ThinkPad Concept Unveils Rollable Display That Wraps Around Lid
▼ Summary
– Lenovo has announced the ThinkPad Rollable XD Concept, a laptop with a flexible OLED display that wraps around its lid.
– The screen can be expanded vertically from 13.3 inches to 15.9 inches by sliding a finger along its touch-sensitive spine.
– When closed, the laptop’s exterior screen can display widgets and a knock on the lid triggers a slight extension to aid opening.
– The concept builds on Lenovo’s previous rollable designs but fully contains the rolling mechanism within the lid for potential future integration as a standard panel option.
– Lenovo has not provided detailed specifications, and it is unclear if this specific concept will reach a commercial release.
At CES 2026, Lenovo has introduced a groundbreaking prototype that reimagines the laptop form factor: the ThinkPad Rollable XD Concept. This device retains the classic ThinkPad aesthetic, including the distinctive red TrackPoint, but incorporates a flexible OLED display that elegantly wraps around the exterior of its lid. Users can simply slide a finger along the folded spine of the touchscreen to trigger a vertical expansion, transforming the screen from a standard 13.3-inch display into a much taller 15.9-inch workspace. This innovative mechanism provides significantly more screen real estate for multitasking and productivity, all contained within a familiar laptop footprint. The design philosophy differs from Lenovo’s commercially available ThinkBook Plus Gen 6, as the entire rolling assembly and motors are integrated into the lid itself rather than being housed inside the main chassis.
This unique wraparound design creates a functional exterior surface. When the laptop is closed, the lid can display interactive, touch-friendly widgets. A gentle tap on the lid will even cause the display to extend slightly, making the device easier to open. The outer touchscreen and the curved spine are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, while a transparent section on the lid offers a fascinating view of the internal pulleys and motors in motion.
Interacting with the XD concept is an engaging experience. Expanding and contracting the screen to watch the internal mechanics at work, visibly altering the laptop’s shape, feels genuinely novel. After a hands-on demonstration, it’s clear that having transparent components to showcase such technology adds a compelling layer of intrigue to rollable devices.
Lenovo has been actively exploring various approaches to bring adaptable screens to consumers. Following the release of its market-ready rollable ThinkBook, the company has experimented with other concepts aimed at reducing complexity and cost. The ThinkBook Flip concept eliminated expensive motors entirely, relying on a manual folding mechanism for the display. Another prototype, the ThinkBook VertiFlex Concept, allowed the screen to be physically rotated into a taller, vertical orientation. Both of these ideas represent potential pathways to devices that are more affordable than the current $3,300 rollable model.
The ThinkPad XD concept pushes the envelope further by fully enclosing the rolling mechanism within the lid. During its presentation, a Lenovo representative suggested that, ideally, this could one day be offered as a configurable panel option for a standard ThinkPad lineup. Whether this vision becomes reality, or if the XD sees a standalone release, remains to be seen. The company has not disclosed detailed specifications like processor choices or final hardware specs. However, Lenovo has a consistent track record of publicly showcasing advanced concepts, with a notable number eventually progressing toward commercial production.
(Source: The Verge)
