In the ThinkPad lineup, the Yoga series occupies a special category: convertible machines — a laptop with a touchscreen that transforms into a tablet thanks to the 360° hinge. It's a distinct vision for mobile work, developed consistently for over a decade.

Four Modes of Use - The Core of Yoga

• Laptop mode - Classic work with full keyboard
• Tent mode - Screen folded into a "tent" shape; great for presentations across a table from a client
• Stand mode - Keyboard folded back, screen like a monitor; comfortable for touchscreen work and viewing
• Tablet mode - Full 360°, holding the device like a tablet

The Lift'n'Lock Mechanism

This solution sets Yoga apart from other convertible laptops.

As you rotate the screen toward tablet mode, the frame around the keys rises and locks the keyboard — keys disappear beneath a smooth surface, letting you hold the device like a tablet without accidentally pressing anything.

Brilliant engineering, but mechanical — it wears over time.

Stylus and Touchscreen

Many Yoga models support a stylus with Wacom AES technology offering up to 2048 pressure levels, making handwriting feel close to paper. The stylus in many models stores inside the laptop and charges internally — always at hand, no batteries needed. A real tool for doctors, lawyers, salespeople, and designers.

Model History - From 2013 to Today

Predecessor: ThinkPad Twist (S230u, 2012) — Lenovo's early attempt with a screen that rotated horizontally before the 360° hinge arrived.

• ThinkPad Yoga (2013) — First 360° hinge model, 12.5", magnesium chassis, ~1.58 kg
• Yoga 11e (2014) — Rugged, spill-resistant version for education (11.6")
• Yoga 12 / 14 / 15 — Size variants; Yoga 14 optionally offered dedicated NVIDIA graphics
• Yoga 260 and Yoga 370 (2017) — Refined models, most common on the secondhand market today
• X380 Yoga (2018) and X390 Yoga (2019) — Entry of convertibles into the business X series, USB-C instead of Slim Tip
• X13 Yoga Gen 1 and later (2020+) — Successors to the X390 Yoga, Thunderbolt, optional OLED screens

X1 Yoga - The Flagship

ThinkPad X1 Yoga (since 2016) is a 14" convertible with aluminum/magnesium chassis, up to 4K and OLED displays, and Wacom AES digitizer. It's the premium, more powerful cousin to the X13 Yoga — for people who sketch and annotate extensively while expecting a world-class screen.

P40 Yoga - Convertible Workstation

An interesting variant: ThinkPad P40 Yoga (2016) — a 14" convertible with professional NVIDIA Quadro M500M graphics, combining Yoga's flexibility with workstation power for CAD. The hinges were reinforced to handle the heavier build.

The Secondhand Market - Common Issues and Repairs

Leasing-return Yoga laptops are attractive buys, but know their weak points:

• 360° hinges — Can loosen over years (clicking, "wandering" screen)
• Lift'n'Lock mechanism — Plastic parts can crack; often replaced together with keyboard and palmrest
• Touchscreen / digitizer — Sometimes a driver suffices; sometimes the panel needs replacement
• Battery — Capacity degrades noticeably after a few years

A few timely replacements — hinge, battery, stylus — and a used Yoga works as a full-featured tool for years. See ThinkPad Yoga parts

Not looking for Yoga? Check out how T, L, and E series differ — the most common secondhand ThinkPads.

Looking for parts for your convertible ThinkPad (hinge, stylus, touchscreen, keyboard, battery)? Send us your serial number — we'll find the exact component you need.