Lenovo announces ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 2 laptop with foldable screen
The display technology behind foldables may be found in more than just cell phones. While rollable displays appear to be a more popular concept for TVs and monitors, foldable displays are a better fit for laptops and tablets. However, foldable laptops — particularly those with folding displays — may take us one step closer to making that a reality. There are, however, just a few manufacturers willing to take the gamble of releasing such a device, much as there were very few manufacturers willing to release foldable phones.
Lenovo, to be sure, took the plunge and is already developing a successor to the industry's first foldable laptop. Lenovo has always been willing to try new things with PCs. The firm tried out several unusual shapes, such as the dual-screen Yoga Book and laptops with an E-Ink screen on their back. Some of its designs have become industry standards, including 360-degree convertible laptops from other manufacturers. It appears that being the first and only company to release an all-display folding laptop is simply in line with its reputation.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold, which debuted two years ago, was the pinnacle of an experimental first-generation hardware. While it did function as promised and wasn't as fragile as feared, it felt a little clunky and rough compared to typical tablets. The foldable also lacked certain ThinkPad hallmarks, and it appears that Lenovo is correcting those shortcomings in its second attempt at the device form factor.
Lenovo has confirmed that it is developing a new foldable laptop, one that might live up to the ThinkPad name. With its thinner bezels, the next version appears more modern in terms of design. There's also the suggestion that it'll have a similar hinge system to the upcoming Razr foldable phone from Lenovo-owned Motorola. In theory, this should help conceal the screen crease while also enhancing its longevity.
According to the teaser video, the device will still include a Bluetooth keyboard that users can place on half of the screen to simulate a traditional laptop form. The inclusion of the TrackPoint nub, an iconic element of all ThinkPad keyboards, is one of the most significant changes in this next version. Whether or not you use it is irrelevant; its presence identifies this as a ThinkPad item without doubt.
The ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 2 will be Intel vPro and Evo certified, which entails precise limitations on slim designs and powerful CPU combinations. The precise silicon is yet unknown, of course, but it will hopefully be superior to what the first-generation foldable laptop could do. That said, there's no telling when this new form-changing PC from Lenovo will debut; nevertheless, it's good news for Lenovo and foldable enthusiasts that the firm hasn't given up on this one-of-a-kind line just yet.
Source: www.slashgear.com
