Analyst(s): Olivier Blanchard
Publication Date: September 13, 2024
What Is Covered in This Article:
- Overview of the commercial laptops unveiled by Lenovo in Berlin
- Notes on early signs of semiconductor differentiation
- Pros & cons summary
The News: At the Lenovo Innovation World 2024 event just ahead of the IFA show in Berlin, Lenovo announced the newest additions to its commercial laptop portfolios, aimed at the enterprise and SMB segments. The new AI PCs – additions to the Lenovo Copilot+ PC portfolio – are designed to enhance user productivity and creativity through the power of AI. These new products promise to help business professionals enhance productivity and accelerate daily tasks through a seamless blend of performance and new AI-enabled user-centric features.
New Professional Copilot+ PCs Launch at Lenovo Innovation World 2024
Analyst Take: At a special event hosted in Berlin, Lenovo unveiled a series of AI-enabled PCs, among them the premium Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition laptop powered by Intel’s new Lunar Lake Core Ultra processors, the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, the all new ThinkBook 16 Gen 7+ powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI processors, and the ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 powered by Qualcomm’s brand new Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor.
Lenovo also announced AI PC Fast Start, a solution designed to help organizations swiftly transition to AI-ready devices, maximizing ROI through AI-powered advisory and simplified deployment. These services accelerate AI adoption and ensure seamless implementation.
The relevance of AI PC devices is expected to rise, with over 60% of PCs shipped by 2027 anticipated to be AI-capable. Lenovo’s AI PCs aim to significantly change user experiences through natural interactions, personalized LLMs, and advanced computing architectures, making computing more personal, productive, and safe.
Just like its consumer-facing releases, Lenovo’s portfolio of Copilot+ and Copilot+ ready AI PCs now includes not only Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X and AMD’s Ryzen 300 AI processors, which we were already familiar with, but Intel’s brand new Lunar Lake Core Ultra processors, which officially launched only a few days ago.
With the AI PC silicon trinity now complete, Lenovo’s task will be to help the SMB and enterprise market make sense of what processors, configurations, and price-points will best serve their needs.
Intel and Lenovo’s “Aura Edition” Partnership Brings Usefully Differentiated Features to AI PCs
Lenovo also introduced a new differentiator for its premium Intel Core Ultra Copilot+ PCs, dubbed “Lenovo Aura Edition.” Designed in a multi-year collaboration with Intel, and resulting from feedback of more than 10,000 users around the world, Aura Edition laptops will deliver an exclusive set of AI-enabled features unique to Lenovo and only available on Lunar Lake Core Ultra 9 laptops. These features, also called “Smart Modes,” adapt to user needs by dynamically adjusting performance and system settings, providing optimal conditions for any activity. They include:
- Attention Mode: When productivity is paramount, Attention Mode allows users to specifically block distracting websites so they can focus on the task at hand.
- Wellness: Includes eye wellness and posture warning features that fight off fatigue and remind users to take breaks, helping keep eye health and posture at top of mind when they are in the zone.
- Collaboration Tools: A suite of settings designed to enhance video call experiences, including low light enhancement, virtual presenter, and background blur, that increase clarity and comfort when working together with others.
- Shield Mode: Focuses on safeguarding privacy with features such as privacy alerts, privacy guard, and auto prompt VPN to help ensure safety and security when working with sensitive information.
- Battery Optimizations: When computing away from a power outlet, battery life is paramount. Users have rapid access to power settings to help optimize battery life and performance, maximizing the time between charges.
- Smart Share: Enables seamless AI-driven image sharing between smartphones and laptops. Users can effortlessly tap a supported smartphone on the screen’s edge, prompting the laptop to automatically launch the Smart Share app on both devices, allowing for a simple drag-and-drop transfer of recent photos (up to 45). The feature, which leverages Intel Unison, supports both Android and IOS platforms.
- Smart Care: Offers real-time support and troubleshooting from real-life Lenovo technicians, accessible both via PC and phone. Via Lenovo’s Premium Care Service, users can live chat or call support for assistance that also offers concierge level support.
Overview of the Commercial Laptops Unveiled by Lenovo in Berlin
Let’s dig into the roster of new professional laptops that Lenovo announced in Berlin.
