Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) Review: A Solid Business Companion, But Pricey

The laptop landscape is constantly evolving, with Intel’s upcoming Lunar Lake chipsets promising enhanced AI capabilities to rival Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X and AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 lines. Amidst this anticipation, Intel’s Meteor Lake platform continues to power new devices like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9). While not the flashiest, this latest iteration surprised us with its blend of performance, business-centric features, and respectable battery life. However, its premium price tag might give some potential buyers pause.

Specifications and Configurations

The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 offers various configuration options. The base model starts at $1,779 and includes an Intel Core Ultra 5 125U processor, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a 14-inch Full HD+ IPS display. Upgrades include Core Ultra 7 processors, up to 2TB of storage, and different display options like a 2.8K OLED panel or a Full HD+ ePrivacy Filter. A fully configured model with a Core Ultra 7 165H, 2TB SSD, and the ePrivacy Filter display reaches $2,771 (excluding the optional $45 Lenovo Slim Pen). This pricing positions it significantly higher than competitors like the Lenovo Yoga 7 14 2-in-1 and the HP Spectre x360 14.

Design and Build

alt text: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 angled view showcasing the display and keyboard.

While retaining some classic ThinkPad elements like the red TrackPoint and the blinking red “i” logo, the X1 2-in-1 adopts a more modern aesthetic. Its all-metal construction provides excellent rigidity and durability, comparable to the Yoga 7 14 and Spectre x360 14. However, its minimalist design might appear less striking compared to the Spectre x360 14. The thin bezels and smaller footprint contribute to its portability and versatility as a 2-in-1.

alt text: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 demonstrating its tent mode functionality.

The smooth 360-degree hinge allows seamless transitions between laptop, tent, media, and tablet modes. Business users will appreciate features like ThinkShield Security for enhanced hardware protection and Intel vPro technology for enterprise management integration.

Keyboard and Touchpad

alt text: Top-down view of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 keyboard.

The keyboard has evolved from the traditional ThinkPad design, featuring shallower key travel and a snappier feel, reminiscent of Apple’s Magic Keyboard. While this modern approach enhances typing comfort for some, users accustomed to deeper key travel might need time to adjust. The TrackPoint remains for those who prefer this navigation method. The mechanical touchpad, while functional, is smaller than ideal due to the dedicated TrackPoint buttons. A haptic touchpad, as seen in the ThinkPad Z13, would have been a welcome improvement. The touch- and pen-enabled display offers further input flexibility, although the $45 Lenovo Slim Pen is an optional extra.

Connectivity and Webcam

alt text: Left side view of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 displaying available ports.alt text: Right side view of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 showcasing the available ports.

The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 offers a robust selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 4 and legacy USB-A, catering to diverse connectivity needs. However, the absence of an SD card reader is a notable omission. Wireless options are configurable, with support for Wi-Fi 7 and cellular connectivity, although the selection process on Lenovo’s configurator can be somewhat unclear.

alt text: Front view of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 highlighting the webcam notch.

Webcam choices include 1080p and 2160p resolutions, tied to specific display configurations. Both options feature infrared cameras for Windows Hello facial recognition. A fingerprint reader is also integrated into the keyboard.

Performance and Battery Life

alt text: Rear view of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 showcasing the lid and logo.

Powered by Intel’s Core Ultra 7 U-series processors, the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 delivers adequate performance for everyday productivity tasks. However, it lags behind competitors using higher-wattage chips and more efficient architectures like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and Apple’s M3. While the Core Ultra 7 165U vPro option offers enhanced management and security features, its performance remains comparable to the Core Ultra 7 155U.

alt text: Side view of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 highlighting ports and the closed lid.

Despite its modest 57 watt-hour battery, the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 achieved impressive battery life, especially in video playback. It’s likely to provide a full day of use for typical productivity workloads.

Display and Audio

The Full HD+ IPS display on our review unit offered good brightness and adequate color accuracy, although some competing IPS panels offer better performance. The optional 2.8K OLED display provides a more vibrant visual experience for creators and media consumers. The dual upward-firing speakers delivered surprisingly loud and clear audio, although bass response was expectedly limited.

Conclusion

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) is a well-built business laptop with a robust feature set and respectable performance and battery life. However, its high price point compared to similarly configured competitors might deter budget-conscious buyers. If the price isn’t a primary concern, or if your business requires the specific features and support offered by the ThinkPad line, this laptop is a worthwhile consideration.