ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition Scores 9/10 From iFixit at CES 2026

ThinkPad X1 Carbon has been the default answer to “what does a serious work laptop look like?” for more than a decade, with over ten million units sold since 2012. Most look and behave roughly the same. The Gen 14 Aura Edition arrives at CES 2026, when that definition is shifting, and Lenovo’s response is to quietly rework the bones around local intelligence, a new internal architecture, and repairability that does not feel like a compromise.

The first idea is that AI should live on the machine, not just in the cloud. The Aura Edition runs Intel Core Ultra X7 Series 3 processors with an integrated NPU capable of up to 50 TOPS, which means background noise removal, live transcription, or image enhancement can happen locally with less lag and fewer privacy worries. Lenovo’s Aura software layer tunes performance automatically, handles quick media transfers with a tap, and walks users through troubleshooting.

Designer: Lenovo

The second idea is Space Frame, a new internal layout that treats the inside as three-dimensional real estate rather than a flat sandwich. By placing components on both sides of the motherboard, Lenovo frees up volume for better airflow and a larger haptic touchpad while keeping the chassis under sixteen millimeters thick. That opens up about twenty percent better heat dissipation and lets the system sustain thirty watts of power, which matters when running heavy workloads.

Space Frame also makes room for modular parts. USB ports, the battery, keyboard, speakers, and fans are designed to be replaced as individual units, with a separate daughterboard that isolates some I/O, so a damaged connector does not mean a full motherboard swap. Lenovo says the X1 series now scores nine out of ten from iFixit. For people who keep laptops for years, that means less downtime and fewer machines scrapped for minor issues.

The sustainability story ties in closely. The chassis uses up to seventy-five percent recycled aluminum and ninety percent recycled magnesium in specific components, and packaging is now plastic-free. Those details matter for enterprises reporting on lifecycle impact, and they make the laptop easier to justify to teams skeptical of devices designed to be replaced every few years instead of maintained and refreshed when needed.

Around those pillars, the X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition feels familiar. An optional 2.8K OLED display with anti-glare coating, 500 nits, and full DCI-P3 coverage handles color work. A new 10-megapixel camera with a wide field of view and distortion correction makes hybrid meetings less painful. Wi-Fi 7, optional 5G, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports keep it ready for whatever networks and docks come next.

The interesting thing about this generation is not that it is faster or lighter, though it is both. Lenovo is using AI and a new internal design as reasons to make a flagship business laptop that is smarter, cooler, and easier to fix. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition is still the same understated black rectangle, but inside it argues that the future of professional laptops is about longevity, adaptability, and treating sustainability as a design constraint rather than marketing.

The post ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition Scores 9/10 From iFixit at CES 2026 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Lenovo’s ‘Horizontal Rollable’ Legion Pro Laptop Expands From 16 to 23.8 Inches: Hands-on at CES 2026

Lenovo’s Legion Pro Rollable concept solves a problem that’s annoyed traveling gamers and esports pros for years: you either carry a full-size monitor with you or accept that your laptop screen is too small for serious practice. The concept starts as a standard 16-inch gaming laptop, then physically expands horizontally to 21.5 inches and finally 23.8 inches when you need the extra width. A rollable PureSight OLED panel stretches from both ends using dual motors and a tension system designed to keep the screen taut and protected through repeated cycles, turning one device into three different training setups without packing an external display.

Professional esports athletes compete on 24-inch monitors at tournaments, which makes training on a 16-inch laptop screen feel like practicing free throws on a hoop that’s two feet lower than regulation. Lenovo built the concept around that reality, calling the 16-inch mode Focus Mode for precision drills, the 21.5-inch state Tactical Mode for peripheral awareness training, and the full 23.8-inch extension Arena Mode to replicate actual competition conditions. The hardware underneath is Legion Pro 7i spec with Intel Core Ultra CPUs and an RTX 5090 laptop GPU, so performance isn’t the compromise here. The rollable display is the entire point, and if it works reliably it eliminates the extra monitor from the travel checklist.

Designer: Lenovo

Seeing it in action on the CES floor was something else. The mechanism is surprisingly smooth, unfurling with a quiet hum that sounds more refined than experimental. Lenovo calls it a dual-motor, tension-based design, which is a sterile way of describing how it keeps the flexible OLED panel perfectly flat and taut, even at full 23.8-inch extension. They’ve apparently lined the rolling path with low-friction materials to prevent the screen from scratching itself over time. The whole thing feels solid, not like a fragile prototype you’re afraid to touch. My only complaint is that Lenovo keeps calling this a ‘concept’ even though they should easily mass-produce this thing.

The panel itself is a PureSight OLED, so the colors and contrast are exactly what you’d expect from a high-end gaming display. The real story is the aspect ratio. When it expands, it doesn’t just get bigger; it transforms into an ultra-widescreen that changes how you see the game. This is what makes it a genuine training tool rather than just a gimmick. For FPS or MOBA players, that extra horizontal space in Tactical and Arena modes is crucial for peripheral vision. It’s a purpose-built machine, not a productivity laptop with a gaming sticker. The 23.8-inch final size is a direct nod to the 24-inch class monitors that dominate the pro circuit, making this the most authentic portable training rig I’ve ever seen.

Of course, you can’t buy one. Lenovo was very clear this is a proof of concept, a way of showing off what their engineers are cooking up. It’s a statement piece for the CES showcase, a flex of R&D muscle. It’s a bit funny, really. We’re living in a world where we got a fully functional, mechanically expanding laptop screen before we got Grand Theft Auto VI. In a way that’s a great thing, because I’d honestly love to play an open-world RPG on a portable 24″ laptop. A new GTA game demands leaps and bounds in hardware too, no?

So, will we all be carrying rollable laptops in a few years? Lenovo already began selling a commercial version of its vertical rolling ThinkBook, so even though they keep calling this Legion rollable a concept, chances are it’ll see the light of day soon enough. Most tech people around me seem to agree that this format of a horizontal rollable works so much better than the vertical one. The only gripe people have is that this tech is exclusive to Lenovo’s Legion gaming line, when graphic designers, video editors and productivity gurus would benefit so much more from a rolling screen like this!

The post Lenovo’s ‘Horizontal Rollable’ Legion Pro Laptop Expands From 16 to 23.8 Inches: Hands-on at CES 2026 first appeared on Yanko Design.

