When people think of an all-in-one computer (or AIO), they probably think of the Apple iMac. And for good reason: it is cutting-edge technology due in part to its powerful chipset. But the success of the iMac means that many all-in-one computers are overlooked by the public. And that’s a shame because there are many interesting options if you dig around a little.
One such option is the Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i Gen 8, a fantastic computer that I recommend buying if you want the same experience as an iMac, but in the form of a Windows PC. I had good impressions of the Yoga AIO 9i from the moment I took the computer out of the box and stood in front of its huge 31.5-inch screen. And I was simply blown away when I turned on this monitor screen and saw a beautiful Ultra HD 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) image.
The three takeaways for the Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i Gen 8
- With a starting price of €2100 (on the manufacturer’s website), the Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i Gen 8 computer features a powerful configuration in a slim form factor.
- The device I tested came with a 13th generation Intel Core i9 processor, a 4K resolution display, 512GB of storage, and to top it all off, an immersive audio system.
- The Yoga AIO 9i’s flaws include poor accessories and poor port placement.
For testing purposes, I watched a few episodes of Demon Slayer And breaking Bad to see how well the monitor is capable of displaying bright, stylized animations as well as real actors. To put it simply, I was impressed. Colors were abundant and vibrant on screen, and shadows were nicely black.
The UHD display allows the finer details of content to be more visible, whether it’s stylized textures from sword swings in Demon Slayer or the grain of the film on breaking Bad which gives more spice. Maybe it’s because I was sitting close to the screen that I was able to see all these details, but the results are impressive. Lenovo has done everything possible to make this computer as beautiful as possible.
A high-performance work machine
The Yoga AIO 9i’s entertainment machine status doesn’t stop at the screen. The computer is also equipped with an exceptional audio system, consisting of a pair of speakers and two woofers. This system delivers immersive sound, made even richer by powerful bass. I listened to several genres of music (heavy metal, rap and jazz, to name a few) and was blown away by the density of the sound.
The sound quality allowed me to feel the bass lines in my chest. Plus, you don’t have to turn up the volume to experience this. A volume of 30% was enough to measure all the prowess of the system. Again, I was probably too close, but the experience was enjoyable.
Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET
Of course, the Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i doesn’t just entertain, as it is a very capable work machine. The device I tested ran a 13th generation Intel Core, the i9-13000H, and 16GB of memory. To test this hardware, I put the Yoga AIO 9i through 3DMark benchmark software. The PC scored 2,100, putting it above the average score of 1,909.
I have a problem with the port location
This level of performance becomes evident when you surf the Internet or sit down to work. I had multiple applications, windows and tabs open. Not once did I notice any significant slowdown. That said, I wouldn’t recommend gaming too intensively on this computer. The Iris Xe graphics card is still not suitable for this task.
The Yoga AIO 9i is also a beautiful machine. Besides the large screen, I like the circular base of the PC (pictured above). The screen and this base are connected by a curved metal rail, which gives the computer a minimalist look similar to that of an iMac.
However, I have some issues with one aspect of the design and its accessories. I’m not a big fan of the location of the ports, which are on the back of the base. If you have a small desk or are leaning against a wall (like me), it can be surprisingly difficult to plug something in because you have to reach around the huge screen. You can tilt the computer to make the process easier, but this PC is heavy and moving it is not an easy task.
Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET
I’m also not a fan of the keyboard that comes with the device. I like that the keyboard is large and that its keys are a little recessed for more comfortable typing, but I had the impression that the device was a little fragile. My hands got tired after a few hours of typing. If you write a lot, I recommend getting a decent keyboard.
The included mouse is decent, but it’s a little small for my hands. However, I appreciated the DPI button on the top of the mouse. DPI stands for “dots per inch” and represents the sensitivity of the cursor on the screen. Low sensitivity is ideal for precise movements, while high sensitivity allows you to zoom in on a web page. The mouse allows you to move from one level to another at any time, depending on your preferences. I found this function very useful.
ZDNET’s buying advice for the Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i Gen 8
If you’re looking for a primary computer for your office or a PC the whole family can use, the Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i Gen 8 is a fantastic choice.
I highly recommend this machine. Additionally, installing the computer is very easy. Simply plug in the power supply, connect your accessories via Bluetooth, and voila: you’re ready to enjoy your 4K computer.
Source: “ZDNet.com”