While the ThinkBook Transparent Display laptop that Lenovo showed off at MWC 2024 is just a proof of concept, the company also announced updated versions of several ThinkPads and ThinkBooks, as well as some accessories.
That includes three updated ThinkPad T-series laptops: ThinkPad T14 Gen 5, ThinkPad T14s Gen 5, and ThinkPad T16 Gen 3, all with Intel Core Ultra processors (or an AMD Ryzen 8040 option for T14 Gen 5). All three get Lenovo's communication bar, which extends a part of the top bezel to house the camera and microphones, giving those laptops slimmer top bezels and taller screen ratios. Lenovo previously added this feature to other ThinkPad laptops, such as the X1 Carbon and X1 Nano.
T-series keyboards now also have the same touch markings (reference bars) on the Fn, Insert, Enter, and volume keys as the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 and ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 laptops for easier writing. accessible for people with visual disabilities. Lenovo also broke with its long tradition of placing the Fn key on the outermost edge and changed it to Ctrl, where most laptop and keyboard manufacturers place it. There's also a physical Microsoft Copilot key between Right Alt and Ctrl, but Lenovo left the Windows key alone. (Phew!)
Lenovo also collaborated with I fix it to make it easier to replace certain hardware components on the ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 and T16 Gen 3. This includes returning to fully attached DIMM slots instead of soldered RAM, user-replaceable wire-free batteries (with fewer screws to remove them), and slots for wireless adapters and accessible SSDs.
For users who are very new to laptop repair, the SSD and RAM slots are clearly marked, and Lenovo now includes QR codes inside the body of the laptop near each serviceable component with instructional videos on the process. There are also indicators that point out specific screws to remove if you only want to replace the keyboard and trackpad.
There's one more ThinkPad laptop up Lenovo's sleeve: the ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2. We really liked the first generation when it launched in April 2021; This next version will have an Intel Core Ultra U processor, 32GB of soldered LPDDR5x RAM, a 5MP front webcam with Windows Hello support, an 8MP exterior camera, and support for a 4G LTE wireless adapter.
Lenovo has also made some adjustments to its ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 laptop, shortening the key travel to 1.5mm and widening the touchpad. It also features new peripherals and accessories, including the ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 mobile touch monitor and a USB-C Slim travel dock.
All Intel-configured ThinkPads will hit stores starting in April 2024, and prices are expected to start at $1,199. (AMD ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 configuration will be available in May 2024, starting at $949.) The ThinkBook and USB-C dock will arrive in March 2024, starting at $1,169 and $89.99, respectively. The portable monitor ($399) will arrive in July 2024.
