For those who thrive on multitasking with multiple screens, the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i presents a compelling alternative to foldable laptops. As the first dual-screen laptop to truly make a mark, the Yoga Book 9i features two distinct 13.3-inch OLED displays connected by Lenovo’s signature soundbar hinge. While it requires some adjustments to workflow and utilizes an origami stand with various dual-screen modes, the Yoga Book 9i ultimately delivers a successful experiment in productivity for those willing to embrace its unique design.
Specifications and Configurations
The currently available Yoga Book 9i configuration, retailing at $2,000, boasts an Intel Core i7-1355U processor, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and two vibrant 13.3-inch 2.8K OLED displays. While this price point is higher than standard premium 13-inch laptops, the addition of a second screen justifies the premium.
| Feature | Lenovo Yoga Book 9i |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11.78 x 8.03 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 (2880 x 1800) OLED |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD |
| Touch | Yes |
| Ports | 3 x USB-C Thunderbolt 4 |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Webcam | 5MP with IR for Windows Hello |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Battery | 80 watt-hours |
| Price | $2,000 |
Design and Accessories
Unboxing the Yoga Book 9i reveals a comprehensive package: the laptop itself, an external keyboard, an origami stand, a foldable triangular piece (for keyboard support), a stylus, and an external mouse. When closed, the Yoga Book 9i resembles the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8, with rounded edges and a similar profile. However, opening the device reveals its unique nature: instead of a traditional keyboard deck, a second glass display mirrors the primary screen.
At 2.95 pounds and 0.63 inches thick, the Yoga Book 9i is relatively portable for a dual-screen device. However, the additional accessories increase the overall bulk and require careful management. The aluminum chassis and display covers contribute to a robust feel, ensuring the second display is well-protected. Connectivity is limited to three USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, omitting an audio jack. A 5MP webcam with infrared for Windows Hello resides in the reverse notch, characteristic of Lenovo’s premium lineup.
Dual Display Functionality
The second display transforms the Yoga Book 9i’s usability. The pre-installed User Center app offers various modes, including merging both displays for extended vertical space. For text input, users can choose between a virtual keyboard with haptic feedback on the bottom display or the included physical keyboard. The virtual keyboard, accessed by an eight-finger tap, offers a virtual touchpad below, but typing speed can be hampered by the lack of physical feedback.
The physical keyboard can be used externally or magnetically attached to the bottom display, activating a virtual touchpad or widgets, respectively. The keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience with sculpted keycaps and responsive switches. The Yoga Book 9i can also function as a tablet, utilizing the 360-degree hinge.
The origami stand provides two configurations: horizontal, creating side-by-side portrait displays, or vertical, stacking landscape panels. The keyboard magnetically attaches to the stand’s base, offering a slight typing angle.
Performance and Battery Life
Powered by the Intel Core i7-1355U, a low-power 10-core processor, the Yoga Book 9i delivers adequate performance for productivity tasks. While not a gaming machine due to its integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, it handles the dual displays smoothly. The 80 watt-hour battery, substantial for a 13-inch laptop, struggles to power the two OLED screens, resulting in below-average battery life. Users should anticipate needing the charger for a full workday.
Display Quality
The dual 2.8K OLED displays impress with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp visuals. Both offer excellent color accuracy and support touch and pen input.
Conclusion
The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i offers a unique and largely successful approach to dual-screen laptops. While the premium price and added accessories require consideration, the enhanced multitasking capabilities provide a genuine productivity boost. Minor software glitches aside, the Yoga Book 9i represents a compelling option for users seeking innovative ways to maximize their workflow. Its dual-screen functionality, coupled with flexible usage modes, makes it a standout device for those willing to embrace the future of portable computing.
