Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2in1 G9 review - The high-end business convertible with 120-Hz OLED and without TrackPoint buttons

Despite Lenovo having given its new X1 2in1 G9 a completely new case, its general design language has remained the same. This means the gray convertible continues to set itself apart from the black ThinkPad models, while its surfaces are also a lot less susceptible to collecting fingerprint marks. However, the likely biggest change has to do with its input pen, which is now much bigger than before. In turn, it now isn't possible to store the pen inside the laptop's case. Instead, you can only attach it magnetically to both sides of the device. This isn't a full replacement, as the pen will easily detach from the case, especially when you are transporting the laptop inside your bag.

We have nothing negative to say about the X1 convertible's quality, as its aluminum case (and magnesium aluminum alloy on the bottom of the base unit) is very stable and we couldn't dent it or elicit any creaking noises from it. The same can be said for the lid and we like the hinges in particular, as they hold the screen in place securely and almost entirely prevent it from rocking when you adjust its angle.

Of course, you can also completely flip over the display, which makes the X1 2in1's various operating modes possible. When using it in tent or presentation mode, however, the camera hump (which is now used on almost all Lenovo laptops) is particularly noticeable. This is because in this case, the device actually sits on the camera hump, which looks peculiar. Thankfully, there are no functional limitations when doing so.

On the current ThinkPad X1 2in1, Lenovo lets customers choose whether they want a classic clickpad with three dedicated buttons for the TrackPoint, or a haptic touchpad without any dedicated buttons. The latter is installed in our test device and only the middle TrackPoint button can be felt with light dots. Basically, the pad has no moving parts and feedback is simulated by vibration motors. This has the advantage that its feedback is the same at all points, and its operation worked very well in our test. However, those who mainly use the TrackPoint should probably not go for the haptic pad, as the pad is no substitute for the dedicated keys and it isn't the best to operate. Inputs are also possible using the supplied active Lenovo Slim Pen and we noted no problems in practice. 

Our test device uses the optional OLED touchscreen with a resolution of 2,880 x 1,800 pixels. The panel is made by Samsung and subjectively, its picture quality is great—although you can see a slight raster effect when depicting light content. Its brightness values of around 400 cd/m² suggest the current OLED generation from Samsung, however, despite their touchscreens, the latest Galaxy Book Pro models don't show this raster effect. Colors look super vivid and the screen's response times are very fast. In addition, its higher refresh rate of 120 Hz helps with depicting movement. Neither brightness nor color temperature can be adapted automatically. 

Its average brightness is 411 cd/m² and together with its low black value, it features an extremely high contrast ratio. In HDR mode, its maximum brightness when depicting small image excerpts is 630 cd/m² and when showing an almost completely white screen, we noted 510 cd/m². We measured 240-Hz PWM flickering at brightness levels of 99 % and below.