- 14-inch display that rotates 90 degrees within the chassis, 17,9 mm thick and weighing 1,39 kg.
- Manual mechanism without motors or flexible panel, immediate orientation change.
- Smart Motion Concept: a motorized base that lifts, tilts, and rotates the laptop according to your face and with docking functions.
- Conceptual project with realistic product possibilities; price and date to be confirmed.
Lenovo has once again put the focus on laptops with a prototype that is causing a stir in Berlin: the ThinkBook VertiFlex Concept, a computer whose screen can rotate 90 degrees within the chassis itself to switch from landscape to portrait format in seconds.
The proposal does not seek to add more inches, but rather to change how we use the computer: horizontal for video and navigation, vertical when reading long documents, programming, or answering work chats. In the demos, there's no noticeable latency when turning, which can make a difference in everyday life.
90-degree rotating screen: this is how it works
At first glance it looks like any other 14-inch laptop, but there's a slight push in the top right corner. activates a system of internal guides which allows the panel to be placed vertically without complications.
The credit is in the engineering: there are no motors, motorized hinges, or flexible OLED. It's a well-tuned pivoting mechanism that It is operated with one hand and gives a feeling of solidity when stopping at each orientation.
In terms of dimensions, Lenovo reports a thickness of 17,9 millimeters and a weight of 1,39 kilos, figures that keep the format lightweight despite the rotation system. The whole feels contained for what it integrates.
They haven't forgotten about physical connectivity either. The units shown feature two Thunderbolt ports, a USB A port, an HDMI output, and a 3,5mm jack, so the team does not give up ports despite its thin profile.
What is the purpose of switching to vertical?
Portrait mode can be useful for writing or reviewing long texts, consulting technical documentation, or viewing more lines of code. For social media and web reading, vertical orientation makes better use of height, something that is becoming more and more common due to how we consume content.
Another advantage is that the shift is immediate. There is no noticeable delay when switching from one mode to another, so does not break the workflow when we alternate tasks.
By not requiring flexible panels that fold or roll up, the concept could be more cost-effective to manufacture than other experimental devices. If it were to reach stores, could be positioned below of the most exotic devices in price.
Officially it's a concept, but Lenovo has a history of turning ideas into products, like the ThinkBook Plus with a rollable panel, which ended up being commercialized. Before its formal presentation, it was leaked under the nickname Project Pivo, and now it's shown with the name ThinkBook VertiFlex Concept.
Smart Motion Concept, a support that follows you
Along with the rotating laptop, Lenovo showed off Smart Motion Concept, a motorized laptop stand that can raise, lower, and rotate the laptop. to keep the screen facing the user at all times.
Tracking is done via the laptop's webcam or a gesture ring, and the base also doubles as a docking station with multiple ports. It's an idea designed especially for professional environments in which the user moves for the position without losing sight of the screen.
In terms of ergonomics, the ability to automatically adjust height and tilt helps avoid awkward postures. The combination with VertiFlex creates a curious scenario: rotating screen and adaptive base, both at the service of the task at hand at any given time.
Dates, pending data and compatibilities
Since this is a prototype, Lenovo hasn't provided any details about the processors, memory, or battery life. It also hasn't given any clues about price or availability, beyond acknowledging that the concept could become a product if there is traction.
Among the software features that have been shown, the integration with Lenovo Smart Connect stands out for pair your mobile phone to your laptop and make it easier to transfer files or use the phone as a second screen, something that goes well with portrait mode.
There are still some unknowns to be answered, such as the durability of the mechanism over time or the adjustment of apps to the vertical orientation. However, the execution seen at the trade show and the absence of lag when rotating invite us to think about a realistic use if the project moves from prototype to commercial unit.
Lenovo's commitment to a rotating panel inside the chassis and a stand that follows you without constant intervention aims at a clear objective: adapt the laptop to the task and not the other way around, with a simple technical solution and, a priori, viable in terms of costs compared to more complex formats.