The best Chromebook you can buy in 2026

Chromebooks have quietly become some of the most useful laptops for everyday tasks. They boot fast, stay secure with automatic updates and often cost far less than traditional Windows or Mac machines. Modern Chromebooks also look and feel better than ever, with brighter screens, stronger processors and designs that range from simple clamshells to flexible 2-in-1s.

Whether you need a laptop for school, streaming or a portable option for travel, there is likely a Chromebook that fits your routine. After testing the top models, we picked the best Chromebooks you can buy today to help you find something that balances performance, price and reliability.

This is probably the number one question about Chromebooks. There are plenty of inexpensive Windows laptops on the market, so why bother with Chrome's operating system? Glad you asked. For me, the simple and clean nature of Chrome OS is a big selling point. Chrome OS is based on Google’s Chrome browser, which means most of the programs you can run are web based. There’s no bloatware or unwanted apps to uninstall like you often get on Windows laptops, it boots up in seconds, and you can completely reset to factory settings almost as quickly.

Of course, simplicity will also be a major drawback for some users. Not being able to install native software can be a dealbreaker if you’re a video editor or software developer. But there are also plenty of people who do the majority of their work in a web browser, using tools like Google Docs and spreadsheets for productivity without needing a full Windows setup.

Google and its software partners are getting better every year at supporting more advanced features. For example, Google added video editing tools to the Google Photos app on Chromebooks – it won’t replace Adobe Premiere, but it should be handy for a lot of people. Similarly, Google and Adobe announced Photoshop on the web in 2023, something that brings much of the power of Adobe’s desktop apps to Chromebooks.

Chromebooks can also run Android apps, which greatly expands the amount of software available. The quality varies widely, but it means you can do more with a Chromebook beyond just web-based apps. For example, you can install the Netflix app and save videos for offline watching. Other Android apps like Microsoft Office and Adobe Lightroom are surprisingly capable as well. Between Android apps and a general improvement in web apps, Chromebooks are more than just portals to a browser.

Put simply, web browsing and really anything web based. Online shopping, streaming music and video and using various social media sites are among the most common daily tasks people do on Chromebooks. As you might expect, they also work well with Google services like Photos, Docs, Gmail, Drive, Keep and so on. Yes, any computer that can run Chrome can do that too, but the lightweight nature of Google Chrome OS makes it a responsive and stable platform.

As I mentioned before, Chrome OS can run Android apps, so if you’re an Android user you’ll find some nice ties between the platforms. You can get most of the same apps that are on your phone on a Chromebook and keep info in sync between them. You can also use some Android phones as a security key for your Chromebook or instantly tether your 2-in-1 laptop to use mobile data.

Google continues to tout security as a major differentiator for Chromebooks, and it’s definitely a factor worth considering. Auto-updates are the first lines of defense: Chrome OS updates download quickly in the background and a fast reboot is all it takes to install the latest version. Google says that each webpage and app on a Chromebook runs in its own sandbox as well, so any security threats are contained to that individual app. Finally, Chrome OS has a self-check called Verified Boot that runs every time a device starts up. Beyond all this, the simple fact that you generally can’t install traditional apps on a Chromebook means there are fewer ways for bad actors to access the system.

If you’re interested in Google’s Gemini AI tools, a Chromebook is a good option as well. Every Chromebook in our top picks comes with a full year of Google’s AI Pro plan — this combines the usual Google One perks like 2TB of storage and 10 percent back in purchases from the Google Store with a bunch of AI tools. You’ll get access to Gemini in Chrome, Gmail, Google Docs and other apps, Gemini 2.5 Pro in the Gemini app and more. Given that this plan is $20/month, it’s a pretty solid perk. Chromebook Plus models also include tools like the AI-powered “help me write,” the Google Photos Magic Editor and generative AI backgrounds you can create by filling in a few prompts.

As for when to avoid Chromebooks, the answer is simple: If you rely heavily on a specific native application for Windows or a Mac, chances are you won’t find the exact same option on a ChromeOS device. That’s most true in fields like photo and video editing, but it can also be the case in law or finance. Plenty of businesses run on Google’s G suite software, but more still have specific requirements that a Chromebook might not match. If you’re an iPhone user, you’ll also miss out on the way the iPhone easily integrates with an iPad or Mac. For me, the big downside is not being able to access iMessage on a Chromebook.

Finally, gaming Chromebooks are not ubiquitous, although they’re becoming a slightly more reasonable option with the rise of cloud gaming. In late 2022, Google and some hardware partners announced a push to make Chromebooks with cloud gaming in mind. From a hardware perspective, that means laptops with bigger screens that have higher refresh rates as well as optimizing those laptops to work with services like NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Game Pass and Amazon Luna. You’ll obviously need an internet connection to use these services, but the good news is that playing modern games on a Chromebook isn’t impossible. You can also install Android games from the Google Play Store, but that’s not what most people are thinking of when they want to game on a laptop.

Chrome OS is lightweight and runs well on fairly modest hardware, so the most important thing to look for might not be processor power or storage space. But Google made it easier to get consistent specs and performance late last year when it introduced the Chromebook Plus initiative. Any device with a Chromebook Plus designation meets some minimum requirements, which happen to be very similar to what I’d recommend most people get if they’re looking for the best laptop they can use every day.

Chromebook Plus models have at least a 12th-gen Intel Core i3 processor, or an AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series processor, both of which should be more than enough for most people. These laptops also have a minimum of 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage, which should do the trick unless you’re really pushing your Chromebook. All Chromebook Plus models have to have a 1080p webcam, which is nice in these days of constant video calling, and they also all have to have at least a 1080p FHD IPS screen.

Of course, you can get higher specs or better screens if you desire, but I’ve found that basically everything included in the Chromebook Plus target specs makes for a very good experience.

Google has an Auto Update policy for Chromebooks as well, and while that’s not exactly a spec, it’s worth checking before you buy. Last year, Google announced that Chromebooks would get software updates and support for an impressive 10 years after their release date. This support page lists the Auto Update expiration date for virtually every Chromebook ever, but a good rule of thumb is to buy the newest machine you can to maximize your support.

Chromebooks started out notoriously cheap, with list prices often coming in under $300. But as they’ve gone more mainstream, they’ve transitioned from being essentially modern netbooks to some of the best laptops you’ll want to use all day. As such, prices have increased: At this point, you should expect to spend at least $400 if you want a solid daily driver. There are still many Chromebooks out there available at a low price that may be suitable as secondary devices, but a good Chromebook that can be an all-day, every-day laptop will cost more. But, notably, even the best Chromebooks usually cost less than the best Windows laptops, or even the best “regular” laptops out there.

