Notebookcheck Logo

CES 2020 | Lenovo's new ThinkBook Plus comes with an e-ink display on its lid

The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus. (Source: Lenovo)
The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus. (Source: Lenovo)
The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus joins a growing list of productivity-focused notebooks with dual or secondary screens. This version has a unique twist in that the added display is an e-ink panel found on the PC's cover. The OEM asserts this will enhance productivity and work-flow for today's multi-tasking professionals.

Lenovo has debuted what it thinks of as an entirely new class of notebook at CES this year. The ThinkBook Plus re-thinks multi-tasking and the secondary display experience with an e-ink display set right into the top of its lid. Never mind a 360-degree flip for tablet mode: you don't even need to open the PC to work with this new device.

The OEM's plan behind this concept is that either screen seamlessly covers different steps within a given workflow. For example, a worker can use the 10.8-inch e-ink display for simple document review, only resorting to the main 13.3-inch FHD screen for more advanced work such as editing.

Furthermore, the 'cover' display may also come in handy should the user need to keep an eye on notifications during meetings. It is also compatible with the Lenovo Precision Pen sold alongside the new ThinkBook; this implies the potential for memo-taking, doodling and sketching right onto the PC's lid.

Opening the notebook, on the other hand,  reveals the main (IPS) panel that exhibits minimal bezels, as well as a ThinkShutter-like camera cover. This ThinkBook also supports a dedicated TPM 2.0 for hardware-based security applications, as well as a fingerprint sensor, while in 'normal' mode. It also features speakers by Harman, Skype-certified mics, and Amazon Alexa support for voice assistance.

Unfortunately, the company has not been much more specific on this notebook's internals: so far, we know the ThinkBook Plus will ship with 10th-gen Intel Core silicon, Windows 10 and "standard" SSD storage. There will also be SKUs that include Optane memory.

Lenovo notes that it has developed this form-factor based on its research into multi-tasking and how it relates to the needs of Gen-Z or millennial workers. The OEM asserts that it may help address, for example, the 2.1 hours per day on average lost on re-directing attention to a given task having completed another.

Accordingly, a PC that can work with a closed lid may help with such issues. Then again, an e-ink-enabled upper surface may raise concerns for its durability over time. This is where the custom-designed ThinkBook Plus Sleeve comes in: it has a foam insert intended to protect this component during transport or storage.

Lenovo will also market the ThinkBook Bluetooth Silent Mouse alongside this new device. It will support dongle-free connection due to its Bluetooth 5.0 and Microsoft Swift Pair for Windows 10 support. The OEM claims that its buttons make no noise at all, so as to minimize distractions. This new mouse also has customizable DPI controls and a blue optical sensor that allows functionality on any surface.

The ThinkBook Plus will start to become available from March 2020, and start at US$1199. This PC's compatible Sleeve will follow in April at a price of $44.99, as will its Bluetooth Silent Mouse, which is to cost $39.99 on its release.

The ThinkBook Plus in its various modes. (Source: Lenovo)
The ThinkBook Plus in its various modes. (Source: Lenovo)
More shots of the new ThinkBook Plus from the CES 2020 show floor. (Source: NBC)
More shots of the new ThinkBook Plus from the CES 2020 show floor. (Source: NBC)
 

Source(s)

Lenovo Press Release

 Lenovo’s ThinkBook Plus Modernizes Multitasking with a new Laptop Category

e-Ink Cover Display Enhances Productivity with Essential Notifications and Quick Notetaking

January 6, 2020 – Today, Lenovo unveiled the latest ThinkBook designed for the next generation workforce.
ThinkBook Plus features an innovative e-Ink cover display that helps users be more productive when multitasking by
improving focus, collaboration and creativity. Featuring a 13.3-inch FHD main display and a 10.8-inch e-ink display on
the cover, on which users can create illustrations and diagrams with the integrated Lenovo Precision Pen and
receiving essential notifications when the lid is closed allows them to stay focused during meetings.

Built for the new generation workforce

Nearly 60% of today’s workforce are millennials and Gen Z, and these digital native generations frequently multitask
across multiple devices. However, established research1 suggests that we are often inefficient at multitasking, with the
average worker losing 2.1 hours per day due to time taken to re-focus on tasks. Lenovo suggests an efficient way of
working is to focus on similar tasks at any given time.

