As NXT’s writer, balancing the demands of professional responsibilities with personal relaxation is crucial. Enter the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 (14”, Gen 9), a device that effortlessly transitions between a high-powered workstation and a casual entertainment hub. This review explores how the Yoga 9i serves as an ideal companion for both professional tasks and leisurely pursuits.
Sleek Design and Portability
The Yoga 9i’s aesthetic excellence is immediately apparent with its precision-machined, aerospace-grade aluminium body, available in Cosmic Blue (Shown here) and Luna Grey. The ergonomic comfort edge design ensures that this device not only looks stunning but feels comfortable to use in any mode—be it a laptop, tent, or tablet.
Its lightweight, slimmer build makes it an easy carry for a busy editor moving between meetings and coffee shops. With the addition of the SlimPen and the Lenovo Yoga 600 wireless mouse, I was well-equipped with all the tools needed to be productive.
Performance Powerhouse
Equipped with the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra processor and Intel® Arc™ graphics, the Yoga 9i offers impressive performance that caters to both demanding professional applications and casual entertainment. The Intel® AI Boost NPU ensures that creative workflows are faster and more efficient, while the option for 32GB LPDDR5X memory provides ample power for multitasking and running intensive software.
As shown above, while working at a cafe with my mobile data, I was able to test the speed of the laptop as well as my WiFi connection. A latency of 20 ms is perfect for gamers so you can imagine the speed of 25 ms on the Yoga 9i 2 in 1. This is perfect for creatives who constantly have requirements to run powerful software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.
Aside from performance, I do hop on calls often with the team and external stakeholders. You always have to make sure that you are looking your best when on calls. Thankfully, the Yoga 9i features Windows® Studio Effects, an AI-powered solution that enhances your appearance in photos and video calls using the integrated NPU. This includes background effects for greater privacy and reduced visual distractions, automatic framing to keep you centred regardless of your position, and eye contact adjustments for a natural video conferencing experience.
Display and Audio Excellence
The 14-inch PureSight OLED display is a visual delight, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision®. This means crisp, vibrant colours and a smooth visual experience, whether you’re editing photos, watching videos, or simply browsing the web. Complementing the stunning display is the Bowers & Wilkins rotating soundbar with Dolby Atmos® spatial audio, delivering room-filling sound that enhances any multimedia experience.
Check out the short video here while I am taking a break with Yoga 9i 2-in-1 (14″ Gen 9) to watch AVATAR.
To give the OLED display and soundbar a shot, I accessed Dolby-supported content on the Yoga 9i by downloading supported applications like Netflix, Vudu, Amazon and more. I tested it by watching the sequel to a classic – Avatar: The Way of Water. From this video, you can notice the clarity of the screen. For those who like to watch movies or shows from home to destress, this would be an ideal companion to consider.
Versatile Functionality
The Yoga 9i shines in its versatility. The 360° hinge allows for seamless transitions between work and play modes. The magnetically attached Slim Pen is a handy addition for editors who need to jot down notes, sketch ideas, or annotate documents on the fly.
The Premium Yoga keyboard and customizable Hotkeys add to the device’s functionality, offering quick access to frequently used applications and settings.
Not to mention, the Yoga 9i’s Smart Note application that allows users to take notes instantly from the lock screen by hovering the digital pen, and it offers features like bookmarking, audio notes, handwriting-to-text conversion, online search, and text beautification. This seamless integration of note-taking tools ensures efficient and organized productivity on the go.
Conclusion
The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 (14”, Gen 9) is a perfect blend of professional-grade performance and casual usability. Its sleek design, powerful internals, and versatile functionality make it an excellent choice for magazine editors and other professionals who need a reliable device that can handle both work and play with equal ease. Whether you’re crafting the next great editorial piece or unwinding with your favourite movie, the Yoga 9i is a companion that won’t disappoint.
It currently retails a starting price of $2,199.03 and can be purchased here.