Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon prototype reveals the 3:2 display that never was

ThinkPad X1 Carbon Prototype

ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017 (left); ThinkPad X1 Carbon prototype (right) (Image Credit : PC Watch)

These days, if you're looking for a laptop with a 3:2 aspect ratio, you're largely limited to either a Surface or Huawei's MateBook line. But laptop makers are always considering new options, and it turns out Lenovo has at least experimented with a 3:2 aspect ratio for its business-focused ThinkPad X1 Carbon.

Lenovo recently showed off a prototype version of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon to Japanese publication PC Watch (via Notebook Check), and it varies quite a bit from what eventually hit the market. Namely, the "proof-of-concept" device included a 12-inch display instead of 14. Lenovo also experimented with a 3:2 aspect ratio for the screen.

Aside from the screen, Lenovo was also experimenting with some other interesting ideas. An expansion kit could be added to the bottom of the device to add more ports; an addition necessitated by the prototype's inclusion of only a single USB-C port. The company also toyed with the idea of adding a webcam into the bezel above the keyboard.

The prototype device is two years old at this point, so it's not a look into what may be coming down the line. The company tells Windows Central that it is considering a 3:2 screen for future Carbon devices, but any decision is likely a ways off.

Why it's time for PC makers to embrace 3:2 displays

Still, if you prefer a 3:2 aspect ratio over the more prevalent 16:9, it's a good sign that Lenovo has at least prototyped the idea. And you can bet that if Lenovo is on board, other companies are experimenting as well.

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Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl

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