The Future Unfolds
Gone are the days when professionals needed to compromise between screen size and portability. Lenovo’s latest technological marvel, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable AI PC, brings a revolutionary solution to the perpetual challenge of limited screen space. This remarkable machine introduces a transformative OLED display that expands from 14 inches to an impressive 16.7 inches with seamless precision.
The engineering prowess behind this innovation becomes apparent through its thoroughly tested mechanism, which has undergone 30,000 cycles without failure. Such rigorous testing demonstrates the manufacturer’s commitment to reliability, though the complexity of the rolling screen mechanism suggests specialised maintenance may be required.
Screen dynamics
The ThinkBook’s party piece activates through either a dedicated button or an innovative palm gesture control system. When activated, the screen gracefully extends upward, accompanied by a subtle animation and audio feedback. While the gesture control adds a touch of theatrical flair, the physical button proves more efficient for daily use.
Windows 11 integration allows users to maximise the expanded screen real estate through intuitive window snapping features. The vertical orientation creates natural zones for multiple applications, perfect for comparing documents, analysing spreadsheets, or managing simultaneous browser windows.
Practical considerations
Despite its groundbreaking mechanics, the laptop maintains remarkable portability at just under 1.7kg – notably lighter than Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro. The 19.9mm profile, while slightly thicker than some ultrabooks, remains eminently manageable for mobile professionals.
The slight top-heaviness when fully extended requires mindful handling during movement, though this proves a minor trade-off for the exceptional versatility offered. The expanded screen configuration particularly excels with documents, PDFs, and web content, offering unprecedented vertical viewing space in a portable format.
Technical prowess
Beneath its innovative exterior, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 packs serious computational muscle. The Intel Core Ultra 7 Series 2 processor forms the backbone of this Copilot+ PC, complemented by configurations offering up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. These specifications ensure smooth performance across demanding professional applications.
Market positioning
Scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2025, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 commands a premium £3,499 price point. This positioning reflects both its innovative technology and target market of professionals seeking cutting-edge solutions for mobile productivity.
Unlike previous concept devices shown at trade shows, this rolling screen laptop represents a fully realised commercial product. It marks a significant departure from traditional laptop design while maintaining practical functionality for everyday professional use.
Evolution of mobile computing
This breakthrough in display technology signals a broader shift in mobile computing paradigms. By eliminating the need for external monitors while maintaining portability, Lenovo addresses a long-standing challenge for mobile professionals. The successful implementation of rolling screen technology in a commercial product opens new possibilities for future mobile computing solutions.
The balance between innovation and practicality demonstrates thoughtful engineering. Rather than pursuing novelty for its own sake, the design addresses genuine productivity needs while pushing technological boundaries. This approach suggests a maturing of flexible display technology beyond concept devices into practical professional tools.