Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 review a unique 3300 laptop with a rollable 120Hz OLED display that can grow from 14’ to 16.7’ but it is heavy and expensive Antonio G. Di Benedetto/The Verge
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6: A Groundbreaking Leap in Display Technology, But Does Innovation Come at Too High a Price?
In the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing, manufacturers constantly strive to push boundaries and redefine user experiences. Lenovo, a titan in the technology sector, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation, and their latest offering, the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6, stands as a testament to this ethos. This ambitious device introduces a truly revolutionary feature: a rollable 120Hz OLED display that dynamically expands from a standard 14 inches to an impressive 16.7 inches. At Tech Today, we delve deep into this cutting-edge machine, dissecting its groundbreaking technology, assessing its performance, and critically evaluating whether its pioneering spirit justifies its substantial $3,300 price tag, alongside its considerable weight.
Unveiling the Rollable Display: A Paradigm Shift in Screen Real Estate
The undisputed star of the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is its extraordinary rollable display. This is not merely an incremental upgrade; it is a fundamental reimagining of how we interact with laptop screens. Lenovo has successfully engineered a mechanism that allows the display to smoothly and reliably expand, offering users the flexibility of a larger canvas without the bulk of a traditional larger laptop.
The Mechanics of Expansion: Seamless and Intuitive Operation
At its core, the rollable display is a marvel of miniaturization and engineering. The 14-inch panel, when in its compact form, is seamlessly integrated into the chassis. With a simple, intuitive command – typically a dedicated button or a gesture – the display gently unfurls from its housing. This process is remarkably smooth, showcasing Lenovo’s meticulous attention to detail in the mechanical design.
The 120Hz OLED Advantage: Unparalleled Visual Fidelity
Beyond the revolutionary form factor, the display technology itself is top-tier. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures buttery-smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and a more responsive user interface. This is particularly beneficial for creative professionals who rely on precise cursor movements and for anyone who appreciates a visually richer computing experience. Coupled with the inherent advantages of OLED technology, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 delivers exceptional contrast ratios, vibrant colors, and true blacks. Every pixel emits its own light, leading to a stunning visual depth and clarity that traditional LCD panels simply cannot match. This makes content consumption, from watching high-definition movies to viewing detailed photographs, an immersive and breathtaking experience. The color accuracy is also paramount, making this device a compelling option for graphic designers, video editors, and photographers who demand precision in their visual work.
From 14 to 16.7 Inches: Adaptable Screen Size for Diverse Workflows
The ability to transition from a portable 14-inch screen to a more expansive 16.7-inch display offers unparalleled versatility. For everyday tasks like email, web browsing, and document editing, the 14-inch mode provides a familiar and comfortable footprint. However, when the need arises for more screen real estate – be it for multitasking, complex spreadsheets, immersive gaming, or detailed creative projects – the 16.7-inch mode truly shines. This dynamic adjustability eliminates the compromise between portability and screen size, a long-standing challenge in laptop design. Imagine working on a large data set, having multiple windows open side-by-side, or even engaging in collaborative work where a larger shared display is beneficial. The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 makes these scenarios not just possible, but seamless.
Performance and Productivity: Powering the Innovative Display
While the display is undoubtedly the headline feature, the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is also engineered to be a powerful and capable productivity machine. Underneath its innovative exterior lies robust hardware designed to handle demanding workloads.
Processing Power and Memory: Keeping Pace with Demands
Equipped with the latest generation of Intel processors, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 offers swift and efficient performance. Whether you are running demanding applications, engaging in multitasking, or handling complex computations, the processor ensures a smooth and responsive experience. Paired with ample RAM, the device can effortlessly juggle multiple applications, preventing slowdowns and maintaining productivity. This is crucial for professionals who often have numerous browser tabs, productivity suites, and specialized software running concurrently. The intelligent management of system resources ensures that the laptop remains snappy, even under sustained load.
Storage and Connectivity: Ample Room for Growth and Seamless Integration
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 typically features fast SSD storage, providing rapid boot times, quick application loading, and swift file transfers. This contributes significantly to the overall user experience, minimizing waiting times and maximizing efficiency. The available storage capacities are generally generous, catering to users who store large media files or extensive project data.
In terms of connectivity, Lenovo has equipped the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 with a comprehensive suite of ports. This includes the latest USB-C/Thunderbolt ports for high-speed data transfer, external display connectivity, and power delivery. Wi-Fi 6E ensures robust and fast wireless connectivity, essential for cloud-based workflows and seamless online collaboration. Bluetooth connectivity is also standard, allowing for easy pairing with peripherals like wireless mice, keyboards, and headphones. The inclusion of a versatile port selection reduces the reliance on dongles, making it a more practical device for everyday use.
Design and Build Quality: A Premium, Though Hefty, Package
Lenovo’s ThinkBook line is known for its sophisticated and professional aesthetic, and the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is no exception. The device exudes a premium feel, with high-quality materials and a refined finish.
