At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this week, Lenovo introduced a Think Book concept featuring a futuristic transparent display and a combined touch keyboard/drawing pad as part of its latest tech lineup unveiling.

Transparent display technology, once confined to science fiction films, is now transitioning into reality, appearing in various devices from phones to televisions to storefront windows. Lenovo's Think Book Transparent Display Laptop Concept aims to provide mobile creators with a fresh perspective on productivity.[1]

Figure 1. Lenovo Unveils Think Book Transparent Display Laptop Concept at MWC 2024 in Barcelona.

Figure 1 shows Lenovo Unveils Think Book Transparent Display Laptop Concept at MWC 2024 in Barcelona at the apex of this striking mobile workstation sits a 17.3-inch Micro-LED display panel, capable of achieving up to 55% transparency when its pixels are inactive. When the visuals are activated, users can anticipate "high colour saturation paired with outstanding contrast and brightness of 1,000 nits [up to 3,000 nits peak]," as described by Lenovo.

For instance, digital artists could find value in having the ability to view scenes and objects through the 'canvas' while crafting their creations. The designers of the concept propose that others could also enjoy overlays of AI-driven digital information as they engage in work or leisure activities, eliminating the necessity for augmented-reality wearables. However, the onscreen resolution seems to be somewhat limited for such purposes, standing at 720p. Nevertheless, it's expected that such aspects will undoubtedly enhance as the technology progresses.

Certainly, having the capability to see through the display may not be suitable for every task or application. There are discussions about the potential to adjust the transparency level of the upper panel, essentially blocking out the external world and enabling focus solely on the onscreen content – akin to LG's approach with its Signature OLED TV. Such a feature would provide flexibility for individuals, such as myself, who dedicate a significant portion of their workday to generating text. Additionally, it would create opportunities for sharing visuals without the necessity for everyone to gather around the front of the screen.

Future iterations may potentially incorporate touch-enabled functionality on both sides of the screen, enabling distinctive mobile collaborations. However, current reports suggest that the concept is unable to entirely solidify the background, leaving room for improvement in future iterations.[2]

Most laptops also enable videochats via some sort of webcam within the bezel. This concept doesn't have an upper bezel, and there's been no mention of this functionality – though the technology exists so it could happen.

The Think Book concept represents a dual-screen laptop, building upon the foundation of the company's Yoga Book concept. The lower display offers the versatility to toggle between a touch keyboard and a stylus drawing pad. However, this setup results in a typing experience lacking physical key feedback. Nonetheless, consumer preference often prioritizes novelty and allure over practicality.

Enhancing the typing experience could be achieved through the integration of haptic feedback, although such features are not mentioned in the current concept. Additionally, glare from the main screen may pose challenges in discerning content on the shiny input surface. However, adjusting the seating position could potentially alleviate this issue to some extent.

As it stands, being merely a proof of concept, details regarding specifications such as processor, graphics, memory, storage, and connectivity remain undisclosed. Furthermore, Lenovo has not provided any hints regarding potential future production iterations. Thus, it stands as an intriguing and quirky glimpse into a potential future of mobile productivity. For further insights, refer to the accompanying video below.

References:

1. https://newatlas.com/laptops/lenovo-thinkbook-transparent-microled-laptop-concept/
2. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/gadgets-news/lenovos-newest-concept-is-a-see-through-transparent-laptop/articleshow/108007866.cms

Cite this article:

Gokila G (2024), Lenovo's Transparent Laptop Unveils a Clear Vision for Future Workspaces, Anatechmaz, pp.301