David Bridges
Innovative solar technology is finding its way into unexpected devices, and one of the most exciting developments is the integration of solar panels into laptops. At MWC 2025, Lenovo unveiled the intriguing Yoga Solar PC concept, a device that promises to revolutionize how we think about laptop battery life. While many laptops boast a claimed 24 hours of battery life, few can truly deliver. However, having witnessed the Yoga Solar in action, I can attest that it holds the potential to genuinely achieve 24 hours of use without needing to be plugged in, making it a game-changer for mobile productivity.
Step into the realm of Lenovo’s imaginative concept products, where the company is renowned for transforming unconventional laptop designs into reality. Take, for instance, the extravagant $3,500 ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable that was launched at CES 2025. Amidst the rollout of several new Yoga, ThinkBook, and ThinkPad models, Lenovo continues to showcase bold and innovative designs. The display options are increasingly bizarre, featuring devices with backward folding screens and additional screens that integrate seamlessly into the laptop lid. While specific pricing and release dates remain undisclosed, these daring designs highlight that the laptop market still has ample room for creativity, even if some may lack practicality.
Exploring the Impressive Features of the Slim and Lightweight Lenovo Yoga Solar PC
Among the myriad of concept laptops showcased, the Yoga Solar PC truly stands out for its remarkable design and technology. The laptop features a solar panel lid with an impressive 24% solar conversion rate—significantly higher than the typical 15% to 22% seen in most consumer-grade solar panels. Lenovo’s innovative approach involves repositioning the gridlines usually found on solar panels behind the solar cells, maximizing the surface area for energy capture. Additionally, the device can monitor its current voltage, enabling it to prioritize power for essential system functions, thus enhancing its efficiency.
It’s essential to note that, like most solar panels, this technology does not require direct sunlight to generate energy; however, the difference in performance is notable. When I positioned the laptop by a window on a sunny day, Lenovo’s software indicated a voltage accumulation of approximately 7 V when facing away from the sun and 12 V when directed towards it. This means that under optimal conditions, the laptop could harness even more energy. Despite the added solar panel, the Yoga Solar maintains a weight of just over 2.6 pounds, which aligns with the expectations for modern laptops, making it both portable and functional.
However, it is crucial to understand that while the solar panel enhances the laptop’s battery life, it does not provide enough power for continuous operation. Lenovo estimates that 20 minutes of direct sunlight can translate into about one hour of video playback. Depending on the CPU and battery configuration, this could represent just a small fraction of the laptop’s overall battery life. The concept PC is powered by an Intel Lunar Lake chip, known for its efficiency. This feature could be particularly beneficial for those in construction or outdoor settings who prefer not to rely on traditional power sources. Personally, I envision taking this laptop to a park, allowing both the device and myself to enjoy the sun while being productive.
Unveiling the Unique Features of the Bendable ThinkBook ‘Flip’
Lenovo is not stopping at solar technology; the company is also innovating with flexible screens in its new ThinkBook, codenamed “Flip.” Why a codename for a concept laptop, you might wonder? This innovative device boasts an 18.1-inch vertically-oriented OLED screen and achieves its unique functionality through a folding mechanism that allows it to unfold from the lid. This design enables users sitting opposite to the Flip to view a segment of the screen, adding versatility to its use. The laptop supports a Workspace Split Screen feature, displaying different content on the front and back of the screen. However, this design does come with challenges, as the curved, folded section of the display remains exposed when closed, raising concerns about protection against dust and accidental contact.
If horizontal screen space is your priority, Lenovo’s new ThinkBook 16p Gen 6 introduces the innovative Magic Bay extenders. These dual screens are designed similarly to the existing Xebec, featuring two wings that connect via a PC’s Thunderbolt ports, allowing for multiple screen configurations. Lenovo’s design stands out by utilizing pins on the Magic Bay, which helps conserve precious ports on the main device. While many dual display setups exist, the compact 8-inch display option could be particularly useful for keeping applications like Slack open without the need for an additional external monitor. We’ve noted that previous models, like the Xebec, were cumbersome enough to require a kickstand to keep the laptop upright, a challenge that the Dual Display Magic Bay concept may also face.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Lenovo is also exploring the realm of 3D displays with its concept for a curved laptop screen that utilizes eye-tracking technology to create a faux-3D image. This technology is reminiscent of Samsung’s 3D innovations, allowing users to experience depth—but only when seated directly in front of the screen, as the camera needs to be positioned for optimal viewing. The result is a stunning visual experience on a 34-inch curved display, and users can easily switch back to a 2D view with a simple toggle, catering to various preferences.
Celebrating the Return of the Iconic TrackPoint in the ThinkPad X13
Lenovo’s showcase featured such an array of innovative concepts that the standard retail products appeared almost mundane by comparison. The ThinkBook 16p Gen 6 is equipped with cutting-edge components, including the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, Nvidia RTX 5070 graphics card, and up to 64 GB of RAM, offering robust performance for demanding tasks. The Yoga series also embraces the latest technology with Intel Aura Edition versions, like the Yoga Pro 9i, featuring the new Intel Core Ultra processor and up to a Nvidia RTX 5070 discrete GPU. Additionally, the Yoga Pro 7i Aura Edition, known for its stunning 3K OLED display, can be configured with an Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU.
For devoted ThinkPad enthusiasts, the standout announcement is the debut of the first 2-in-1 convertible model within the ThinkPad line, the ThinkPad T14. This 14-inch device is powered by either an AMD Ryzen Pro AI 300 CPU or an Intel Core Ultra 7 H, U, or V series processor, with varying RAM configurations available based on the chosen CPU. The Ultra H and U options, along with the Ryzen Pro, can also be upgraded to a 2.8K OLED display, enhancing visual quality. Furthermore, the ThinkPad X13 Gen 6 returns with the beloved red “nipple” TrackPoint, which had been absent from the previous X9 model in favor of a haptic trackpad. In a landscape filled with avant-garde concepts, it’s the thoughtful details that resonate most with loyal users.
