Foldable laptops have become one of the greatest innovations in the tech space, and Lenovo is in front of such developments. But are they worth the money being spent on them? Today, there are quite a few foldables that Lenovo has released. For example, ThinkPad X1 Fold allows for portability and flexibility, and, of course, a foldable screen experience.
However, as these laptops look enticing, it is important to consider whether or not these laptops have any substance. As Lenovo is asking for a whopping a $2,500 starting price sans a stylus or keyboard. Read the in-depth article below to find out.
Foldable laptops are devices that combine the functionality of a traditional laptop with the versatility of a tablet. The most unusual component of the two is the foldable OLED screen supporting the device’s versatile use.
The screen can be folded in the middle which makes the laptop smaller and at the same time the users will get a larger screen if it is unfolded. The concept is to deliver portability along with work output, all in a single neat design.
Lenovo made waves with the ThinkPad X1 Fold, the world’s first foldable PC. When Lenovo unveiled the ThinkPad X1 Fold, which is essentially the world’s first foldable PC which can be flipped open. Its USP? When flipped, it converts into a 16-inch monitor.
It can be operated like a tablet, folded halfway for use like a small notebook, or used with an external keyboard for business. The device is highly portable and aggressively targets people working in the creative niches since it is incredibly powerful.
But is it truly a game-changer? Let’s explore its strengths and limitations.
Portability and Design: Generally, Lenovo’s foldable laptops appear slim, so they suit owners who have to carry their computers around frequently. There is the ThinkPad X1 Fold where users can carry a device weighing 2.2 pounds and fold it like a book. This makes it convenient for stowage in a backpack or even hand-held for easy portability in case of a power outage.
Innovative Display Technology: The display of Lenovo’s foldable laptops, OLED incorporates rigorous technology. On the flip-out display, the visual experience is great, with sharply saturated colours and deep blacks. When stretched, the screen is large enough to work on another task or even watch a video. It can be used in several positions, including as a laptop with a touchpad, or nearly flat like a tablet with a virtual keyboard.
Productivity Options: The ThinkPad X1 Fold from Lenovo is accompanied by an optional Bluetooth keyboard that snaps onto the screen. This makes the foldable laptop look like a portable workstation where one can type with convenience altogether with the benefits of the screen.
Durability: Unlike the foldable screen of the latest version, Lenovo’s foldable laptops are durable. The mechanical hinge is nice and tight, and the device feels rather weighty in the hand. Lenovo says they have put the laptop through its paces in terms of build quality, and first impressions are that the screen is resilient to everyday wear and tear.
High Price: Notebooks that fold are expensive. The ThinkPad X1 Fold from Lenovo costs a little under $2,500 right out of the gate that too excluding a stylus and keyboard. This price makes it fall in a different league than most traditional laptops with similar features.
Compromised Performance: The ThinkPad X1 Fold uses Intel’s Lakefield processors that while being efficient are not as powerful as some other processors out there. The absence of vigorous computing capabilities can be a disadvantage for people who perform such tasks as video editing or software development.
Software Limitations: Smart laptops like Lenovo’s are not new to the market, but combination laptops are quite recent. This is an implication that the software community is not fully aligned with the foldable hardware displays. So even though Lenovo has placed Windows 10 on its device, many applications are not optimized for such folding screens. This can lead to shifting between two tabs or two different interfaces ending with applications that do not make use of the complete space available on the screen.
Battery Life: At the same time, the battery life of Lenovo’s foldable laptops is above average at best. The ThinkPad X1 Fold provides about 8-9 hours of battery life, which is not bad, although the price is quite prohibitive. The battery life might be a problem for heavy users who tend to spend many hours working on their devices: the battery of the laptop lasts for 7 hours, which is not as great as in other manufactured premium laptops.
Lenovo’s foldable laptops can be labelled as products of the first wave because they will appeal to early adopters and vintage pop culture lovers. Because they are lightweight, compact and have an aerodynamically sleek appeal they are perfect for the trendy user willing to spend the extra amount of cash. Business people who have to commute or travel from one place to another or between different offices can also find use for the portability and modularity offered by the ThinkPad X1 Fold.
But if you need just the normal computing resources, better battery life, or cheaper laptops, Lenovo’s foldable laptops are not the best shot right now. Still, the technology is not stable and could develop later; new generations may solve some problems, which are essential now, for instance, the work speed and the optimization of the software.
These foldable laptops from Lenovo are one of the best ways to progress in the computing field. There is no doubt that these are innovations and designs, but the drawbacks arising from their high price and lower performance efficiency make them a relatively unique product at this time. For those, who prioritize portability and flexibility, and do not shy from spending extra bucks, Lenovo has it covered with its line of foldable laptops. However, if you require a robust performing tool, which can handle complex operations, it is better to wait until there is development in the technology. Overall, for most consumers, this doesn’t make up for the price premium—yet.