There are a handful of premium Chromebooks that approach or even exceed $1,000 that claim to offer better performance and more processing power, but I don’t recommend spending that much. Generally, that’ll get you a better design with more premium materials, as well as more powerful internals and extra storage space, like a higher-capacity SSD. Of course, you also sometimes pay for the brand name. But, the specs I outlined earlier are usually enough, and there are multiple good premium Chromebooks in the $700 to $800 range at this point.

See Also:

This was our pick for best overall Chromebook for years, and it’s still one of the better options you can find for a basic laptop that doesn’t break the bank. It’s a few years older than our current top pick, so its processor isn’t fresh and it only has 128GB of storage. It also won’t get updates from Google as long as newer models. But it still combines a nice screen and keyboard with solid performance. This laptop typically costs $500, which feels high given its a few years old and Acer’s Chromebook Plus 514 is only $350, but if you can find it on sale and can’t find the Acer it’s worth a look.

This Chromebook is extremely affordable – you can currently pick it up for only $159 at Walmart. That price and its large 15.6-inch screen is mainly what it has going for it, as the Intel Celeron N4500 chip and 4GB of RAM powering it does not provide good performance if you’re doing anything more than browsing with a few tabs open. If you’re shopping for someone with extremely basic needs and have a small budget, the CX15 might fit the bill. But just be aware that you get what you pay for.

Samsung’s Galaxy Chromebook Plus, released in late 2024, is one of the more unique Chromebooks out there. It’s extremely thin and light, at 0.46 inches and 2.6 pounds, but it manages to include a 15.6-inch display in that frame. That screen is a 1080p panel that’s sharp and bright, but its 16:9 aspect ratio made things feel a bit cramped when scrolling vertically. Performance is very good, and the keyboard is solid, though I’m not a fan of the number pad as it shifts everything to the left. At $700 it’s not cheap, but that feels fair considering its size and capabilities. If you’re looking for a big screen laptop that is also super light, this Chromebook merits consideration, even if it’s not the best option for everyone.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/best-chromebooks-160054646.html?src=rss

New Patent Shows Motorola’s Foldable Tracks and Bends to Your Will: A Smarter Hinge for the Future

Motorola is pushing the boundaries of foldable smartphones with a new patent that introduces a hinge mechanism capable of autonomous adjustment, adapting seamlessly to user movements. This novel approach aims to make foldable devices more intuitive, elevating the user experience to new levels of comfort and convenience.

Designer: Motorola + Lenovo

The patent, titled “Autonomous Form Factor Control of a Foldable Mobile Device,” describes a hinge that can automatically adjust its position using a combination of shape memory alloys (SMA) and linear resonant actuators (LRA). The hinge dynamically shifts its angle to optimize viewing based on the user’s movements, offering a physical solution to an ergonomic problem. It’s similar in concept to Apple’s Center Stage, but instead of software adjusting the frame, this device physically adjusts itself to keep the user in view.

Breaking Down the Technology

The hinge utilizes Shape Memory Alloys (SMA), which are smart materials originally developed for aerospace applications. SMA can change shape when exposed to heat, which is generated here through electrical currents or kinetic energy. As the user moves, SMA expands or contracts to tilt the hinge, ensuring the display remains aligned with the user’s position. Imagine watching a video or participating in a call where the screen moves to stay in sync with you—Motorola aims to deliver this convenience.

Image: 91mobiles

Linear Resonant Actuators (LRA) work in tandem with SMA to provide precise linear movements. They function like a spring system to keep adjustments smooth and accurate. Together, these components allow for dynamic hinge movement, eliminating the need for awkward manual repositioning during use.

Motorola RAZR Plus

How It Works

Motorola’s patent images show the foldable phone using onboard sensors, including cameras, to track user movement. Depending on whether the user moves closer, farther away, or remains still, the hinge adjusts accordingly. The patent outlines different modes, like Tent Mode and Stand Mode, each designed to provide an optimal screen position for varying user activities.

In Figure 3, the hinge changes its elevation in response to the user’s head movement, keeping the display at an ideal angle. If the user leans forward, the hinge tilts upward; if they move back, it lowers. This feature improves ergonomics and reduces strain, creating a more comfortable viewing experience.

Image: 91mobiles

Unlike software-only solutions that rely on reframing the content, Motorola’s hinge brings a tangible, mechanical adaptation to user movement. This could also enhance shared viewing experiences, such as group video calls or presentations, making it easier for everyone to see the screen.

Lenovo’s Auto Twist AI PC Proof of Concept at IFA 2024

Motorola’s innovation isn’t happening in isolation—Lenovo showcased a similar concept at IFA 2024 with the Auto Twist AI PC Proof of Concept. Lenovo’s vision involves AI-controlled hardware that autonomously adjusts itself, bridging the gap between software-driven user personalization and physical hardware adaptability. The Auto Twist AI PC leverages AI to change the laptop’s configuration and position, adjusting to different modes, such as laptop, tablet, or tent mode, based on user activity. It can even close the lid when left unattended, providing convenience and security.

This concept from Lenovo shares parallels with Motorola’s patent for a dynamic folding hinge. Like Motorola’s hinge that autonomously adjusts based on user movement, Lenovo’s design integrates motorized hinges and AI to create a fluid transition between different laptop modes. The idea is to reduce the need for manual intervention and make the devices more user-friendly. While the Lenovo Yoga series has long offered flexibility through multiple modes, the Auto Twist AI PC takes this a step further by introducing autonomous adjustments. The ability to track user positioning and proactively respond by shifting configurations could significantly enhance the user experience—very much in the same vein as Motorola’s foldable phone.

Why This Matters

With CES 2025 around the corner, I expect Motorola and Lenovo to have proof of concepts for us to test. This autonomous hinge system is a significant step forward for foldable and convertible technology. While foldable devices are often seen as cutting-edge, they sometimes lack the functionality that justifies their complexity. By introducing automatic hinge adjustments, Motorola is making foldable phones more responsive and effortless to use. Whether multitasking, consuming content, or going hands-free, this design solves a usability problem that has limited the practicality of foldable devices.

