What you need to know
- Lenovo announced the ThinkBook Plus at CES 2020.
- The laptop features a traditional laptop display and a secondary E Ink display on the outside cover.
- The ThinkBook Plus will be available in March 2020, starting at $1,199.
Lenovo announced the ThinkBook Plus at CES 2020, a unique laptop with a secondary E Ink display. The E Ink Display can be used to read documents, but also supports Lenovo's Precision Pen so you can draw and ink on the display. The ThinkBook Plus will be available in March 2020, starting at $1,199.
The ThinkBook Plus isn't the first device to feature a secondary E Ink display, but Lenovo frames its purpose a bit differently than some other companies. Many companies only focus on E Ink's battery advantages, but Lenovo points out that it built the ThinkBook Plus to make working more efficient. The E Ink display is just part of its overall package. You can draw and mark up the E Ink display, so you aren't distracted by the rest of your laptop in meetings. The laptop supports Modern Standby, which means that while the lid is closed, you can still see notifications for calendar appointments, instant messages, and emails.
Lenovo also put support for Amazon Alexa in the ThinkBook Plus. Alexa can be accessed even when the laptop is closed, making it easy to perform certain tasks without opening the device. The laptop also has Skype hotkeys to streamline Skype communication.
| Category | TKTK |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 Pro 64-bit |
| Display | 13.3-inch FHD IPS anti-glare (300 nits) 10.8-inch E Ink monochromatic |
| Processor | Up to 10th Gen Intel Core i7 |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel UHD |
| Memory | 8GB DDR4 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 16GB+256GB 32GB+512GB |
| Security | Fingerprint reader |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ports | 1x USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 2x USB 3.0 (one always-on port) 1x HDMI 1.4b Microphone/audio |
| Audio | 2x 2W HARMAN-branded speakers Dolby Audio certified Alexa voice assistance certified Near-field dual array digital mics |
| Battery | 45Whr with Rapid Charge |
| Weight | Starts at 1.40kg(3.08lbs) |
To go along with the ThinkBook Plus, Lenovo announced the ThinkBook Plus Sleeve and the ThinkBook Bluetooth Silent Mouse. The sleeve includes padding to protect the E Ink display. The ThinkBook Bluetooth Silent Mouse doesn't make clicky noises when you use it, making it ideal for meetings.
Sean Endicott is the news writer for Windows Central. If it runs Windows, is made by Microsoft, or has anything to do with either, he's on it. Sean's been with Windows Central since 2017 and is also our resident app expert. If you have a news tip or an app to review, hit him up at sean.endicott@futurenet.com.
