Unlike the ThinkPad laptops, the Yoga series is consumer-oriented, focusing on excellent multimedia user experience, fun ergonomics, and good looks.
The hallmark feature of this new Yoga 9i Gen 7 ($1,399+) remains its nearly unbeatable soundbar that directs the sound energy straight to the user, regardless of which of the five multimode positions the laptop is in. If you wonder, the “i” corresponds to “Intel.”
We expect the sound quality to be at least on par with its predecessors, and this design is fundamentally great because of how audio physics work.
The overall industrial design also got a great refresh. Lenovo has added curves. Holding this laptop should feel gentler and soft to the touch. Previously, Lenovo used sharp angles, but it might have felt a bit rough for some users. I didn’t think there was an issue, though.
Lenovo has added a new key column to the right with quick-functions such as Light/Dark Mode, High Performance, and other switches.
You can choose between a 12th generation Intel Core i5-1240P or i7-1260P CPU, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB PCIe gen4 SSD. These specs show the laptop isn’t designed for maximum Creative design performance but rather for excellent multimedia and productivity speed.
There are no full-size USB ports but two Thunderbolt 4 ports with USB-C connectors.
The Yoga 9i benefits from security features in the ThinkPad professional line. For example, its Human Sensing knows when you walk away and locks itself up to prevent someone else from using the computer.
Finally, you get excellent 14-inch display options with a base full HD model that reproduces 100% of the sRGB color gamut. But I’d recommend looking at the 3K and 4K OLED options that are probably magnificent and support 100% of the P3 color gamut. That’s pro-level color reproduction.
If your budget is slightly smaller, Lenovo has also launched more affordable Yoga laptops, such as the Yoga 7i and the Yoga 6.
The Lenovo Yoga 7i retains some aspects of the Yoga 9i, has 14- and 16-inches display options, but no soundbar. The Yoga 6 is an affordable 13-inch laptop ($749+) made of 50% recycled plastics and Aluminum if you want to help make the world a cleaner place.
By the way, it’s the 10-year anniversary of the Lenovo Yoga line of products!
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