As the primary laptop computer to characteristic a versatile OLED show, the unique ThinkPad X1 Fold was extremely bold. It was additionally very experimental. While the idea confirmed potential, its software program, efficiency and design clearly weren’t prepared for prime time. But virtually two years later, Lenovo is again with a second try, sporting some severe generational leaps.

The first main improve on the brand new X1 Fold is a much bigger 16.3-inch OLED show from Sharp. Not solely does it have a barely increased 2.5K decision, however the bigger measurement additionally means you’ve got considerably extra display area. But extra importantly, when folded up, you now get a tool that’s nearer to a 12-inch laptop computer as an alternative of a 10-inch system just like the earlier mannequin. This ought to make the X1 Fold much more sensible anytime area is a matter, like whenever you’re engaged on an airplane with out feeling cramped.

On high of that, Lenovo redesigned the X1 Fold’s Bluetooth keyboard. Now it makes use of the identical keys because the ThinkPad X1 Nano, so that you get an extended and cushier actuation, it additionally has a brand new fingerprint sensor that works with Windows Hello. And whilst you can nonetheless lay the keyboard on high of the underside half of the Fold in laptop computer mode, it additionally attaches magnetically to the bottom of the system when it is resting on its included stand, which helps each panorama and portrait orientation.

Another massive change is that as an alternative of storing the keyboard contained in the Fold, it magnetically attaches to the stand to develop into a single piece that’s simpler to handle. So when it’s worthwhile to pack up, all you need to do is tilt the stand ahead till it docks with the keyboard, bend the Fold in half, after which simply slam every little thing collectively. Lenovo says this variation was made in response to suggestions from clients preferring utilizing the system extra like a transportable all-in-one as an alternative of a convertible laptop computer. And as a result of there isn’t an area contained in the system for the keyboard anymore, Lenovo was in a position to set up a brand new fold-flat hinge, so every little thing is sleeker and extra compact. It’s virtually just like the X1 Fold has spent the final two years going to the fitness center and placed on a recent, custom-tailored swimsuit.

For the brand new era, Lenovo additionally needed to enhance the Fold’s serviceability, so it is simpler to switch issues like its SSD, batteries and different parts within the discipline. Unfortunately, the X1 Fold nonetheless isn’t waterproof, but it surely ought to nonetheless be fairly rugged, because the Fold stays topic to the identical mil-spec 810G testing required on different ThinkPads. And regardless of a considerably greater display than earlier than, the brand new X1 Fold solely weighs round 2.8 kilos, although you’re taking a look at a equipment that’s nearer to 4.2 kilos whenever you issue within the revamped stand and keyboard.

I additionally admire a few of Lenovo’s little touches, just like the addition of a 3rd USB-C port (two of which assist Thunderbolt 4) and an improved location for the Fold’s 5MP IR webcam, in order that it’s extra helpful. Lenovo even added a 3rd speaker in order that no matter orientation, you continue to get full stereo audio with assist for Dolby Atmos.

As for efficiency, we’re taking a look at a severe soar in processing energy, with the Fold supporting as much as a Twelfth-gen Intel Core i7 U-series CPU, 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, whereas nonetheless that includes a very fanless design. For these fearful in regards to the quick battery life on the earlier mannequin, Lenovo has made room for an elective 16 Wh energy cell to complement the usual 48Wh battery. And as a result of Windows 11 has significantly better assist for varied layouts and window snapping in comparison with Windows 10, from my temporary time with the brand new X1 Fold, every little thing felt considerably smoother and extra responsive.

So whereas I ought to point out that that is nonetheless a pre-production machine, I’m actually liking what I’ve seen so removed from the brand new X1 Fold. But to get an actual sense of how this factor goes to carry up, we’re going to have to attend a bit longer till it goes on someday in This fall beginning at round $2,800.