At MWC 2025, Lenovo is highlighting a bunch of visionary PC idea gear, persevering with a cascade of 2025 tech it opened up at CES in January. Considered one of these forward-looking prototypes is the ThinkBook Flip AI PC Idea, a folding proof-of-concept convertible laptop computer that may rework its show right into a two-sided display or one ultra-tall panel.
I noticed this prototype gadget in a personal assembly in New York Metropolis earlier than its unveiling. Whereas it was clearly in a deeply experimental state and never at the moment deliberate for retail launch, it’s an intriguing tackle the dual-screen PC idea. (Certainly, Lenovo had a product supervisor alongside for our assembly who dealt with the fragile Flip AI machine more often than not.)
(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
This flipping and folding laptop computer joins the Yoga Photo voltaic PC and ThinkBook MagicBay display-accessory ideas, which we additionally had hands-on time with earlier than the present. Watch the video above to see how the Flip capabilities, with extra particulars following down beneath.
A Flipping, Folding Two-Display screen Laptop computer
Much more so than the others, the ThinkBook Flip was clearly in an experimental place once I noticed the gadget. The prototype was purposeful however delicate, and Lenovo’s handler had a greater grasp of learn how to accurately comply with the working procedures that would wish ironing out if the concept have been to be developed additional.
(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
However what’s it? The ThinkBook Flip AI is one other tackle a folding-screen laptop computer with a barely completely different twist on issues. The laptop computer’s display can unfurl into one straight-up-vertical 18.1-inch panel, making for lots of digital display actual property for a comparatively small laptop computer chassis. However the display also can fold in half, again excessive of the gadget, so the “second” display faces outward to somebody sitting throughout from you.
(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
When the display is folded that approach, the shows are break up into two barely unequal panels, of about 12.5 inches on the “A” face and 13 inches on the “B” face. When closed, the laptop computer rests in a flat place with one display dealing with inward and the opposite dealing with up because the “lid,” which might require additional safety in transit. (You may’t fold the display within the different course.)
(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
The elements which are contained in the Flip AI aren’t essential given it is a decidedly early-state, non-retail product. Nonetheless, in case you’re interested by what powers this technique, it’s outfitted with an Intel Core Extremely 7 processor (which lends its AI-ready NPU to the system’s title) and 32GB of reminiscence. It is also outfitted with Thunderbolt 4 ports for up-to-date connectivity.
(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
A Finicky However Useful Prototype
The dual-screen 2024 Lenovo Yoga Ebook 9i and the Asus Zenbook Duo (UX8406) adopted designs with a conventional hinge between their screens, shying away from the behind-the-screen hinge. Nonetheless, the Flip embraces this concept once more. (That is simpler to see than clarify, so try the movies and pictures. However the seamless single panel offers some versatile use circumstances.)
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I can considerably see the hinge indentation by means of the panel, when the sunshine catches it a sure approach, but it surely should not blemish the show too badly in on a regular basis use. On this prototype, swapping between the totally prolonged “tall panel” mode and the “two back-to-back shows” mode requires a exact order of operations, stressing the necessity for the gadget’s professional handler.
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(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
He may (comparatively) rapidly flip by means of the proper order to transition between layouts, which require a mix of {hardware} and software program touches. A key mixture that turned off or on the second show, a software program lock icon on the highest edge that dictated whether or not the Flip was able to swap between modes, and a affected person hand have been all required to function the gadget.
(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
These are secondary considerations, in fact, since this isn’t a market-ready product. In any other case, I might have large misgivings about anticipating customers to study these steps. The Flip AI PC would wish way more streamlining earlier than occurring sale. Nonetheless, by the top of our session, I used to be proud to have grasped many of the steps required to function the Flip and get it to its completely different modes.
(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
One further characteristic is the LED touchpad, which we see usually on Asus techniques. This mannequin provides to the same old dual-screen setup since you may management what’s taking part in the place and arrange customized instructions on a few of the contact buttons.
Between this characteristic and the versatile display layouts, Lenovo envisions this gadget empowering hybrid work environments and distant productiveness. Possibly we’ll see the Flip or a descendant hit the streets as an precise product someday. However for now, benefit from the prototype’s flip-and-fold motion in our footage.
About Matthew Buzzi
Lead Analyst, {Hardware}