Lenovo’s proof of concept shows how AI-driven automation could become a broader trend across different types of devices, including laptops. Both Lenovo and Motorola envision a future where devices anticipate user needs and make physical adjustments, moving away from passive tools requiring constant manual configuration to smart companions that enhance the user experience.

Comparison to Existing Solutions

Motorola’s innovation draws parallels with Apple’s Center Stage but pushes the idea further by integrating physical hardware movement. Instead of relying solely on software, this solution combines mechanical adjustment with tracking to create a more immersive, seamless user experience.

Patent images detail Tent Mode and Stand Mode, showcasing the benefits of automatic adjustment. In Tent Mode, the hinge adjusts to keep the screen centered for easy content sharing or watching videos hands-free. Stand Mode tilts the screen to align with the user’s eye level, enhancing comfort and reducing strain.

Why This is Notable

  • Motorola’s foldable phone can autonomously adapt to users’ needs, making it innovative and practical.
  • Integrating SMA and LRA provides a robust hinge design that reacts to user behavior, enhancing comfort and usability.
  • Lenovo’s Auto Twist AI PC concept hints at a future where more devices incorporate AI-driven physical adjustments.
  • This adaptability could become standard across laptops, tablets, and foldable phones, focusing on devices that adapt to human behavior.
  • Motorola and Lenovo’s hinge technologies could redefine foldable devices, turning them into adaptive companions that offer everyday benefits.
  • These advancements set new benchmarks for the foldable and convertible market, aiming to transition from concepts to consumer-ready products that transform the industry.

The post New Patent Shows Motorola’s Foldable Tracks and Bends to Your Will: A Smarter Hinge for the Future first appeared on Yanko Design.

Lenovo Brings AI Innovation For All with Intel Lunar Lake and Snapdragon X Plus Laptops

AI is no longer just for swapping faces, erasing unwanted people from photos, or generating images and text that can have you questioning people’s sanity. While those can be fun, they hardly show what the technology is capable of. AI is now becoming part and parcel of the computing experience, optimizing tasks, understanding and summarizing your files, and, of course, answering your questions, but you will need and want hardware that can actually support those functions in an efficient and private manner. At IFA 2024, Lenovo is unveiling a wide range of computers that deliver this kind of power using the next generation of AI processors, helping the brand push toward its goal of leading the AI Devices Era.

Designer: Lenovo

Lenovo Aura Edition: Intel Core Ultra Series 2

Working together with Intel for years, Lenovo launches its new Aura Edition laptops, leveraging the power of AI not just to deliver smarter features but to change the way people use their computers. Smart Modes, for example, can adapt to users’ needs and habits, reducing distractions when they need to work, activating stronger security measures when connecting to public Wi-Fi, or simply reminding them to take breaks at certain intervals. These features are powered by Intel’s new Core Ultra Series 2 processors, delivering improved NPU performance up to 48 TOPS (Tera/Trillion Operations Per Second).

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition offers a business-class design and experience that the ThinkPad brand is famed for. A 14-inch 2.8K OLED Dolby Vision screen delivers crisp and vibrant images, while the 57-watt battery promises almost a full day of use before you need to plug in. In addition to a large Haptic TouchPad, the laptop integrates the iconic three-button TrackPoint for a familiar and comfortable experience that fans have come to expect from this line of pro laptops.

In addition to AI upgrades, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition also steps up its sustainability game, boasting a customer-replaceable battery design, 90% recycled magnesium for the C cover, and the complete absence of plastics from the packaging. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition will be available starting in November with an expected starting price of $1,999.

The 15-inch Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition brings those same Intel-powered AI capabilities to Lenovo’s line of content creation laptops. Designed with creative professionals in mind, the 15-inch 2.8K 120Hz OLED screen and 70Wh battery offer the performance, high-fidelity visuals, and all-day uptime that these discerning users need to get their jobs done anywhere they go. Expected to be available starting this month, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition will start at $1,299.

Versatility and Portability: Snapdragon X Plus

With the Snapdragon X processors, Qualcomm is bringing its battle-tested performance and battery efficiency from smartphones and tablets to Windows PCs. The Snapdragon X Plus further expands that thrust with a selection of Copilot+ laptops and tablets for every user, tier, and budget. With an 8-core chip and a neural processing unit delivering 45 AI TOPS performance, these new Lenovo computers make AI and long battery life accessible to more consumers.

The new ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 with Snapdragon X Plus combines AI chops with a multi-day battery life and a chic, modern design that’s only 16mm thin. It brings AI processing for business applications, on-device AI assistance, and AI-improved camera imaging to on-the-go professionals who need a reliable computer that can survive being away from a wall socket for a day or two. Starting at only $799, the ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 offers an affordable option to all the powerful yet pricey AI computers arriving this year, without compromising on the quality of the experience.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 convertible laptop put the Snapdragon X Plus to work in a more familiar setting. Switching between laptop, tent, and tablet modes, the laptop’s 14-inch 16:10 WUXGA OLED touch display delivers the crisp visuals that creative professionals and multimedia enthusiasts require. As a computer made to be carried around, it boasts MIL-STD-810H certification and a metal A-cover to make sure it can keep up with you. Available in October, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 (14″, 9) will have a starting price of $849, again putting it within easy reach of highly mobile professionals.

The post Lenovo Brings AI Innovation For All with Intel Lunar Lake and Snapdragon X Plus Laptops first appeared on Yanko Design.

Lenovo Legion Go accessories make it a true Nintendo Switch rival

The new breed of handheld PCs designed for gaming can’t deny their inspiration. The success of the Nintendo Switch definitely made the dream of AAA gaming on the go a reality. Of course, that only works if you’re all in on Nintendo’s ecosystem, though PC gamers have been relying on laptops for their portable experience. The likes of the Lenovo Legion Go, however, have taken us closer not just to truly portable PC gaming but to an experience almost similar to the Nintendo Switch with its removable controllers. Now the PC giant has come out not with a successor but with much-needed accessories that give the handheld gaming PC a more holistic image and a more complete mobile experience.

Designer: Lenovo

Handheld gaming PCs have definitely kicked the doors wide open for PC gaming on the go, but almost all of them lacked one important Nintendo Switch feature from day one: first-party accessories. Sure, you can connect a keyboard, mouse, and maybe even an external monitor, but in most cases you also have to hunt for hubs and docks that you can only hope will actually work as promised. In contrast, the Switch had the TV dock, holders and chargers for Joycons, and more, emphasizing a complete ecosystem that removed much of the concerns that PC gamers face even on laptops and desktops.

