Lenovo’s Rollable Revolution and the Future of Laptop Displays at CES 2025
Lenovo’s unveiling of the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable AI PC at CES 2025 marked a significant leap in laptop technology, bringing the long-awaited promise of rollable displays to fruition. This innovative device transforms from a 14-inch OLED screen to a larger 16.7-inch display with a simple button press, extending the screen vertically from beneath the keyboard. A motorized mechanism facilitates this transition, taking a few seconds to complete the expansion. Users can also activate the rolling mechanism with a hand gesture in front of the webcam. This dynamic display adapts seamlessly to various tasks, particularly document editing and coding, with Windows 11 automatically adjusting to the new resolution. Lenovo’s custom software further enhances functionality by allowing the extended portion of the screen to function as a virtual second display.
Initial hands-on experiences with the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 revealed a surprisingly stable device, despite the extended display’s potential to create imbalance. The laptop remained firmly planted on the desk even during vigorous typing. The absence of touchscreen functionality, while a potential drawback for some users, contributes to the device’s stability. Lenovo acknowledges the desire for a touchscreen version in future iterations, but admits the significant technical challenges involved in integrating touch sensitivity with the rollable screen technology. This groundbreaking technology commands a premium price, with the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 starting at $3,499 when it becomes available in Q1.
Beyond the rollable display, Lenovo also showcased the Yoga Slim 9i, a laptop pushing the boundaries of screen-to-body ratios. This 14-inch laptop boasts a remarkable 98% screen-to-body ratio, achieved by minimizing the bezel to near invisibility. Even the webcam is integrated seamlessly beneath the display, utilizing technology similar to that found in smartphones. The 32-megapixel webcam remains hidden until activated, appearing as a small black dot at the top of the screen when in use. Preliminary assessments of the webcam’s performance in a dimly lit environment were inconclusive, requiring further testing in optimal conditions.
However, the Yoga Slim 9i’s display itself was undeniably impressive. The 14-inch 4K OLED screen offers a peak brightness of 750 nits and covers 100% of the sRGB, P3, and Adobe color gamuts, resulting in vibrant and accurate color reproduction. The high brightness effectively minimizes the visibility of fingerprints on the touchscreen. Internally, the ultrathin laptop is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, coupled with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7, while port selection is limited to two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one of which will likely be occupied by the charging cable. Lenovo anticipates over 10 hours of battery life from the 75Wh cell. The Yoga Slim 9i is slated for release in February with a starting price of $1,849.
In a potentially significant shift for the iconic ThinkPad line, Lenovo introduced the ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition, notably omitting the trademark TrackPoint. This small, red rubber pointing device located in the center of the keyboard has been a defining feature of ThinkPads since their inception under IBM’s ownership. Lenovo explains this decision as a response to evolving user preferences, particularly among younger generations more accustomed to touchpads and touchscreens. While the TrackPoint remains a fixture in other ThinkPad models, its absence in the X9 15 Aura Edition suggests a possible phasing out of this legacy technology.
Lenovo’s announcements at CES 2025 showcase a company at the forefront of laptop innovation, pushing boundaries in display technology and reimagining traditional design elements. The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6’s rollable display represents a tangible step toward the future of portable computing, while the Yoga Slim 9i’s near bezel-less design and under-display webcam redefine the visual experience. The omission of the TrackPoint in the ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition signifies a willingness to adapt to changing user behaviors and potentially pave the way for new input methods.
These advancements underscore Lenovo’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology and catering to a diverse range of user needs. The rollable display, while currently a premium feature, holds the potential to revolutionize how we interact with laptops, offering greater flexibility and adaptability. Similarly, the focus on maximizing screen real estate and integrating seamlessly hidden webcams reflects a trend towards more immersive and streamlined laptop designs. As these technologies mature and become more accessible, they are likely to shape the future of laptop development and redefine the user experience.
