Evan Blass has recently unveiled another look at Lenovo’s transparent laptop concept, expected to be officially showcased at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this month. The newest leaked press image displays two of these innovative laptops on a desk, intriguingly revealing one device through the transparent screen of the other. This update follows an initial glimpse provided earlier, sparking interest in the concept.
The idea of transparent screens is not new, having been part of concept explorations for over a decade. Samsung introduced a similar concept at CES 2010, and now, 14 years later, the technology seems on the cusp of market readiness. Already, transparent OLED displays have found their way into public transport in China and Japan, and LG has announced its Signature T television, a transparent screen set to hit the market in 2024.
The potential unveiling at MWC begs the question of the practicality of a laptop with a transparent display. The common need to view through a laptop screen while situated at a desk is minimal, with simple movements to either side usually sufficing. Nonetheless, it is speculated that such a device could serve specific roles, like for receptionists or front desk personnel who often engage with visitors through a screen, though privacy implications of visible screen content from behind remain a concern.
Features inferred from the leaked imagery include a flat, touch-sensitive keyboard and the inclusion of a stylus, suggesting the laptop will support touchscreen interactions. The background displayed on the device indicates it operates on Windows 11.
Despite the anticipation, Lenovo’s track record of presenting innovative concepts at MWC—like the rollable laptop display showcased last year without reaching commercial production—casts doubt on whether the transparent laptop concept will advance beyond a prototype. This innovative idea might yet follow the path of previous concepts, highlighting future possibilities rather than signalling an immediate product release.