Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition Review: A New Era Without the Red Nubbin

The Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition marks a significant shift in the iconic ThinkPad lineup by removing the traditional red TrackPoint. This change raises questions about whether it still embodies the ThinkPad identity. Despite this, the X9 14 maintains several qualities that make it a noteworthy laptop, such as its sleek design, excellent OLED display, and responsive haptic trackpad. However, it also faces challenges, including a high price point and performance that doesn't quite match up to its competitors.

Lenovo's decision to eliminate the TrackPoint reflects a broader strategy to modernize the ThinkPad brand. The X9 14 is not the first model to attempt this; previous iterations like the ThinkPad X1 Carbon and ThinkPad Z13 have also sought to refresh the lineup. The X9 14's design is ultra-modern, featuring a thin profile and an "engine-hub" design that houses critical components and advanced thermals. This design choice allows for a unique port configuration, including two USB-C ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a headphone jack.

The X9 14's display options are impressive, with both configurations offering OLED screens. The base model includes a 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution non-touch screen, while the upgraded version features a 2880 x 1800 resolution with touch capabilities and a 120-Hz refresh rate. Despite these high-quality displays, the starting storage of 256 GB is underwhelming for the price.

Performance-wise, the X9 14 is equipped with Intel's Lunar Lake series processors, focusing on efficiency and battery life rather than raw power. While it may not excel in benchmark tests, it is adequate for general work and business tasks. However, its battery life of 12 hours and 15 minutes falls short compared to some competitors.

The ThinkPad X9 14 is marketed towards small business owners, but it faces stiff competition from other premium laptops like the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition, MacBook Air, and Asus Zenbook 14 OLED. These alternatives offer better battery life and performance at lower prices. Nevertheless, for those who value the ThinkPad brand and are willing to embrace its evolution, the X9 14 represents a step into a new era.