Lenovo’s Project Crystal, touted as the world’s first laptop with a transparent microLED display, presents a futuristic and unique design. Commissioned by Lenovo’s ThinkPad division as a concept device, Project Crystal aims to explore the potential applications of transparent microLED panels and AI integration. The transparent display could find practical use cases in settings like doctor’s offices or hotel desks, where information sharing becomes seamless without the need to physically flip the screen. The technology enables reversible displays through software, and the integrated rear camera allows for potential augmented reality (AR) applications, such as object identification and overlaying diagrams for troubleshooting.
Despite being a concept without immediate plans for retail production, Project Crystal showcases Lenovo’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of display technology. Transparent microLED displays are typically expensive and reserved for cutting-edge gadgets, making Project Crystal a pioneering example. The laptop’s transparency effect is striking, resembling ordinary glass when closed or off but transforming into a vibrant display when active. With a nominal brightness of up to 1,000 nits (peaking at 3,000 nits), the display achieves a captivating luminosity. The thin profile of the multiple-layered panel blurs the line between the digital and analog worlds, creating an immersive visual experience.
In terms of design, Project Crystal introduces a touch-based keyboard, reminiscent of Lenovo’s older Yoga Books. However, the touch-based input system has challenges, such as hand drifting while typing due to the lack of tactile feedback. Lenovo suggests that AI may address this issue in the future by learning users’ typing habits. The laptop’s current state shows room for improvement, with only two ports, an outdated CPU, and a weak hinge. Additionally, the laptop seems to accumulate a static charge, occasionally causing shocks to users touching the display.
Project Crystal emerges as a solution seeking unique applications, sparking thoughts about the possibilities of emerging display technology in future laptops. While it may not address immediate needs, it serves as a catalyst for exploring the potential of transparent microLED displays and their integration with AI in the evolving landscape of computing.
