Imagine a laptop that doesn't just sit there—it actually follows you around the room, twisting its screen to keep you in view. Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? Well, Lenovo is turning that vision into reality with its ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist, a device that’s as innovative as it is practical. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some see it as a game-changer for presentations, others might question whether it’s just a flashy gimmick. Let’s dive in and decide for ourselves.
Lenovo has a knack for blending the past with the future, and the Gen 7 Auto Twist is no exception. Inspired by its 2012 ThinkPad Twist, this new laptop is designed for the modern workplace. But the real twist? It’s not just about manually rotating the screen anymore. This time, Lenovo has infused AI into the mix, making the screen motorized and capable of tracking your movements—think of it as a physical version of Apple’s Center Stage, but for your laptop. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about convenience; it’s about redefining how we interact with technology in collaborative spaces.
Unlike some of Lenovo’s AI concepts that remain stuck in the prototype phase, the Gen 7 Auto Twist is set to hit the market in June 2026, starting at $1,650. First unveiled as a concept at CES 2024, the final version looks strikingly similar, though Lenovo promises it rotates faster and more quietly. At CES 2026, I got to see it in action, and it was impressive—the screen smoothly followed me as I moved around. It even has an AI-powered mode where the display lights up with two large, kewpie-like eyes, giving the laptop a surprisingly friendly vibe. It’s designed to respond to voice commands too, though the noisy demo floor made it hard to test fully. That’s a feature I’ll reserve judgment on until I can try it in a quieter setting.
Positioned as a lightweight work laptop (just over 3 pounds), the Gen 7 Auto Twist isn’t a powerhouse—it runs on Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors. Its 14-inch 2.8K OLED display is sharp but not overly bright (500 nits), making it ideal for indoor use. This isn’t a machine for heavy gaming or graphic design; it’s built for professionals who value portability and innovation.
The Gen 7 Auto Twist was just one of many eye-catching laptops Lenovo showcased at CES 2026. Others included the ThinkPad Rollable XD Concept, which features a screen that rises vertically, and the Legion Pro Rollable, a gaming laptop with a horizontally expandable display. Lenovo hasn’t confirmed if these will ever hit the market, but given that the Auto Twist went from concept to reality in just two years, it’s not out of the question.
So, is the Gen 7 Auto Twist a must-have or a nice-to-have? That depends on your needs. If you’re someone who frequently presents or collaborates in meetings, it could be a game-changer. But if you’re more of a solo worker, you might find the rotating screen more of a novelty than a necessity. Here’s the thought-provoking question: As AI continues to merge with hardware, are we moving toward a future where our devices anticipate our needs, or are we overcomplicating simple tasks? Let me know what you think in the comments—I’m curious to hear your take!