The new set of Legion Go accessories does that for Lenovo’s first-ever handheld, making it an even more flexible system for gaming and, ironically, work. At the top of the list is probably the official Legion Go USB-C Dock, providing a home for the handheld at home, making it easy to turn the Legion Go into a desktop or living room console when you’re not out and about. The Legion Go Charging Connector keeps the handheld’s removable TrueStrike controllers always ready when you need them. You can even use the controllers while attached, turning them into a distinct and standalone gamepad.

Although not directly related to the Legion Go, Lenovo also announced a mini Bluetooth keyboard that’s a perfect complement to the portable computer. The Legion Go has one of the largest screens among handheld PCs, so you can type out an email response or some other document with this keyboard. Plus, it also lets you easily play PC games that can only use a keyboard and mouse for input, especially since one of the TrueStrike controllers functions as a joystick-like mouse when detached.

Other members of the Legion Go accessory family include an official carrying bag, as well as joystick and button caps. Unfortunately, they may have come a little too late to make a world of difference. While some owners have probably made do with third-party products that offer the same functionality, these official Lenovo accessories bring the guarantee of actually working well with the Legion Go.

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Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 (2024) Laptop Review: Uncompromising Power at a Fair Price

PROS:


  • Unbeatable performance for its price tag

  • Beautiful and vibrant 16-inch 2K 240Hz screen

  • A wide variety of ports

CONS:


  • Bulky and aggressive design

  • A bit pricey without discounts

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

Although a heavyweight in actual weight and price, the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 9 delivers almost everything gamers and content creators need without breaking the bank.

Microsoft has been very aggressive with its push of AI on new Windows computers, represented by its now omnipresent CoPilot key. New laptops have just been launched touting AI capabilities that revolve largely around the usual culprits like content generation or summarizing content, but they’re not the only new kids on the block either. A new breed of gaming laptops is also on the rise, advertising some AI tricks to optimize their performance. That also means a refresh of popular models that promise even smoother performance and pack more power, but those always come at some cost. Rarely will you find a design that delivers the power that gamers need at a more affordable price point, which is the proposition that the 2024 Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 (16IRX9H) is making, so we naturally had to put it to the test to see if it holds up in practice.

Designer: Lenovo

Aesthetics

Common gaming laptops often look like tanks, and the Legion Pro 7i (2024) is sadly no different. It’s not rugged by any means, sporting a sleek and sharp appearance, but it’s thick, heavy, and sharp at the edges. It has an aggressive look to it, though coupled with some RGB lights, it does have a bit of a cyberpunk flair. While it doesn’t shout to the world that it’s a gaming laptop, it doesn’t try to deny its identity either.

It’s also not that different from its Gen 8 predecessor, so there’s practically nothing that sets it apart visually. On the one hand, it establishes a familiarity with the Legion Pro line, so buyers will know what to expect. On the other hand, however, it also feels like it’s lagging behind when it comes to aesthetics, especially when Lenovo has quite a few interesting and distinctive designs available.

Overall, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 looks pretty plain on the outside. It isn’t as obnoxious as other gaming laptops that show off all their kaleidoscopic lighting, but it isn’t subtle either. You might feel a bit conscious bringing it to the workplace or meeting (unless you work at a game studio), but it will probably only get a few passing looks. Fortunately, most gamers will be willing to overlook this aspect if they’re getting the performance that they’re actually paying for.

Ergonomics

At 4.93 lbs (2.24kg) and 17.6mm (0.69in), there is no mistaking the Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 for a thin and lightweight notebook. Again, this is your expected dimensions for a gaming laptop, so many gamers won’t be so bothered by it. But if you’re a creator and a gamer who find yourself moving around a lot, you best prepare your back and shoulders for some workout.

Fortunately, actually using the laptop turned out to be a more enjoyable experience, from the bright and vibrant screen to the responsive and comfortable keyboard. That keyboard is a bit notable in how it sufficiently spaces out the keys and still has room for a numeric keypad as well as a regular T-shaped cursor key arrangement. The latter actually extends a bit lower than the rest of the keys, which has the effect of pushing the touchpad to the left just a little. Definitely not enough to make the button-less surface painful to use.

As we’ll get to later, the Legion Pro 7i has a wide selection of ports, and they’re placed in a way that really takes into account how most people use laptops these days. The left side has a USB-A and a USB-C port, while the opposite side gets a USB-A along with a 3.5mm headphone/mic jack. This gives easy access to accessories you’ll connect and disconnect often, like a gaming mouse or your phone. The back has connections like two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, HDMI, and Ethernet, practically the ones you’ll use to “dock” the laptop to more stationary peripherals, making cable management a bit easier. Whether it’s gaming on the go or maybe even working in the office, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 is designed with ease of use and comfort in mind.

Performance

As a somewhat high-end gaming laptop, the 2024 Legion Pro 7i carries some of the best hardware in the market today. Sure, it might not have an NPU-toting processor, but the Intel Core i9-14900HX is definitely as or even more capable than an “Ultra” chip. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 is just one step lower than the top-of-the-line card, but it’s more than enough for both gaming and content creation. Our review unit came with 32GB of DDR5 RAM and 1TB of storage, which is to say it’s not wanting in any aspect. With both benchmarks and actual usage alike, the Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 performed impressively, yielding consistent high frame rates in games even high settings. It’s also a testament to the laptop’s cooling system that it’s able to squeeze out as much performance consistently, though it naturally did get warm to the touch and the fans were quite audible.

Visual quality is important for gamers, but it is an even more critical aspect for content creators who need color accuracy. This is one area where the Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 surpasses the previous generation, adding support for NTSC, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3 color gamuts. Not only does this make colors really pop, it also means that the 16-inch 2K screen is now able to support the needs of creatives, making the gaming laptop more of an all-around high-performance tool. And with extremely thin bezels, you experience a better immersion into that colorful world, especially when the decent bottom-firing speakers complete the audiovisual experience.

This heavy laptop carries a 99.99Whr battery, the largest allowable on planes, and its uptime is as much as you’d expect. Normal use, which is a mix of multimedia and browsing, can net you around 7 hours, but heavy gaming makes that figure nosedive to just two or less. Lenovo compensates for this with a “Super Rapid Charge” technology that can fully charge the Legion Pro 7i in around 80 minutes, presuming you’re using the hefty 330W power brick with a proprietary connector. You can also charge the laptop via USB-C if you have a 140W charger, but Lenovo doesn’t ship one in the box.

