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. One among these forward-looking prototypes is the ThinkBook Flip AI PC Idea, a folding proof-of-concept convertible laptop computer that may remodel its show right into a two-sided display screen or one ultra-tall panel.
I noticed this prototype system in a non-public assembly in New York Metropolis earlier than its unveiling. Whereas it was clearly in a deeply experimental state and never at present 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 system. The prototype was purposeful however delicate, and Lenovo’s handler had a greater grasp of the right way to appropriately observe the working procedures that would want ironing out if the concept had 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 screen can unfurl into one straight-up-vertical 18.1-inch panel, making for lots of digital display screen actual property for a comparatively small laptop computer chassis. However the display screen may fold in half, again excessive of the system, so the “second” display screen faces outward to somebody sitting throughout from you.
(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
When the display screen is folded that manner, the shows are cut 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 screen going through inward and the opposite going through up because the “lid,” which might require further safety in transit. (You possibly can’t fold the display screen 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. Nevertheless, should you’re inquisitive about what powers this technique, it’s outfitted with an Intel Core Extremely 7 processor (which lends its AI-ready NPU to the system’s identify) and 32GB of reminiscence. It is also outfitted with Thunderbolt 4 ports for up-to-date connectivity.
(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
A Finicky However Practical Prototype
The dual-screen 2024 Lenovo Yoga Guide 9i and the Asus Zenbook Duo (UX8406) adopted designs with a standard hinge between their screens, shying away from the behind-the-screen hinge. Nevertheless, the Flip embraces this concept once more. (That is simpler to see than clarify, so take a look at the movies and photographs. However the seamless single panel offers some versatile use circumstances.)
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I can considerably see the hinge indentation by the panel, when the sunshine catches it a sure manner, nevertheless it 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 system’s skilled handler.
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(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
He may (comparatively) rapidly flip by the proper order to transition between layouts, which require a mixture 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 had been all required to function the system.
(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
These are secondary issues, after all, since this isn’t a market-ready product. In any other case, I might have large misgivings about anticipating shoppers to be taught these steps. The Flip AI PC would want much more streamlining earlier than happening 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 function is the LED touchpad, which we see typically on Asus programs. 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 number of the contact buttons.
Between this function and the versatile display screen layouts, Lenovo envisions this system empowering hybrid work environments and distant productiveness. Perhaps 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}
