CES 2020: Lenovo Envisions A Foldable Future

A new era of mobile computing is on its way according to Lenovo, who has just unveiled the ThinkPad X1, the first fully functioning Windows 10 PC with a foldable OLED display.

Expected to retail for US$2499, the ThinkPad X1 Fold will be made available in mid-2020 with a Windows 10X version expected later on.

Calling on Lenovo’s ‘legendary ThinkPad heritage’ Christian Teismann, President, Commercial PC and Smart Device Business has engineered a ‘masterpiece with X1 Fold, a new category of device that comes along once in a decade’.

Featuring a 13.3 inch-display when laid entirely flat, the X1 Fold is designed to deliver laptop performance with smartphone portability.

When folded away, the small footprint device is no bigger than an iPad Pro at roughly 9.6-inches.

Learning from the mistakes of Samsung with the initial design of the Galaxy Fold, the LED display used in X1 Fold has undergone extensive durability testing.

In partnership with LG Display, Lenovo claims they have set a ‘new standard towards perfecting foldable screen technology’.

As detailed by the Verge in a hands-on video, the X1 Fold utilises on-screen prompts to configure dual-screen, transforming the full 13.3-inch display into a virtual dual-screen setup.

The Windows 10X version, designed for dual-screen devices such as Microsofts upcoming Surface Duo, will likely see an optimised use case for the tablet-laptop hybrid.

The X1 Fold will also feature optional 5G connectivity.

Powered by an Intel Core Processor with Intel Hybrid Technology, Lenovo claims the X1 Fold can last for up to 11 hours on a single charge, with rapid charge support via the USB-C port.

Weighing in at just under 1kg with the included folio cover, the X1 Fold is exceptionally portable.

Included with the X1 Fold is the Lenovo Fold Mini Keyboard, featuring the classic ThinkPad keyboard design (minus the TrackPoint).

The keyboard can be laid flat on the lower screen or can be used in tandem with the ThinkPad X1 Fold Stand for the full 13.3-inch display.

The ThinkPad X1 Fold Stand is expected in the second half of 2020 with pricing to be revealed closer to the release date.