Chassis Construction: Durability Meets Sophistication
The build quality of the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is exceptional. Constructed from premium materials, likely aluminum alloys, the chassis feels solid and robust, promising durability. The design language is clean and minimalist, projecting an image of professionalism that is well-suited for business environments. Despite the intricate engineering required for the rollable display, Lenovo has managed to maintain a relatively sleek profile, especially when the display is in its compact 14-inch state.
Ergonomics and Portability: The Trade-off for Innovation
This is where the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 presents its most significant challenge. The inclusion of the complex rollable display mechanism, coupled with the necessary battery and internal components to power it, inevitably adds to the weight of the laptop. While it remains a portable device in the sense that it can be carried, it is undeniably heavier than a conventional 14-inch or even 16-inch laptop. This is a direct consequence of housing such advanced technology. Users who prioritize absolute lightness for frequent travel might find this to be a deterrent. However, for those who value the expanded screen real estate and the cutting-edge display technology, the added heft may be an acceptable trade-off. The overall dimensions are also managed well, ensuring that even in its larger configuration, it remains a usable and manageable device.
Keyboard and Trackpad: Comfort and Precision for Extended Use
Lenovo is renowned for its excellent keyboards, and the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 continues this tradition. The keyboard offers comfortable key travel and a satisfying tactile response, making typing for extended periods a pleasure. The layout is intuitive, and the inclusion of backlit keys ensures usability in various lighting conditions. The trackpad is also responsive and accurate, supporting multi-touch gestures with ease. This attention to detail in the input devices is crucial for a premium productivity laptop, as it directly impacts user comfort and efficiency.
The $3,300 Question: Value Proposition and Target Audience
The $3,300 price point positions the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 firmly in the premium segment of the laptop market. This is a significant investment, and potential buyers will naturally scrutinize whether the unique features justify the substantial cost.
Who is the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 For?
This laptop is not designed for the average consumer. Its innovative display technology, while revolutionary, comes with a premium price tag and the aforementioned weight considerations. The target audience for the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is likely to be:
- Early Adopters and Tech Enthusiasts: Individuals who crave the latest and greatest in technology and are willing to pay a premium for groundbreaking innovation.
- Creative Professionals: Designers, artists, architects, and video editors who can leverage the larger, high-quality display for their demanding workflows and can benefit from the improved multitasking capabilities. The 120Hz OLED is a significant draw for visual fidelity.
- Business Professionals Requiring Enhanced Portability with Flexibility: Executives or mobile professionals who frequently present, collaborate, or require a larger screen for data analysis on the go, and can justify the cost for this unique advantage.
- Niche Users: Individuals with specific use cases that benefit immensely from a dynamically adjustable screen size and superior visual quality.
The Cost of Innovation: A Calculated Risk
Lenovo has taken a bold step by bringing such a novel concept to market. The high cost reflects the significant research and development investment, as well as the manufacturing complexities associated with the rollable display mechanism and the premium components used throughout the device. While the expensive nature might deter many, it is also a sign that this technology is still in its nascent stages for consumer laptops. As the technology matures and production scales, we can anticipate prices to become more accessible. However, for now, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 represents a glimpse into the future of laptop design, and that future comes with a considerable price tag. The heavy weight is also a factor that contributes to the perceived value and usability for different user profiles.
The Verdict: A Bold Vision with Practical Considerations
The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is an undeniably impressive piece of engineering. Its rollable 120Hz OLED display is a genuine game-changer, offering a level of screen flexibility and visual quality that is unmatched in the current laptop market. The ability to seamlessly expand from 14 inches to 16.7 inches provides a tangible benefit for productivity and multitasking, while the OLED technology ensures a visually stunning experience.
However, this innovation is not without its compromises. The significant weight and the premium $3,300 price are substantial factors that potential buyers must carefully consider. This is a device that prioritizes groundbreaking technology and a unique user experience over mass-market affordability and ultra-light portability.
For those who can afford it and whose workflows can truly benefit from the adaptive display, the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 offers a compelling, albeit niche, proposition. It represents a bold step forward, showcasing what is possible when manufacturers dare to innovate. As technology progresses, we will undoubtedly see further refinements and wider adoption of such transformative features. For now, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 stands as a remarkable, albeit expensive and heavy, testament to the exciting future of laptop computing. Its ambition is commendable, and it carves out a unique space in the market for users who demand the absolute cutting edge. The 120Hz refresh rate adds another layer of premium performance, making it a truly advanced machine. The rollable OLED display is not just a gimmick; it’s a functional enhancement that redefines how we interact with our digital workspaces. The growing screen size from 14 to 16.7 inches is a feature that, once experienced, is hard to go back from, offering a fluidity in workflow that few other devices can match. The heavy and expensive nature are indeed the primary barriers, but for the right user, the benefits of this unique combination of features could well outweigh these considerable drawbacks. The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 review highlights a device that pushes boundaries, and for those who appreciate that, it’s a significant innovation.