Table of Contents
Engadget explored various categories of foldable gadgets, examining how flexible displays and novel designs are transforming personal technology for travel and everyday use.
Laptops and Dual-Screen Computers
While historic clamshell computers date back more than 40 years to devices like the 1981 Osborne 1 and 1982 Grid Compass, contemporary foldables feature dual displays, flexible screens, or rollable panels. Although these notebooks remain a niche market largely due to high prices and unusual designs, several manufacturers have produced them. ASUS introduced the Zenbook 17 Fold in 2022 and later shifted to dual-screen models like the Zenbook Duo series and the ROG Zephyrus Duo gaming laptop. HP released the Spectre Fold in 2023, while Lenovo developed systems such as the ThinkPad X1 Fold and the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable alongside various concept devices.
Smartphones and Mobile Handsets
Foldable smartphones have existed for nearly a decade, beginning with the original Samsung Galaxy Fold. Samsung has since advanced its Z Fold line to the eighth generation, while competitors like Google, Motorola, and Apple with the iPhone Duo have entered the market, alongside various Chinese-made models and flip-style devices. While large book-style devices serve as both standard smartphones and small tablets that fit into pockets or purses, high prices starting at least $1,800 remain a major barrier to widespread adoption.
Mice and Computer Accessories
Foldable computer mice date back to the original Microsoft Arc introduced in 2008, which was revised multiple times into the current Surface Arc Mouse. Logitech entered this category with its Mobi Fold mouse, and alternative designs include the myAir.0 OriMouse.
Headphones and Portable Monitors
While folding headphones offer limited audio benefits compared to traditional designs, models like Audio-Technica’s M50x line and the Beats Solo 4 feature headbands that bend or collapse for easier travel. In portable monitors, ASUS developed the ZenScreen Fold, offering a large screen size similar to the Zenbook 17 Fold without internal computing components. However, its starting price of $2,000 limited its popularity. Additionally, desktop monitors such as the Corsair Xeneon Flex and LG LX3 feature adjustable flexible displays that transition from flat screens to curved panels.
Other portable accessories include folding dongles and wireless charging pads, rounding out a market where flexible designs enhance device portability.
