Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura edition: A bold AI-powered reboot, but will users miss the TrackPoint?

Lenovo is betting big on AI with its new ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition. This isn't just a spec bump; it's a fundamental shift in how the company envisions how people will use office laptops. The focus? Integrating artificial intelligence into everyday tasks.

The first thing you notice is the design. It's slimmer and lighter, a welcome change for a line traditionally known for its ruggedness. It doesn’t seem like Lenovo has sacrificed build quality, though. The X9 Aura Edition still meets military-grade durability standards. A move towards recycled materials also suggests a nod to environmental concerns. However, one notable design change is the removal of the iconic TrackPoint, the tiny red bulb like trackpad that has been a signature feature of ThinkPads for decades. This decision, while contributing to a cleaner aesthetic, may be met with mixed reactions from long-time ThinkPad users.

But the real story here is the AI. Lenovo has packed Intel's new Core Ultra processors, which include a dedicated AI chip, into this machine. This means AI tasks can be handled to a large extent directly on the device, potentially speeding things up and improving privacy. It's interesting to see their focus on this partnership when the company also manufactures devices with AMD and Qualcomm as partners and in a lot of cases the latter offer better multi core performance and power efficiency.

What does all of this AI integration look like in practice? Lenovo is talking about "Smart Modes" that adapt the laptop based on what you're doing. Think video calls? It'll optimize the camera and microphone. Need privacy? It'll activate security features.

They're also pushing "Smart Share," a way to easily transfer files between different devices, regardless of whether you're using Android or iOS devices. This could be a real time-saver for people who work across multiple platforms. Also, a counter argument to those who aren’t willing to leave a particular ecosystem because of seamless integration or interoperability.

Then there's the security angle. Facial recognition, a privacy shutter, and sensors that detect your presence are all part of the package. Lenovo is also highlighting "Shield Mode," which adds extra layers of protection when you're on public Wi-Fi.

As for the hardware, you're looking at a 14-inch OLED screen with various resolution and touch options, up to 32GB of RAM, and plenty of storage. Connectivity is also up to par with Wi-Fi 7.

It's important to remember Lenovo's strong position in the PC market. With an expected 25.5% global market share in 2024, the company is a major player. The ThinkPad line, in particular, has carved out a niche among business executives and professionals. These users demand reliability and security, and the ThinkPad's reputation for robust build quality and advanced security features has made it a go-to choice. I saw the new ThinkPad first in Yokohama at its launch a few weeks ago and it is not your average office laptop. It is laoded with AI features, sleek, light and the ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition now starts at Rs 1,37,255 in India.

The question remains: Does all this AI integration actually make a difference to the average user? Early impressions suggest Lenovo is serious about embedding AI into the core of its laptops, across their consumer and commercial portfolio. Whether it translates into a genuinely better user experience, and how the removal of such a core feature as the ThinkPoint will be received, will be the real test.