Lenovo has become what Surface was supposed to be about — a lineup of unique hardware that isn’t afraid to be different

by

Lenovo had a very busy week at CES 2026, announcing a wide range of new devices. They showcased everything from foldable phones to completely new types of computers, and it’s impressive how confidently they’re pursuing these innovative ideas. Even if a particular device, like a rollable laptop, isn’t for everyone, Lenovo isn’t afraid to build it.

Lenovo showcased two innovative rollable laptop concepts at CES 2026: one designed for gaming and another for everyday work. The gaming laptop boasts a screen that rolls out sideways, creating a wider, more captivating display. The productivity model is an improved version of a previous rollable laptop, with a screen that expands vertically and cleverly utilizes the laptop lid as a display when rolled up. It’s a really neat feature!

These laptops aren’t for the average user, and that’s perfectly fine. Not every product needs to appeal to everyone, and it’s great that Lenovo is creating unusual and innovative designs for those who want something different. While these are currently just concepts, Lenovo often releases these types of devices eventually.

Lenovo’s innovations aren’t limited to laptops. They’ve also released new desktop PCs, including an incredibly small model and a stunning design featuring a 165Hz 4K OLED display seemingly floating above your desk thanks to a transparent stand. It’s more than we expected, and it’s fantastic.

I’m planning to buy the Yoga AIO i Aura Edition as my next computer. I’ve used Lenovo’s all-in-one computers before and have always been really happy with them. This new model seems like Lenovo’s best yet, and it might even be better than the iMac and HP’s OmniStudio. It has a really unique design and what looks like one of the best 32-inch displays available.

The Yoga Mini i 1L 11 is a surprisingly small PC that can easily fit in the palm of your hand. It boasts a sleek, circular aluminum design that feels high-end, and is powered by Intel’s latest Core Ultra 3 processors. A unique feature is its built-in accelerometer and touch sensor, letting you simply tap your phone against it to quickly share files – a really convenient touch!

Lenovo has really impressed with its new accessories this year. The new Lenovo 900 Wireless Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard and Mouse are striking – they have a clear, futuristic design that’s reminiscent of Apple’s keyboards and mice from the early 2000s. I’m a big fan!

You know, looking at Lenovo now really reminds me of the early days of Surface. Microsoft’s hardware team used to be all about innovation, constantly experimenting and building really unique devices. They weren’t afraid to create things for smaller, dedicated audiences – things like the Surface Book, the dual-screen Duo, even the Surface Earbuds and the quirky Surface Dial. It felt like they were really trying to push boundaries and do something different with everyday tech.

I’ve been really impressed with Lenovo lately. They’re doing a great job of offering both reliable, everyday laptops and PCs that most people need, but also taking risks and creating some seriously cool and different stuff. It’s awesome to see a company doing both, and I really appreciate that they’re not afraid to experiment!

Microsoft used to be known for innovative and unusual devices like the Surface. However, they recently simplified their Surface lineup, and unfortunately, that meant discontinuing most of those more experimental designs. Now, Surface primarily focuses on the standard Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, which are solid but not particularly groundbreaking.

I don’t understand why Microsoft struggles to balance practical, everyday products with truly innovative ones, but I’m really impressed with Lenovo’s ability to do both. I hope Lenovo keeps creating these distinctive computers for people who want something different – they’re what’s making the Windows PC world exciting right now, and I’d love to see them continue doing so for a long time.

Read More

2026-01-08 17:40