Lenovo has been experimenting with dual-screen laptops for quite a while. The Yoga Book 9i from the company is also one of them, but it is a lot more versatile and functional one that boasts a 13.3inch chassis. The device is quite fascinating, given the maximum display real estate.
Design and build
The exterior of the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is quite similar to the Yoga 9i when you unfold it. The only difference is that it is available in blue color, other than the standard grey, black and silver. The laptop has a very premium look and fool because it is made up of chrome edging and brushed aluminum. Due to its curvature, the device also has an unusual aesthetic and can be held comfortably.
As it is a dual display, it means that both of the halves are screens. They have a glossy finish and have touch support, but this makes it vulnerable to dirt and fingerprint smudges. When you use the device as a 2-in-1, it can give you some great perks, but it does take a bit getting used to. The laptop is very flexible and can be used as a standard tablet, or you can also hold it like a book to use the two displays simultaneously.
There is also a ‘tent’ mode that transforms the bottom into a kickstand, or it can also become a touchscreen canvas if you lay it flat on the table. The Yoga Book 9i also comes with a stand that can be folded for propping open the two displays, or as a cover for the stylus and detachable keyboard.
Display and audio
The two displays of the Yoga Book 9i are the same. They are OLED panels with a resolution of 2880×1800 and measure 13.3inches. You can get superb contrast and accurate colors, not to mention excellent sharpness. But, since the finish is glossy, you will have to deal with glare when lighting is bright.
The audio quality is also a pleasant surprise. The display hinge has the Bowers & Wilkins sound system built into it, which is quite powerful and provides clear and loud audio. It is refreshing to see the clarity and depth of the audio, which makes the device a good choice for movies, music and games.
Specs and performance
Since the Yoga book 9i is not a very big device, it does take a toll on its performance. The Intel Core i7-1355U processor is used to power the laptop, which has 10 cores 5GHz turbo boost. Instead of a discrete GPU, Lenovo has incorporated Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics.
The results are average and nothing special in terms of performance. It is clear that Lenovo’s goal was portability rather than performance. The laptop is good for day-to-day use, but is not meant for creating high-resolution content, gaming, streaming, or other demanding tasks.
The Verdict
The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i proves to be a successful experiment for the company when it comes to a dual-screen device, as it offers versatility, even if it struggles in terms of performance and battery.