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

The primary 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 may have considerably extra display house. However extra importantly, when folded up, you now get a tool that’s nearer to a 12-inch laptop computer as a substitute of a 10-inch system just like the earlier mannequin. This could make the X1 Fold much more sensible anytime house is a matter, like if 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 Home windows Good day. 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.

One other large change is that as a substitute of storing the keyboard inside the Fold, it magnetically attaches to the stand to develop into a single piece that’s simpler to handle. So when that you must pack up, all it’s important to do is tilt the stand ahead till it docks with the keyboard, bend the Fold in half, and then simply slam the whole lot collectively. Lenovo says this alteration was made in response to suggestions from clients preferring utilizing the system extra like a transportable all-in-one as a substitute of a convertible laptop computer. And since there isn’t an area inside the system for the keyboard anymore, Lenovo was capable of set up a brand new fold-flat hinge, so the whole lot is sleeker and extra compact. It’s virtually just like the X1 Fold has spent the final two years going to the health club and placed on a contemporary, custom-tailored swimsuit.

For the brand new technology, Lenovo additionally needed to enhance the Fold’s serviceability, so it is simpler to switch issues like its SSD, batteries and different elements within the area. Sadly, the X1 Fold nonetheless isn’t water-resistant, however it 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 larger display than earlier than, the brand new X1 Fold solely weighs round 2.8 kilos, although you’re a package that’s nearer to 4.2 kilos if you issue within the revamped stand and keyboard.

I additionally recognize a few of Lenovo’s little touches, just like the addition of a 3rd USB-C port (two of which help 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 help for Dolby Atmos.

As for efficiency, we’re a critical bounce 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 totally fanless design. For these frightened concerning the brief battery life on the earlier mannequin, Lenovo has made room for an elective 16 Wh energy cell to complement the usual 48Wh battery. And since Home windows 11 has significantly better help for varied layouts and window snapping in comparison with Home windows 10, from my temporary time with the brand new X1 Fold, the whole lot felt considerably smoother and extra responsive.

So whereas I ought to point out that that is nonetheless a pre-production gadget, I’m actually liking what I’ve seen so removed from the brand new X1 Fold. However 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 autumn beginning at round $2,800.