Lenovo Thinkpad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 business laptop review

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 is an excellent business machine. It is flexible, adaptable to various working situations, powerful, and has a great battery life, making it suitable for extended use. 

If you're looking for the best business laptop, sooner or later, you'll be drawn to the ThinkPad lineup. This range is tailored for professionals, with close attention to their specific needs. That means excellent battery life, powerful performance, convenient ports for connectivity - and yes, that iconic red TrackPoint in the center of the keyboard, excellent battery life, powerful performance, and convenient ports for connectivity. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Gen 9 meets all those business needs while boasting an impressive 2-in-1 form factor.

Is it the best Lenovo ThinkPad you can get right now? We put this machine to the test.  

Lenovo Thinkpad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Unboxing & first impressions

The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 arrives in environmentally conscious packaging, made from recycled materials -- well done Lenovo. This laptop is a professional one, made for serious work. The aluminum chassis is sturdy without feeling bulky or overly hefty. It feels relatively lightweight and is also a computer's powerhouse. 

Of course, much like a dad needing to "try out" tongs on a grill or to "test" a drill by pulling the trigger twice, I immediately felt the pull to fold this 2-in-1 into every single folding angle possible, marveling at the smooth transitions and these magical hinges that can keep all the cabling without damage.

Lenovo Thinkpad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Design and Build Quality

While the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 might not wow at first glance with its conservative design, it exudes a timeless, professional aesthetic. It's a Thinkpad, after all. It's not meant to be flashy or covered in RGB like the average gamer's laptop. 

Much like the best MacBook Pro laptops, it's designed to be simple, timeless, and professional because it is intended to be used by professionals in a business setting. The build quality is exceptional, with a sturdy frame that’s surprisingly light at under three pounds. The device feels durable, thanks to its MIL-SPEC 810H certification, ensuring it can withstand harsh conditions, or a day at the office, with ease.

Lenovo Thinkpad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: In use

In daily use, the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 shines. The keyboard is particularly noteworthy, providing a springy and satisfying typing experience. This is something I have come to expect with Thinkpad computers. They have a keyboard experience that has stayed relatively consistent, or at least familiar, over the last several ThinkPad devices I have tested. 

The device transitions smoothly between different modes, making it versatile for various tasks, whether typing reports, sketching ideas, or presenting to clients. This is massive for those who otherwise may use a tablet, laptop, notepad, or computer. Now, you can have them combined into one. The display’s anti-glare finish is also a notable feature, reducing eye strain during long work hours.

It took me a few days to understand the full benefit of having a 2-in-1 form factor. Yes, this computer can work as a traditional laptop -- albeit with a fantastic range of motion. However, if you are red-lining a document for a significant business review, you can pull up the document in portrait orientation, fold away the keyboard, grab your Lenovo smart stylus, and mark away, seeing the entire page on your screen. I also found a surprising amount of joy in taking this to one of my desk setups, folding the keyboard under the screen and plugging it into my monitor, granting myself a touchscreen, stacked monitor setup without any extra monitors needed. Now I have a fantastic docked, stacked monitor setup without spending even more money on another expensive monitor.

Additionally, if I wanted to quickly showcase a presentation via PowerPoint or Canva or what you have, I can pop this to tent mode to give that extra pizzazz and wow a client. Or, if you're less in the presenting space, this can also be a great way to unwind, giving the illusion of a mini TV, hiding the keyboard away so you don't accidentally think of typing something while trying to get a brief break to recharge while watching a show or catching up on your favorite sporting event.

The power under the hood, or the keyboard rather, is lovely as well. I have had zero issues completing all of my business tasks, and I have been running this as my dedicated machine for a few weeks now. My day-to-day is filled with a smattering of writing, some admin work, operational work for some companies I work with, a lot of internetwork, video calls, and lots (and lots) of typing. So far, the Thinkpad X1 Gen 9 has been able to do it all without breaking a sweat, and I don't see it slowing down anytime soon.

Lenovo Thinkpad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Final verdict

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 is an excellent choice for business users who need a versatile and reliable device. Its strengths in battery life, display quality, and build make it a strong contender in the premium 2-in-1 market. However, its high price and some design choices may give pause to budget-conscious buyers. Nonetheless, for those who can afford it, this ThinkPad delivers where it matters most. It's a machine I can trust to get my work done without compromising.

For double the fun, we've reviewed the best 2-in-1 laptops.