Lenovo’s new concepts are equal parts genius and “wait, what?”

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Lenovo isn’t afraid to experiment with various design styles. They’ve been pioneers in creating 2-in-1 convertible laptops, as well as foldable displays, see-through screens, and innovative ‘halo’ keyboard designs.

Every year at IFA, Lenovo makes it a point to present their newest work prototypes to the general public. And in 2025, they followed suit by introducing two design concepts and collecting feedback to determine whether or not they should proceed with manufacturing and shipping these ideas.

Lenovo’s strategy of constructing and testing prototypes paved the way for the presentation of a rollable OLED display laptop concept in 2022, which was followed by a functional prototype in 2023. This model ultimately debuted as the ThinkBook Plus (Gen 6), a device that we have recently had the opportunity to evaluate.

In the year 2025, the leading PC manufacturer showcased two innovative concepts: ThinkBook VertiFlex Concept (Project Pivo) and Lenovo Smart Motion Concept (Project Ballet. The first one is a transformable laptop, while the second is a smart stand for laptops that can move in multiple directions.

ThinkBook VertiFlex Concept: A new way to flip your laptop

Adjustable screen orientation is a key feature of the ThinkBook VertiFlex laptop. This term signifies that you can change the direction of the 14-inch screen from landscape to portrait, enabling users to tailor their workflow according to the content they are handling. For instance, when working with spreadsheets, it’s best to use a horizontal orientation, while browsing the web or stacking two windows might be more suitable in a vertical layout.

As a devoted admirer, let me share my excitement about VertiFlex – it’s a remarkable 14-inch ThinkBook that could easily be mistaken for any other laptop, measuring 17.9mm thick and weighing just 1.39kg or 3lbs. The design is uncompromised in every aspect. However, what sets VertiFlex apart is its secret talent – a rotating display that’s hidden in plain sight, making it a truly unique gem among technology.

Although it may appear straightforward, the intricate mechanics involving gears and hinges that ensure a smooth, effortless operation ultimately lead to some complex occurrences hidden from view behind the screen.

To clarify, the display doesn’t have a motor for automatic adjustment. This design choice eliminates the need for additional costs, complexities, and heavy components. Instead, you simply manipulate the display by hand, flipping it into position, and hearing it “click” or “lock” into place, indicating that it has securely settled in either orientation.

Absolutely, it does require some getting accustomed to, particularly figuring out its movement direction, but overall it has a sleek and graceful feel to it.

When standing upright, you have the option to prop up your smartphone against the back of its screen, allowing you to utilize Lenovo’s Smart Connect software (compatible with iOS and Android). This software enables phone mirroring or file transfer, essentially turning the phone into a secondary screen and an almost seamless extension of the ThinkBook.

  • What I liked: As mentioned above, the VertiFlex hides its potential, meaning you can buy this laptop (were it to be made) and almost forget how it can transform, similar to Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Studio. And while niche, I could see a specialized business audience loving the ability to change the display’s orientation (many of us work with two displays on a desktop PC, with one positioned vertically for Slack, etc.). Also, besides the wacky gear/hinge system that you don’t see, the VertiFlex feels practical, pragmatic, and won’t be nearly as expensive as Lenovo’s rollable OLED display.
  • What I don’t like: I mentioned “niche” above, and while I see some people yearning for such a design, this definitely doesn’t seem to have a shot at mass appeal, but I could be wrong.

Lenovo Smart Motion Concept: A dancing dock?

In the previous year, Lenovo demonstrated a laptop featuring a moving, mechanical display that tracked your movements. While this prototype offered an entertaining glimpse into technology, it’s important to note that this functionality is exclusive to that particular laptop.

What if any laptop could dance like that one?

In simpler terms, Lenovo aimed to create something exceptional with Project Ballet – a laptop stand that stands out among the rest. It not only functions as a versatile hub offering multiple display outputs, USB, and ethernet ports, but also boasts an advanced dual-fan system designed for optimal cooling and enhanced performance of your laptop.

The bonus feature allows the stand to function effectively when linked to a computer (and utilizing its cameras), enabling it to follow your movements. This makes it an advantageous ally during conference calls or situations where you’re frequently on the move, such as lab workers who are busy and maneuvering around on wheels (imagine individuals working in labs with their hands full and moving on swivel chairs).

Lenovo also offers innovative methods to manage the stand’s movement, such as wave-controlled gestures (simply moving your hands) or, in an advanced idea, utilizing a unique ring for precise and accurate tracking.

  • What I like: If you’re a “one PC and that PC is my laptop” person who also docks at the office, this stand does everything, including keeping your laptop chilled and acting as a port extender, all via one cable. The dancing stuff is just a bonus and is effective.
  • What I didn’t like: Even more so than the ThinkBook laptop, this stand seems extremely niche. Actually, if Lenovo dropped the motorized dancing, I think it’d be a killer laptop accessory for a lot of people, but the “ballet” part, while fun, is probably a step too far for many.

Chances of these concepts coming to market?

While I still harbor doubts about the appeal of Lenovo’s Smart Motion stand due to its potentially high price point and niche market, removing the motor could still make it an attractive, albeit less spectacular, product in the market.

Though I have reservations about the popularity of Lenovo’s Smart Motion stand given its potential high cost and targeted audience, stripping out the motor might make it a modest success despite having fewer “wow” factors.

The ThinkBook VertiFlex appears to have a higher likelihood of being launched, given that Lenovo currently offers a motorized laptop with a rollable OLED display for sale. Thus, creating a similar but more affordable and less complex model seems like an obvious decision, even though it might be a niche product launch.

In due time, we’ll see what actions Lenovo takes, yet it’s undeniable that they consistently surprise us with their innovative moves. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on these ideas and if you believe they are worth introducing in the market!

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2025-09-07 22:40