Generally, the tech world provides us one thing that is conceptually very cool — except you concentrate on it for greater than 5 seconds. That is precisely what Lenovo did at MWC 2024.

The parents behind the ThinkBook model showcased a totally clear laptop computer on the Barcelona-based tech present. Known as the “Lenovo ThinkBook Clear Show Laptop computer” (catchy title), it is precisely what it feels like: a laptop computer with a show that you could totally see via.

And see via it, you completely can. I obtained to place my eyes and fingers on the idea gadget and I can safely report that it’s, certainly, a clear laptop computer. However it left me with extra questions than solutions.

For transparency’s sake

From the facet.
Credit score: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

However first, let’s speak specs. Lenovo did not give us a full spec sheet for the gadget, most likely as a result of it is a idea that’s explicitly not meant for any sort of mass manufacturing. Nevertheless, there are some things to chew on.

First, it has a really giant 17.3-inch microLED show with as much as 1,000 nits of peak brightness. It additionally has 55 p.c mild transmittance from behind. In different phrases, you’ll be able to see about half the quantity of sunshine from the opposite facet that you could see from the entrance.

YouTube video enjoying on Lenovo’s clear laptop computer
Credit score: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

It additionally ran Home windows 11. There’s additionally a digicam working alongside the bottom of the laptop computer that faces away from the display screen, relatively than a standard user-facing webcam. Lenovo gave us a fast demo the place the digicam was in a position to take a look at a flower and use generative AI to provide us flower details.

This is what the Home windows 11 desktop appears like on Lenovo’s clear laptop computer.
Credit score: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The 2 most attention-grabbing issues in regards to the Clear Show Laptop computer are (after all) its transparency and its keyboard. Sure, you’ll be able to totally see what somebody is doing on the display screen from the opposite facet of the gadget. There isn’t any privateness to talk of — by default. Lenovo instructed us there is a privateness filter that makes the opposite facet of the display screen opaque, however that function wasn’t proven within the demo.

It is also price mentioning that actually every other present laptop computer already does that by advantage of not being clear.

You’ll be able to watch movies on the display screen, however the transparency continues to be very noticeable.
Credit score: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

As for the keyboard, it is not the standard, tactile one we’re all used to. As an alternative, it has a digital interface. Though it is sort of cool in that it appears like Tron, the adjustment interval for such an untraditional keyboard will take a while. It isn’t my desire, personally. Nevertheless, one cool factor you are able to do is flip off the keyboard and switch the underside half of the gadget into one large touchpad.

However nonetheless, the transparency is the factor that issues most right here. Lenovo’s Clear Show Laptop computer is spectacular from a tech standpoint — and it is neat that there is a actual gadget (albeit one which’s not on the market) that appears prefer it got here from Mass Impact. Nevertheless, because it stands now, there is not an apparent use case for it. I simply do not suppose anybody out there may be actually craving for a laptop computer that gives zero privateness by design.

An app launched on Lenovo’s ThinkBook Clear Show Laptop computer.
Credit score: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Nonetheless, tech commerce reveals are nice for seeing wacky ideas like this. We’re on the bottom at MWC 2024. Keep tuned for different wild tech that stem from the Barcelona-based showcase.