Lenovo Yoga Book 9i: A laptop for those who love dual screens

Lenovo’s Yoga Book 9i drew both appreciative and skeptical stares at CES earlier this year when it made its official debut: With two 13-inch OLED screens attached with a central hinge, it’s one of the most unusual laptop designs to ever make it into actual production.

The Lenovo device's advanced software, created in partnership with Microsoft, enhances the user's ability to work, learn, stream, create, and engage in light gaming. It offers intelligent reading and writing features, as well as note-taking capabilities for students.

The Yoga Book 9i offers a slim, lightweight, convertible design that allows customers to easily switch between laptops, tablets, or tent modes as needed.

This versatility is perfect for hybrid workspaces and meetings, and the tent mode is handy for displaying a slide presentation on one screen while controlling it from another.

Lenovo Yoga Book 9i specs (as tested)

• Display: two 13.3-inch, 2880 x 1800 OLED touchscreens

• Processor: Intel Core i7-1355U

• RAM: 16GB

• Storage: 512GB

• Ports: three Thunderbolt 4 USB-C

• Dimensions (when closed): 11.78in (299mm) x 8.03in (204mm) x 0.63in (16mm)

• Weight: 2.95lbs (1.33kg)

• Included accessories: wireless keyboard, mouse, stylus, folding stand

• Price: $1,999.99

Hardware and Design

The Yoga Book 9i from Lenovo presents a seamless blend of versatility and productivity, offering a unique dual-screen experience that sets it apart in the laptop market.

Alongside its striking design, the Yoga Book 9i also boasts a folio stand and a detachable Bluetooth keyboard, making it an excellent companion for enhancing productivity and maximizing the potential of both displays.

Additionally, Lenovo includes the Digital Pen 3 and a Bluetooth mouse to cater to creative and professional needs.

Powering the laptop is Intel’s Iris Xe graphics, ensuring a smooth performance, especially when paired with Windows 11 straight out of the box.

The device is equipped with 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and offers up to a whopping 1TB of NVMe SSD storage, guaranteeing that users have ample space to store their files and multitask efficiently.

In contrast to the often-bulky nature of dual-screen laptops, the Yoga Book 9i surprises with its sleek and lightweight build, weighing in at only 1.34kg. Connectivity-wise, it offers Wi-Fi 6E for high-speed internet access and three USB Type-C ports, including a Thunderbolt 4 port, for versatile connectivity options.

Beyond its impressive specifications, Lenovo pays meticulous attention to user experience.

The hinge, a central feature that enables the laptop’s flexible functionality, is a marvel in itself. Covered in a speaker-grill design, it delivers sound in various directions, enhancing audio quality during media consumption or virtual meetings.

The hinge also allows the upper and lower halves of the laptop to close with a satisfying click and maintain any angle chosen for comfortable usage.

The user interface also shines in practicality. Lenovo introduces multitouch gestures that smoothly summon the software keyboard and trackpad when required.

Furthermore, the inclusion of a magnetic-based docking mechanism for the hardware keyboard enables seamless transitions, making it effortless to switch between traditional typing and focused writing sessions.

Battery life, another crucial aspect, pleasantly surprises given the consistent use of two full-size screens. Users can expect between six and seven hours of usage between charges, a commendable feat considering the laptop’s demanding setup.

Moreover, given its optimal usage scenarios – primarily on a table or desk – staying close to a power outlet is convenient.

However, as with any technology, the Yoga Book 9i isn’t without its flaws.

Lenovo’s pre-installed software and bloatware can prove intrusive and potentially detract from the overall experience. This issue is particularly evident when such a premium device is plagued by unnecessary pop-ups for software trials, slightly dampening the experience of an otherwise impressive machine.

In conclusion, the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i boldly sets a new standard in the laptop landscape by offering a dual-screen experience that combines innovation and practicality.

With its two OLED displays adapting seamlessly to different modes and tasks, it’s a perfect choice for those looking to explore new ways of working and creating.

The laptop’s performance is commendable, thanks to its robust specifications, including the 13th gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of SSD storage.

However, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons.

The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is a premium offering that undoubtedly commands a high price. Additionally, it lacks a built-in webcam, features a limited port selection, and the unique keyboard setup may require some acclimatization.

In the end, the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i caters to a niche audience that values innovation and flexibility. While it presents some challenges, its standout features make it a noteworthy contender for those seeking a distinctive computing experience.