The webcam is 1080p, which is solid, although we saw a lot of premium laptops go to 5 megapixels or even 12 Mp sensors like Apple’s new MacBook Air (M4). I encountered a serious problem – flash during video calls. The camera worked well, but each time I started a video call, it sparkled in black every few seconds. Lenovo seemed convinced that it was a repairable bug, but that’s not what you want to see on an expensive machine.
Quite fast and durable?
The ThinkPad X9 14 is available in two processor options, the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V and Core Ultra 7 258V. My unit was the faster option, although the powers are not either. They are part of the Lunar Lake series of Intel, which inclines balance towards the efficiency and lifespan of the battery rather than brute force. This is planned in this laptop class (although it should be noted how fast the M4 MacBook Air is in comparison).
Photography: Luke Larsen
I was not very impressed by the Cinebench and Geekbench scores, but as long as you buy in the appropriate category for your needs, you will not be disappointed by the ThinkPad X9 14. For general work and profitability analyzes, ThinkPad X9 14 will suit you very well.
The battery life is not as strong as I hoped, only lasts 12 hours and 15 minutes in my local video reading test, considerably behind many of its peers – or at least laptops with this chip. It is better than Windows laptops in previous intel generations. Depending on your workload, this can always make you spend most of a working day far from the wall.
A new era
The ThinkPad X9 14 feels like a little experience. On the official website of Lenovo, it markets the device towards small businesses, which makes sense in theory, but Lenovo also has the Thinkbook line, which is a entirely distinct brand devoted to this demography. These tend to be more affordable, while the ThinkPad X9 14 offers premium characteristics and design.
The OLED display, the thinner chassis and the haptic feedback trackpad are the strengths, and the deletion of the trackpoint helps to further modernize this laptop in my book. Only ThinkPad Diehards still do not swear by unique navigation, which Lenovo leaders are well aware. The ThinkPad X9 14 is a good next step in the evolution of the brand beyond its roots, but the competition is rigid, offering a better lifespan of the battery and performance at lower prices. Laptops like the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition, MacBook Air or Asus Zenbook 14 OLED all offer or all these advantages.
If the ThinkPad brand still has a brand of pedigree for you, however, the ThinkPad X9 14 certainly brings it to a new era, as long as you are ready to say goodbye to the beloved trackpoint.
