Photo credit: arstechnica.com
Lenovo Unveils Innovative ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable Laptop
In a bold move to enhance portability and versatility in laptop design, Lenovo has introduced the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable, a device that reimagines the traditional clamshell format. This new laptop features a unique screen that expands vertically from 14 inches to an impressive 16.7 inches, challenging existing designs that utilize foldable or dual-screen configurations.
Here you can see the PC’s backside when the screen is extended.
A look at the hinge.
The keyboard includes a button for making the screen unroll.
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is expected to launch in June, building upon a concept Lenovo showcased in February 2023. The earlier prototype featured a 12.7-inch display that could be extended to 15.3 inches with a panel made by Sharp. The finalized version, now equipped with a larger Samsung Display screen, has increased from a resolution of 2,000×1,600 pixels to 2,000×2,350 pixels.
New functionality allows users to expand the screen either by pressing a designated button on the keyboard or by using hand gestures recognized by the laptop’s webcam. This expansion process involves a brief 10-second period of mechanical sounds as the motors operate to extend the display. Notably, Lenovo asserts that the device can endure at least 20,000 roll cycles and 30,000 cycles of opening and closing the hinge.
Additionally, users can utilize the expanded screen as two separate 16:9 displays, promoting multitasking capabilities.
The display boasts a maximum brightness of up to 400 nits and claims to achieve 100 percent of DCI-P3 color coverage, ensuring vibrant visuals.
This innovative approach aims to provide a dual-screen experience while addressing common issues found in traditional dual-screen laptops, such as distracting hinges and questions surrounding durability. However, it is worth noting that, at 16.7 inches, the expanded screen isn’t as ample as some competitors — for instance, Lenovo’s dual-screen Yoga Book 9i has previously offered a combined total of 26.6 inches in screen area.
Understanding the Rollable Technology
While the term “rollable” might suggest a lack of visible creasing, users may still encounter some of the crease challenges seen with foldable screen devices. According to reports from The Verge, the screen displays minor curls that become apparent during movement and when darker content is on display. Moreover, one can notice smaller creases along the lower part of the screen, which may not be easily detectable during regular use but become evident under close inspection or at sharper viewing angles.
Source
arstechnica.com