The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) is a premium 14-inch 2-in-1 business laptop boasting the renowned ThinkPad build quality, a responsive stylus, and impressive battery life. However, its high price and focus on battery life over performance warrant careful consideration, especially with Intel’s Lunar Lake on the horizon.
Design and Build: Classic ThinkPad Quality
Lenovo ThinkPad closed
The X1 2-in-1 exudes a premium feel with its aluminum and magnesium chassis, finished in classic ThinkPad gray and silver tones. The build quality is exceptional, with a solid 360-degree hinge crucial for 2-in-1 functionality. Weighing just under three pounds, it strikes a good balance between portability and durability.
Lenovo ThinkPad rotated with pen
The 360-degree hinge allows for versatile usage modes, including tent, tablet, and traditional laptop configurations. The optional Lenovo Slim Pen attaches magnetically to the side, offering convenient access, although it lacks in-laptop storage and wireless charging.
Lenovo ThinkPad back
Keyboard, Trackpad, and Pen: A Comfortable User Experience
Lenovo ThinkPad keyboard
The X1 2-in-1 features a comfortable, full-size keyboard with snappy keys and thoughtful design elements. The iconic red TrackPoint complements the responsive touchpad, which comes in both physical button and haptic feedback options. The Lenovo Slim Pen provides a smooth and accurate writing experience for note-taking and creative tasks.
Lenovo ThinkPad flat with pen
Display and Audio: Good, But OLED Comes at a Cost
Lenovo ThinkPad zoomed in on keyboard
The X1 2-in-1 offers a choice between a 1920×1200 IPS display or a 2880×1800 OLED display. While the OLED option boasts vibrant colors and a higher refresh rate, the IPS display delivers exceptional battery life. The speakers provide surprisingly loud and clear audio, though bass is lacking, as is typical with thin laptops.
Performance and Battery: Prioritizing Efficiency
The Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, coupled with 16GB of RAM and a fast SSD, ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks. However, benchmarking reveals a focus on power efficiency rather than raw computing power. This laptop prioritizes all-day battery life over peak performance in demanding workloads.
Lenovo ThinkPad PCMark results
Lenovo ThinkPad Handbrake results
Lenovo ThinkPad 3DMark Time Spy results
Lenovo ThinkPad battery life results
The X1 2-in-1 shines in battery life, exceeding 17 hours in our video rundown test. This impressive endurance makes it an ideal choice for users who prioritize all-day productivity on the go.
Connectivity and Features: A Solid Business Companion
Lenovo ThinkPad ports
The X1 2-in-1 offers a good selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and a combo audio jack. However, it lacks an SD card reader. It also features a 1080p webcam with a physical privacy shutter, a clear microphone, and both IR camera and fingerprint sensor for Windows Hello login.
Conclusion: A Premium 2-in-1 with Trade-offs
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) is a well-built 2-in-1 laptop with excellent battery life and a comfortable user experience. However, its high price and performance limitations should be considered. With Intel’s Lunar Lake promising significant improvements in both performance and efficiency, potential buyers might want to evaluate their needs and consider waiting for the next generation.
