When it comes to tech prototypes, journalists are always intrigued. These experiments offer a refreshing change from the usual incremental updates. However, the downside is that many of these prototypes never make it to the market. Lenovo, however, has delivered on its promise by showcasing a rollable laptop at CES that is set to launch in 2025. Now, the company has unveiled three more exciting concepts at Mobile World Congress.
A Foldable Spin on the CES Rollable Screen
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt
One of the concepts is the ThinkBook Flip AI PC, which offers a more affordable alternative to the rollable laptop. Instead of hiding part of the screen inside the laptop, this device features a foldable screen that stretches across both sides of the lid. You can unfold it to enjoy a tall vertical display or mirror the front screen for presentations. Additionally, you can use it in a tablet mode even when it’s closed. Unlike other devices like the Yoga Book 9i, the ThinkBook Flip AI PC has a continuous screen and a built-in keyboard.
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt
This approach has its pros and cons. Without the need for a rolling mechanism, the Flip AI PC can have a taller screen. However, it is slightly top-heavy, making it challenging to use the fully extended screen at a steep angle without additional support.
Snap-On Laptop Monitors
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt
Lenovo has also introduced the Magic Bay Dual Display and 2nd Display laptop accessories. These accessories utilize Magic Bay, a technology that allows them to snap onto pogo pins on the back of ThinkBook laptops. The Magic Bay 2nd Display is an 8-inch vertical screen that serves as a companion to your laptop. It can be adjusted to various angles and provides additional functionality. On the other hand, the Magic Bay Dual Display transforms your laptop into a three-monitor workstation with two 13.3-inch screens on either side. With a 120Hz refresh rate, it offers an immersive experience. Both accessories offer unique features and enhance productivity.
A Solar-Powered Laptop
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt
Among the innovative concepts is the Yoga Solar PC, a solar-powered laptop. It features a solar cell built into the back of the lid, allowing it to charge using sunlight. Lenovo claims that the solar cell has an impressive conversion rate of over 24%, enabling the laptop to play one hour of video with just 20 minutes of direct sunlight. Despite the solar technology, the laptop maintains a thin and lightweight design, measuring 0.6 inches in thickness and weighing 2.69 pounds. Additionally, Lenovo showcased the Solar Power Kit for Yoga, a battery bank that connects to a detachable USB-C solar panel.
Credit: Lenovo
Evolutions on Earlier Concepts
Credit: Lenovo
In addition to the new concepts, Lenovo has made improvements to its earlier ideas and explored competing devices. These include a glasses-less 3D ThinkBook, an AI-powered robotic companion named Tiko, and the Tiko Pro, which combines the advantages of the 2nd Display with AI-powered widgets. Furthermore, Lenovo introduced the Hybrid Dimensional 24-Inch Curved Monitor, capable of displaying 3D visuals alongside 2D assets without compromising resolution.
Bringing AI to Non-AI PCs
Credit: Lenovo
To bring AI capabilities to non-AI PCs, Lenovo is experimenting with two dedicated neural processing units (NPUs). The Lenovo AI Stick is a USB stick that connects to a computer without an NPU, enabling it to run AI graphics tools locally. The AI Display with NPU Inside integrates the NPU directly into the monitor, offering gesture-based control and enhanced performance. Lenovo is also developing an “AI Ring” for gesture-based control in spatial computing apps.
While these concepts may or may not make it to the market, they showcase Lenovo’s commitment to innovation. In the meantime, the company has announced chip upgrades for its existing laptops, starting with the new Yoga 7 2-in-1 and IdeaPad Slim 3x.