All in all, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 performs so well that we have very little to complain about it. There’s very little bloatware aside from Lenovo’s own tools, as well as those from Nahimic for audio and Tobii for the webcam. Yes, it’s heavy and it burns through a battery quickly, but that’s also expected from high-end gaming laptops. It’s a rather powerful package made even more enticing by its bang-for-buck value.

Sustainability

Before we get to that, however, a word has to be said about Lenovo’s actions to leave a more positive impact on the planet. Though the Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 might look plain to the naked eye, it actually uses quite a number of sustainable materials for its body. It uses recycled aluminum as well as magnesium, giving the laptop both durability as well as a premium touch. The bottom, in particular, is made with 50% recycled aluminum, while the cover frame utilizes 30% post-consumer recycled polymers.

The laptop is also designed to be upgradable, at least as far as RAM is concerned. Repairs and other upgrades, however, require a bit more work, so it comes up short of getting a high score. Given how gaming laptops are more likely to wear out components faster than regular laptops, repairability should be the next priority for Lenovo’s designers and engineers.

Value

There’s no getting around the fact that the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 9 is a bit pricey, starting at around $2,420 all the way to $2,850 for the highest configuration. And that’s with discounts already! On its own, that price tag might feel quite burdensome, until you consider that many laptops on this tier ask for more and deliver less.

With this sub-$3000 gaming laptop, you’re getting a near-perfect configuration that is useful not just for gaming but even for content creation as well. It’s not perfect, of course, and we wished it had a longer battery life given its weight, but you’d also be hard-pressed to find a similar experience on designs that won’t require you to pay even more with not as much performance gains.

Verdict

With PC gaming on the rise again, the number and variety of gaming laptops have also seen an uptick. While the need for power has never changed, gamers have become more conscientious not just about price value but design value as well. Carrying the design DNA of its predecessor, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 (16″, 2024) looks sleek yet deceptively simple, belying the power it carries inside. But more than just unrelenting performance, it brings a well-rounded set of features that give gamers, creators, and any other user a powerful tool for a relatively fair price.

The post Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 (2024) Laptop Review: Uncompromising Power at a Fair Price first appeared on Yanko Design.

Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 14IMH9 (14″, 2024) Review: Graceful Balancing Act

PROS:


  • Gorgeous 3.8K screen with very thin bezels

  • Stylish, lightweight, and flexible workstation on-the-go

  • Competitive performance even for light gaming

  • Creative speaker soundbar hinge design

CONS:


  • Included pen feels cramped

  • No HDMI port or SD card slot


RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

With a more portable design and solid performance, the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 makes for a competitive all-rounder that can cover almost every need and use case.
award-icon

There has been a sudden flood of new laptops in the past months, most of them trying to ride the AI wave. With so many designs and so many configurations available, it can be a bit daunting to pick one for your next major computer purchase. There’s no shortage of models catering to gamers and content creators, as well as pro models aimed at high-performance workers. On the opposite side lies the “economy” choices meant for students and some employees, carrying barely enough power for the most basic tasks. When it comes to those who need a general-purpose computer that can keep up with their changing needs and situations, the choices can be a bit more difficult because they’re all over the place. A solid option with well-balanced features and an accessible price tag is always in demand, and that’s what the 2024 Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 (14IMH9) 2-in-1 convertible laptop is promising, so we take put it to the test to see if it does keep its word.

Designer: Lenovo

Aesthetics

The Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 has a presence that grabs your attention without being loud or distracting. The simple yet sleek shape of the lid combined with the soft curves of the base creates an interesting silhouette whether the laptop is closed or open. And the dark Cosmic Blue hue, still a rarity in this product line, makes it stand out in an aesthetically pleasing way. When the lid is open and the screen powered on, the extra slim bezels around the display further emphasize the laptop’s modern appearance.

Even at first glance, it’s immediately evident how slim and small the 2-in-1 laptop is, at least for a 14-inch device. Compared to its Gen 8 predecessor, this year’s Lenovo Yoga 9i is significantly smaller and lighter, which greatly improves its portability. This attribute is even critical for this kind of laptop since it can be used as a tablet that you’ll sometimes have to hold up for long periods of time, though it does have some drawbacks compared to typical tablets, which we’ll get to later.

One design detail that might prove divisive is how the lid and the base practically have two different designs. The lid is thin and has flat edges with a matte surface, while the base sports curved edges with a shiny finish. The difference between the two is even more stark when you realize that the base is actually wider at its edges than the lid so that these two parts don’t sit flush with each other when closed. It’s an asymmetrical design quirk that might not sit well with some, while others might grow accustomed to it over time, enough to take it for granted.

Ergonomics

At only 2.98 lbs (1.35kg), the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 is relatively lighter than its predecessor as well as the nearest competition. This gives it an advantage when it comes to portability, especially when you consider how it doesn’t skimp on the specs in return. You still won’t want to hold it up unsupported for long periods of time, but it’s less straining than most. That said, you won’t be able to hold it as comfortably as a regular tablet like an iPad or a Surface because the keys fold to the back of the lid. They’re disabled, of course, but you will still undoubtedly press on them, making for a rather awkward experience.

But while using the laptop is comfortable and even enjoyable, the Lenovo Slim Pen that ships with the Yoga 9i Gen 9 is a different story. We don’t have any complaints when it comes to the performance of the stylus, since it does a great job at it, but holding the short and nearly flat stick can strain your hand if you use it for too long. There’s also no secure place to put the stylus on when not in use, because the magnet on the back and top of the lid is not exactly that strong. It almost feels as if designing the pen was an afterthought, especially since previous Yoga 9i models had a silo for its home.

Performance

In addition to its facelift, the 2024 14-inch Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 gets a major upgrade in hardware. That’s the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, the chip maker’s latest entry into the AI arena. This is matched with high-speed LPDDR5x RAM, 32GB for our review unit, and 1TB PCIe SSD Gen 4 M.2 of storage. In addition to the integrated Intel AI Boost NPU (Neural Processing Unit), a key feature of this configuration is the integrated Intel Arc graphics. It’s still a far cry from dedicated GPUs from the likes of NVIDIA and AMD, but it’s still a major leap forward in terms of performance. And it doesn’t disappoint, at least within the right context and expectations. It’s no gaming laptop, but light gaming with medium settings is no problem, as are content creation apps, especially those that utilize AI features.

