What if your laptop could be as flexible and creative as you are? The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i answers that question with elegance and innovation. Combining sleek aesthetics with dual 2.8K OLED touchscreens, it offers a fresh approach to productivity and entertainment. After spending several weeks integrating it into my daily routine, I’ve discovered it’s more than just a piece of technology; it’s a versatile companion that elevates the way you work and play.
Priced at around RM8,500, the Yoga Book 9i targets tech enthusiasts and professionals who are constantly on the move and demand both power and portability. If you’re seeking a device that elevates multitasking and offers unparalleled versatility, this laptop deserves your attention.
Design & Display: Where Elegance Meets Innovation
The moment you unbox the Yoga Book 9i, you’re greeted with a device that exudes sophistication. Its ultra-slim profile—just 15.95mm thick—and lightweight design, weighing approximately 1.38kg, make it incredibly portable. It’s lighter than many ultra-slim laptops out there and only slightly heavier than a MacBook Air by just about 100 grams. The build quality feels premium, with smooth edges and an elegant aluminum finish that adds a touch of sophistication.
As someone who’s always appreciated the vibrant colors and deep blacks of OLED screens, having not one but two 13.3-inch 2.8K OLED touch screens is a dream come true. The screens are stunning, offering exceptional sharpness and clarity. Text appears crisp, images are vivid, and every detail pops. This is especially beneficial for tasks that require precision, like photo or video editing.
The dual-screen setup isn’t just about looks; it’s about functionality. The high resolution reduces eye strain, and the outstanding color accuracy is invaluable for designers and content creators. Whether you’re editing visuals or immersing yourself in multimedia, the Yoga Book 9i delivers an experience that’s both enjoyable and productive.
Dual-Screen Utility: A Game-Changer in Productivity
I’ll admit, I was initially skeptical about the practicality of a dual-screen laptop. Would it be cumbersome? Is it just a gimmick? Those doubts vanished after integrating the Yoga Book 9i into my daily routine.
Lenovo has ingeniously designed this laptop to maximize the benefits of its dual displays. Thanks to its robust hinge mechanism, you can use it in various modes—laptop, tent, stand, or tablet. This versatility sets it apart from anything else on the market.
Here are some ways the dual screens transformed my workflow:
- Enhanced Multitasking: I often work on a document on the bottom screen while referencing data or conducting research on the top screen. It’s like having a portable dual-monitor setup without the hassle of extra equipment.
- Creative Workspace: The included Lenovo Precision Pen is perfect for sketching or annotating on one screen while keeping tools or inspiration images on the other.
- Effortless Presentations: During client meetings, I flip the laptop so one screen faces the client with the presentation, while I control slides and notes from my side. It makes the interaction more engaging.
- Balancing Work and Family: There were times when I needed to keep an eye on my child. I could have a cartoon playing on one screen facing them while I continued working on the other. It’s these thoughtful touches that make the Yoga Book 9i stand out.
Performance: Power That Meets Everyday Demands
Underneath its sleek exterior, the Yoga Book 9i features an Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 155U Processor, paired with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD (upgradable to 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD for a minimal additional cost).The unit I’m reviewing is the fully upgraded version, which I highly recommend given the minimal extra cost.
During my usage, the laptop handled multiple demanding applications smoothly. Running Adobe Photoshop, several browser tabs, and office applications simultaneously was a breeze. For tasks like 4K video editing, it starts to show its limitations due to the lack of a dedicated graphics card. However, for a device this slim and light, the performance is impressive. If you need more power, you’d have to compromise on portability with a heavier laptop.
Battery Life: Dependable for On-the-Go Use
Battery life is crucial for anyone who’s frequently mobile, and the Yoga Book 9i offers respectable performance here. With both screens active under moderate to heavy use, I averaged about 3-4 hours of battery life, and 5-6 hours with a single screen. For lighter tasks like browsing, emailing, or watching videos, the battery extended up to 9 hours with dual screens and up to 12 hours using a single screen.
