When someone mentions “business laptops,” the Lenovo ThinkPad lineup is often the first thing that comes to mind. Known for its reliability, durability, and that iconic red TrackPoint nubbin, ThinkPads have been a staple in the corporate world for decades. The Lenovo ThinkPad X9-14, however, takes a bold step forward, shedding some of its old-school designs and introducing modern features that aim to attract a wider audience.
But does this evolution live up to the ThinkPad legacy? And more importantly, does it justify its premium price tag? Here’s a deep look at what sets the Lenovo ThinkPad X9-14 apart.
A New Look for a Timeless Classic
The ThinkPad X9-14 has undergone a noticeable design transformation. At first glance, it feels less like the traditional ThinkPad and more like a sleek, ultra-modern device designed for 2024 professionals. While the familiar all-black theme remains, Lenovo has minimized the use of the traditional red accents, which some may miss. For instance, the famous TrackPoint is notably absent in this model, signaling a focus on a cleaner look.
The new design is incredibly thin and lightweight, clocking in at just 0.26 inches front thickness (though the “Engine Hub” section increases this to 0.68 inches). At 2.8 pounds, its portability is hard to beat for professionals who are constantly on the go. Built with an all-aluminum construction, the laptop combines elegance with robustness, passing MIL-STD 810H durability tests. This makes it ideal for handling the bumps of travel while remaining compact enough to slip into almost any bag.
Comparison with Competitors
- Dell XPS 13 offers a similarly sleek design but lacks the rigid durability of the ThinkPad X9-14’s MIL-STD certifications.
- MacBook Pro 13/14 is more robust in battery life and performance but doesn’t feature as lightweight a form factor.
- HP Spectre x360 is a flexible 2-in-1 option with comparable premium appeal but doesn’t feel as purpose-built for business.
Unmatched Build Quality and Display Options
Lenovo provides two display options with the ThinkPad X9-14: a 2.8K OLED display (2880 x 1800) and an FHD+ IPS panel (1920 x 1200). The OLED option steals the show with its vivid colors, inky blacks, and Dolby Vision support, although its 60Hz refresh rate may leave gamers and creative professionals wanting more. The IPS panel, while not as vibrant, offers a smoother 120Hz refresh rate for those focused on general productivity tasks.
The 511-nit brightness on the OLED screen is exceptional, perfect for both office work and media consumption. However, creatives looking for higher color accuracy may find it slightly underwhelming, with AdobeRGB reaching 93% and DeltaE at 1.62.
The Keyboard and Trackpad Reinvented
One of the most significant departures from tradition is the updated keyboard and trackpad. Lenovo has replaced the old-school ThinkPad keyboard design with a more modern layout featuring snappy, responsive keys. Fans of Apple’s Magic Keyboard will likely appreciate the upgraded typing experience.
The redesigned haptic touchpad is another highlight. It’s larger than previous models and doesn’t feel cramped despite the device’s thin frame. Lenovo has done away with the physical TrackPoint buttons, a controversial move, but one that makes way for a more seamless touchpad experience. It’s a near competitor to Apple’s Force Touch trackpad, though it offers more customization for advanced users.
Performance for Professional Workflows
The ThinkPad X9-14 is powered by 8-core Intel Lunar Lake processors, ranging from Core Ultra 5 226V to Core Ultra 7 268V vPro. While not built for heavy gaming or intensive creative workloads, this laptop excels in productivity tasks like multitasking, presentations, and running business software.
Its Intel Arc integrated graphics are sufficient for light media editing but won’t satisfy high-demand gamers or creators. Compared to competitors like the MacBook Pro M2 or HP Spectre x360, the performance lags slightly in areas requiring raw power.
How It Stacks Up Performance-Wise:
- Dell XPS 13 (i7 Configuration) – Sleeker design with slightly better raw performance.
- MacBook Pro (M2) – Outperforms with unified memory for creative workflows and longer battery life.
- HP Spectre x360 – Flexible design and competitive CPU speeds but heavier in weight.
Benchmark tests reveal that while the X9-14 is plenty fast for productivity tasks, it’s less impressive in graphics benchmarks and demanding tasks when compared to Apple or AMD-powered laptops.
A Caveat: Battery Life
One of the few areas where the ThinkPad X9-14 shows significant weakness is its battery life. Despite the efficiency of the Lunar Lake chipsets, the 55 watt-hour battery simply doesn’t provide enough juice to last through a full workday.
- Web Browsing: 7 hours, 39 minutes
- Video Playback: 6 hours, 27 minutes
When compared to competitors like the MacBook Pro 14 (20+ hours of video playback) or the ASUS ZenBook S 14 (16+ hours), the ThinkPad X9-14 falls noticeably short.
Practical Features for Business Users
Lenovo has equipped the ThinkPad X9-14 with security and enterprise features that appeal to business professionals:
- Intel vPro Capabilities: Perfect for remote management and enterprise-level needs.
- Windows Hello with 8MP Infrared Camera: High-quality video for conferences, complete with advanced collaboration tools.
- Wi-Fi 7 Support: Future-proof connectivity for ultra-fast wireless speeds.
The Bottom Line: Is the ThinkPad X9-14 Worth It?
The Lenovo ThinkPad X9-14 is an ambitious evolution of the ThinkPad brand. It combines durable build quality, sleek design, and modern features to cater to the needs of today’s professionals. However, with its relatively short battery life and high starting price of $1,659, this laptop might not be for everyone.
Who Should Buy It:
- Business professionals who prioritize portability and premium durability.
- Tech enthusiasts who want an ultra-thin, minimalist design with excellent usability.
- Lenovo loyalists who don’t mind the brand’s shift away from the iconic ThinkPad design.
For heavy-duty users seeking longer battery life or unparalleled performance, competitors like the Apple MacBook Pro or Dell XPS 13/15 might be better alternatives.
If cutting-edge design, solid productivity features, and portability are what you’re after, the ThinkPad X9-14 is a compelling option that pushes the ThinkPad lineup into exciting new territory.
Elore more at Lenovo’s website to customize your ThinkPad X9-14 today.
