Обзор Lenovo ThinkPad X9-14 Aura Edition: надежный бизнес-ноутбук с некоторыми особенностями.

The ThinkPad X9-14 Aura Edition has made me reconsider the long-standing reputation of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon as the premier business laptop. While Lenovo isn’t discontinuing the X1 Carbon, the X9 series appears to be the company’s experimental project within the same premium category. It’s not without its flaws, but I’m impressed with the direction Lenovo is taking.

The X9-14 boasts an impressively ultraportable design, featuring a stunning 14-inch OLED screen, strong speakers, long battery life, and solid performance for typical business users. However, the base configuration with lower-end specifications carries a hefty price tag of $1,283. It also lacks a USB Type-A port and doesn’t quite live up to the legacy of excellent ThinkPad keyboards. Despite these drawbacks, the ThinkPad X9-14 Aura Edition maximizes its potential and offers a lot to appreciate.

The laptop's aesthetic is sleek and travel-ready. I’ve always favored bold, colorful laptops, but understand the need for subtlety in a professional setting. The ThinkPad X9-14 strikes a balance, offering style without being overly ostentatious. It won’t immediately draw attention, but will elicit a positive reaction upon closer inspection. The dark gray aluminum frame evokes the image of a space rock, further enhanced by a sandblasted or oxidized finish that creates a sparkling, grainy texture. The iconic ThinkPad logo with a red LED is present on the lid, alongside a dedicated X9-14 logo on an oblong panel that adds a touch of industrial design.

The interior maintains the minimalist aesthetic, with particularly appealing keycaps that appear to be carved at the base for a unique flair. The display bezels are remarkably thin, maximizing screen real estate. A 4K webcam is positioned on the top edge, with a dedicated F9 button to disable it during meetings – though its poor video quality may warrant its use even during calls due to a blurry image and reddish tint.

The chassis maintains a slim 0.26-inch profile, expanding to 0.68 inches near the ports to accommodate the fans. It offers four ports: two Thunderbolt 4, an HDMI slot, and a headphone jack. The omission of a USB Type-A port is a notable drawback, although the 15-inch model does include it. Despite this, the X9-14’s thin frame and 2.8-pound weight make it an exceptionally portable business laptop, ideal for travel.

The OLED screen is a standout feature, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. OLED panels are generally less straining on the eyes, which is beneficial for extended work sessions. The 14-inch display with a 2,880 x 1,800 resolution is sharp enough to render every detail, even in complex visuals. The 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother motion, enhancing the viewing experience for both spreadsheets and gaming. While the rounded edges slightly crop the edges of the image, the overall visual quality is exceptional.

The audio quality is equally impressive. The dual speakers deliver well-rounded sound, allowing you to enjoy music or videos without headphones. The soundstage is clear and balanced, with crisp vocals and rich bass.

The keyboard is comfortable for typing, with adequate travel and well-spaced keys. However, it lacks the tactile feedback and satisfying click that some users may prefer. The touchpad is exceptionally smooth, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the surface. The haptic feedback is responsive and provides a natural feel, rivaling even traditional touchpads. The touchscreen also offers functionality, though it may require some resistance when rearranging windows. It's particularly well-suited for sketching and artistic endeavors, and is compatible with Lenovo Pens.

The ThinkPad X9-14’s performance is solid, despite being equipped with a base-level Intel Core Ultra 5 226V processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It handled multitasking and running multiple applications without significant slowdown. It effectively managed a split screen with Campfire, Google Docs, and Legend Keeper, demonstrating its ability to handle typical office workloads. While the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V is the lowest-performing CPU available in the X9-14, it provides sufficient power for most tasks.

The integrated Intel Arc Graphics iGPU is surprisingly capable, allowing for decent gaming performance at lower settings. It achieved 40 to 55 frames per second in Marvel Rivals with the resolution set to native, and settings lowered to low, with Ultra Performance and Frame Generation enabled. The ThinkPad X9-14 outperformed the Zenbook A14 in graphics tests, although the MacBook Air delivered stronger overall performance for video editing and design.

The inclusion of an NPU further enhances the laptop’s capabilities, accelerating AI-powered tasks such as spreadsheet processing and image manipulation.

The battery life is impressive, lasting nearly 12 hours on our video rundown test. This provides ample power for a full workday, with enough remaining for overtime or leisure activities. While it doesn't match the longevity of some competitors like the ASUS Zenbook S14 or Snapdragon X laptops, it offers sufficient runtime for most users.

The reviewed configuration, with an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, is priced at $1,283. While more powerful gaming laptops are available at lower price points, the ThinkPad X9-14 offers a unique combination of features, including a military-grade chassis, ThinkShield security suite, and remote management capabilities. Upgrading to an Intel Core Ultra 7 268V with a 1TB SSD increases the price to $1,939.

The ThinkPad X9-14 is primarily targeted towards businesses seeking to purchase laptops in bulk, rather than individual consumers. However, the ASUS ExpertBook P5 (P5405) offers a more affordable alternative for small business owners.

Overall, the ThinkPad X9-14 is a solid laptop that excels in everyday tasks and offers a comfortable writing experience. The OLED screen, audio quality, battery life, and portability are standout features. However, the high price tag and lower-end specifications may deter some consumers. It’s a worthy purchase for businesses seeking a durable, secure, and manageable laptop, but individual consumers may find more affordable alternatives.