GadgetsLab: LENOVO YOGA SLIM 7i CARBON

REVIEWED BY RACINE ANNE CASTRO

Flexibility and endurance are two things we value greatly in our gadgets—especially during these times. That’s because those same two things are demanded from us. We need to be flexible to maintain a work-from-home/learn-from-home setup. We need to be prepared to withstand anything because the world could change any minute (like it did last year!). Enter the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon, a laptop that promises the adaptability and resilience we need.

DESIGN - 5 / 5

By virtue of its name, Lenovo’s Yoga lineup is all about flexibility, having more range of movement than most laptops. Notably, the Yoga 500 Series and C Series models are designed to have screens that pivot to a full 360-degree flip, bending all the way back until the device looks like a tablet with keys on its underside. The Yoga Slim 7i Carbon, however, is part of the S Series, which means it can only bend as far as 180 degrees back, from protracted to flat. (Savasana, for the yogis reading this review.)

What sets the 13-inch 7i Carbon apart from other Yoga devices is its ultra-tough construction. Lenovo claims that this model has undergone 9 military-grade tests for durability, proving that it can withstand extreme temperatures, dust and debris, and even a two-and-a-halffoot drop (76cm). This is because of the high-strength carbon-fiber material from which the device was built.

The 7i Carbon comes in only one color: moon white. Its milky hue, matte texture, and anti-fingerprint finish give it a fashionable minimalist vibe—one that blends nicely in one of those quaint Instagram workstation photos. (Picture it: the 7i Carbon placed neatly on a speckless white desk in a sunlit room, next to a potted plant, pastel-colored stationery, and a framed inspirational quote. Double-tap that.)

Durability and looks make the 7i Carbon stand out, yet it is also designed to perfectly fit in. The Slim in its name refers to its 14.9mm thickness (or rather, thinness) when closed. It also weighs no more than 2.2lbs, making it easy to carry in your bag and bring productivity anywhere.

HARDWARE - 4 / 5

This lightweight machine runs on a powerful 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor clocked at 2.8GHz and 16GB RAM. Graphics are fueled by Intel Iris Xe, while audio is delivered by two Harman Kardon speakers, optimized with Dolby Atmos. Combined, you can expect an impressive multimedia experience.

On its sides, you’ll find a 3.5mm audio port and three USB-C ports (1x USB 3.0 Type-C and 2x Thunderbolt 4). You’d need a hub or a dongle to connect to a typical flash drive, which, unfortunately, I do not have. I don’t know many people who have that either, so the presence of a Type-A USB port is most likely something you’d miss.

USER EXPERIENCE - 4 / 5

My job involves a lot of multitasking. Building presentations in one window, watching videos in another—sometimes all while in a Zoom meeting. The 7i Carbon can handle all of that in a breeze. No lags. No failure in quality. Even while performing several jobs simultaneously, this laptop runs quietly. The underside and the keys only felt warm to the touch whenever I was charging it.

Battery life is solid as I was able to work at maximum capacity for 8 hours on a full charge. That’s a whole workday without having to whip out the charger, providing battery efficiency while working on the go.

Despite not being heavily tricked out for graphics-intense activities (gaming and video editing) the 7i Carbon delivered seamless viewing as I watched fastaction, high-definition wrestling videos in my spare time. Colors are punchy and viewing angles are generally great, even in sunlight.

Typing on the device’s chiclet keyboard was a pleasant experience. Surprisingly, for such a thin notebook, key travel on the 7i Carbon felt sufficiently deep. The keys are fairly quiet, too. You won’t feel as if the sound of your typing will cut through the serenity of your work-from-home space or the cafe you’re in. The keyboard is also equipped with a nifty sensor that activates the white backlight in low light and automatically dims under bright, natural light—automation that helpfully saves battery life in daylight.

Pleasantly enough, the touchpad delivers with ease, precision, and terrific sensitivity. Though I do feel that the touchpad itself is too close to the bottom edge of the device. The palm rests also have limited space that could make it feel too cramped for those with larger hands.

A few more things to note: the 7i Carbon also comes with smart security features, including hands-free facial recognition login. It also has a built-in webcam and two digital microphones, which both delivered excellent quality during Zoom calls.

VALUE - 4 / 5

I delved into the keyboard experience a lot because I imagine that the 7i Carbon will mostly be appealing to those who want to take their productivity anywhere. That’s why it was designed to be lightweight and tough enough to withstand drops and intense outdoor conditions.

A price of PHP 74,995 isn’t easy on the wallet (the Intel i5 model costs PHP 64,995). Granted, getting military-grade durability in a slim machine is a feat that bears great value, and this is probably what’s hiking up the price. Yet, I’m not so sure if those who hop from one cafe to another or are engaged in a work-fromanywhere situation necessarily need that extreme level of build quality.

Nevertheless, if you’re buying the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon on the sheer basis of its beautifully purposive design, practical portability, and powerful functionality, every peso will be well-spent.

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions: 13.9-14.9 x 296.9 x 208.55mm | Weight: 2.2lbs (< 1 kg) | Display: 13.3” QHD (2560x1600) with Dolby Vision | Processor: 11th Gen Intel Core i7 | GPU: Intel Iris Xe RAM: 16GB LPDDR4X Dual Channel | Storage: Up to 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD | Ports: USB 3.0 Gen 1 (Type-C), 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4, 3.5mm Audio Jack | Camera: 720P IR Cam | Battery: Rapid-charging available with 65W adapter

WHAT'S HOT

• Stylish matte white design

• Slim, lightweight body

• Military-grade durability

• Tactile typing experience

WHAT'S NOT

• No touchscreen capability

• Limited ports

BOTTOMLINE

A rugged build housed in a chic design. A minimalist featherweight packed with power and productivity. The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon definitely delivers on its promise of flexibility.