A concept laptop built for two

Lenovo is understood to push the boundaries of computing. Aside from being one of many world’s largest laptop computer makers, the corporate additionally stands out for its daring strategy to PC design. If the rollable ThinkBook Plus Gen 6, unveiled at CES earlier this yr wasn’t proof sufficient of its revolutionary spirit, Lenovo has now launched yet one more hanging idea at MWC 2025 — the ThinkBook “Codename Flip” AI PC. This distinctive laptop computer combines productiveness with an attention grabbing, unconventional type issue certain to show heads.

Lenovo ThinkBook “Codename Flip” AI PC Idea: Design and modes

Rumors of this laptop computer surfaced earlier, making it seem to be yet one more formidable idea destined to stay a footnote in tech historical past. Nonetheless, leaks hardly ever seize the total image. At MWC 2025, the story actually unfolded earlier than my eyes as I received my palms on Lenovo’s Z-shaped ThinkBook Flip idea.

Some of the hanging options of the hybrid laptop computer is its large outward-folding contact show. This impressively versatile display makes use of two hinges to fold vertically, permitting the highest half of the display to go behind the principle show. The consequence? A dual-screen configuration that opens up new potentialities for multitasking and collaboration.

If you happen to’re engaged on one thing and have to share your display, merely fold out the second show. This makes it straightforward for somebody sitting throughout from you to view the contents of your display. Sooner or later, the dual-screen nature of the machine may additionally enable two individuals to make use of the 2 halves of the display independently directly. When display sharing isn’t crucial, the ThinkBook Flip AI PC may perform as a conventional 13-inch laptop computer.

What’s clear is that that is very completely different from beforehand launched foldable laptops just like the ASUS Zenbook 17 OLED or the HP Spectre Fold. Some would possibly name the ThinkBook Flip AI PC Idea area of interest and impractical as a day by day driver, possibly even too formidable for mass manufacturing, however there’s no denying that it pushes the boundaries of what trendy laptops will be.

For energy customers juggling a number of duties, particularly these in collaborative fields, this desgn may herald a brand new degree of comfort. The flexibility to rework and adapt to completely different workflows is greater than only a gimmick — it’s a glimpse into the way forward for cellular computing.

And but, past the skilled attraction, I couldn’t assist however think about a unique use case, one a bit of nearer to house. As a mum of two, I can simply image myself unfolding the ThinkBook Flip AI PC idea to maintain my children entertained whereas I energy by means of work.  A split-screen setup for cartoons is the place it’s at for me.

And that’s just the start of what the ThinkBook Flip AI PC can do design-wise. Due to its versatile nature, the laptop computer morphs to suit a wide range of workflows and seamlessly transitions between 5 distinct modes:

• Clamshell Mode (13.1-inch): This mode provides a conventional setup for on a regular basis laptop computer duties.
• Vertical Mode (18.1-inch): This model is good for doc evaluate, offering extra display actual property in a portrait orientation.
• Share Mode (13.1-inch & 12.9-inch outward dealing with): This mode permits dual-display collaboration, making it straightforward to share content material with others.
• Pill Mode (12.9-inch): This mode is designed for artistic workflows and permits the machine to perform as a big pill.
• Learn Mode (12.9-inch): This can be a distraction-free studying mode, optimizing the show for content material consumption.

Whereas its foldable design is undoubtedly its standout characteristic, the ThinkBook Flip AI PC Idea additionally brings some intelligent UI methods to match its distinctive model. Some of the helpful ones is a software program toggle and swipeable bar positioned proper on the fold, permitting you to seamlessly swap between clamshell mode and share mode with easy contact gestures.

One other considerate characteristic is the screen-sharing immediate that pops up when mirroring the first show to the secondary display on the again. It’s a small however essential element — one which ensures you at all times know when your display is being shared, saving you from any awkward or unintended reveals.

Then there’s the 18.1-inch show in vertical mode, which is an absolute dream for multitasking. Having that a lot vertical display actual property looks like a luxurious, particularly should you’re somebody who continuously juggles a number of functions. Whether or not it’s monitoring dwell knowledge, modifying paperwork facet by facet, or just maintaining a tally of emails whereas engaged on one thing else, the additional area makes every little thing really feel much less cramped and extra seamless.

That mentioned, throughout my hands-on time, the software program didn’t really feel fully polished. Switching between modes wasn’t at all times as fluid as I’d hoped, and there have been moments when the UI felt a bit of tough across the edges. However contemplating that is extra of a design idea than a ready-for-market machine, I’m prepared to offer it a go. The intent is clearly there to create software program that makes the a lot of the {hardware}. It simply wants a bit extra refinement to really shine.

Beneath its distinctive exterior, the ThinkBook Flip AI PC packs a punch. The PC is powered by an Intel Core Extremely 7 processor and guarantees the efficiency required for demanding duties. Sadly, I didn’t have sufficient time to totally put the laptop computer by means of its paces, so I can’t communicate to efficiency in depth. Nonetheless, one factor that stood out is that the show appears to be fairly power-hungry. Lenovo didn’t share specifics on battery capability, so it’s arduous to say simply how a lot juice this display will demand in real-world use, however my feeling is that it will likely be fairly a bit.

Elsewhere, Lenovo has packed in 32GB of LPDDR5X reminiscence and PCIe SSD storage, guaranteeing quick and environment friendly efficiency.

One other standout characteristic is Lenovo’s Sensible ForcePad, a three-layer illuminated touchpad that integrates numeric keys, media controls, and different shortcuts for extra intuitive navigation. There’s additionally a built-in fingerprint reader for added safety. And for many who want high-speed knowledge transfers and seamless connectivity, the ThinkBook Flip AI PC contains Thunderbolt 4 ports.