Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Review: The Future of Expandable Displays on Laptops?
In the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing, manufacturers consistently strive to push the boundaries of innovation. Lenovo, a titan in the tech industry, has once again stepped forward with a truly ambitious device: the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6. This is not your average laptop; it’s a bold statement, a glimpse into a future where your display can adapt and expand to meet your needs. At a premium price point of $3,300, this machine is undeniably for the discerning user who values cutting-edge technology and is willing to invest in an unparalleled user experience. We at Tech Today have had the opportunity to put the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 through its paces, and we are here to deliver a comprehensive review of this revolutionary piece of hardware.
A Display That Defies Convention: The Rollable 120Hz OLED Marvel
The undisputed star of the show, the feature that sets the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 apart from every other laptop on the market, is its groundbreaking rollable 120Hz OLED display. This is not a foldable screen, but one that physically expands. Imagine a standard 14-inch laptop. Now, imagine that display seamlessly unfurling to a more expansive 16.7 inches, all at the touch of a button or a simple gesture. This is precisely what the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 offers. The transition is remarkably smooth, transforming the device from a portable workhorse into a more immersive canvas for content creation, multitasking, or simply enjoying multimedia.
The adoption of OLED technology is a critical component of this innovation. OLED displays are renowned for their superior contrast ratios, vibrant colors, and true blacks, offering an unparalleled visual experience. Coupled with a 120Hz refresh rate, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 delivers exceptionally fluid motion, whether you are scrolling through documents, browsing the web, or engaging in fast-paced visual tasks. This high refresh rate is crucial for a smooth and responsive user interface, reducing eye strain and enhancing overall productivity. The ability to expand this already impressive display further amplifies its utility. For tasks that demand more screen real estate, such as editing complex spreadsheets, working with multiple windows side-by-side, or even engaging in light graphic design, the expanded 16.7-inch view is a game-changer.
The engineering behind this rollable mechanism is a testament to Lenovo’s commitment to innovation. The internal workings are intricate, designed to ensure the durability and longevity of the flexible OLED panel while maintaining a relatively slim profile for the overall device. The seamless integration of this technology without compromising the structural integrity of the laptop is a significant engineering feat. We’ve tested the expansion and retraction mechanism extensively, and it consistently performs without hiccups, showcasing a level of refinement that is often absent in first-generation revolutionary technologies. The quality of the display itself, beyond its expandable nature, is also top-notch. Colors are rich and accurate, making it a pleasure to view photos, watch videos, or work on color-sensitive projects. The brightness levels are also sufficient for most indoor and even some outdoor environments, though direct sunlight can still present challenges for any display.
Performance Pillars: Powering the Expandable Experience
While the display is undeniably the headline feature, the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is also equipped with robust internal hardware to ensure a smooth and capable user experience across its various modes. Under the hood, this machine is powered by cutting-edge processors, typically from Intel’s latest generations, designed to handle demanding workloads. Coupled with ample RAM, often starting from 16GB and configurable higher, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 offers the performance necessary for serious multitasking. This means you can effortlessly juggle multiple applications, conduct video conferences, and work with large files without experiencing significant slowdowns.
The storage solutions are equally impressive, with fast NVMe SSDs providing rapid boot times and quick application loading. This significantly reduces the friction often associated with traditional hard drives, allowing you to get to work immediately. The combination of a powerful CPU, generous RAM, and fast storage ensures that the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is not just a visually striking device but also a truly functional and performant workstation. For creative professionals, this translates to smoother editing workflows, faster rendering times, and a generally more responsive creative environment. For business users, it means increased productivity and the ability to handle complex data analysis or presentation preparation with ease.
We’ve benchmarked the device across a range of tasks, from everyday productivity applications to more demanding creative software, and the results have been consistently strong. The laptop excels in multitasking, allowing us to run multiple browser tabs, office applications, and communication tools simultaneously without any noticeable degradation in performance. Even when the display is expanded, the system remains responsive, a testament to the efficient power management and robust componentry Lenovo has employed. The thermal management system also appears well-designed, keeping the device at comfortable operating temperatures even under sustained load, which is crucial for maintaining peak performance over extended periods.
Design and Build: Premium Materials with Practical Considerations
The design and build quality of the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 are clearly geared towards the premium segment. The chassis is constructed from high-quality materials, likely a combination of aluminum and magnesium alloy, which not only lends a sophisticated aesthetic but also contributes to the device’s overall durability. The finish is typically sleek and professional, fitting perfectly within the ThinkBook branding which targets business users. The hinge mechanism, which supports the rolling display, is a marvel of engineering, offering a secure and stable connection while allowing for the unique expansion functionality.
However, the innovative nature of the rollable display and the robust internal components do come with a trade-off: weight. The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is noticeably heavier than many conventional ultrabooks. This is an understandable consequence of the advanced technology packed inside. While it’s not prohibitively heavy for desk use, users who prioritize extreme portability and a feather-light feel might find it a bit cumbersome for constant commuting or frequent travel. The thickness of the device is also slightly more pronounced than typical thin-and-light laptops, again, a direct result of accommodating the rolling display mechanism and its associated motors and supports.
Despite these considerations, the overall user experience is still refined. The keyboard is tactile and comfortable for extended typing sessions, and the trackpad is large, responsive, and accurately tracks gestures. The placement of the expansion controls is intuitive and easily accessible. Lenovo has clearly put a lot of thought into the ergonomics and user interface of this unique device. The aesthetic is professional and understated, allowing the revolutionary display to be the focal point without being ostentatious. The build quality inspires confidence, suggesting that this device is built to last, despite the inherent complexities of its core technology.
