By Lenovo’s Think Book Plus Gen 5 Hybrid ($2,464.99 as tested) takes 2-in-1 laptops to the next level by combining two devices into one: a Windows 11 laptop and an Android tablet. With its detachable base station, the device enables effortless switching between the two operating systems. Moreover, when connected to an external monitor via the base station, both systems can operate simultaneously, offering unparalleled multitasking capabilities.
While the Think Book Plus Gen 5 delivers innovative functionality, it does have some drawbacks, including less-than-ideal software integration between Windows and Android and a relatively hefty carry weight. Nevertheless, this hybrid device is a remarkable engineering feat that offers unique features, making it stand out from any other device on the market.
Configuration and Design: One Laptop, Two Computers
At first glance, this Think Book looks like a regular 14-inch 2-in-1 laptop, but when the screen is tilted vertically, the lid can detach from the base and work independently as an Android tablet. Meanwhile, the base station is still a functioning PC—simply connect a monitor. Lenovo even includes an easel-like stand for the tablet and a digital pen for inking.
Hybrid Concept
This hybrid concept aims at more seamless multitasking between operating systems, particularly when traveling, as the Think Book occupies less space than carrying both a laptop and a tablet. However, from a cost perspective, the Think Book is as expensive, if not more so, than purchasing a laptop and an Android tablet separately, even when it’s on sale. (I saw it discounted to $2,044 during the review period.) For example, an HP Pavilion Plus 14 ($899.99 as tested) and a premium Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra ($919.99 as tested) together would be cheaper.
Think Book is well-suited
In terms of performance, the Think Book is well-suited for demanding tasks with its Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, Intel Arc integrated graphics, 32GB of memory, and 1TB solid-state drive. The Android tablet is also highly capable, powered by Android 13 on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 CPU, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. This is the only available configuration for either half of the system.
The Think Book is notably heavy, with the base station weighing 2.14 pounds and the tablet 1.73 pounds, totaling 3.87 pounds—well above our three-pound threshold for an ultraportable. The lid holds much of this weight, more than typical laptops. Additionally, while its 12.3-by-8.8-inch dimensions are typical for a 14-inch laptop, it’s thicker than most 14-inchers at 0.63 inch, with 0.26 inch of that in the lid.
Think Book has a somewhat bulky design
Although the Think Book has a somewhat bulky design, its Luna Grey chassis has a clean, professional look and is well-constructed. The aluminum that covers every surface is tough and resilient to flexing or bending.
Lenovo’s port selection is limited to two Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) ports, one on each edge, plus a 3.5mm audio jack on the left edge. The tablet portion itself has no accessible ports when it’s connected to the base station, though it does have a USB Type-C port along its bottom edge that can charge it independently. When the base station and the tablet are connected, either Thunderbolt 4 port on the base station works for charging, with the batteries in both the tablet and base station drawing power simultaneously. Both the base station and the tablet have Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
Using the Think Book Plus Gen 5 Hybrid: Two Slick Systems in Need of Deeper Connection
Aside from its heavier-than-normal weight and thicker tablet screen, this Think Book can easily pass for a regular Windows laptop. It feels like one in daily use, and a casual observer would never know the screen portion is an Android tablet.
This Think Book’s 14-inch OLED display is a stunner, with exceptional picture quality, ultra-high brightness, and rich colors. It supports touch and includes a pen for inking. The only potential downside is its 2,880-by-1,800-pixel resolution, which results in a 16:10 aspect ratio. While it works well for laptop use, it feels narrow for tablet use, where a squarer 3:2 aspect ratio is preferable.
To detach the tablet, you need to open the device like a laptop, tilt the lid vertically, and then pull it upright. If it’s not in the upright position, the screen remains locked and can’t be removed. Magnets along the base help guide it back into place for reconnection, and it clicks securely with a satisfying snap.
Lenovo makes file sharing between the tablet and base station straightforward with an A: drive, providing 23.9GB of shared space accessible by both devices. Pairing the devices is required beforehand, and Lenovo includes a step-by-step guide in the shared folder. Additionally, a dedicated Hybrid Folder app allows easy access to copied files on the tablet.
Hybrid Stream app offers
The Hybrid Stream app offers the ability to emulate the Android tablet within Windows, creating an operating system within an operating system. While this feature is slightly sluggish, it adds versatility. However, with the convenience of the unique star key (located above the plus key) that switches the entire device to Android mode in about a second, Hybrid Stream feels less essential in daily use.
Despite options for file streaming and sharing, deeper integration between Windows and Android remains limited. For example, wireless network connections aren’t shared, meaning you must connect to the same network separately on both systems.
Another minor inconvenience is the continuity of work between systems. When the tablet connects to the base station, the display always defaults back to Windows. If you wish to continue working in Android, you’ll need to manually switch modes. While not a major issue, a configurable option to retain the active operating system would have been a thoughtful addition.
Testing the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid: It’s a PC—or Is It?
I’m evaluating the ThinkPad Plus Gen 5 Hybrid in its only available configuration, which includes an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor (16 total cores, 4.8GHz turbo, 28W base power), Intel Arc integrated graphics, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. The RAM isn’t up-gradable, but the base station’s bottom cover is removable for SSD upgrades and battery swaps.
Battery and Display Tests
We test each laptop and tablet’s battery life by playing a locally stored 720p video file (the open-source Blender movie Tears of Steel) with display brightness at 50% and audio volume at 100%. We make sure the battery is fully charged before the test, with Wi-Fi and keyboard backlighting turned off.
To gauge display performance, we also use a Data-color Snyder Elite monitor calibration sensor and its Windows software to measure a laptop screen’s color saturation—what percentage of the sRGB, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3 color gamut’s or palettes the display can show—and its 50% and peak brightness in nits (candelas per square meter).
