Tag: ThinkPad

  • Exclusive Lenovo ThinkPad Interview: Future of Repairable Laptops

    Exclusive Lenovo ThinkPad Interview: Future of Repairable Laptops

    Key Takeaways

    1. The ThinkPad brand, originally under IBM, was handed over to Lenovo in 2005, and it continues to evolve with new leadership and product innovations.
    2. The recent introduction of the ThinkPad X9, which lacks a TrackPoint, aims to attract new users while still offering models with the TrackPoint for long-time fans.
    3. Future laptop input may include more voice recognition features, but traditional keyboard and touchpad designs will remain central to ThinkPad’s approach.
    4. Lenovo emphasizes brand clarity with distinct naming conventions for ThinkPad series while maintaining strong brand recognition among consumers.
    5. Sustainability is a priority for Lenovo, focusing on durable products, repairability, and eco-friendly packaging to achieve carbon neutrality.


    On the market since 1992, the ThinkPad laptops have a rich history that began under IBM’s guidance. In 2005, IBM handed over the brand to Lenovo, a newcomer at the time, who has since continued to develop this line of enterprise laptops.

    Leadership Changes

    Recently, the ThinkPad team was still guided by veterans from IBM until the spring of 2024, when Tom Butler became the new Executive Director of Commercial Portfolio and Product Management. Tom joined Lenovo in 2005, shortly after the brand transitioned from IBM, and he started as a product manager for the Lenovo ThinkPad R60. Now, he is in charge of the whole ThinkPad lineup. During Lenovo’s MWC 2025 showcase, Notebookcheck’s Benjamin Herzig had a unique conversation with Tom.

    Thoughts on TrackPoint and Touchpad

    Notebookcheck: Lenovo has made headlines with the new premium ThinkPad X9, which does not have a TrackPoint. Are you more of a TrackPoint or touchpad user?

    Tom Butler: Let’s talk about the ThinkPad X9 first. We understand that some people were shocked by the absence of a TrackPoint. However, we want to reassure our users that we still have a range of ThinkPads featuring the TrackPoint. The X9 (available at Amazon) is meant to attract those who have not used a ThinkPad before.

    As for your question: I am a long-time TrackPoint user, but I also know that a good touchpad experience is essential for those who are not familiar with ThinkPads. I particularly find touchpad gestures helpful. So, to sum it up: Both!

    Future of Laptop Input

    Notebookcheck: The typical laptop input devices seem pretty established: touchpad plus keyboard. Do you foresee any major changes in this area?

    Tom Butler: I liken laptops to an upright piano—the display is like sheet music and the input, which in ThinkPad’s case includes the keyboard, touchpad, and TrackPoint, is at the front. As we approach the 33rd anniversary of the ThinkPad brand, our fundamental approach remains the same. The keyboard is crucial for how we interact with our PCs, and we invest significant effort in refining it. On a piano, you have the keyboard leading to music; on a laptop, it’s the keyboard interfacing with the screen.

    Regarding the future of laptop input, we must consider the possibilities of AI. This includes natural language processing. We expect more voice input, though it will likely be limited to private settings—people won’t be chatting with their laptops on planes or trains! (laughs) This is why we’re experimenting with prototypes to figure out how to incorporate these features into our designs.

    Branding in the Laptop Industry

    Notebookcheck: Branding is a hot topic right now. One competitor has eliminated their laptop brand names. Are brand names becoming less significant, replaced by simple “good, better, best” labels?

    Tom Butler: We take a traditional and straightforward approach. Each ThinkPad series, like T, L, or E, has a specific name along with screen sizes for clarity—T14, T16, and so forth. We also add a generational label for logical tracking. Currently, we are not planning any changes. Lenovo has strong brand equity, and our sub-brands like ThinkPad, ThinkBook, and Lenovo Yoga are well recognized by consumers.

    Commitment to Sustainability

    Notebookcheck: You’ve made strides in sustainability with recycled materials and plastic-free packaging, and improved repairability in models like the ThinkPad T series. Could selling replacement parts become a new business model?

    Tom Butler: Sustainability is a key focus for us in our journey toward carbon neutrality—Lenovo’s overarching goal. To achieve that, we aim for more sustainable products and avoid forcing a replacement cycle. Part of this involves developing durable systems that last longer and offer repairability to extend their lifecycle. If our customers are satisfied, they will return for more, even if it takes a bit longer.

    We are leading in repairability, offering replaceable keyboards and batteries, along with easy-to-remove screws. At trade shows like MWC, we showcase our open products to highlight their repairable features. This leadership extends to our packaging, as we’ve eliminated plastic, even down to stickers and ties, which is incredibly important.