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition: This featherlight (850 g) 14” flagship laptop was the most impressive of the laptops I had the opportunity to spend time with in Berlin. For starters, it is insanely light. It almost feels like a display sample. That’s how impossibly light it feels compared to any other laptop. But it is also packed with innovative technologies designed to personalize and simplify user interaction with their devices.
Engineered with AI-enhanced capabilities and co-developed with Intel, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition promises exceptional performance, long battery life, and a more intelligent and immersive user experience, which is good because the price-point is steep. You do get what you pay for in this case. The X1 Carbon is always an exceptional laptop, but this one, even more so.
The new ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition (yes, it’s a bit of a long-winded nomenclature) builds on Lenovo’s legacy of delivering premium business laptops. Powered by the new Lunar Lake Core Ultra processor 9, it promises amazing scale in AI computing, massive improvements in power efficiency, and outstanding AI performance, which spreads the load between the NPU and Core Ultra 9’s impressive GPU, depending on the use case.
Key features include enhanced UX, thanks to Intel’s Arc Xe graphics and integrated NPU, which delivers up to 48 TOPS, a premium Haptic TouchPad option integrating the classic three-button TrackPoint and up to a 14” 2.8k OLED Dolby Vision display with anti-glare surface treatment and a switchable 120Hz refresh rate. It will support Copilot+ PC features when available from Microsoft (scheduled for November), and of course includes a Copilot keyboard key. The 57-Wh battery promises more than 18 hours of battery life, ensuring professionals can remain productive throughout the day thanks to incredible power efficiency, but let me add a bit of a caveat there: Depending on which workloads, AI or otherwise, fire up the GPU instead of the NPU, that battery performance may vary wildly. Caution ahead whenever we talk about “battery life” hours on high-performance laptops equipped with beefy GPUs.
The new X1 Carbon also features Wi-Fi 7 support and optional 5G (sub-6GHz) connectivity. It also includes I/O ports (2x USB-A, 2x ThunderboltTM 4, and 1x HDMI), which is to be expected on this particular device.
To increase its contribution to a circular economy, the new X1 Carbon also includes a customer-replaceable unit (CRU) battery design, which is a very nice touch. Additionally, the materials used include 90% recycled magnesium for the C cover, and the 100% plastic-free packaging is made from bamboo and sugarcane. In addition to its recycled materials, it holds certifications such as EPEAT Gold and ENERGY STAR® 9.0.
The ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 AMD: The new ThinkPad T14s was reengineered to meet the demands of modern professionals and aims to position itself as the gold standard in AMD-powered corporate laptops. AMD’s Ryzen AI processor delivers a 3X performance boost over its predecessor, with its Zen 5 core and AMD Radeon graphics promising responsiveness, swift multitasking, and lightning-fast content creation. AMD PRO technology also enables world-class security, enterprise-grade quality, and faster deployment.
Key features include a redesigned thermal architecture with rear exhaust to ensure optimal cooling and performance, especially when sitting on the user’s lap. 3M DBEF5 technology also increases the base WUXGA panels to 400 nits for better display brightness while also reducing power consumption. The adoption of industry-standard Ctrl-Fn key positioning and Lenovo’s innovative Communications Bar housing a 5MP camera offer more immersive and intuitive user experiences.
On the connectivity side, it supports Wi-Fi 7 and 5G sub-6GHz 7, and includes legacy ports such as 2x USB-A, 2x TBT4, HDMI, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
Powered by next-generation AMD Ryzen AI PRO processors with new Radeon integrated graphics and an AI Engine (NPU) built-in, the ThinkPad T14s will support Copilot+ PC experiences as soon as it becomes available.
With up to 64GB of LPDDR5x dual channel memory, it is built for all-day battery life, delivering more than 17 hours on MM25 battery life benchmarks. Styled in a 16:10 display-optimized form factor with an 88% screen-to-body ratio, the T14s weighs 2.86 lbs (1.3 kg) and is 16.9 mm thin.
To help organizations meet sustainability standards, its design makes use of post-consumer content (PCC) plastics in select components and 30% recycled carbon fiber in the top cover, 90% recycled magnesium in the keyboard frame, and 55% recycled aluminum in the bottom cover. ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 AMD also comes with plastic-free packaging using FSC certified paper, and holds certifications such as EPEAT Gold, TCO, and ENERGY STAR 9.0.
