World’s first laptop unveiled with foldable display
The first laptop with a foldable computer screen could be yours as early as next year thanks to Lenovo.
After intense development for more than three years, they’re proud to announce ThinkPad X1, which will be launched in 2020.
Lenovo are aiming to make the device to a laptop standard instead of being a regular secondary computer like an iPad.
One of the appeals of the new foldable laptop is portability.
After the trials and errors with the folding phone from Samsung, ThinkPad has been designed for users to make a full-sized object smaller instead of the other way around.
We came, we saw, we unveiled a wild & bright vision for the workplace of the future. That's a wrap on #LenovoAccelerate.
Learn More: https://t.co/wYIimDzM6t pic.twitter.com/dvcj6N5S0f— Lenovo (@Lenovo) 17 May 2019
The 13.3-inch 2K OLED display folds into the size of a regular hardback book and is said to weigh less than a kilogram.
Initial reviews of the product have been good, although a lot of work needs to be done in regard to the software and making the folding mechanism sturdier. These were the same issues that were faced with Samsung and their foldable phone.
The Verge were thrilled with the foldable feature, saying that’s where the real size savings are.
“I got to try out a functional prototype, but there’s not a lot to see at this stage,” said Chaim Gartenberg from The Verge.
“The screen does fold, as advertised, and Windows worked well enough as a touch interface. But the real magic here — if it happens at all — will come with software and optimizing things to run on the unique form factors that a folding screen can provide.”
The foldable ThinkPad compared to a regular 13-inch laptop
Photo credit: The Verge
Reviewers were asked not to take close up photos of the hinge mechanism for the device just yet.
Lenovo is also well aware of the issues that happened with Samsung’s foldable phone and have been doubling the amount of testing for their laptop hinge.
As of yet, there is no official release date for the ThinkPad X1.