The real star of the show here is the 14-inch OLED display, with a 3.8K WQUXGA (3840 x 2400) resolution in our review unit (there’s also a 2.8K 2880×1800 option). Both are touch-capable, as you would expect from a 2-in-1 laptop, and the image quality is just astounding in both brightness and color vibrancy. It’s by no means perfect, especially compared to more “pro” laptops, but on a consumer product, this is simply gorgeous. It doesn’t fall short when it comes to audio either, and its unique design solves one of the biggest problems laptops have: speaker placement. In the Yoga 9i Gen 9’s case, the wide hinge also acts as a soundbar that’s always firing in your direction, and the audio that it puts out is full and broad, and it doesn’t sound distorted or tinny at maximum volume.

As a 2-in-1 laptop, the Yoga 9i Gen 9 has to carefully balance the needs of both laptop users as well as tablet users, and nowhere is that more evident than in the choice of I/O ports. There are three USB-C ports, two of which support Thunderbolt 4, one full-sized USB-A port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. That’s pretty much it. The lack of an HDMI port means you’ll need to use a dongle if your external monitor doesn’t support USB-C video, and digital photographers might be unimpressed with the lack of a card reader. The I/O leans more on the side of portability and mobility, making some practical sacrifices along the way.

The typing experience is quite decent, and the keys have sufficient spacing and travel to keep most users happy. It’s also backlit, so typing in the dark is no problem at all. The touchpad is large, smooth, and responsive, leaving very little reason to complain. One design detail that some might take issue with is the column of special keys on the right edge, providing quick access to a few features, including a fingerprint scanner. Unfortunately, its placement makes it too easy to hit these keys accidentally, especially since they’re so close to important keys like Enter, Backspace, and the Left cursor key. It also means that the entire keyboard is practically shifted to the left, and so will your hands.

Battery life is decent, though not exactly remarkable. The 75Wh battery will last you an average of 5-7 hours on average use, shorter if you crank up the video or game settings. The good news is that it charges over USB-C and any of the three USB-C ports can be used for that purpose. That means you can opt for a faster and smaller GaN charger than the plain 65W brick that comes with the Lenovo Yoga 9i, not that it’s that big a charger in the first place.

Sustainability

The Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9’s all-aluminum build means there’s less plastic in each laptop. Even better, it uses plenty of recycled materials as well, like 50% recycled aluminum for the base bottom, 50% post-consumer recycled plastic for the keyboard, and, of course, 100% plastic-free packaging. That’s definitely more than what you might find in other consumer laptops, so Lenovo deserves a pat on the back there.

Unfortunately, the longevity of the 2-in-1 laptop might be a bit of an issue, especially if you consider doing repairs or upgrades yourself. Although held down by four TORX screws, the base bottom panel also has some pretty strong adhesive that gets in the way of easily accessing replaceable parts. Also quite puzzling, this Gen 9 model has apparently dropped support for the longer 80mm NVMe SSD drives, limiting you to the 42mm variety only.

Value

The laptop market is a very competitive space, especially when brands put out new models almost at the same time and with the same core specs. That makes telling each apart a bit more difficult, let alone figuring out the actual value that a product has. With a price tag ranging from $1,300 to $1,500, the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 (14″, 2024) already stands out as being more affordable, but we definitely can’t judge it by that figure alone, nor can we ignore the competition.

The Yoga 9i Gen 9 definitely offers a well-rounded set of features, wrapped in a design that is elegant and distinctive, even if a bit odd at the edges. The 14-inch display really makes videos and images pop, up and the sound quality is impressive for a laptop. That said, it’s a very close call with its biggest rival, the newly refreshed HP Spectre x360 14, also a 2-in-1 convertible laptop. It might even boil down to which product and software ecosystem you prefer, but you can’t go wrong with a solid performer like the new 2024 14-inch Yoga 9i.

Verdict

Finding a good balance between power, portability, and price isn’t that easy. Some designs don’t even try and instead focus on a specific aspect and refine that to perfection. The Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 almost comes close, bringing the AI-empowered performance of the new Intel Core Ultra line to a sleek and elegant device that you can proudly show off, whether as a laptop or as a tablet. With a large and beautiful screen that barely has any bezels, it not only lets you focus on your work but also enjoy viewing content on it. Best of all, its sustainability and accessibility give it an edge over similarly priced options, making the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 2-in-1 laptop truly enticing for creators and workers always on the go.

The post Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 14IMH9 (14″, 2024) Review: Graceful Balancing Act first appeared on Yanko Design.

Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9 (2024) Review: (Carbon) Forging Ahead

PROS:


  • Sleek, stylish, and distinctive design

  • Best-in-class performance for 16-inch gaming laptops

  • Bright, vibrant, and beautiful 16-inch 3.2K Mini LED screen

CONS:


  • Small and cramped touchpad

  • 330W GaN charger is a gigantic brick

  • Relatively pricey

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9 continues to wrap the best performance that money can buy in a design that looks equally stunning and luxurious.

Gaming laptops are pretty much like miniature desktops on (your) legs, but their power has traditionally come at the expense of their design. The majority of these portable gaming computers are built like tanks, so when somewhat slim laptops come along, people definitely stop and take notice. Last year, Lenovo made quite a bold and ambitious move with the 8th-gen Legion 9i, a gaming laptop that was as much beauty as it was brawn. As with any other product line, the PC maker followed it up this year with the Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9 (16IRX9), promising the same stunning good looks but with upgraded specs and, of course, more AI. But was Lenovo able to manage a repeat of last year’s groundbreaking success or is this the generation to pass? We give this distinctive gaming laptop a spin to see whether it flies or flops.

Designer: Lenovo

Aesthetics

If you were worried that the Legion 9i Gen 8’s design was a one-off experiment, you’d be pleasantly surprised that isn’t the case, at least not yet. Right off the bat, the Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9 gives off that same eye-catching aura that makes it a mix of a rugged gaming machine and a trendsetting office laptop. The forged carbon chips are still the star of the show, at least when it comes to first impressions. Chosen for their lightweight properties, the random mix of pieces gives each laptop a unique personality. Admittedly, some might not like its camo-like design, but it’s hard to argue that it’s different from the RGB-laden black surfaces of common gaming laptops.

