By Anurag Agrawal on Thursday, 15 August 2024
Category: End-Point Devices

One Month with the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x Gen 9 Copilot+ PC - an AI PC

A new type of computer is gaining traction - Copilot+ PC, explicitly built for artificial intelligence (AI).  These laptops are powered by powerful Snapdragon® X Plus processors, exceeding 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS), and deliver long-lasting battery life and access to cutting-edge AI models. Copilot+ PCs are designed to prioritize built-in AI features powered by Microsoft's Copilot AI and Qualcomm's Snapdragon X processors. This allows them to run new AI features like document editing suggestions, real-time image generation, and language translation directly on the device, also called local inferencing.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x Gen 9 is a Copilot+ PC.

For the last month, I have been using the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x Gen 9 Laptop, which is stylish, efficient, portable, and ideal for everyday tasks. With its sleek design and advanced AI capabilities, the Lenovo Yoga Slim X is ideally positioned to meet the growing demand for intelligent computing solutions in the SMB and midmarket segments.

The Yoga Slim X is Lenovo’s first product showcasing its new branding strategy, designed to discreetly elevate the Lenovo brand through modernized placement, high quality finish, and simplified graphics.

During a recent trip to Redmond, as the lone Copilot+ PC user in a room of Microsoft Windows device experts, my cosmic blue Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x instantly commanded attention. The sleek, modern device, a vibrant contrast against the more muted tech grays, was an unexpected splash of color. Its arrival seemed to pause the conversation as curious eyes turned to examine the device, and phones appeared to capture its distinctive hue. The Cosmic Blue hue is a purposeful design choice by Lenovo, influenced by research and understanding of emerging global trends. As per Brian Leonard, Vice President of Design for Lenovo IDG's PCs & Smart Devices, the color humanizes the design by introducing self-expression that stands out among the traditional grays and blacks of technology, but with a longevity that compliments the comfort of its form.

The Lenovo Yoga Slim X has a sleek, minimalist look that I love. At only 0.5 inches thick and 2.8 pounds, it is incredibly light, perfect for someone like me who’s always on the go. The aluminum body gives it a premium feel without being flashy. It’s surprisingly sturdy for its thinness; I’ve tossed it around in my bag, and there’s no sign of wear or tear. The overall look and feel scream quality. Above all, it is whisper quiet.

I have been incredibly impressed by the Yoga Slim X's 14-inch OLED display. The colors pop! Images and videos look incredibly vivid and lifelike, thanks to the deep blacks and sharp 3K (2944 x 1840 px) resolution. It's been a game-changer for editing photos – every detail is crystal clear. I have also binge-watched, and the experience is phenomenal. The glossy finish can be a bit of a glare magnet in bright environments, but I have not found myself to be outside more than once.

So far, Yoga Slim 7x's performance has been impressive. The Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 processor, with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, makes everyday tasks a breeze. Browsing the web, editing documents, and streaming shows are smooth. For most people looking for a balance of speed and portability, though, the Yoga Slim X is a great option.

I love the keyboard on the Yoga Slim 7x Gen 9. The keys have a satisfying feel – they have just the right amount of travel and bounce back. The layout is excellent, too, and the backlit keys are a lifesaver when working in low light. The trackpad is smooth and responsive, and the multi-touch gestures work flawlessly. It is a pleasure to use. The Yoga device features Lenovo’s newest user-centric keyboard design with the “..key shapes crafted to maximize productivity, improved accessibility, and the new modernized graphics to improve key targeting and user experience.”

I have been impressed with the Yoga Slim X's battery life, partly thanks to its 70Whr battery. It easily lasts an entire workday without needing to be plugged in, even with video calls and streaming. Under regular use, I have pushed it to over 14 hours on a single charge. I rarely need to bring the charger, which is a huge plus. Surprisingly, I did not need to charge my laptop once during my three-day stay in Redmond and Seattle.

The Yoga Slim 7x has three USB-C ports and supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 standards. I've historically encountered Wi-Fi issues with Lenovo laptops, particularly ThinkPads, but the Yoga Slim 7x has been a refreshing change with flawless connectivity so far.

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x impresses with its camera and collaboration features. Equipped with a 1080p infrared camera, it supports Windows Hello for facial recognition, enhancing security and convenience during use. This feature particularly benefits users who prioritize quick access without compromising safety. I must confess that I do not use Windows Hello on all my laptops. The laptop's design includes a physical shutter switch for the camera, adding an extra layer of privacy. In terms of collaboration, the Yoga Slim 7x integrates Microsoft's Copilot+ functionality, which, while still evolving, offers tools like enhanced Studio Effects and Cocreator that aim to improve video conferencing experiences. The vibrant OLED display further enhances collaboration by providing clear visuals, making it suitable for professional and personal use. Overall, the Yoga Slim 7x combines solid camera capabilities with innovative collaboration features, positioning it as a practical choice for users looking to leverage AI in their daily tasks.

Final Techaisle Take

Over the past month, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x has proven to be a sleek and powerful performer. Its striking design, impressive speed, and long battery life make it a top contender in the Copilot+ PC segment. In conclusion, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x is a compelling choice for users seeking a blend of style, performance, and portability. Its sleek aluminum chassis and minimalist design exude a premium aesthetic while delivering exceptional durability. The 14-inch OLED display offers stunning visuals, enhancing productivity and entertainment experiences. While not a powerhouse for intensive creative tasks or gaming, the Yoga Slim 7x excels as a daily driver, effortlessly handling a variety of workloads. Its comfortable keyboard and efficient performance contribute to a satisfying user experience.

While the Lenovo Yoga brand is primarily designed for consumers, the new Yoga Slim 7x offers a compelling blend of style and performance, making it a suitable option for business users. For businesses seeking a dedicated, AI-powered solution, Lenovo's ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, equipped with Snapdragon and Copilot+, is a robust alternate choice.

The Lenovo Yoga Slim X is not just a laptop; it is a strategic tool for businesses seeking to leverage AI for productivity gains. This market is ripe for disruption, and Yoga Slim 7x Gen 9 is ready.