Designing a Laptop for Today’s Workloads

 

C:\Users\JEFFWI~1\AppData\Local\Temp\SNAGHTML5272bf2.PNG


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Based on our own research, customer insight and on multitasking work practices, we designed ThinkBook Plus. A
new kind of laptop that provides innovative features and functions to help users maximize their multitasking efficiency:

• Collaborate better by staying focused during meetings by receiving only essential notifications on the cover
display such as calendar appointments, instant messages or important emails. Take notes instantly with the
integrated Precision Pen, which can be synced with Microsoft OneNote. Control VoIP calls quickly with Skype
hotkeys and experience better audio clarity with Harman speakers and Skype-certified microphones. With
Amazon® Alexa® for PC integrated onboard you can quickly add items to your to-do list or check facts during
meetings with simple verbal commands – no need to open your laptop.
• Create and convert real time ideation into diagrams and notes by sketching on the cover screen with the
Precision Pen. You can also personalize your laptop with a unique screensaver on the laptop cover. Enjoy the
laptop experience with a narrow bezel FHD IPS display that supports Dolby Vision. Feel secure with a
fingerprint reader conveniently integrated into the power button, a camera shutter ensures you are seen only
when you want to be seen and dTPM 2.0 for enhanced hardware security.
• Review documents quickly without distractions on the cover display that supports annotations. Open the
laptop for more complex revisions leveraging the power of 10th Gen Intel® Core™ processors, Windows 10,
standard solid-state storage (SSD) and available Intel® Optane™ memory.
• Respond quickly thanks to Modern Standby which ensures emails and updates are received, even when the
lid is closed. Smart Power On simplifies Windows Hello authentication with the fingerprint integrated into the
power button.



 

C:\Users\JEFFWI~1\AppData\Local\Temp\SNAGHTML5297da2.PNG


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Complete your ThinkBook ecosystem with a selection of accessories that compliment your laptop design. Safeguard
your laptop while travelling between meetings with the premium ThinkBook Plus Sleeve. Created specifically with
interior foam padding to protect the e-ink cover display, the contemporary design includes an easy-open magnetic
overlay closure. You can even get more done with the optional compact and silent ThinkBook Bluetooth Silent
Mouse. Offering distraction-free silent buttons, adjustable DPI controls and a blue optical sensor that allows you to
work on almost any surface, the mouse simply connects wirelessly without dongles thanks to Bluetooth 5 and
supports easy pairing with Microsoft Swift Pair functionality in Windows 10.

“Switching between tasks up to 300 times per day is normal. ThinkBook Plus enhances SMB users’ multitasking
productivity,” said Eric Yu, senior vice president and GM, Lenovo SMB Group. “With the secondary display, integrated
pen and smartphone-like features, ThinkBook Plus boosts laptop capabilities to maximize efficiency.”

Pricing and Availability
ThinkBook Plus is expected to be available from March 2020, starting at $1,199.00
ThinkBook Bluetooth Silent Mouse is expected to be available from April 2020, starting at $39.99.
ThinkBook Plus Sleeve is expected to be available from April 2020, starting at $44.99.


Visit www.lenovo.com/think/ for more information.

About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a $50 billion Fortune Global 500 company that employs 57,000 employees and
operates in 180 markets around the world. Focused on a bold vision to deliver smarter technology for all, we are
developing world-changing technologies that create a more inclusive, trustworthy and sustainable digital society. By
designing, engineering and building the world’s most complete portfolio of smart devices and infrastructure, we are
also leading an Intelligent Transformation – to create better experiences and opportunities for millions of customers
around the world. To find out more, visit www.lenovo.com, follow us
on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Weibo and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

 

1 Research sources include: Bergman, P. (2010, May 20). How (and why) to stop multitasking. Harvard Business Review, Joshua Rubinstein, Jeffrey Evans and David Meyer, 2001.
www.hcii.cmu.edu/news/event/2004/10/work-fragmentation-common-practice-paradox-it-support; Systems Thinking by Gerald Weinberg, Computer scientist and psychologist, Univ. of California, San Diego


 

 

LENOVO and THINKBOOK are trademarks of Lenovo. Intel and Intel Core are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S.
and/or other countries. DOLBY VISION is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners. ©2019, Lenovo Group Limited.



static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2019 12 > Lenovo's new ThinkBook Plus comes with an e-ink display on its lid
Deirdre O Donnell, 2020-01- 6 (Update: 2020-01- 7)