Lenovo’s Project Crystal: A Transparent MicroLED Laptop Concept that Challenges the Future of Display Technology

Lenovo’s Project Crystal, a concept device commissioned by its ThinkPad division, is a breathtaking example of science fiction coming to life. This laptop, which is believed to be the world’s first to feature a transparent microLED display, is an intriguing exploration of the potential of this emerging technology and its integration with artificial intelligence (AI).

The most apparent use case for Project Crystal’s transparent display is in sharing information. Imagine a doctor’s office or a hotel desk where you can reverse the display via software, allowing anyone on the other side to see it while receiving an in-depth explanation. Lenovo envisions that when combined with the camera built into the rear of the system, there could be potential AR applications. For instance, using the camera to identify an object and overlay a diagram or schematic on top of it for troubleshooting or repair.

Transparent microLED displays are currently expensive, with these panels typically reserved for cutting-edge gadgets like Samsung’s The Wall or Apple’s Vision Pro. See-through versions have only been seen as concepts, such as the transparent microLED TV Samsung showcased at CES 2024. In person, the transparency effect is mesmerizing. When closed or when its display is off, Project Crystal’s screen resembles an ordinary piece of glass with a slight brownish tint. However, at a moment’s notice, the whole thing lights up like a battleship. The nominal brightness goes all the way up to 1,000 nits, with Lenovo claiming peaks can go as high as 3,000 nits, making it brighter than the new Galaxy S24 family. Despite being made of multiple layers, the panel is extremely thin, blurring the line between the digital and analog worlds. Lenovo is also considering adding some sort of contrast layer, enabling it to turn into a traditional opaque display at the touch of a button.

However, the laptop’s keyboard is a work in progress. Instead of a traditional keyboard, Project Crystal features one of Lenovo’s touch-based replacements, similar to those on older Yoga Books. Unfortunately, it still suffers from the same issues. The most obvious example is that your hands drift while typing due to the lack of tactile feedback, leading to decreased accuracy. Lenovo believes AI may be able to address this issue in the future by learning a person’s typing habits and using that information to account for hand movements straying from the home row. However, at present, it remains a problem.

The rest of the laptop is still very much a work in progress. I only saw two ports on the entire system, which would be a significant drawback for a notebook of this size. Project Crystal is also based on a last-gen CPU, while other components, such as its hinge, were weak, causing the screen to threaten to close whenever it tilted below 90 degrees. Additionally, the laptop seemed to build up a static charge, shocking people who touched its display.

Project Crystal is a solution in search of a problem. A problem that does exist in niche situations and may be an issue worth tackling more seriously down the line. However, it serves an essential purpose by challenging us to think about what is possible with emerging display technology and how it might fit into a laptop of the future.

As we continue to explore the world of technology, it is essential to keep an open mind and consider the possibilities that lie ahead. Lenovo’s Project Crystal is a testament to the power of innovation and the potential of emerging technologies like transparent microLED displays and AI integration. It is a reminder that the future is not set in stone and that we have the power to shape it through our curiosity and ingenuity.

In conclusion, Lenovo’s Project Crystal is a stunning concept device that pushes the boundaries of what is possible with display technology and AI integration. While it may not have a clear-cut use case at present, it challenges us to think about the future of laptops and the role that emerging technologies will play in shaping them. As we continue to explore the world of technology, it is essential to keep an open mind and consider the possibilities that lie ahead. Lenovo’s Project Crystal is a testament to the power of innovation and the potential of emerging technologies like transparent microLED displays and AI integration. It is a reminder that the future is not set in stone and that we have the power to shape it through our curiosity and ingenuity.

Lenovo’s Project Crystal: A Transparent MicroLED Laptop Concept that Challenges the Future of Display Technology. This article explores the concept of Lenovo’s Project Crystal, a laptop with a transparent microLED display, and its potential applications, challenges, and implications for the future of display technology and AI integration. The article also emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind and considering the possibilities that lie ahead in the world of technology.