Lenovo Redefines Laptop Innovation at CES 2026
With its array of different laptops unveiled at CES 2026, Lenovo has redefined its standing among technology brands. From high-performance workstations through a refresh on its premium ultrabooks with repairability taken into consideration to an upgrade on consumer machines, to a Chromebook with a larger display, and finally to futuristic designs with a rollable display concept, the announcements have run the gamut.
Lenovo ThinkPad X9 15p Aura Edition: Performance First
Lenovo has redefined the ThinkPad X9 series by launching the X9 15p Aura Edition. This model has performance capability that is pitched against that of performance laptops, such as the Apple MacBook Pro, leaving behind its predecessors' efficiency-minded design. Major upgrades are:
- Processor: Intel Panther Lake CPUs, up to Core Ultra X9, 45W TDP.
- Memory: Up to 64 GB LPDDR5X-9600 RAM.
- Display: 15.3-inch 16:10 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED.
- Ports & Features: Complementing the existing ports will be the addition of a full-size SD card slot. The six-speaker system is now front-facing; the webcam has been upgraded to 10 MP.
- Battery: 88 Wh.
The ThinkPad X9 15p Aura Edition will be available beginning March 2026, with a price starting from $1,999.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14: A New Focus on Repairability
The iconic X1 Carbon gets a hefty redesign to the Gen 14 Aura Edition, with features that favor repair. The new "Space Frame" construction by Lenovo separates the keyboard from the main structure for easier replacement. The USB-C ports are also now modular.
- Processor: Intel Panther Lake Core Ultra X7 processors, with improved cooling, that can deliver the sustained performance of up to 30W.
- Memory: Up to 64 GB soldered LPDDR5X-9600 RAM.
- Design: Weighs under 1 kg (in selected configurations), has a redefined keyboard layout, and introduced a third USB-C port.
- Webcam: Upgraded to a 10 MP sensor.
The X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition is launching in March 2026, starting at $1,999.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 11: Pen Storage Solved
Rectifying feedback from the prior models, the X1 2-in-1 Gen 11 Aura Edition implements a new way to store the digitizer pen, which now attaches and charges magnetically under the front edge of the palm rest. It adheres to the repair-friendly "Space Frame" design of the X1 Carbon.
- Processor: Up to Intel Core Ultra X7 (Panther Lake) with 30W sustained performance.
- Memory & Storage: Up to 64 GB soldered LPDDR5X RAM and up to 2 TB PCIe 5.0 storage.
- Weight: Starts at 1.18 kg, reduced from the previous generation.
This convertible will be available in March 2026, starting at $2,149.
Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i: Mainstream Power Refresh
The IdeaPad Pro 5i receives a substantial performance bump from Intel's latest hardware. This machine is intended for creative work and heavy workloads.
- Processor: Up to an Intel Core Ultra X9 388H (Panther Lake).
- Graphics: Configurable with an Nvidia RTX 5060 Laptop GPU.
- Display: Options include a 16-inch 2.8K (2880x1800) OLED display with DisplayHDR TrueBlack 1000 certification.
- Storage: Comprises two M.2 SSD slots.
- Battery: 99 Wh maximum.
The refreshed IdeaPad Pro 5i is expected in Q2 2026, starting from $1,699.
Lenovo Chromebook Plus i 15: A Larger ChromeOS Experience
Big-screen lovers, welcome the Lenovo Chromebook Plus i 15.
- Processor: Intel Core i3-N355.
- Display: IPS display, 15.3 inches, 1920 by 1200, with an optional 120 Hz touchscreen variant.
- Memory & Storage: 8 GB LPDDR5 RAM and up to 256 GB of UFS storage.
- Battery: 65 Wh battery is rated for up to 11 hours.
Features include a full-size keyboard with a numpad, a fingerprint reader, and a 5 MP webcam with a privacy shutter. Expected in Q2 2026, with starting price at $469.99.
A Glimpse into the Future: The ThinkPad Rollable XD Concept
Lenovo also demonstrated the ThinkPad Rollable XD, a proof-of-concept design with a display that expands in the vertical. This investigates adaptive screen layouting for tasks like coding or editing documents without increasing the laptop footprint when closed. Lenovo declared this as part of its research into flexible form factors, and so there are no hardware specifications, pricing, or plans for commercial release announced yet.
