At CES 2026, Lenovo is transforming a futuristic concept into a tangible product, pushing the boundaries of laptop design with the ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist. This 14-inch laptop features a motorized hinge that allows its screen to physically follow the user, promising a new level of interaction for presentations, video calls, and everyday use. As the device moves from prototype to production, the question on everyone's mind is whether this innovative mechanic offers genuine utility or is simply a high-tech novelty.
The Core Innovation: A Screen That Follows You
The defining feature of the ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist is its motorized dual-rotation hinge. Using the integrated webcam for facial tracking, the laptop's 14-inch OLED screen can automatically pivot and tilt to keep the user centered in the frame. This functionality is designed for dynamic scenarios, such as a presenter moving around during a talk or a user shifting positions while on a video call. The system can be manually controlled, but its autonomous tracking is the main attraction. Early hands-on reports note the mechanism is significantly quieter and faster than in its original concept form, though it can become confused when multiple people are in the camera's view, struggling to decide whom to follow.
Hands-On Impressions & Concerns
- Tracking: Effective for single-user tracking, but struggles with multiple people in frame.
- Mechanism: Quieter and faster than concept version, but motor noise is still audible.
- AI Features: The animated AI companion and responsive chatbot are seen as novel but potentially gimmicky and slow.
- Design: Maintains a relatively standard, attractive laptop form despite the complex hinge.
Specifications and Performance Beyond the Gimmick
Beneath its moving screen, the Auto Twist is configured as a capable modern workstation. It is powered by Intel's next-generation "Panther Lake" Core Ultra 3 processors, which promise improvements in both performance and battery efficiency. The device can be configured with up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage. The display is a highlight, featuring a 2.8K (2880 x 1800) resolution OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and deep contrasts. Weighing 3.09 pounds (1.4 kg), it maintains a portable form factor, and its port selection includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and a headphone jack, providing solid connectivity for a thin-and-light device.
Key Specifications: Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist
- Display: 14-inch OLED, 2880 x 1800 (2.8K), 120Hz, touchscreen with stylus support
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 3 "Panther Lake"
- Memory & Storage: Up to 32GB RAM, up to 2TB SSD
- Weight: 3.09 lbs / 1.4 kg
- Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-A, HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Key Feature: Motorized hinge with facial-tracking auto-rotation
- Launch: June 2026
- Starting Price: USD 1,649
Software, AI Features, and the Novelty Factor
Lenovo is augmenting the hardware trick with AI-driven software features. An emoji-style AI companion, reminiscent of GERTY from the film Moon, can react to the user with animations. Furthermore, the laptop is being developed to integrate with a ChatGPT-like chatbot that could make the screen nod "yes" or shake "no" in response to the AI's answers. The device also supports live language translation, physically turning the screen toward different speakers. However, initial demos suggest some of these features, particularly the AI companion, can feel slow to load and may lose their appeal after the initial novelty wears off, leaning more toward cute than crucially functional.
Market Positioning, Price, and Practical Concerns
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist is scheduled to launch in June 2026 with a starting price of USD 1,649. This positions it interestingly against Lenovo's own lineup, being notably less expensive than the more traditionally premium, AI-focused ThinkPad X1 Carbon also announced at CES. The price suggests Lenovo isn't charging an extreme premium for the auto-twist mechanism. The primary practical concern, aside from the potential "gimmick" label, is the motor's noise, which might be distracting in quiet office environments. Its utility seems most aligned with specific professional use cases like frequent presenting, rather than as a mainstream daily driver.
Conclusion: A Niche Product with a Glimpse of the Future
The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist is a bold experiment in making laptops more interactive and adaptive. While its core tracking technology works impressively well for a single user, its broader usefulness is still unproven. For most consumers, a standard high-quality laptop will likely remain the pragmatic choice. However, for tech enthusiasts, early adopters, and professionals who can leverage its unique abilities, the Auto Twist represents a fascinating step toward a more dynamic and responsive personal computing experience. Its success will depend less on its specs and more on whether users find a genuine, lasting need for a screen that watches their every move.