TL;DR
Lenovo demonstrated a set of new laptop concepts and updated models that push display and hinge design: the ThinkPad Rollable XD and Legion Pro Rollable concepts expand their screens mechanically, while the ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist adds a motorized rotating hinge and on-device AI features. The company also redesigned the ThinkPad X1 Carbon internals to improve repairability and sustained cooling.
What happened
At a recent event Lenovo showed several experimental and shipping systems that explore movable displays and motorized hinges. The ThinkPad Rollable XD is a concept built on a ThinkPad X13 chassis that can extend its 13.3-inch screen to 16 inches via a rollable panel; the panel wraps around the lid and exposes a small secondary exterior display for widgets. Lenovo also presented the Legion Pro Rollable concept, a gaming design that expands a 16-inch OLED outward to 21.5- or 24-inch modes with distinct resolutions and includes AI gameplay aids such as zoomed detection windows and adaptive RGB lighting. Shipping hardware includes the ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist, a 14-inch 2.8K OLED convertible with a single rotating motorized hinge, on-device AI meeting tools, and Intel Core Ultra Series 3 silicon; Lenovo said it will be available in June. Separately, the X1 Carbon Gen 14 adopts a new 'Space Frame' internal layout to simplify repairs and boost cooling.
Why it matters
- Rollable and motorized displays propose new usable screen sizes without increasing closed-device footprint.
- Motorized hinge and face-tracking could change how convertibles handle video calls and standing use cases.
- Improved internal layout and easier part access may reduce repair time and extend product lifespan.
- On-device AI features and Copilot+ qualification point to more local AI processing and offline capabilities.
- Gaming-focused rollable designs introduce new ergonomic and visibility options for competitive play.
Key facts
- ThinkPad Rollable XD is a concept that expands from 13.3 to 16 inches; full display resolution is 2048 x 2350.
- The rollable panel wraps around the lid and leaves a small secondary exterior display for widgets.
- Legion Pro Rollable is a concept starting at 16 inches that can expand to 21.5-inch Tactical Mode and 24-inch Arena Mode with resolutions of 2048 x 1280, 2986 x 1280, and 3413 x 1280 respectively.
- Legion Pro Rollable includes AI features such as AI Scene Detection, Cursor Tracking, AI Game Assistance, and Adaptive AI Lighting.
- ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist has a 14-inch 2.8K OLED touch panel up to 120 Hz and 500 nits, weighs 3.09 pounds (1.4 kg), and includes a 75 Wh battery.
- Auto Twist is powered by an Intel Core Ultra Series 3 (Panther Lake) processor with a 50 TOPS NPU and qualifies as a Copilot+ PC.
- Lenovo plans to sell the ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist in June with a US starting price of $1,649.
- ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 uses a 'Space Frame' layout for easier disassembly and repair; the bottom is held by captive Phillips screws and the battery by three screws.
- X1 Carbon Gen 14 improves heat dissipation by about 20 percent, allowing the CPU to run at a sustained 30 watts; the chassis is 0.6 inches (15.3 mm) thick and weighs roughly 2.2 pounds (996 g).
- ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 and X1 2-in-1 Gen 11 will go on sale in March, starting at $1,999 and $2,149 respectively.
What to watch next
- Whether the ThinkPad Rollable XD or Legion Pro Rollable concepts will reach production models and, if so, what consumer-ready implementations look like (not confirmed in the source).
- Which Auto Twist demo features—like the 'robot' face and the SMB Vertical AI Solution—will be included in shipping units and in which markets (not confirmed in the source).
- Real-world durability and longevity of rollable mechanisms and motorized hinges once subjected to everyday use (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- Rollable display: A screen that can extend or retract mechanically to change its active size while the device is open or closed.
- Motorized hinge: A hinge driven by a small motor that can move a display between modes—such as clamshell and tablet—automatically or on command.
- Copilot+ PC: A designation for PCs with local AI processing capabilities that support exclusive offline tools and enhanced on-device AI features.
- NPU (Neural Processing Unit): A processor specialized for accelerating machine-learning tasks, often measured in TOPS (trillions of operations per second).
- OLED: Organic Light-Emitting Diode display technology that offers high contrast and fast response times without a separate backlight.
Reader FAQ
Can I buy the ThinkPad Rollable XD now?
Not confirmed in the source; Lenovo described the Rollable XD as a concept and did not announce availability.
When will the ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist be available and how much does it cost?
Lenovo said the Auto Twist will be available in June with a US starting price of $1,649.
Will the Legion Pro Rollable ship soon?
Not confirmed in the source; the Legion Pro Rollable was presented as a concept and appears unlikely to reach market imminently.
Is RAM user-upgradeable on the X1 Carbon Gen 14?
No; the source states the RAM remains soldered to the motherboard and is not replaceable.
Does the Auto Twist include on-device AI meeting tools?
Yes; Lenovo said the Auto Twist will include an SMB Vertical AI Solution for on-device meeting transcription, captioning with translation, and AI-assisted video creation.
PERSONAL TECH Lenovo shows off new laptops that twist and roll The company has also redesigned the X1 Carbon’s internals for easier repairs Avram Piltch Wed 7 Jan 2026 // 01:02 UTC If there…
Sources
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