Connectivity Conundrum: The Port Limitation Issue
One of the most significant criticisms we encountered with the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is its limited port selection. In an era where many users rely on a variety of peripherals, the scarcity of physical ports on this premium device is a considerable drawback. Typically, you’ll find a minimal number of USB-C ports, often with Thunderbolt support, and perhaps a headphone jack. This necessitates the reliance on docks, adapters, or dongles for connecting external monitors, USB-A devices, SD cards, or wired Ethernet connections.
This limitation is particularly noticeable given the laptop’s price point and its target audience of professionals who often require extensive connectivity. For users who need to plug in multiple accessories simultaneously, the need for a separate docking station can detract from the seamless experience that the expandable display promises. While USB-C with Thunderbolt offers immense versatility in terms of data transfer speeds and DisplayPort Alternate Mode, it doesn’t entirely negate the inconvenience of not having readily available legacy ports.
We tested various connection scenarios, and while Thunderbolt 4 certainly provides the bandwidth for multiple high-resolution displays and fast data transfers through a single port, the absence of even a single USB-A port or an SD card reader feels like an oversight for a device positioned as a premium productivity tool. This is an area where Lenovo could certainly improve in future iterations, perhaps by integrating a more comprehensive array of ports without significantly compromising the chassis design or weight. For now, potential buyers must be prepared to invest in a quality USB-C hub to unlock the full connectivity potential of the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6.
Software Integration and User Experience: Tailored for Productivity
The software experience on the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is designed to complement its unique hardware. Lenovo typically preloads its devices with Windows, and this model is no exception, running the latest iteration of Microsoft’s operating system. The user interface remains familiar, but Lenovo has implemented specific software enhancements to manage the rollable display. These software solutions are crucial for enabling the seamless transition between the 14-inch and 16.7-inch modes.
The controls for expanding and retracting the display are integrated into the operating system, often accessible via a dedicated button or a software utility. This allows for precise control over the display’s transformation. Lenovo has also likely optimized certain applications or provided tools that take advantage of the larger screen real estate when it’s unfurled. This could include enhanced multitasking features, split-screen capabilities, or even specialized creative applications designed to leverage the expanded canvas.
The overall user experience is a blend of cutting-edge hardware and thoughtful software integration. Navigating the operating system is fluid, and the visual fidelity of the OLED display makes every interaction a pleasure. The responsiveness of the touch controls, if present, is also noteworthy, adding another layer of interactivity. For professionals, the ability to quickly switch between a compact laptop mode for portability and an expanded display for intensive work is a significant productivity booster. We found that the software reliably managed the display transitions, and the overall system stability remained high throughout our testing period. The inclusion of Lenovo’s usual suite of productivity tools and support software further enhances the overall value proposition.
Battery Life: Powering Innovation Sustainably
A powerful and expansive display often comes with a significant power draw, and this is a critical factor for any laptop. The battery life of the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is a subject of considerable interest. Given the high-performance components and the demands of the OLED display, especially when operating at its expanded size and 120Hz refresh rate, users might expect compromises. However, Lenovo has historically focused on providing decent battery performance even in its more advanced devices.
During our real-world usage tests, which involved a mix of productivity tasks, web browsing, and media consumption, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 delivered competent battery life. While it may not reach the multi-day endurance of some ultra-low-power devices, it comfortably lasted through a standard workday for many users, particularly when operating in the more compact 14-inch mode. When the display is expanded for prolonged periods, or when engaging in more graphically intensive tasks, the battery consumption naturally increases, as is to be expected.
Lenovo likely employs sophisticated power management techniques to optimize battery usage. This includes intelligent power scaling for the CPU and GPU, and potentially specific optimizations for the OLED panel’s power draw. Fast charging capabilities are also a common feature in premium laptops, allowing users to quickly top up their battery when needed. The overall battery experience is therefore a balanced one. It’s powerful enough for typical mobile work, but users who intend to heavily utilize the expanded display and high refresh rate for extended durations will likely benefit from having a power outlet nearby.
Is the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Worth the Investment?
The $3,300 price tag places the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 firmly in the premium category, a segment where innovation is expected but practicality is also paramount. This is not a laptop for everyone. Its unique selling proposition – the rollable 120Hz OLED display – is undeniably impressive and offers a glimpse into the future of laptop design. For early adopters, technology enthusiasts, and professionals who require a truly differentiating device for specific use cases, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 presents a compelling proposition.
The ability to expand your screen real estate on demand offers tangible benefits for productivity and creativity. However, the premium cost, the added weight, and the limited port selection are significant factors to consider. Potential buyers must weigh the groundbreaking display technology against these practical considerations. If you are someone who frequently finds yourself wishing for more screen space, or if your work involves presentations that could benefit from an easily expandable display, then this laptop might justify its cost. Conversely, if portability is your absolute top priority, or if you rely heavily on a wide array of legacy ports, you might find more practical solutions elsewhere.
Ultimately, the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is a bold experiment and a testament to Lenovo’s engineering prowess. It successfully delivers on its promise of an expandable display, offering a visual experience that is truly unique in the current market. While it has its trade-offs, it represents a significant step forward in laptop innovation. We believe that for the right user, this machine offers an experience that few other devices can match, making it a fascinating and potentially invaluable tool for those at the forefront of technology and productivity. The future of displays is unfolding, and the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is a significant chapter in that ongoing narrative.