While the battery life may not be the best, the laptop supports fast charging via a 65W GaN charger through its USB-C ports. Charging from 10% to 80% took about an hour and a half. The ability to charge via a compatible power bank with 65W of power output and above adds an extra layer of convenience, ensuring you’re not left stranded without power during long days.
User Experience: Intuitive, Yet Adaptable
A potential concern with dual-screen laptops is the complexity of use. Lenovo tackles this with intuitive touch gestures and a user-friendly interface. The bottom screen can transform into a virtual keyboard. While it lacks the tactile feedback of physical keys, I found it responsive and easy to adapt to. For those who prefer a traditional typing experience, the included Bluetooth keyboard is a thoughtful addition.
Initially, there’s a slight learning curve, but after a day or two, navigating between screens and utilizing gestures became second nature. The extra screen space genuinely enhanced my productivity, allowing me to manage tasks more efficiently.
Included Accessories: Enhancing the Overall Experience
Lenovo doesn’t skimp on accessories. The Yoga Book 9i comes with a Bluetooth keyboard, a stylus, a mouse, and a stand that doubles as a cover for the keyboard. The keyboard is well-designed, with comfortable key spacing and good travel, making typing tasks efficient. The stand is sturdy and adjustable, letting you set up your workspace whether you’re at a desk, in a café, or on a flight.
While an integrated carrying case for both the keyboard and laptop would be ideal, the current setup is convenient enough. The accessories are lightweight and don’t add significant bulk to your bag.
Entertainment and Beyond: Not Just All Work
When it’s time to relax, the Yoga Book 9i shines as an entertainment hub. Streaming movies and videos is a delight on the vibrant OLED displays. The Bowers & Wilkins with Dolby Atmos speakers deliver clear and immersive sound, enhancing the overall experience.
For gaming, while the integrated graphics aren’t suited for heavy titles, lighter games run smoothly. Additionally, with a Genki ShadowCast 2 dongle, you can utilize the laptop’s high-quality screens as a monitor for consoles like the Nintendo Switch or even PS5. Gaming on a 13-inch OLED screen while traveling adds a fun dimension to this versatile device.
Areas for Improvement: Minor Tweaks for Perfection
The Yoga Book 9i is an impressive device, and there’s not much to complain about given its form factor. With a few refinements, it could be the perfect dual-screen laptop the market has to offer. Here are some refinements that I think would benefit the users:
- Software Quirks: Occasionally, screen rotation was slow, or certain apps didn’t scale perfectly across both screens. I’m hopeful these minor issues will be resolved with future updates.
- Heat Management: The laptop gets warm during intensive tasks. Improved cooling solutions would enhance user comfort during prolonged use.
- More Port Selection: With only USB-C ports available, carrying adapters becomes necessary for connecting peripherals like USB-A devices or HDMI outputs. Adding a few more port options, such as USB-A or HDMI, would greatly improve convenience for users who frequently need to connect external devices.
- Screen Size Options: A slightly larger display, perhaps 14 or 15 inches, would offer more workspace, catering to those who prefer bigger screens.
Final Verdict: Is the Yoga Book 9i Right for You?
After weeks of integrating the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i into my daily routine, it’s clear that this laptop offers more than just innovative hardware; it provides a new perspective on productivity and creativity. The dual OLED screens, combined with its sleek design and powerful performance, make it an exceptional tool for those who are always on the move and need a device that can keep up with their dynamic lifestyle.
Sure, it’s an investment, but if you value versatility and are excited by the prospect of redefining how you work and play, the Yoga Book 9i is worth every ringgit. It’s not just about owning a new gadget; it’s about embracing a new way of interacting with technology that could very well shape the future of laptops.
Experience the Future Today
The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is available at major retailers across Malaysia. I encourage you to experience it firsthand. Sometimes, seeing is believing, and once you get a taste of what dual screens can do, you might wonder how you ever managed without them.
