While the ThinkBook transparent display laptop Lenovo showed off at MWC 2024 was just a proof of concept, the company also announced several updated versions of ThinkPad and ThinkBook as well as some accessories.
These include three updated ThinkPad T-series laptops: the ThinkPad T14 Gen 5, ThinkPad T14s Gen 5, and ThinkPad T16 Gen 3, all equipped with Intel Core Ultra processors (the T14 Gen 5 has an optional AMD Ryzen 8040).All three come with Lenovo’s communication bar, which is expandable Part of the top bezel houses the camera and microphone, Giving these laptops slimmer top bezels and a higher display ratio. Lenovo has previously added this feature to other ThinkPad laptops, such as the X1 Carbon and X1 Nano.
T-Series keyboards now also feature the same tactile markings (home bar) on the Fn, Insert, Enter, and volume keys found on ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 and ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 laptops to improve typing efficiency Suitable for people with visual impairments use. Lenovo also breaks with the longstanding tradition of placing the Fn key on the outermost edge and replaces it with Ctrl, which most laptop and keyboard manufacturers place on the outermost edge. There’s also a physical Microsoft Copilot key on the right between Alt and Ctrl, but Lenovo has kept the Windows key alone. (Yo!)
Lenovo has also partnered with iFixit to make it easier to replace certain hardware components on the ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 and T16 Gen 3. This includes a switch to full-socket DIMM slots instead of soldered RAM, user-replaceable wireless batteries (with fewer screws to remove them), and accessible SSD and wireless adapter slots.
For those new to laptop repairs, the SSD and RAM slots are clearly marked, and Lenovo now includes A QR code near each repairable component inside the laptop body and an instructional video on the process. There are also indicators that indicate the specific screws that need to be removed if you just want to replace the keyboard and trackpad.
Lenovo has another ThinkPad laptop: the ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2. We loved the first generation when it was released in April 2021; The upcoming version will feature an Intel Core Ultra U processor, 32GB of LPDDR5x soldered RAM, a 5MP front-facing webcam with Windows Hello support, an 8MP external camera, and support for a 4G LTE wireless adapter.
Lenovo has also made some tweaks to its ThinkBook 14 2-in-1, shortening the key travel to 1.5mm and enlarging the touchpad. It also has new peripherals and accessories, including the ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 mobile touch monitor and USB-C Slim travel dock.
All Intel-equipped ThinkPads will be available starting in April 2024, with prices expected to start at $1,199. (The ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 AMD configuration will be available in May 2024, starting at $949.) The ThinkBook and USB-C dock will be available in March 2024, starting at $1,169 and $89.99, respectively. This portable monitor ($399) will be available in July 2024.