Lenovo has unveiled a new design approach for its flagship ThinkPad laptops, reversing a trend toward increasingly unrepairable devices. At CES 2026, the company showcased the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition and ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 11 Aura Edition, both featuring a modular “Space Frame” design that allows for user-accessible component replacement.
The Problem with Modern Laptops
For years, laptop manufacturers have prioritized thinness, lightness, and cost reduction by soldering components to the motherboard and using adhesives to secure batteries. This has made laptops cheaper and more compact, but virtually impossible for users to repair or upgrade themselves. Replacing even a simple component like a fan or battery often requires specialized tools and expertise, frequently resulting in e-waste when a single part fails.
Space Frame: A Return to Repairability
The Space Frame design changes this. Both new ThinkPad models allow for easy replacement of the battery, keyboard, fans, speakers, and even USB ports. Lenovo has made this possible by redesigning the chassis to allow full access to internal components by simply removing the bottom panel and keyboard.
“This is a significant step toward reducing e-waste and increasing the longevity of high-end laptops,” says industry analyst Mark Tanner. “For years, users have been forced to replace entire devices when a single part fails. Lenovo’s move challenges that status quo.”
Key Specifications and Sustainability Efforts
While RAM remains soldered – meaning upgrades are not possible after purchase – the Space Frame design focuses on repairability for frequently failing components. The new models also incorporate sustainable materials:
- Up to 75% recycled aluminum in the chassis.
- 90% recycled magnesium in internal components.
- Completely plastic-free packaging.
Internally, the ThinkPads feature Intel’s Core Ultra X7 Series 3 processors with integrated Intel Arc B390 graphics, up to 64GB of LPDDR5x RAM (soldered), and a 2TB SSD. Both models boast a 2.8K OLED display and a 10-megapixel webcam. The X1 Carbon weighs 2.2 pounds, while the 2-in-1 version comes in at 2.6 pounds.
Availability and Pricing
The Space Frame ThinkPads will be available in March 2026, with the X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition starting at $1,999 and the X1 2-in-1 Gen 11 Aura Edition beginning at $2,149.
Lenovo’s decision to prioritize repairability marks a notable shift in the laptop industry, potentially setting a new standard for sustainability and user control. The company’s new Space Frame design not only extends the lifespan of these devices but also addresses growing consumer concerns about planned obsolescence and electronic waste.
