The Lenovo ThinkPad streak is over: This model I tested bucks a decade-long trend (for the better)

ZDNET's key takeaways Lenovo's first-edition ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition 14-inch is available now, starting at $1,239 for the lowest-tier configuration. It's an experimental evolution of the ThinkPad line, exchanging some of the most defining features for a new sleek form factor and bold design. The entry configuration only comes with 256GB of storage, which is not sufficient for a laptop in this price range. View now at Lenovo When I first saw Lenovo's ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition at CES in January of 2025, I praised its bold design elements -- a striking departure from the norms of the ThinkPad line. There's no TrackPoint, a noticeable lack of I/O, and a minimalist trackpad that looks nothing like the X1 Carbon -- its (significantly more expensive) older sibling. Now that I've been using it for several weeks, it's become one of my favorite laptops of the year for its versatility, brilliant display, and fantastic battery. In a sense, the X9 Aura Edition is a ThinkPad that has evolved to ... Read full article.