Lenovo unveiled an interesting proof of concept at MWC, which already sounds like one of the best attractions at the Barcelona show: the Lenovo ThinkBook Transparent Display Laptop. This 17-inch laptop has the particularity of combining a virtual keyboard with a completely transparent screen.
The principle of a virtual keyboard is not new (one was found in particular on the astonishing Lenovo Yoga Book 9i, tested last year on Clubic), and that of a transparent screen already caused a lot of talk in January, during the last CES, notably at LG and Samsung. Lenovo nevertheless decided to combine these two elements to create a futuristic laptop PC, presented at MWC. A product which is, however, currently only a “simple” proof of concept… coupled with a great technical demonstration.
A laptop PC that flirts with AR
As reported by Cnet, who was able to take it in hand, this computer was designed by Lenovo as a device “ more conducive to collaboration in a world where content is generated by AI “. In detail, it features a transparent 17.3-inch Micro-LED screen, capable of displaying a maximum luminance of 1000 cd/m2 to remain readable in all circumstances.
An essential prerequisite to make the concept viable. Because Lenovo’s PC plays with augmented reality. Its transparent screen allows virtual creations to be superimposed on the real world. As Cnet points out, its concept is thus similar (in a sense) to Apple’s Vision Pro headset… which also allows you to place virtual objects in your real environment.
A laptop that can be used in real life?
To address concerns about privacy (everything displayed on the screen being easily visible to everyone around), Lenovo explains that in the future the user will be able to control the level of transparency themselves. offered by the screen. The latter will thus be able to gain opacity as desired.
The base of the device sports a virtual keyboard and trackpad, which can be changed with a single click into a large digital drawing board. With a compatible stylus, it is then possible to use the area as a graphics tablet… which reinforces the creative vocation of the device.
That being said, the concrete contexts of use making it possible to justify such a concept are few in number, and there are strong doubts about the practicality of such a product in the context of real, daily use. It is nevertheless very interesting to note that transparent screens are appearing on other types of products than the overpriced televisions that we saw at CES 2024.
It’s also difficult to criticize Lenovo for its desire to innovate. The brand is one of the few to regularly attempt to evolve the concept of the “traditional” laptop PC… and this is also one of its strengths.
Source : Cnet
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