Lenovo has just launched the Yoga 900 – a convertible laptop that runs on Intel’s latest 6th generation Skylake processor. Being a product under the Yoga lineup, this laptop can be used in four different modes: laptop, stand, tablet, and tent. Yes, the Yoga 900 is fast and light, but what else does it have to offer?
On paper, the Lenovo Yoga 900 convertible laptop can be equipped with Intel’s latest 6th generation core i7 processor. Not only that, it can also be fitted with up to 16GB of RAM and have a maximum of 512GB SSD storage. The display is a 13.3-inch QHD+ IPS multitouch screen, boasting a resolution of 3200 x 1800 and a maximum brightness level of 300 nits.
As it does not have a dedicated GPU, the Yoga 900 utilises Intel’s integrated HD graphics instead. Additionally, the laptop has a 1MP 720p HD camera on the front and a Dolby-certified JBL stereo speaker system. More impressively, the convertible measures 14.9mm thin and weighs 1.29KG.
When I picked up the Yoga 900, I was pretty impressed with how light it is. The combination of the aluminium on the exterior with the palm rest and display frame made from plastic definitely contributed to it being so lightweight. The outside of the laptop definitely screams premium, and despite the fact that plastic was used in the overall construction of the laptop, it doesn’t diminish its overall premium feel.
By having a QHD+ IPS screen, the display of the Yoga 900 is really pleasant to look at. It is bright enough and the blacks are black. Colours are vibrant, and it has good viewing angles as well. That being said, the convertible does have a really glossy display which interferes with the overall viewing experience, not to mention how much of a fingerprint magnet it is.
The watchband hinge in the middle of the laptop is one of the most attractive part of the screen. It has 800 individual pieces woven together to form the hinge that transforms the laptop into four different modes. Each mode feels rigid and the transition is smooth – rather natural really. So for those who have doubts with the watchband hinge, no need to worry; the Yoga 900 won’t fall apart that easily.
When I took the Yoga 900 for a quick spin, it performed pretty well. Folders and applications opens in an instant, as expected of a laptop with an SSD. I didn’t have the time to play any games on the laptop, but seeing that it only uses integrated Intel HD graphics, I don’t see myself or anyone else playing Star Wars Battlefront or Fallout 4 on this.
In terms of audio, the JBL speakers on the Yoga 900 really did not disappoint. There was a good balance of treble and bass, and with the help of Dolby, the audio performance on the laptop is really rich. However, because of the overall ambient noise at the event, I couldn’t judge the laptop’s volume properly.
Besides that, the keyboard of the Yoga 900 has good travel and typing on it is satisfactory. The trackpad, on the other hand, feels smooth and offers a tiny amount of resistance. It’s pretty accurate, but I personally prefer to use the touchscreen. It is very responsive and my touch inputs were accurate most of the time. To put this to the test, I drew a straight line on the Paint app with my finger, and I could see that my line was perfectly traced.
At the time of this writing, we do not know how much the Yoga 900 will be sold for in Malaysia. Since it is a lightweight laptop that runs on an Intel Skylake processor, has a beautiful display, and even a SSD storage, there’s a good chance this laptop will not be affordable. That being said, the Yoga 900 is an interesting convertible, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it once again for a full review.
