9i and take the time to master its various features, this laptop could very well revolutionize your workflow and productivity. With its stunning displays, powerful performance, and innovative design, the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is a compelling choice for those seeking a truly unique laptop experience.