Lenovo has once again pushed the boundaries of laptop design with its latest offering, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid. This innovative device combines a Windows 11 laptop with an Android 13 tablet, creating a unique 2-in-1 experience that challenges conventional notions of portable computing.
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| Close-up view of the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid Station, emphasizing its sleek design and premium materials |
A Tale of Two Systems
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid is essentially two devices in one:
- A Windows 11 laptop powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor
- An Android 13 tablet featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip
Users can seamlessly switch between the two operating systems with the press of a dedicated Super key, offering unprecedented flexibility in a single form factor.
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| Overhead view of the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid Station displaying its integrated keyboard and sleek design |
Premium Build, Impressive Display
Both halves of the device boast a premium aluminum construction, resulting in exceptional rigidity. The star of the show is the 14-inch 2880x1800 OLED display, which serves as both the laptop screen and the standalone tablet. This vibrant panel covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, making it ideal for both productivity and media consumption.
Performance: A Mixed Bag
The Windows portion of the device performs on par with other laptops featuring the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor. Multitasking is smooth thanks to 32GB of RAM. The Android tablet, while not cutting-edge, offers a fluid experience for most tasks.
Battery life, however, is a potential weakness. The Windows laptop portion manages between 6 to 8 hours of use, while the Android tablet fares better at around 10 hours when used independently.
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| Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid showcasing its vibrant display with a user interface, illustrating its multitasking capabilities |
Innovative Features, Some Limitations
Lenovo has implemented several clever features to bridge the gap between the two systems:
- A Hybrid Folder allows file sharing between Windows and Android
- The Android screen can be viewed within Windows via a remote desktop-like connection
- The tablet can function as a wireless second screen for the Windows PC (with some reported issues)
However, the integration isn't seamless. The two halves have separate storage, RAM, and processors, limiting true interoperability between Windows and Android apps.
Pricing and Availability
The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid is available now, with a list price of $3,518. However, Lenovo frequently offers significant discounts, with the current promotional price sitting at $2,040.
The Verdict
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid is an undeniably intriguing device that showcases Lenovo's willingness to experiment. For users who genuinely need both a Windows laptop and a capable Android tablet, it offers a compelling all-in-one solution. However, the high price tag, limited port selection, and some integration quirks mean it's not for everyone.
This bold hybrid represents an exciting step in mobile computing evolution, even if it may not be the perfect solution for most users just yet.