What the heck is a Tiny-in-One? Look Lenovo's way to find out.

Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One
(Image credit: Lenovo)

What you need to know

  • Lenovo just announced a range of ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One Gen 5 monitors.
  • The Tiny-in-Ones allow people to swap out key components without having to replace an entire system.
  • The ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One Gen 5 is compatible with both ThinkCentre Tiny modules and high-performance ThinkStation Tiny workstation PCs.

Lenovo announced a pair of Tiny-in-One (TIO) monitors at Mobile World Congress. The ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One is now in its fifth generation and has expanded compatibility and improved audio and visual specs.

The ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One Gen 5 will be available in 22-inch and 24-inch models. The smaller monitor will cost $274 while the larger model comes in at $294. Both are expected to start shipping in August 2023.

So, what exactly is a Tiny-in-One? It's a monitor that allows users to swap out components without having to deal with cables or complicated disassembly and reassembly. The modular design of the ThinkCentre TIO and other Tiny-in-Ones allow PC owners and organizations to upgrade or replace key parts of a PC without having to purchase an entirely new system.

Lenovo highlighted the audio and visual experience that the ThinkCentre TIO will provide. The monitors have a 1080p webcam, a built-in microphone, and two user-facing speakers.

The monitors feature displays with low blue light technology to reduce eye strain. Those screens also support touch and styli.

While Tiny-in-Ones are used in some offices, they are also aimed at showroom floors, libraries, and other public-facing setups. The Lenovo ThinkCentre TIO has a dual Kensington Lock setup to keep it secure.

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Header Cell - Column 0 ThinkCentre TIO Gen 5 (22-inch)ThinkCentre TIO Gen 5 (24-inch)
Panel21.5” IPS, 16:9, Touch option,
Natural Low Blue Light
23.8” IPS, 16:9, Touch option,
Natural Low Blue Light
Screen Dimensions484.5 mm x 284.5 mm535 mm x 313 mm
WeightUnpacked: 5.7 kg (12.6 lbs)
Monitor Head Only: 3.4 kg (7.5 lbs)
Unpacked: 6.3 kg (13.9 lbs)
Monitor Head Only: 4 kg (8.8 lbs)
Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
Response Time4ms (Extreme Model)
6ms (Normal Mode
4ms (Extreme Model)
6ms (Normal Mode
Refresh Rate60Hz60Hz
BrightnessTouch: 225 cd/m2
Non-Touch: 250 cd/m2
Touch: 225 cd/m2
Non-Touch: 250 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio1000:11000:2
Color Gamut99% sRGB99% sRGB
Ports1 x HDMI 1.4
1 x DP 1.2
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type B
1 x HDMI 1.4
1 x DP 1.2
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type B
Camera & Microphone1 x Integrated webcam (1080, RGB) 1 x Integrated microphone2 x Integrated webcam (1080, RGB) 1 x Integrated microphone
Audio2 x 3W integrated speakers3 x 3W integrated speakers
SoftwareLenovo ThinkColour (Lenovo Display Control Center)Lenovo ThinkColour (Lenovo Display Control Center)

The ThinkCentre TIO has a 3-in-1 connector for popping a desktop unit in or out. In addition to supporting ThinkCentre Tiny PC units, Lenovo's new monitors work with ThinkStation Tiny workstation PCs, which deliver higher performance.

A rear HDMI port and a DisplayPort are housed in the back of the ThinkCentre TIO. The monitors can connect to up to two external PCs as well.

The Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One Gen 5 monitors will be available in August 2023. The 22-inch model is expected to cost $274, and the 24-inch model is expected to cost $294.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott brings nearly a decade of experience covering Microsoft and Windows news to Windows Central. He joined our team in 2017 as an app reviewer and now heads up our day-to-day news coverage. If you have a news tip or an app to review, hit him up at sean.endicott@futurenet.com.