Chinese technology brand Lenovo has revealed a “first-of-its-kind” laptop with a “rollable”, vertically expanding display at the CES tech fair in Las Vegas.
Lenovo‘s ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable was developed in cooperation with the company’s innovation arm Lenovo Research and is a production-ready evolution of a concept first showcased two years ago.
Its key innovation is a rollable display that extends from 14 inches to 16.7 inches, adding almost 50 per cent to the total screen size.
Users can activate the expanding display by pressing a dedicated key or gesturing in front of the laptop’s camera. When not in use, the screen can retract so the device functions like a conventional laptop.
The product aims to provide enhanced functionality for professionals on the move, combining the portability of a laptop with the multitasking capabilities enabled by a larger screen.
The taller screen also has ergonomic benefits, Lenovo claims, as it “encourages better posture, reducing strain for professionals working long hours”.
In terms of software, the laptop features a proprietary ThinkBook Workspace that enables split-screen functionality and incorporates dedicated widgets that allow users to easily access frequently used apps and tools.
Lenovo suggests that the extended vertical display is “ideal for applications such as document review, coding, project management and content creation”.
The enlarged screen can be configured to display multiple windows, including a second virtual display that can be shared in meetings to reduce the need for external monitors.
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is powered by Intel Core Ultra processors with Intel Arc graphics supporting high-speed performance across a range of applications.
AI-enabled features such as Lenovo AI Now help to streamline workflows and offer personalised task suggestions, while generative AI software also supports tasks such as content creation and data processing.
The result is what Lenovo calls “the world’s first rollable display AI PC”.
“With rollable technology and AI-driven features, this device represents a significant advancement in adaptable design and productivity-enhancing technology, setting a new standard for the future of mobile computing,” the company said.
Lenovo used this year’s CES to debut several AI-powered products for business users, including a redesign of its ThinkPad X9 laptops and a series of high-performance ThinkCentre desktops.
Previous innovations developed by the company include a laptop concept with a transparent screen and a folding laptop with two full-sized displays.
CES 2025 takes place in Las Vegas from 7 to 10 January 2025. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.
