Lenovo
Interview with Brian Leonard

Red Dot: What makes the notebooks from the ThinkPad X9 series stand out?

The ThinkPad X9 series showcases an entirely new design concept for laptop form factors and modernises both the look and feel of the ThinkPad. The new “engine hub” design consolidates key components into a single area, enhancing cooling efficiency and providing an extended range of ports without sacrificing the slim silhouette and portability of the notebook. The classic ThinkPad aesthetic has been reimagined with a fully redesigned keyboard while preserving the iconic design of the “smile” shape keycaps.

Which feature did you have to spend extra time on?

We invested a lot of time in redesigning the form factor to integrate AI PC components, improved heat management systems, ports and performance into an ultra-thin chassis – culminating in the innovative design of the “engine hub” for optimised cooling and layout efficiency. The “hub” furthermore simplifies repairs, houses ports and enhances overall performance – demonstrating the dedication and hard work behind every detail.

What user group did you have in mind when developing the series?

The journey of the X9 product line began with a clear mission: to cater to young professionals and prosumers – an audience traditionally underserved by classic ThinkPads. These tech-savvy individuals prioritise intuitive usability, dependable performance across diverse tasks and a sleek, modern aesthetic. They also value a holistic, positive user experience, which includes good typing comfort, essential ports and features such as a long battery life, strong everyday performance and affordability.