This review is for the Lenovo 9i 14" in Mica (Yoga 9 14ITL5). I purchased the base model (Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, 256GM storage). I spent weeks researching and trying out laptops in store, and this one ticked off all my boxes. It is a snappy and beautifully designed 2-in-1 with a luxurious look and feel. The keyboard is a dream to type on, the track pad is responsive without going overboard, the graphics are crisp and clear, and the sound bar is truly the best I've ever heard on a laptop. All in all, this is a beautifully designed machine, and I would recommend it wholeheartedly...
...if it worked consistently. The first one I purchased presented with screen glitches within the first two weeks: randomly freezing up, going black, not responding to hard powering off and on. I spent hours on the phone with Lenovo Premium Care wiping the machine and reinstalling drivers. Lenovo went so far as to send a technician out to my home to replace the motherboard. The issues persisted.
I liked the Yoga 9i so much that I returned my first one and bought another, thinking that perhaps I just got a lemon. Within a month of receiving my second 9i, I am having the same issues with the screen going completely black at random, even while doing simple tasks like web browsing or viewing photos. Sometimes a hard restart will bring the screen back, and other times it won't. This last time the screen was unresponsive for 12 hours before it sprang back to life again. Upon reading reviews, others appear to be having similar issues.
Regrettably, I will be returning this machine for the second and last time. If you are lucky enough to get one that doesn't have these problems, it is a truly fantastic little laptop.
Response from lenovo.comBy Adrian_Lenovo, Customer Service, January 31, 2022
Lenovo appreciates all feedback and thank you for taking the time to rate and review our product! We want our customers to have a superb experience as you help us to continually evaluate our current products and services, and if necessary, change to meet your needs better. We apologize for your inconveience.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] 3rd time yoga buyer - yoga 900 clementine, then yoga 920 mica, and now yoga 9i shadow black. clementine edition was definitely my favorite color and form factor (still miss the rubber palm rest). but it is a welcome return to soft edges with 9i. the big negative for daily with 930 was the ultra sharp edges.
the brighter screen is great when working from outdoor patios. the leather screen back is definitely a plus when it comes to grabbing the laptop over the slick, sharp edged 930. sound seems upgraded? there is definitely more bass from the soundbar when compared to 930.
the keyboard is quieter and has better tactile (sticky) feel than the 930. i seem to type a little faster with fewer typos. the form factor is a little less longer than the 930 (they found a way to shrink it) and when paired with my lenovo thinkvision 14t usb-c monitor, the screens are at the same height, resulting in seamless scrolling across screens.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I really love this laptop. The gorgeous shadow black finish. Amazing speaker sound production. And the muted keyboard strokes. The 9i 14 I got was a custom build, which I think is best way to go so you're getting a Fresh Install of Windows 11 as opposed to Upgrade Install to W's11. Everything is running seamlessly. No issues whatsoever. The 14" makes for a light carry and portability. It could use an SD slot tho. Regardless, I highly, highly recommend.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Lenovo is my favorite tech brand. I will always purchase their products over others. My new laptop has not disappointed. My laptop does exactly what I need it too and more. I love the sleek look and the smaller design without compromising speed, space or capabilities.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I like the size and feel of this laptop and the flexibility means I can use it for school work and I can take online notes which is helpful. Many people I know use a seperate iPad for online notes, which is much more expensive than having it integrated like this. However I have been experiencing many problems since I bought this laptop like freezing and sometimes the pen stops working for no reason. Not sure why this is, I can currently contacting customer support about it. I might leave an update if I remember to
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from lenovo.comBy Adrian_Lenovo, Customer Service, January 28, 2022
Lenovo appreciates all feedback and thank you for taking the time to rate and review our product! We apologize for your inconvenience. Also, for tips to improve performance, please utilize this link https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/msh500101.
Computer stopped working properly after 3 months. The computer is supposed to come with premium care and a one year warranty. Premium care could not resolve the problem, they sent a technician who not only did not fix the problem but broke the camera. The Yoha 9i is an unreliable poor product and the warranty is worthless. Avoid the yoga, avoid Lenovo.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from lenovo.comBy Adrian_Lenovo, Customer Service, January 21, 2022
Lenovo appreciates all feedback and thank you for taking the time to rate and review our product! We apologize for your inconvenience. Please check your email.