The ThinkBook 16 Gen 7+: Lenovo’s ThinkBook 16 Gen 7+ is a premium AI-powered laptop designed to enhance productivity and creative expression. It features the advanced AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 10-core/20-thread processor for up to 50 TOPS capability, delivering next-gen AI performance and exceptional speed for multitasking and content creation. The ThinkBook 16 Gen 7+ will receive free updates to Copilot+ PC experiences when available (expected in November). Users will be able to leverage their preferred AI-accelerated tools for generating content, automating workflows, and handling complex tasks efficiently, optimizing everyday work with advanced machine learning services.
The ThinkBook 16 Gen 7+ comes with a full spec of I/O ports for a custom workspace, dedicated keys for Lenovo AI features and PC-to-phone collaboration, tactile markers on the keyboard for enhanced accessibility, and Dolby Atmos speakers. Paired with AMD Radeon 880M graphics, it also provides high-resolution visuals via its expansive 3.2K display (featuring a 91% STB ratio). Its hardware-enabled protection, below-the-OS embedded security, and Microsoft Pluton chip-to-cloud technology (for more secured identity and cryptographic services) all speak about its enterprise pedigree.
Its large 85Whr battery promises more than 17 hours of 1080p video playback, eliminating the need to plug in during the workday, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity promises fast, reliable internet access. Overall, the Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7+ does a great job of balancing cutting-edge AI silicon and thoughtful design, making it a good choice for modern professionals seeking to maximize their efficiency and productivity.
The ThinkBook 16 Gen 7: Lenovo positions its new ThinkBook 16 Gen 7, as “a state-of-the-art Copilot+ PC laptop designed to revolutionize productivity and creative expression for modern professionals.” What I see is a no-nonsense Copilot+ PC powered by Qualcomm’s brand new Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor, which despite being the most budget-friendly processor in the Snapdragon X family, still delivers 45 TOPS NPU to accelerate AI-enabled tasks and business applications. This means enhanced productivity and creative expression, with Snapdragon X’s incredible energy efficiency but without breaking the IT department’s budget. Users should expect 20+ hours of battery life from the 84Whr battery, and outstanding collaboration UX thanks to specialized hardware cores for AI tasks and camera image signal processing.
It’s fairly thin (16 mm) and features a larger TouchPad, even with a 16” display (91.3% screen-to-body ratio). It also features enhanced Lenovo Pro Sound with super-linear speakers and Dolby Atmos audio. Lenovo provides predictably robust security with hardware-enabled features, below-the-OS embedded security, and Microsoft Pluton’s chip-to-cloud technology for more secure identity and cryptographic services.
Pros and Cons of Lenovo’s New Professional Laptop Roster
Pro #1: Silicon Diversity in AI PCs – I really like that Lenovo is embracing the new silicon diversity enabled by the transition from pre-AI PCs to AI PCs – especially within the context of the Windows Copilot+ ecosystem. We are finally seeing the rough edges of how PC OEMs think they need to position Qualcomm, AMD, and Intel within their brand and across their product portfolios.
Pro #2: Lenovo’s Hard Bet on Windows Copilot+ PCs – While Intel helped OEM partners release a warmup round of AI-capable PCs around the start of 2024, they weren’t anywhere near what the Windows Copilot+ ecosystem has already delivered to the market. We obviously have Qualcomm’s Arm-based Snapdragon X platform to thank for setting a high bar so quickly and lighting a fire under AMD and Intel’s seats. While I don’t expect all AI PCs to be Copilot+ PCs, the reality of this new category is that Copilot+ PCs, for the foreseeable future, will be the dominant ecosystem in the AI PC segment. Anything outside of it will be… less. Lenovo clearly understands that, and while I wouldn’t put it past PC OEMs – including Lenovo – to release AI-capable PCs at competitive budget-minded price points, Lenovo opted to lead with the Copilot+ category instead of going rogue. This was the right choice.
Pro #3: Unique Differentiation = Clarity of Silicon Value-adds – I don’t know whose idea it was to create an “Aura Edition” for Lenovo’s new flagship Copilot+ PCs powered by Intel’s new Lunar Lake Core Ultra processors – Lenovo or Intel – but it’s clever. I like it a lot. For starters, it highlights the value of Intel’s new silicon by giving users features they can’t get anywhere else. Second, it highlights the unique value proposition of Lenovo by also giving users additional reasons to pick one of their flagship laptops instead of a competitor’s. So essentially, “Aura Edition” answers two critical questions: Why Intel Core Ultra? And why Lenovo laptops? I think that Intel and Lenovo are onto something here, and I hope to see this expand to Lenovo’s flagship Snapdragon and Ryzen powered laptops as well. It will go a long way toward helping users decide which laptop is right for them.