The die-cast magnesium chassis is still here and still 90% made from recycled materials. It gives the Legion 9i Gen 9 its light 5.51 lbs (2.49kg) weight without sacrificing its durability and structural integrity. That said, these figures must be taken in the context of other gaming laptops, not conventional notebooks like the sleek MacBook Pro. Yes, it’s relatively thin and light compared to others, but it has the unmistakable design of a gaming powerhouse. That thick extended rear is a testament not only to the variety of ports available but also to how much room Lenovo had to make to fit all those powerful components inside.

As with any gaming laptop, RGB lighting is a staple feature of the Legion 9i Gen 9, and every area is customizable and controllable, including completely turning them off, like the backlit icons for the ports on the back, for example. Aside from the keyboard, the amount and placement of lighting are tasteful and add a beautiful accent to the equally beautiful profile of the laptop without being gaudy or obnoxious. All in all, the Gen 9 gaming laptop carries on its predecessor’s title as one of the most striking of its kind.

Ergonomics

The size and weight of a gaming laptop aren’t just for bragging rights, of course. They go a long way in providing comfort and convenience, especially when carrying the computer from one place to another. Granted, the Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9 is hardly the thinnest nor the lightest, but it balances portability and power quite well. You won’t have any trouble shoving it into a backpack or laptop bag, perhaps aside from the fact that it is closer to a 17-inch laptop thanks to that protruding back portion.

Using the laptop itself is quite enjoyable, especially the tactile and responsive keyboard. With a decent amount of trouble, the full keyboard layout is both pleasurable and productive, freeing you from the need to look for external numeric keypads or do finger gymnastics to get to common functions. Of course, there’s plenty of RGB lighting underneath the keys, all of them configurable. A nifty trick is how the laptop can light up the most common shortcut keys by holding down the Fn key.

Unlike most laptops, including gaming ones, the Legion 9i Gen 9’s keyboard is pushed lower, closer to the user, to make room for cooling elements. While that does mean you don’t have to extend your arm too far to reach the keys, it also means that there isn’t enough room for the touchpad. Yes, the same gripe we had with last year’s model remains unchanged this year, and we have little hope the situation will improve any time soon. Granted, many gamers will probably reach for their favorite gaming mouse anyway, but this unfortunate design decision does make the laptop feel less appealing as an all-rounder.

Performance

While the Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9 hasn’t changed at all on the outside, it has a few upgraded parts inside that warrant a bump in model number. There’s the 14th-gen Intel Core i9-14900HX as well as an NVIDIA RTX 4090 graphics, both top-of-the-line as far as gaming laptops go. Our review unit was equipped with 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD, though other configuration exists. The biggest upgrade from last year’s model, however, is really the Lenovo LA3-P AI chip, the intelligence that fine-tunes the laptop’s performance on the fly, faster than a human could. And it’s not just some buzzword-filled AI that makes funky images or answers questions but a true demonstration of what AI can actually do for us.

In terms of performance, the Legion 9i Gen 9 doesn’t disappoint, and the AI-powered Smart FPS manages to squeeze out every bit of performance compared to, well, the Performance profile. It’s not perfect, mind, and the difference between the two isn’t that staggering. It is, hopefully, just a portent of things to come as Lenovo continues to improve its AI.

Lenovo made a rather unusual decision in choosing a 3200×2000 resolution for the screen, but this 3.2K figure works just as well in balancing quality and power efficiency. The 16-inch 165Hz Mini LED is absolutely gorgeous and bright, easily rivaling OLED displays. The refresh rate might be a bit of a letdown, but 16-inch laptops that boast 240Hz also have a lower 2K resolution.

It’s not all sunshine and roses, though, as the Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9 feels like it made a few trade-offs as well. Audio, while loud, feels a little insufficient and thin. The fans can get pretty loud as well, even with the boasted true liquid cooling. That doesn’t seem to kick in often to keep temperatures consistently cool and feels more like an emergency feature when things are about to start burning up. The biggest gripe in this area is the lack of improvement in battery life, which still scores less than two hours when gaming even at medium settings. As if adding insult to injury, the fast-charging 330W GaN charger is still a literal charging brick, a veritable dangerous weapon if you ever decide to start swinging it around to clear people away from the power outlet you’ll desperately be aiming for.

Long story short, the Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9 (2024) definitely delivers on its promise of big power, but the cost of that promise is also starting to show. Make no mistake, it’s the kind of power that gamers want and need, but there will be more compromises and sacrifices along the way. More importantly, the gap between it and its predecessor might not look too big, making it an even more difficult choice, as we shall see later.

Sustainability

It’s definitely encouraging to see PC manufacturers starting to make big strides in changing the formula for their laptop designs. That’s not just about the appearance but, more importantly, the materials being used. Using post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics is one thing, but reducing the use of plastic in the first place is an even more effective solution.

The Legion 9i Gen 9 doesn’t just use metal for its chassis. It uses 90% recycled metal instead of raw materials. That not only reduces material waste but also reduces energy consumption when creating fresh new metal. Lenovo is also slowly but surely improving the repairability of its products, a family trait being shared by many Lenovo laptops, not just the Legion 9i.

Value

There’s no denying that the Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9 offers one of the best laptop gaming experiences in the market today, from its impressive performance to its gorgeous display to its intelligent lighting that can sync to any video or audio that’s playing. And while beauty is still in the eye of the beholder, few will argue that it commands a striking presence in any room either. It’s not without its shortcomings, but many of those can admittedly be taken for granted given how much power it offers.

The biggest hurdle to its adoption, however, will be that $3,200 price tag hanging over its head, and that’s just for the starting configuration. A maxed-out Legion 9i Gen 9 could very well cost you more than $4,000 even with a discount. Unfortunately, the 16-inch gaming laptop market has quite a few competitive entries this year as well, making the choice even harder. Fortunately, you don’t have to go far because Lenovo has quite a few offerings as well that could better fit your budget, including last year’s Legion 9i Gen 8.

Verdict

Gone are the days when gamers just took whatever kind of laptop was thrown at them just because those were the only designs possible. People have become more discerning as well as more sensitive to how their gear looks and many don’t just want some neon billboard masquerading as a laptop. The Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9, just like its predecessor, puts design on the same pedestal as performance, delivering a gaming experience that isn’t just powerful but also pleasing to look at. It doesn’t carry a rather high price tag, enough to deter some early adopters, but it’s an investment that will keep on giving long after other laptops have gone out of fashion.

The post Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9 (2024) Review: (Carbon) Forging Ahead first appeared on Yanko Design.