(Credit: Joseph Maldonado; Weston Almond)
At IFA 2024, Lenovo pulled the wraps off a trio of laptops powered by Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X Plus eight-core processors. At the show, Qualcomm unveiled these new processors, which will enable Snapdragon Arm laptops to start at price points as low as $799, making them competitive in the midrange market. (The first Snapdragon X models started at $999 and up, and the first X Plus processors were 10-core.) As the demand for AI-driven capabilities in portable computing continues to rise, Lenovo is getting in front of the trend, serving up devices that cater to professionals and casual users alike.
The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7, the IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 (14-Inch), and the IdeaPad Slim 5x (14-Inch) are part of Lenovo's AI PC strategy aimed at boosting productivity and content creation across its business and home lineups. Each of these models showcases the capabilities of the Snapdragon X Plus processor, which promises exceptional performance and efficiency, running Windows 11 on Arm. (Just bear in mind Windows on Arm's software caveats.)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Before we look at these new models, it is important to mention that while all three laptops will launch in various markets, not all are currently confirmed for a US release, so see the specifics for pricing and availability of each. Watch the video above for a live look at two of these new Snapdragon systems, and read on for even more details.
Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7: Arm Spread Wide
Lenovo's ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 is a modern laptop that combines advanced AI capabilities with a sleek design, appealing to today’s mobile professionals. Powered by the Snapdragon X Plus eight-core processor, this machine features a dedicated NPU that drives 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS), improving productivity and creative tasks.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)The laptop flaunts a stunning 16-inch display with a 91.3% screen-to-body ratio, ensuring plenty of real estate for working. And given its size, the port loadout is pretty deep.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)With a lightweight design of just 0.63 inch thick and a substantial 84-watt-hour battery considering its size, the ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 is aimed at users on the go, and it even includes a dedicated numeric pad at right of the keyboard deck.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)It also includes enterprise-grade security features, helping sensitive data remain protected. The ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 will be available in October, starting at $749.
Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 (14-Inch): A Budget Arm 2-in-1
Next is the Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 (14-Inch), a versatile convertible laptop aimed to meet various productivity needs. It is also powered by the Snapdragon X Plus eight-core SoC with its integrated 45 TOPS NPU for improved AI performance, designed to help mainstream users navigate increasingly AI-saturated computing experiences.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)The 14-inch, 1,920-by-1,200-pixel OLED touch display produces clear visuals, while the lightweight design (3.31 pounds) and thin profile (0.69 inch) make it highly portable. The device has up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample file space.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)The IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 is built to withstand everyday challenges, meeting MIL-STD-810H durability standards. The Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 will launch in October at $849.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (14-Inch): Overseas-Only Clamshell
Finally, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (14-Inch) is crafted for users prioritizing portability and performance. Also featuring the Snapdragon X Plus eight-core processor, this laptop provides up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, delivering fast AI-powered performance for demanding tasks. The optional 14-inch OLED display serves up excellent claimed color accuracy, tailoring it toward designers and media enthusiasts.
(Credit: Lenovo)Weighing just 3.26 pounds and measuring 0.67 inch thick, the IdeaPad Slim 5x is built for durability and ease of transport. It includes a variety of connectivity options, including USB Type-C and HDMI ports, along with support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3.
We did not see this model in person, just the 2-in-1 version. The IdeaPad Slim 5x will not be sold in North America but will be available in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa this September, with a starting price of €899. Thanks to Snapdragon X Plus, Lenovo is poised to sell more-affordable Arm-based ultraportable laptops than ever.