Techaisle Blog

February was a whirlwind of travel, and the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 became my indispensable companion. From airplane seats to bustling conference rooms, this laptop proved its worth. Its feather-light design, a mere 2.17 pounds, made it effortlessly portable, slipping into my bag without adding bulk. The robust carbon fiber and magnesium chassis shrugged off the rigors of travel, maintaining its sleek appearance despite constant jostling. The Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor handled everything I threw at it, from resource-intensive presentations to seamless video conferencing, without a hiccup. The battery life was a revelation, easily lasting through full workdays without needing a recharge, a godsend during layovers. Returning home, I found the ThinkPad X9-14 Gen 1 waiting for me, and I could not wait to dive in, eager to compare its innovations to the X1 Carbon Gen 13 that had served me so well in the last month.

As I opened the packaging of the Lenovo ThinkPad X9-14 Gen 1, I was immediately struck by the aesthetic shift. The new silver aluminum chassis gleamed, a stark contrast to the traditional matte black, and the absence of the iconic red TrackPoint was noticeable, though not entirely unexpected, as I had previewed the design earlier in the year.

For over thirty years, Lenovo's ThinkPad has been the bedrock of enterprise computing, defined by its rugged reliability and iconic design. Now, with the ThinkPad X9-14 Gen 1 Aura Edition (part of the broader X9 series revealed at CES 2025 and many other insane innovations), Lenovo dares to redefine its legacy for the modern hybrid workforce. My review dives into the implications of this bold departure, dissecting the sleek silver aluminum chassis, the controversial removal of the signature red TrackPoint, and its ambition to challenge the premium notebook market. Having spent considerable time with a review unit, I conclude that the Lenovo ThinkPad X9-14 Gen 1's exceptional display, typing ergonomics, and mobile efficiency will reshape the ThinkPad experience in 2025.

Design Evolution: A Shift in Color and Identity

The ThinkPad X9-14 Gen 1 boldly redefines its aesthetic, a stark departure from the traditional ThinkPad ethos. Gone is the iconic, utilitarian matte black, replaced by a sleek, silver aluminum chassis christened "Thunder Grey." This is not merely a cosmetic change; it's a strategic repositioning aiming to attract a broader audience, including style-conscious creatives and younger professionals. The fingerprint-resistant finish maintains a polished look, which is crucial for mobile professionals.

From a Techaisle perspective, this shift presents both a risk and an opportunity. The over 50% recycled aluminum aligns with growing sustainability demands and offers a premium feel. However, the departure from black may alienate loyalists who associate it with ThinkPad's rugged heritage. Lenovo is betting that modern hybrid workers, flitting between offices, homes, and travel, desire a device that excels in both boardroom and coffee shop settings.

The most polarizing decision, however, is the removal of the red TrackPoint, a hallmark of ThinkPads since 1992. For decades, this precision tool nestled between the G, H, and B keys offered a unique advantage, beloved by users like myself. Its absence in the X9-14 Gen 1, replaced by a large, centered haptic touchpad, signals Lenovo's acknowledgment of the TrackPoint's niche status in a touchpad-dominated world. This trade-off between modernization and legacy support will be a key consideration for businesses with diverse user needs.

The haptic touchpad’s generous size and customizable pressure sensitivity offer smooth, responsive feedback, rivaling implementations from competition. Similarly, while retaining ThinkPad's signature curved keycaps, the keyboard adopts a modernized layout with crisp, satisfying feedback, balancing tradition and contemporary appeal.

Flipping over the laptop, a standout feature is the "engine hub," a rear strip housing full-size ports (Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, headphone jack) while maintaining a slim profile. This design also enhances serviceability, providing easy access to the SSD and battery. At 2.74 pounds, the X9-14 Gen 1 is remarkably light, yet its sturdy aluminum build ensures durability. The 180-degree lay-flat hinge adds further versatility, making it a compelling option for demanding hybrid work environments. Audio quality is enhanced with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Voice, supporting clear video calls, which is crucial for remote collaboration.

SMBs are the backbone of any economy and are crucial in driving innovation and creating jobs. Yet, when it comes to cybersecurity, they often lag behind larger enterprises, lacking the resources and expertise to defend against sophisticated cyberattacks. This is where Managed Detection and Response (MDR) emerges, offering SMBs a cost-effective and scalable solution to secure their valuable data and infrastructure.

The cybersecurity landscape is littered with threats, and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are often the most vulnerable targets. According to Techaisle's research, not many SMBs are aware of Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services, a powerful tool designed to safeguard against cyberattacks. This begs the question: are SMBs missing out on a critical line of defense in today's ever-evolving digital landscape?

Awareness drives adoption

Techaisle’s SMB and Midmarket research data shows that small businesses are at a much earlier stage of their journey to MDR than their midmarket peers. Just 17% of companies with 1-99 employees report being aware of MDR, compared with 61% of core midmarket firms and 76% of upper midmarket organizations. Looking only at companies that are aware of MDR, current adoption rates mirror this pattern: 5% of small businesses that are aware of MDR are currently using these services versus 45% of core midmarket and 58% of upper midmarket organizations and virtually all companies that are aware of but not using MDR are either currently considering MDR or planning to evaluate these services within the next 12-18 months. These statistics indicate tremendous potential in each SMB segment: vendors must boost awareness of MDR’s benefits while executing an effective conversion strategy. This is especially true in small businesses – which should be an excellent fit segment for a managed service.

