Similar to the Surface Neo we never owned.
The most recent laptop from Lenovo has not one, but two full-size displays. It introduced the Yoga Book 9i at CES 2023, billing it as the “first full-size dual-screen OLED laptop.” It resembles (but is larger than) the Surface Neo, a foldable device with two screens that Microsoft announced but never produced.
Lenovo has dubbed each of the Yoga Book’s 13.3-inch, 2.8K screens with a 16:10 aspect ratio and Dolby Vision support “PureSight.” It features Intel 13th Generation Core i7-U15 processors, up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and 512GB or 1TB of PCIe SSD Gen 4 storage.
Unlike Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Fold, however, the Yoga Book 9i employs two panels that fold into a compact clamshell design. This enables many standard 2-in-1 convertible functions, such as tablet and tent modes. The screens can also be used side by side or one on top of the other. It measures 11.78 inches by 8.03 inches by 0.64 inches and weighs 3.04 pounds. Like several of Lenovo’s other Yoga flagships, the soundbar is attached to the hinge and rotates 360 degrees.
In contrast to the Neo, which was designed more as a tablet, the Lenovo resembles a laptop due to the folio stand that holds the screens at an angle. (You could, of course, hold it without a stand like a regular laptop, with one screen on the bottom and one on the top.) We’ll need extensive hands-on experience with the stand to determine whether or not its appearance is accurate. It would be convenient if it were integrated into the device, but I doubt it could be as slim if that were the case.
As well as a stylus, there is a detachable Bluetooth keyboard that can be used separately from the device or attached to it to simulate a clamshell laptop. The window management and snap features of Windows 11 should also facilitate the dual-screen layout.
Lenovo is emphasizing the Yoga Book’s suitability for use in offices and classrooms, using software for notetaking or delivering presentations while looking at one screen and displaying the other. A five-finger tap allows you to switch between using the two screens independently and combining them into one display. The three Thunderbolt 4 ports can be used to connect accessories and other devices.
The device is available in a striking “tidal teal” color, and I’m somewhat surprised not to find listings for a gray or silver variant. That is one way to make a statement for sure.
Previously, Lenovo’s Yoga Book lineup featured dual displays, but one of them was typically an e-ink screen. Full-size dual-screen laptops have been teased since at least 2018 when Asus debuted the Project Precog concept.
The Yoga Book 9i is scheduled to release in June with a starting price of $2,099.99.
Some Traditional Alternatives
The Yoga 9i, Yoga 6, and Slim 7 are more conventional 2-in-1 designs introduced by Lenovo.
The 9i and Yoga 6 are updated versions of their predecessors. The 9i is equipped with 13th-generation Intel Core i7 P-series processors, up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and up to 1TB of PCIe SSD Gen 4 storage. 4K (3840 x 2400) and 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED displays will be available. The Yoga 6 will feature AMD’s Ryzen 7 7730U or Ryzen 5 7530U (Zen 3 processors), up to 15GB LPDDR4x memory, and up to 1TB of SSD storage. It will feature a 13.3-inch, 1920 x 1200-resolution touch screen and metal and fabric exteriors. When it ships in April, the Yoga 9i will begin at $1,499.99, while the Yoga 6 will begin at a more affordable $729.99.
The Slim 7 is a newer device (known as the Slim 6i outside the United States) with a 14-inch, 16:10 screen at either 2880 x 1800, 2240 x 1400, or 1920 x 1200, and will be powered by the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors in an aluminum chassis. In April, the price will start at $729.99.