Con #1: Too Many Laptop Configurations Could Make Selection Difficult – AI PCs are new. Copilot+ PCs are new. On-device AI features are new. Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm’s Copilot+ PC processors are new. It’s all new, and buyers – both on the consumer and the commercial side – are going to need a little help navigating specs, features, and the pros and cons of every processor in this expanding silicon ecosystem. Add to that the fact that many of these laptops look fairly similar and have similar names across semiconductor vendors, and mistakes might be made. (Take, for example, the ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 and the ThinkBook 16 Gen 7+, with the former being powered by the mainstream Arm-based Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor and the latter by the more premium x86 AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor. These are VERY different machines, but the average user might initially miss that.) I feel that Lenovo could help its customers a bit by creating clearer differentiation between models, through both design and nomenclature. Nothing major, just a little rethink of how they name and trade-dress their laptops for the Copilot+ PC era.
Con #2: Nomenclature-Creep – Some of these laptop names don’t exactly roll off the tongue. Case in point: “ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition” is a very long name for an 850 g laptop. I would caution Lenovo to keep an eye on what could turn into another friction point for customers navigating an already confusing and intimidating new PC segment. Simple works. Keep these names simple.
Pro/Con: Lenovo’s Constellation of AI PC SKUs – This is both a pro and a con simultaneously. Yes, it’s a paradox, but it works. Let’s start with the con: One could argue that so many SKUs = too many SKUs, and that this creates a problem for buyers and a problem for Lenovo. For buyers, the problem is complexity. Too many options equals too many choices equals too many ways to get it wrong equals too many potential headaches. You don’t want to create anxiety or undue confusion for your customers by having an overly complex inventory, and you certainly don’t want to add any extra friction or hurdle between a customer and a purchase. For Lenovo, the problem is that offering that many SKUs means risk, either by making bets on inventory that might not ever move, or on a degree of supply chain agility that may not meet the demands of high-velocity businesses in 2024. It’s a risk either way.
The pro, however, is that by having such a thorough menu of SKUs, Lenovo positions itself as the “yeah we have that configuration, and it’s in stock” PC OEM, and for customers who know exactly what they want (and for channel partners who like short lead times), especially on the professional laptop side of the segment, that’s a huge market advantage. If the “no risk, no reward” adage holds true, Lenovo’s decision to take that risk could very well pay off.
In Closing
A solid roundup of new commercial Copilot+ PCs for professionals from Lenovo, with a good mix of Qualcomm, AMD, and Intel processors, powerful AI capabilities, and vast battery improvements. Paired with Lenovo’s concurrent pre-IFA consumer-facing laptop announcements, this looks like Lenovo is hitting the ground running just as the PC refresh supercycle is starting to pick up speed. Lenovo may have to refresh its product nomenclature a bit to simplify the shopping experience, but aside from that, this roster looks very promising. And thanks to some additional Intel-Lenovo exclusives, Lenovo looks exceptionally well positioned to capitalize on that refresh cycle early.
One quick last note about that: Given that support for Windows 10 is scheduled to end almost exactly 12 months from now, having a very full menu of Copilot+ PCs from all three Windows PC silicon vendors could be an advantage as Lenovo hits the gas on its commercial PC sales targets in the coming quarters.
Disclosure: The Futurum Group is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.
Analysis and opinions expressed herein are specific to the analyst individually and data and other information that might have been provided for validation, not those of The Futurum Group as a whole.
Other insights from The Futurum Group:
Intel Sticks Lunar Lake Core Ultra Landing as AI PC Race Heats Up
Lenovo’s Vision for the Future: Embracing AI PCs
Lenovo FY Q1: Hybrid AI Drives Profitability and Growth
Author Information
Research Director Olivier Blanchard covers edge semiconductors and intelligent AI-capable devices for Futurum. In addition to having co-authored several books about digital transformation and AI with Futurum Group CEO Daniel Newman, Blanchard brings considerable experience demystifying new and emerging technologies, advising clients on how best to future-proof their organizations, and helping maximize the positive impacts of technology disruption while mitigating their potentially negative effects. Follow his extended analysis on X and LinkedIn.
