The only thing I want to see at CES this year is a truly weird laptop.
Foldable laptops? Not at all! The real innovation lies in laptops that can swivel.
At TechRadar, prediction grids are being created for CES 2025, and among the expectations, there is a desire for the return of the Lenovo ThinkBook Twist. This device is characterized by its innovative and unique design, featuring a hinge centered at the base of the screen, allowing the screen to rotate around an axis, transforming it into a tablet when "closing" the lid.
The previous ThinkBook Twist was reviewed in 2013 and although it was considered decent, its design has become somewhat obsolete due to the popularity of 360-degree hinges that facilitate the transition to tablet mode. However, what is really desired is an improved version of the ThinkBook Plus Twist, which was unveiled at MWC 2023. This model featured screens on both sides of the lid: a conventional touchscreen OLED and a color E-Ink panel on the back.
At first glance, the design may seem odd, but the potential of E-Ink as a less power-consuming alternative to traditional displays is remarkable. This technology is also easier on the eyes and is ideal for tasks that do not require a high refresh rate. Lenovo calls the use of the E-Ink screen as the main display "typewriter mode," which is appealing for those who write.
With the lid closed, the ThinkBook Plus Twist allows the use of the E-Ink screen to display information while the computer is in sleep mode, as this type of panel consumes power only when changing what is shown on the screen. This enables users to view the time, battery life, local weather, and notifications without needing to open the device.
In standard mode, with the lid open and the OLED panel visible, the ThinkBook Plus Twist functions as a premium Lenovo laptop, meeting performance expectations. However, when switching to typewriter mode, the OLED panel turns off, significantly extending battery life for prolonged writing sessions.
It is expected that more laptop manufacturers, as well as the tech industry in general, will invest in the e-paper format. Although E-Ink was revolutionary in its time, it has since remained somewhat stagnant, mainly being used in devices like Kindles. The possibilities of E-Ink are vast, and uses beyond portable devices can be imagined. For instance, advertising panels made with E-Paper would be less glaring, improve road safety, and reduce light pollution while consuming less electricity.
