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The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is a dual-touchscreen laptop with a second touchscreen at the bottom, replacing the keyboard and touchpad.

Lenovo Yoga Book 9iLenovo calls the Yoga Book 9i the “first full-size dual-screen OLED laptop.” (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

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Dual-screen technology hasn’t caught on because it hasn’t found mass when it comes to the use case, admits Dinesh Nair, Director Consumer Business, Lenovo India. But Nair says Lenovo could succeed where other dual-screen devices have failed before, and early reception looks promising.

If you look at what’s happening today, especially post-pandemic, and how consumers have evolved, and what people are using things for, whether it’s their hybrid work, the need to connect, the need to create, and the need to multitask, all of a sudden these devices start to seem very relevant, Nair says. indianexpress.com in an interview on the sidelines of the launch of the dual-screen Yoga Book 9i.

The Yoga Book 9i is a dual-touchscreen laptop with a second touchscreen at the bottom, replacing the keyboard and touchpad. It’s basically two 13.3-inch, 16:10, 2.8K OLED displays stacked on top of each other with a hinge in the middle and a detachable keyboard, similar to the now-dead Microsoft Surface Neo. You can also fold this device 90 degrees and use it as a regular 13-inch laptop.

There are several ways to use the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

You must be able to integrate the use case. Yes, there will be a bunch of consumers in the market, especially early adopters who love new technology, but ultimately something has to pick up a mass, it has to have a strong use case and then it has to fit into that sweet spot where consumers can actually afford the product, he says.

PC giant Lenovo isn’t new to experimental laptop design, having released laptops with e-ink displays and foldable screens over the years. However, the Yoga Book 9i is the company’s best attempt to make the dual-screen form factor work with the right mix of software and hardware.

The concept behind the Yoga Book 9i actually started four years ago and has been revisited over the past two years, Gregory Beh, Category Manager Lenovo Asia-Pacific, chimes in, adding that the company has spent a lot of time studying the usage behavior of the target demographics and getting real-time feedback on existing products to create the Yoga Book 9i that meets the user’s needs. The Yoga Book 9i is the end product of many years of research and development.

As Beh observed, there are consumers who would like to emulate a similar dual-screen setup at home, but in a compact device they can carry with them all the time. Think of the designers, illustrators and coders who are the target consumers of a device like the Yoga Book 9i. Productivity won’t be limited to the office, whether you’re at home or in the office, people will be working in every corner, he says.

The Yoga Book 9i uses a U-series i7 processor from the 13th generation Intel Core mobile processor series. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

Having two screens available at the same time offers new types of use cases that traditional laptops can’t achieve with the current form and design. The hinge between the two displays still creates separation, but Lenovo’s clever software skills make it work.

If you look at the usage patterns of someone who does coding or content creation, think about what they can do if it’s a seven-inch or eight-inch screen, there’s not much you can do. But with a dual-screen laptop, which can operate in different modes, it’s practically a whole lot easier for you to get your work done, Nair explains the rationale behind two large 13.3-inch OLED panels with 16:10 aspect ratios on smaller screens than you’d find on a tablet.

The Yoga Book 9i isn’t cheap at Rs 2,24,990, but Lenovo is then targeting consumers who understand what they can do with a dual-screen laptop form factor. It has the best in hardware, software, be it the features inside or the fact that practically it is something that has never been seen in the market before.

Getting the dual-screen form factor wasn’t easy for Lenovo, and as a new product category, the company is committed to refining the design of the Yoga Book 9i in the future. We are not looking at a single device. We are still improving the software, says Beh. I think you’ll clearly see a lot more innovation and a lot more improvements on these product lines in the coming months, reassures Nair, pointing out that the dual-screen form factor is here to stay.

IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd

First published on: 2023-07-25 at 6:15 p.m. IST





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An Overview of Global Events in 2023

In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.

Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.

Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.

Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.

Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
As the climate crisis intensified, extreme weather events wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods reminded humanity of the urgent need for climate action. In response, governments and communities across the globe doubled down on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and protect biodiversity.

Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.

Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.

In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.