Foldable smartphones are already starting to be promoted as promising, but still experimental devices. Regardless of how successful this approach turns out to be, the industry has no plans to stop there. For example, Lenovo showed off the world's first foldable PC: a prototype ThinkPad laptop that uses the folding principle we're already familiar with from phone examples, but on a larger scale.
Interestingly, this is not just a technical demo: Lenovo has been developing the device for more than three years and plans to release the finished device in 2020 under the ThinkPad X1 brand. The goal is to make the PC as compact as possible. It will be a full-fledged laptop (or rather a tablet) with a 13,3-inch OLED screen (unfortunately, when unfolded) with an aspect ratio of 4:3, capable of folding to the size of a hardback book. The exact weight hasn't been revealed, but Lenovo says it will be less than two pounds, and the ability to fold into half will make the device significantly more portable than a typical laptop.
The Verge journalists tested a functional prototype: the device's screen folded as advertised, and Windows 10 It worked well enough as a touchscreen interface. But the development of software optimized for such unique formats (if that happens in 2020, of course) should allow this device to truly shine. For example, it would be interesting to see a two-page e-book reader optimized for this foldable device, which truly resembles a large, illuminated book.
The prototype does not look complete: for example, the folding mechanism does not seem particularly reliable. In addition, Lenovo did not allow journalists to take close-up images of the hinge in action or photograph it when closed. The screen had surprisingly poor viewing angles, noticeably changing colors when viewed from even a slight angle - this is especially bad for foldable screens. Let's hope all this will be overcome in the final version.
Lenovo is considering many options for using such a PC. It can be used fully unfolded, like a large tablet, or partially folded, in the format of a book or mini-laptop (then one part of the screen acts as a keyboard). By the way, the battery is located on the right side of the display (which is used as the bottom in laptop mode), so it is heavier and prevents the device from tipping over. The built-in stand supports the tablet when placed on a desk for use with the included wireless keyboard. There is support for a digital pen that attaches to the front of the device and charges via USB-C.
Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not provide technical specifications: it is only known that the laptop will run on Windows 10 and be equipped with an Intel processor. Beyond that, no further details are available, and specifications like RAM capacity or even battery life are being kept under wraps (though Lenovo claims it aims to provide all-day use). There are also plans to add cellular support. Curiously, the prototype lacked the usual 3,5mm headphone jack.
Lenovo said it is working to ensure that the folding ThinkPad will not experience problems similar to those identified with Samsung's first Galaxy Fold smartphones. The company, in particular, doubled the number of hinge tests to ensure the reliability of the design. In addition, there is still a lot of time until 2020. There's not much else to say about the Lenovo ThinkPad foldable at this point. There's no price or release date, just an ambitious idea, and it's good to see that Lenovo has decided to bring bendable technology to larger products.
Source: 3dnews.ru