Selling sophisticated products to SMB customers is a significant challenge for IT vendors. This problem is especially acute with cybersecurity. Most SMB and Midmarket customer environments need defenses against many different types of threats, attackers, and threat vectors. Most SMBs lack the internal resources to understand what is required to protect against vulnerabilities and how different “shields” can be connected without leaving (or even creating) exploitable gaps in defense posture. Even the channel partners struggle to keep pace with simultaneous growth in threats and threat actors, vulnerabilities tied to in-use technologies or common business practices, and the ever-changing security vendor community.

Google, a trailblazer in Artificial Intelligence (AI), has made significant strides since the introduction of Transformers in 2017. These neural network architectures have revolutionized natural language processing and AI. Google’s dedication to making AI accessible and valuable for all is evident in its development of an infrastructure designed to manage vast data quantities while maintaining stringent data security.

Google’s innovations span Vertex AI, Duet AI, Google Cloud Infrastructure, and the AI Ecosystem. These components are intricately woven into its cloud services and workspace tools. Google acknowledges the necessity of staying abreast of current trends through innovation and the imperative of protecting AI models and data from potential threats.

Furthermore, Google emphasizes the value of partnering with service providers experienced in AI to help businesses maximize the benefits of AI products. Through these technological advancements and collaborative initiatives, Google aims to contribute significantly, especially to clients who may lack easy access to machine learning specialists.

Vertex AI: Google Cloud’s Platform for Generative AI Applications. How Google Cloud’s Vertex AI Enhances Gen AI Capabilities for Businesses

Google Cloud’s Vertex AI, a platform designed to assist developers in creating applications using Generative AI (Gen AI) models, offers new services such as Enterprise Search and Conversations. Since its launch in 2021, Vertex AI has been instrumental in managing the complete lifecycle of AI models, from discovery, training, tuning, and testing to evaluation, control, and deployment. Google Cloud Next 2023 announced significant enhancements to Vertex AI, focusing on how Gen AI capabilities can augment Vertex AI for businesses.

Sitting in a hotel in SoHo district in New York City on a cold winter day in October 2022, I received my 30th-anniversary edition of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. Upon unboxing, I was immediately drawn to the thoughtful details that set this edition apart. The packaging, crafted from eco-friendly bamboo and compostable sugarcane materials, was encased in a 30th-anniversary sleeve. Nestled within was a pamphlet chronicling the ThinkPad’s journey, a commemorative anniversary sticker, and interchangeable TrackPoint heads in vibrant RGB red, green, and blue colors. The lid branding was the first thing that caught my eye as I unveiled the laptop. The tri-colored logo is a delightful throwback to the old branding, reinforcing the nostalgic theme of this special edition.

My journey with the ThinkPad brand began in 1993, when I first laid hands on an IBM model, though I can’t recall if it was the 700 or 700c. The day the screen shattered was a heart-wrenching one for me. However, the efficient tech support at IBM’s Exchange Square in Hong Kong swiftly replaced the screen, much to my relief. In 1994, I switched to 701, also known as the Butterfly.

Fast forward to 2005, Lenovo took over IBM’s PC division, continuing the legacy of innovation that the ThinkPad line was known for. Among their offerings, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon stands out as a highly sought-after business laptop, earning critical acclaim for its slim design, robust performance, and impressive battery life.

In honor of the ThinkPad’s 30th anniversary, Lenovo introduced a special edition of the X1 Carbon. I am fortunate to have spent the last twelve months with this 30th-anniversary edition of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 30th Anniversary Edition is a remarkable milestone, celebrating three decades of the esteemed ThinkPad series. With a mere 5,000 units in circulation, this limited-edition model pays homage to the ThinkPad’s illustrious past and its progressive evolution.

Retaining the body design of the Gen 10, this compact laptop is a traveler’s dream with its 14-inch frame. Its slender 0.6-inch profile and feather-light weight of 2.4 pounds make it my constant companion during my relentless travels. Indeed, the laptop’s negligible weight in my backpack is such that it allows me the added convenience of carrying a ThinkVision M14. The two together have traveled with me three times around the world in the last twelve months. The presence of 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports and 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports proves incredibly handy. They allow for effortless connection of an external webcam or a light, eliminating the need for additional dongles.

The keyboard boasts a unique anniversary design, with the TrackPoint cap mirroring the classic ThinkPad colors. These nostalgic colors pay tribute to the original ThinkPads and serve as a recurring theme on this device. I’ve carefully preserved these interchangeable heads in a Ziploc pouch in my backpack.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 30th Anniversary Edition version I’ve been using is a powerhouse. It’s equipped with an Intel Core i7-1270P processor, which ensures robust performance for all my demanding tasks. Accompanied by 32GB of LPDDR5 memory, it allows for seamless multitasking.

The laptop also features a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, providing me with ample storage space and facilitating quick boot times and rapid data access. This feature is a boon for someone like me who accumulates a lot of information.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 30th Anniversary Edition display is indeed a highlight. Its 14-inch screen, with a 3840 x 2400 pixels resolution, delivers crisp visuals and vibrant colors. This enhances every task, whether working on spreadsheets, watching videos, or participating in video calls.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 30th Anniversary Edition is more than just a laptop; it’s a testament to thirty years of innovation and quality. Its top-tier specifications, sleek design, and limited availability embody the ThinkPad brand's legacy. This powerful and stylish laptop is a device that celebrates the ThinkPad’s journey, making it an excellent addition to any workspace. My workspace.