MWC 2024: Lenovo unveils new device with a see-through display the ThinkBook Transparent Concept

Lenovo, renowned for pushing the boundaries of technology, has once again captured the spotlight at Mobile World Congress with its latest innovation, the ThinkBook Transparent Display Laptop.

This futuristic device boasts a 17.3-inch screen that offers a unique feature - transparency.

The standout feature of the laptop is its bezel-less 17.3-inch MicroLED display, which achieves up to 55 per cent transparency when its pixels are turned off. However, as you turn the display’s brightness up and activate other pixels, the display becomes progressively less see-through until it reaches complete opacity, boasting a peak brightness of 1,000 nits.

While the allure of transparent screens has often been depicted in science fiction, Lenovo aims to explore their practical applications in real-life scenarios. The company suggests that this novel technology could particularly benefit digital artists, allowing them to sketch while simultaneously viewing the environment behind the screen.

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Lenovo’s executive director of ThinkPad portfolio and product, Tom Butler, describes the transparent laptop display as a form of augmented reality, envisioning architects sketching buildings without losing sight of their surroundings.

Lenovo joins a lineage of companies experimenting with transparent displays, with Samsung showcasing a similar concept over a decade ago. Despite the challenges, including resolution limitations, Lenovo opted for a MicroLED panel over OLED to maintain text clarity.

The prototype also features a flat touch keyboard that doubles as a drawing tablet, catering to artists.

In addition to its innovative display, Lenovo incorporated AI technology into the laptop, enabling object recognition through a rear camera.

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While the company acknowledges that the ThinkBook Transparent Display Laptop remains a concept, it expresses confidence in integrating these technologies into future consumer products within the next five years.

However, critics suggest that Lenovo’s transparent laptop concept lacks a definitive practical application beyond novelty. Despite its intriguing features, such as the ability to sketch with transparency, the device awaits a “killer app” to justify its mainstream adoption.

As Lenovo continues to refine its transparent laptop concept, enthusiasts are left intrigued by its potential, albeit awaiting a compelling use case to drive widespread adoption.