    The Future of Thin Laptops

    Notebookcheck: Thinner laptops were a major trend in the 2010s. Do customers still want that, or is it a thing of the past?

    Tom Butler: When we ask customers, they prioritize high battery life, performance, lightweight, and a slim design. However, these demands often compete with one another—a larger battery and better cooling lead to a heavier and thicker device. We strive for the right balance.

    Regarding the Z height, we’ve reached a point where the current thickness is generally acceptable. This is partly due to features like the HDMI port, which is standard on our newer models. Although some devices like the ThinkPad Z series or ThinkPad X1 Nano utilize USB-C only, we’ve received substantial feedback indicating the need for HDMI. Since many conference rooms globally have HDMI connectors, a certain thickness is necessary for that feature, which means we won’t be going significantly thinner for now. However, we still aim to provide more value, focusing on reducing weight with products like the new ThinkPad X13 Gen 6 and ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition.

    Personal Favorite ThinkPad

    Notebookcheck: Lastly, do you have a favorite ThinkPad?

    Tom Butler: Oh man! That’s a tough choice. Reflecting on the ThinkPad history, the ThinkPad X300 marked a significant shift for us. It was like a proto-Ultrabook back in its day, and it’s definitely among my favorites. I also have a fondness for our ultraportables, particularly the 12-inch devices from the X200 series. That form factor was ideal for frequent travelers, fitting well in small regional jets. A standout example for me is the ThinkPad X240s, a Japan-exclusive model I had, which was extremely lightweight. The modern equivalent would be the ThinkPad X13, though I also love the X1 Carbon, naturally.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Lenovo Legion, IdeaPad, ThinkBook, ThinkPad, Yoga Pro Updates Leaked

    Lenovo Legion, IdeaPad, ThinkBook, ThinkPad, Yoga Pro Updates Leaked

    Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC 2025) is coming up soon, taking place from March 3 to March 6 this year. Recently, Evan Blass has leaked what seems to be the main lineup of new devices that Lenovo is going to unveil next month in Barcelona.

    Recap of Last Year

    Just to remind you, Windows Report previously got similar insights during MWC 2024, where Lenovo showcased a range of ThinkBook and ThinkPad devices, including the ThinkPad x12 Detachable Gen 2 (currently priced at $1,595 on Amazon). From what Blass has shared on Twitter, it looks like the ThinkPad series will still be a major focus for Lenovo at MWC. Blass has already released images of ten new products that are expected to be featured.

    New ThinkPad Products

    According to our calculations, there will be five fresh ThinkPad products at MWC 2025, with three of them being 14-inch laptops. The ThinkBook lineup will also see updates with new 14-inch and 16-inch models, alongside the Yoga series, which will introduce a 16-inch version of the Pro 9i Aura Edition. However, it seems that this isn’t the full extent of Lenovo’s plans for MWC 2025. It’s clear that Lenovo is also bringing along representatives from AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm processor families.

    Conclusion

    In summary, with MWC 2025 just around the corner, Lenovo’s array of new devices is generating quite a buzz. Keep an eye on Evan Blass’s updates for more detailed information as the event approaches!

    Source:
    Link

  • IBM ThinkPad: How Lenovo Transformed into a PC Powerhouse

    IBM ThinkPad: How Lenovo Transformed into a PC Powerhouse

    On December 7, 2004, a shocking announcement was made: IBM, a pioneer in the personal computing realm known for the creation of the PC, declared it would exit the market. The iconic ThinkPad line of computers would now be produced by a Chinese firm named Lenovo, a partnership that continues today, two decades later. What led to this shift? How did Lenovo rise to become the largest PC maker by volume globally?

    The Shift in the Market

    In the early 2000s, the laptop and desktop segments were dominated by American firms like HP, Dell, IBM, and Compaq. Yet, the landscape began to change with the emergence of Asian companies such as Asus, Acer, and Legend, which transitioned from manufacturing PCs for U.S. brands to launching their own. Simultaneously, the popularity of laptops surged, overtaking desktops in sales, and prices began to fall, making laptops accessible to many consumers. This led to fierce competition among PC manufacturers, centered around pricing.

    IBM’s Tough Spot

    This competitive environment set the stage for IBM’s 2004 decision. The once-thriving PC division was experiencing significant financial losses, as “Big Blue” struggled to compete on pricing with its rivals. Although ThinkPad laptops were known for their exceptional quality and reputation, they also came with a hefty price tag— the IBM ThinkPad T series had a starting price of $2,150 in 2002, roughly equivalent to $3,800 today when adjusted for inflation.

