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Lenovo is ditching its iconic TrackPoint nub in favor of AI features for new ThinkPad models
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Lenovo has unveiled its new ThinkPad Aura Edition laptops at CES 2025, marking a significant shift by removing the iconic red TrackPoint nub that has been a hallmark of ThinkPad design for over 30 years.

Key design change: The removal of the TrackPoint from the new ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition models signals Lenovo’s adaptation to modern user preferences and market trends.

  • While the TrackPoint will continue to appear in other ThinkPad models, its absence from the Aura Edition reflects Lenovo’s recognition that touchpads have become the dominant input method
  • Lenovo’s spokesman acknowledged that the TrackPoint, while cutting-edge in its time, may not resonate with all demographics in today’s “touchpad world”
  • This design decision follows earlier insights from Lenovo’s chief design officer David Hill, who compared the TrackPoint to a manual transmission – appealing to specific users but not essential for everyone

Hardware specifications: The new ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition comes in both 14-inch and 15-inch variants, featuring Intel’s latest Lunar Lake processors and premium display options.

  • The 14-inch model starts at $1,399 and offers choice between a 1920×1200 OLED or 2880×1800 OLED display
  • The 15-inch version, starting at $1,549, comes with a 2880×1800 OLED display with HDR600 capability
  • Both models feature Intel’s Arc Xe integrated GPU, up to 32GB LPDDR5X memory, and 2TB PCIe Gen 4 storage
  • The laptops include Thunderbolt 4 ports and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, housed in a MIL-SPEC 810H qualified chassis

AI capabilities: Lenovo has integrated two distinct AI feature sets into the Aura Edition laptops, enhancing user experience and functionality.

  • The Aura Edition includes smart modes for optimized device configurations like “Attention,” “Power,” and “Wellness”
  • Lenovo AI Now, powered by Meta’s Llama 3.0, offers local processing using the Lunar Lake NPU
  • Future updates will bring multilingual support, cross-device searching, and improved data extraction capabilities

Accessories ecosystem: Lenovo is launching a range of complementary peripherals designed specifically for the new ThinkPad line.

  • New offerings include $49 TWS Earbuds with Bluetooth 5.3
  • A $99 X9 Charging GaN Dock with 4K60 HDMI output and multiple ports
  • A $59.99 wireless mouse featuring a dedicated AI Now button

Looking ahead: The removal of the TrackPoint from the Aura Edition represents a calculated risk for Lenovo, testing whether the ThinkPad brand can maintain its professional appeal while evolving beyond its traditional design elements.

Lenovo has removed its iconic TrackPoint nub from new ThinkPad laptops

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