Global technology company Lenovo unveiled the first functional PC with a folding OLED display — the ThinkPad X1 — at the Consumer Electronics Show 2020 (CES2020) ongoing in Las Vegas.

As it morphs through multiple modes, from a small footprint device into a fully flat 13.3-inch display, X1 Fold promises to deliver laptop efficiency with smartphone portability. Built from a combination of lightweight alloys and carbon fiber and covered in a luxurious leather folio cover, the ThinkPad X1 Fold will offer the durability and reliability users expect from any ThinkPad.

Co-engineered with Intel, the Always Connected PC is powered by Intel Core Processors with Intel Hybrid Technology and will initially be available with Windows 10 in mid-2020. Lenovo is planning on offering ThinkPad X1 Fold with Windows 10X at a later date. Furthermore, optional 5G connectivity will enable new ways of working wherever, whenever and however you want.

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“Creating the world’s first foldable PC is a major engineering challenge, but Lenovo is more than up to the task,” said Christian Teismann, president, Commercial PC and Smart Device Business, Lenovo. “Our legendary ThinkPad heritage has given us the foundation for progressive design over the years to now build an engineering masterpiece with X1 Fold, a new category of device that comes along once in a decade.”

Foldable use cases

Unfolded, the ThinkPad X1 Fold is basically 13.3-inches of OLED display real estate and weighing less than 2.2 pounds (1kg). In landscape mode with the integrated kickstand in the leather folio case, users can review and annotate the latest presentation or use the Bluetooth Mini Fold Keyboard. When folded closed, the keyboard is stored and wirelessly charged inside the system and secured with magnets. In portrait orientation, users can take notes or draw out concepts using the Active Pen or scroll through and sign a legal document. Fold the screen out completely flat and use as a tablet or bend it slightly to read a few chapters on your next flight like a book.

In a more familiar laptop orientation, users can leverage two independent displays to optimize efficiency during certain multitasking activities. Participate in a video call on the upper screen while reviewing and editing a presentation on the lower screen. Compare documents, one above the other or take notes on one screen while watching a lecture on the other. These use cases can, of course, be done in portrait or landscape mode, whichever suits the user best.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold

ThinkPad X1 Fold is perfectly suited in an office environment. Connect a full-size keyboard and mouse and a second display via USB Type-C and quickly place the device in the optional ThinkPad X1 Fold Stand in portrait or landscape mode. Users will enjoy the performance benefits of a complete desk solution.

“Our longstanding partnership with Lenovo continues to push the boundaries of PC experiences and design,” said Gregory Bryant, Intel executive vice president and general manager of the Client Computing Group. “The collaboration across our teams has been incredible, and the deep co-engineering work we’ve done at the platform level has clearly yielded beautiful results with this unique, foldable-screen PC.”

Pricing and Availability
ThinkPad X1 Fold with Windows 10 is expected to be available mid-2020 with prices expected to start at $2499. The Windows 10X version is expected to be available at a later date. ThinkPad X1 Fold Stand is expected to be available in the secnd half 2020. Pricing will be revealed closer to the launch date.