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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Lenovo unveiled a modular proof of idea ThinkBook at Cellular World Congress 2026.
- It encompasses a removable twin display screen and keyboard, and swappable ports.
- Whereas it is nonetheless in improvement, it appears like Lenovo is near a accomplished product.
Lenovo has been flexing some severe conceptual muscle with its proof of idea PCs. Final yr, I examined the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 rollable and located it is 17-inch rollable display screen surprisingly sensible — if not completely polished.
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Now at Cellular World Congress, Lenovo simply unveiled an idea that is much more formidable: the ThinkBook Modular AI PC, a dual-screen laptop computer with a removable show, keyboard, and mix-and-match I/O ports for a completely customizable workstation that shapeshifts into quite a lot of configurations.
Lenovo has been inching towards a very modular laptop computer over the previous couple of years, however this mannequin may be probably the most severe dedication to the concept but with a mainstream 14-inch laptop computer that feels surprisingly shut to an entire product, even when there are nonetheless some kinks to work out.
Detach and swap
By default, the laptop computer’s second show lives on the again of the primary show, however it may be snapped off to both take the place of the keyboard or stand propped up subsequent to the laptop computer like a standalone moveable monitor.
If you wish to use it as a standalone exterior monitor, there is a built-in kickstand on the again that permits for the monitor to be propped up, both in panorama or portrait mode. Simply be mindful, nevertheless, it’s important to hold it related with a USB-C cable to the laptop computer itself.
Additionally: Lenovo’s new PCs supply a glimpse of the long run – and it is modular
In my hands-on with the kickstand, I discovered it a bit awkward and onerous to maneuver, and is among the weaker bodily components of the laptop computer’s design, but in addition possible one of many best for engineers to enhance on.
Equally, keyboard/trackpad can be absolutely removable and could be positioned anyplace, utilizing Bluetooth to remain related. It is just like the design we noticed with on the Zenbook Duo — simple to make use of however a bit awkward to freeform the position in your desk. I nonetheless want there was some form of snap-to mechanism that connected it to the underside of the laptop computer.
Modular I/O
Though the swappable shows and keyboard is cool, personally I discovered probably the most attention-grabbing factor to be the swappable ports, which converse to a stage of modularity that we’ve not but seen on Lenovo’s mainstream laptop computer line. Solely the Framework laptops (the 16-inch being one in every of my favourite laptops of final yr) have this sort of swap-and-go I/O, so it is notable in a ThinkBook.
Whereas the Framework’s ports are plastic modular ports that every one join by way of built-in USB-C connections, nevertheless, the ThinkBook’s I/O usually are not. Additionally the kind of port is extra restricted, with USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI solely out there thus far.
Additionally: I attempted Lenovo’s $3,000 rollable ThinkBook and might’t return to regular-sized laptops
Nonetheless, with the ability to come out the port and swap sides should you want an HDMI to be on the appropriate or charger on the left, is infinitely handy and speaks to a extra versatile machine idea.
The ThinkBook Modular AI PC is a giant step in an thrilling route, and though it is a conceptual machine with no launch date, it appears like Lenovo is onto one thing right here. In spite of everything, it is only a ThinkBook chassis right here with some specialised changes for the shape issue.
Lenovo made an oblique assertion on its dedication to taking modularity and repairability critically with the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Version from CES. That laptop computer noticed a redesigned, double-sided motherboard to enhance entry and half alternative for the top person, and on a flagship laptop computer lineup no much less.
Following up with that, I am hopeful Lenovo will proceed to iterate on these concepts and put them into mainstream laptops like ThinkPads and Yogas. There is definitely shopper curiosity.
