In a world of shiny clamshells and flashy convertibles, laptop releases can feel like repetition. Some of the most successful and famous designs don’t always get major overhauls from one year to the next. Stick to the latest CPUs or GPUs, perhaps insist on a slightly cooler build, which he calls a day (or a year). After all, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
The problem with that is, well, it gets boring. And for tech enthusiasts interested in developments that could change the way we work, play, repair, and upgrade, it’s imperative that PC makers are willing to take risks.
All the laptops below have tried something more adventurous than component upgrades in 2022. We analyze the breakthrough designs, ideas and features that these systems are trying to offer and whether the risks they took have paid off.
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3
Buyers of premium laptops are increasingly demanding screens with higher aspect ratios. But Lenovo took things the other way with his ThinkBook Plus Gen 3, a clamshell with a 17.3-inch, 21:10 primary display. Plus, Lenovo didn’t waste the extra long deck (16.3 inches long) that the display creates. Instead, Lenovo popped his 800×1280 secondary LCD next to the keyboard to create a laptop that claims to be uniquely designed for multitasking.
We haven’t seen an ultrawide laptop since 2017’s Acer Predator 21 X curved screen gaming PC. Acer’s laptops focused on increasing the immersion of gamers by making games appear to envelop them more than flat-screen laptops. However, 2022’s ThinkBook targets the enlarged screen for workers obsessed with multitasking.
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 3’s small screen allows users to view thumbnails, use calculators, and take notes while working in Photoshop. It’s reminiscent of touchpads and screenpads that Asus has been using for some time north of keyboards in some laptops, but not as advanced.
Did it pay off?
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 is a fascinating exploration of clamshell design that has brought versatility to 2022 laptop choices. Lenovo didn’t expect everyone to want this laptop or ignite a wave of ultrawide his laptops that have overtaken 16:9 and 16:10 rivals. Since its first generation, Lenovo’s ThinkBook Plus laptop has pushed the boundaries and delivered a PC with features that deliver the best that most people can live without.
But for the right person, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 offers a preferred way to work with and organize multiple windows. We also ask other companies to create designs that are not only impressive, but also aim for clear value.
We hope Lenovo will play with the ergonomics of their ultrawide PCs. It’s so long that it can be difficult to balance on the lap. I haven’t tried the machine, but I’m worried that my right hand will accidentally rub the deck’s screen when typing or using the touchpad.
But Lenovo has revived the idea of ultrawide laptops, giving users new multi-screen options and giving them more choice when it comes to balancing tasks.
