(unknown)
At MWC 2025, Lenovo is highlighting a bunch of visionary PC concept gear, continuing a cascade of 2025 tech it opened up at CES in January. One of these forward-looking prototypes is the ThinkBook Flip AI PC Concept, a folding proof-of-concept convertible laptop that can transform its display into a two-sided screen or one ultra-tall panel.
I saw this prototype device in a private meeting in New York City before its unveiling. While it was clearly in a deeply experimental state and not currently planned for retail launch, it’s an intriguing take on the dual-screen PC concept. (Indeed, Lenovo had a product manager along for our meeting who handled the delicate Flip AI machine most of the time.)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)This flipping and folding laptop joins the Yoga Solar PC and ThinkBook MagicBay display-accessory concepts, which we also had hands-on time with before the show. Watch the video above to see how the Flip functions, with more details following down below.
A Flipping, Folding Two-Screen Laptop
Even more so than the others, the ThinkBook Flip was clearly in an experimental place when I saw the device. The prototype was functional but delicate, and Lenovo’s handler had a better grasp of how to correctly follow the operating procedures that would need ironing out if the idea were to be developed further.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)But what is it? The ThinkBook Flip AI is another take on a folding-screen laptop with a slightly different twist on things. The laptop’s screen can unfurl into one straight-up-vertical 18.1-inch panel, making for a lot of digital screen real estate for a relatively small laptop chassis. But the screen can also fold in half, back over the top of the device, so the “second” screen faces outward to someone sitting across from you.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)When the screen is folded that way, the displays are split into two slightly unequal panels, of about 12.5 inches on the “A" face and 13 inches on the “B" face. When closed, the laptop rests in a flat position with one screen facing inward and the other facing up as the "lid," which would require extra protection in transit. (You can't fold the screen in the other direction.)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)The components that are inside the Flip AI aren’t crucial given this is a decidedly early-state, non-retail product. However, if you’re curious about what powers this system, it’s outfitted with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (which lends its AI-ready NPU to the system's name) and 32GB of memory. It's also equipped with Thunderbolt 4 ports for up-to-date connectivity.
Recommended by Our Editors
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)A Finicky But Functional Prototype
The twin-screen 2024 Lenovo Yoga Book 9i and the Asus Zenbook Duo (UX8406) adopted designs with a traditional hinge between their screens, shying away from the behind-the-screen hinge. However, the Flip embraces this idea again. (This is easier to see than explain, so check out the videos and photos. But the seamless single panel provides some versatile use cases.)
I can somewhat see the hinge indentation through the panel, when the light catches it a certain way, but it shouldn't blemish the display too badly in everyday use. On this prototype, swapping between the fully extended "tall panel" mode and the "two back-to-back displays" mode requires a precise order of operations, stressing the need for the device’s expert handler.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)He could (relatively) quickly flip through the correct order to transition between layouts, which require a combination of hardware and software touches. A key combination that turned off or on the second display, a software lock icon on the top edge that dictated whether the Flip was ready to swap between modes, and a patient hand were all required to operate the device.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)These are secondary concerns, of course, since this isn’t a market-ready product. Otherwise, I would have massive misgivings about expecting consumers to learn these steps. The Flip AI PC would need far more streamlining before going on sale. Still, by the end of our session, I was proud to have grasped most of the steps required to operate the Flip and get it to its different modes.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)One additional feature is the LED touchpad, which we see often on Asus systems. This model adds to the usual dual-screen setup since you can control what is playing where and set up custom commands on some of the touch buttons.
Between this feature and the versatile screen layouts, Lenovo envisions this device empowering hybrid work environments and remote productivity. Maybe we’ll see the Flip or a descendant hit the streets as an actual product one day. But for now, enjoy the prototype's flip-and-fold action in our footage.