    IBM was unable to pivot its strategy to accommodate a potentially low-margin business. Thus, the decision was made to divest from the PC sector. But who would be interested in acquiring a money-losing division? Enter Legend, which rebranded as Lenovo, eyeing an expansion into Western markets. Previously, Legend primarily sold affordable consumer PCs within China, and IBM’s PC division looked like a gateway to reach the West.

    Transition and Doubts

    When Lenovo took control in mid-2005, skepticism was rampant. Could this inexperienced Chinese company maintain the quality associated with IBM? Could they return the business to profitability? Would all the development shift to China?

    Lenovo’s approach was quite intelligent: Instead of a complete takeover, they appointed former IBM executives to lead the new entity. IBM’s development centers in the USA and Japan remained operational, and for several years, ThinkPads continued to bear the “IBM ThinkPad” branding. This strategy helped ease customer concerns during the transition.

    At the same time, Lenovo worked on lowering manufacturing costs. They phased out costly hardware options like the IBM FlexView IPS screens and established a closer partnership with Microsoft, marked by the inclusion of Windows keys on ThinkPad keyboards—something IBM had never done. The design of ThinkPads largely stayed the same during Lenovo’s first five years of ownership, while new premium models like the ThinkPad X300 and ThinkPad X1 Carbon were introduced. Lenovo successfully retained the ThinkPad brand as a strong name in the business market, outselling IBM and regaining profitability.

    Expanding Horizons

    With a solid reputation as the ThinkPad manufacturer, Lenovo began to tap into the consumer market. Initially, many of its consumer laptops were of lower quality and largely designed in China. However, over time, Lenovo’s consumer laptops began to resemble ThinkPads more closely, featuring similar keyboards and improved quality. The company also introduced premium consumer lines like Yoga and Legion gaming laptops.

    Ultimately, Lenovo managed to turn the business around. While profit margins were tight, selling PCs became lucrative again. By 2013, Lenovo surpassed HP to become the largest PC manufacturer by volume, a title it has maintained for 11 years. With this success in the PC sector, Lenovo ventured into other domains as well, acquiring the American brand Motorola Mobility in 2014, thus adding a well-known smartphone line to its offerings. That same year, IBM sold its System X server business to Lenovo, bringing their story full-circle.

    The Future Ahead

    With a trade war brewing between the U.S. and China, the future of this Chinese-American hybrid company is intriguing. Lenovo has managed to steer clear of U.S. government scrutiny, unlike other Chinese firms such as Huawei.

    However, Lenovo’s reliance on partners like Intel could pose risks. Intel, once the sole processor supplier for ThinkPad laptops, has long supported its PC partners with subsidies for hardware development. A failure at Intel could significantly impact Lenovo.

    On the bright side, Lenovo has diversified its offerings, now producing ThinkPad laptops like the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, which uses Qualcomm Snapdragon chips and AMD Ryzen AI CPUs. This shows the company understands the importance of diversifying its partnerships. Unlike IBM, which boasted the resources and vision to be self-sufficient, Lenovo is dependent on its tech partners. Whether this reliance will prove to be a strength or a weakness remains to be seen as time progresses.

    Source: Link


    Image 1
    Image 1
    Image 1
    Image 1
    Image 1
  • Upcoming Lenovo Laptops with Snapdragon X Elite CPUs

    Upcoming Lenovo Laptops with Snapdragon X Elite CPUs

    Several upcoming Lenovo laptops appear to be incorporating the latest Qualcomm technology, based on recently revealed Bluetooth certification on May 27. These laptops, which utilize the Qualcomm NCM825 network card (WCN785x, also known as FastConnect 7800), include:

    • ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 QOYYOGA Air 14s Q8X9
    • Yoga Slim 7 14Q8X9
    • ThinkPad T14s Flex Gen 1
    • ThinkPad T14s Gen 5
    • ThinkPad T14s Gen 6
    • ThinkPad T14 Gen 5

    Confirmed Snapdragon X Elite Models

    Notably, the YOGA Air 14s Q8X9, Yoga Slim 7 14Q8X9, and ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 are already confirmed to be the first Lenovo laptops powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor. The ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 QOY is also likely to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon X series processor. The ThinkPad T14s Flex Gen 1 is anticipated to be a variant of the T14s with a 360-degree hinge for convertible functionality.

    Uncertain Snapdragon Integration

    The question remains regarding the Snapdragon processors in the remaining listed models (ThinkPad T14s Gen 5 and ThinkPad T14 Gen 5). These could either utilize Qualcomm network cards exclusively or potentially house Snapdragon processors as well. For more concrete details such as specifications, pricing, and release dates, official announcements from Lenovo are crucial. We will just have to wait for the same.