Lenovo 2-in-1 bizarrely switches from Windows to Android when it’s detached

The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid laptop mode plugged into a keyboard and Android mode being used as a notepad

The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid laptop mode plugged into a keyboard and Android mode being used as a notepad

Lenovo’s latest 2-in-1 laptop may be a step too far, merging both Windows and Android into one bizarre device. Dubbed the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid, the latest attempt in perfecting the 2-in-1 laptop tries to have its cake and eat it too.

Shown off during CES 2024, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid works as a normal Windows laptop while it’s connected to its keyboard. However, when it’s removed from its bottom half, the device switches to an Android OS that offers a better touch experience.

This means that the two halves of the device are also powered by different hardware. In Windows 11 mode, the Lenovo 2-in-1 is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. However, when the device is in Android mode, it is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 processor, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of flash storage.

Both halves of the devices also have their own batteries. The lower-powered Android half uses a 38Whr cell, whereas the beefier Windows half uses a 75Whr battery.

As the device uses the same screen for both modes, Lenovo has opted for a snazzy panel to use. The tablet side boasts a stunning 14-inch 2.8K OLED panel that can be used for gaming, presentations, video watching and more.

The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid on a white background
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Of course, the general issue with sharing two operating systems is the main problem with the new Lenovo 2-in-1. The two systems cannot communicate with each other, meaning no sharing files without manually popping them onto an external USB first.

As you are essentially buying two completely separate devices in one frame, the price of Lenovo’s experimental ThinkBook does match that. Costing $1,999, the unique 2-in-1 is being sold at a premium, and we can’t imagine that many people running out to buy it.

For more CES 2024 news, check out the reveal of the Hyperkin Xbox DuchesS controller, Samsung’s 2024 TV lineup and more.