Two years ago, Lenovo showed at the MWC a concept of roller laptop of the most curious: His screen expanded to convert a conventional laptop into one with vertical screen. We did not know if that device would see the light at some point, but as the folding laptops did, In the end he did. In the CES of this year, Lenovo confirmed that this rolled laptop was no longer a concept and became a commercial product. He was baptized as Lenovo Thinkbook plus gen 6 and today, finally, we have had the opportunity to try it first hand.
Because? That is a question that is worth asking, why an enrolly laptop? The answer, luckily, is simple: having a laptop with a large screen is fine, but having a large screen with more vertical space is wonderful if we work with documents (text or spreadsheets), texts or code. The attempts to date had been shy, with laptops that left the 16: 9 format for Bet on the 3: 2. Lenovo has gone a step further.
Rolled is a more or less conventional computer | Image: Xataka
But unrolled is another story | Image: Xataka
How is? At first glance it is a conventional portable device, only that the screen is somewhat more square than normal. When the panel is rolled, it is 14 inches and has a resolution 2,000 x 1,600 pixels, that is, 5: 4 format. By clicking a button (or gesture with the hand that does not finish going fine), the laptop is displayed up to 16.7 inches, the 2,000 x 2,350 resolution pixels and an 8: 9 format. Basically, a 50% larger screen.
The third button starting on the right in the upper row is the one that goes down and uploads the screen | Image: Xataka
The laptop takes about ten seconds to complete the up or down cycle. The screen, of course, is hidden under the keyboard and unwinds thanks to engines that, everything is said, are heard slightly. It is not an unpleasant sound or that will be distracted, much less, but it is there. However, I must say that the contact took place in a crowded room of people, so I had to approach a lot to notice the noise.
Hypnotiza. The truth is that it is easy to get dumbfounded seeing how the screen goes up and down. I will not affirm or deny having been turned on by clicking the button every ten seconds like a child with a new toy. It is one of those technologies that attract attention and that suppose a breath of fresh air in a mature product category in which innovation usually goes inside. Even more in the AI PCs era.
Detail of the roller mechanism | Image: Xataka
And how much does it endure? When the durability question, from Lenovo they explain that the roller mechanism endures 20,000 cycles. They are about 11 years at the rate of five daily cycles. In this case, however, it must also be taken into account that the screen is not only enroll and unwinds, but also folds when we close the laptop. Lenovo ensures that the panel will endure 30,000 opening and closing cycles. Anyway, in a contact as preliminary as this is not possible to confirm this.
This is how the laptop is seen from behind when it is completely unrolled | Image: Xataka
The wrinkle. One of the great evils of folding mobiles is the wrinkle of the fold. Although manufacturers make all kinds of juggling to avoid or reduce it, such as making a drop -shaped fold, the reality is that it remains visible and notable to touch. In the case of Lenovo laptop is exactly the same. The wrinkle shows and looks. Not only is it seen, but it causes flashes when looking at the screen from certain angles. In front, however, there seems to be no problem.
In what angles, the wrinkle is more or less visible | Image: Xataka
A system that feels robust. Although the device rises and that the part that rises is thinner the upper area, the device does not transmit a sensation of fragility. It does not give the feeling that we will leave if we put it vertically and incline it. Moreover, the thickness of the laptop, being superior to that of a conventional laptop, is not as high as one could imagine. Yes, it weighs more and is thicker, but neither as much if we take into account that inside hides an roller screen and a deployment mechanism.
An interesting change. As someone who is writing and reads a lot, a lot, a lot throughout the day, this type of implementations are interesting. On a few occasions I am doing Zoom-Out to a PDF to read more content or juggling to be able to better read something than, on a vertical screen, I could read without problem. This device solves that problem of a stroke, although it does so at a price well above what any laptop costs.
Image | Xataka
This laptop supposes, or could assume, a paradigm shift, in the way we understand the laptops. Getting that extra space is a fantasy for those of us who use the computer for productivity (not so much to play, there does not make too much sense). However, accessing this device is not something available to everyone.
The price issue. The Thinkbook Plus Gen 6 Cuesta 4,199 eurosa price that surely leaves it out of the reach of most mortals. Does it solve having to load or install a secondary monitor to have flexibility? It solves it, partially at least, but it does it at a very high cost. The technology is impressive and seeing it in operation makes it win. The device is undoubtedly unique in its kind. Now he has the challenge of convincing users, and that is a flour from another sack.
Images | Xataka
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