Lenovo has officially announced the launch of its ThinkBook Plus Gen 6, a rollable laptop that is set to hit the market in early 2025.
Priced at $3,499, this innovative device features a flexible OLED screen that can extend vertically to provide more display space.
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 starts as a 14-inch laptop with a 2000 x 1600 resolution. With the press of a button, its screen extends to a taller 16.7 inches, increasing the resolution to 2000 x 2350.
This transformation takes about 10 seconds, with small motors in the hinge enabling the movement.
@verge This is the new rollable laptop, the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable. It's been a prototype for a while, but it's about ready to be rolled out in early 2025. #lenovo #laptop #ces #tech #techtok ♬ original sound – The Verge
Lenovo says the extra screen space is perfect for multitasking, allowing users to stack two 16:9 windows on top of each other. When the screen retracts, the lower portion hides within the laptop’s chassis, conserving power.
The ThinkBook’s rollable OLED screen is built using Samsung Display’s technology. While it offers a unique experience, there are visible creases on the screen’s lower half, especially at steep angles.
Lenovo assures that the device has been rigorously tested for durability, withstanding at least 20,000 rolls and 30,000 lid openings.
However, there are some limitations. Lenovo had to program the extended screen as a second monitor in Windows, leading to software challenges.
For instance, users can’t snap windows to the lower part of the extended screen without using Lenovo’s custom software.
The laptop includes up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. Connectivity options are minimal, with just two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone jack, meaning users may need additional dongles for external devices.
While the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is exciting, its high price and potential software issues may limit its appeal. Still, it represents a bold step forward in laptop innovation.
