In a world where laptop makers promise "all-day battery life" but often neglect to mention that this is achievable only with the screen off and the processor practically hibernating, power banks have become essential survival gear for users on the move.
Lenovo, best known for its boxy and rather dull ThinkPad laptops, is trying to ease that battery anxiety with the ThinkPlus 140W Smart Laptop Power Bank, promising to spare users from fighting over the last available outlet at the neighborhood coffee shop.
Design: Industrial with a tech edge
This is a hefty portable charger clearly aimed at users carrying a mobile workstation, a demanding gaming laptop or simply a laptop and smartphone that require serious power on the go.
Its industrial design combines an intriguing semi-transparent, cyberpunk-inspired look that exposes circuit boards with a metallic finish, making it immediately clear that this is not just another generic power bank picked up at a supermarket checkout. The question is whether it is a robust engineering solution or a stylish paperweight that will leave users staring at a black screen when it matters most.
In terms of specifications, the charger offers a 20,000mAh capacity and, according to its labeling, is permitted aboard aircraft. It has three ports: two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. Both USB-C ports support 100-watt fast charging input, allowing the battery itself to recharge quickly, while total output across all three ports reaches 140 watts.
A large 2.01-inch color display on the front shows clear readouts, customized settings and real-time monitoring of battery status and power output. The screen supports touch controls, though much of the information it provides will be of limited interest unless users need to monitor charging parameters closely.
It also supports standard charging protocols including PD, PPS and QC. More notably, Lenovo says it is the first charger to incorporate the company's proprietary Legion and Motorola fast-charging protocols, provided users have compatible devices.
The biggest advantage: Mainly for Lenovo users
The main and most innovative feature is Lenovo's hybrid digital charging technology, which can turn the original wall charger into a smart multiport charging hub. In this mode, power from the wall adapter and the internal battery work together to deliver a combined 140 watts, allowing the power bank and connected devices to charge simultaneously without sacrificing speed.
Built-in support for the Legion protocol enables full-speed charging for the company's gaming laptops at 20 volts and 7 amps, along with up to 125 watts for compatible Motorola phones. There is also an adaptive low-current mode designed to protect smaller accessories such as earbuds and smartwatches from excessive charging current.
The drawbacks are mainly physical. At about 430 grams, the device is a fairly heavy brick that will add noticeable bulk to a backpack. The metallic finish and transparent components, while futuristic in appearance, also tend to pick up scratches and fingerprints easily in everyday use.
Its peak charging advantages are also largely reserved for Lenovo and Motorola users. Owners of devices from other brands are more likely to receive standard charging speeds.
ThinkPlus 140W Smart Laptop Power Bank
(Photo: Lenovo)
Bottom line
The Lenovo ThinkPlus 140W is an impressive portable power station aimed at professionals and gamers unwilling to compromise on access to power. The battery is available in Israel through major computer retailers such as KSP and importers' websites, with an official price generally ranging from 299 to 349 shekels.
For users looking for a reliable solution and unconcerned about carrying extra weight, it is a worthwhile investment. At around 300 shekels, it competes directly with the Anker Prime 20,000mAh and the Baseus Blade 100W.
Anker offers a more established brand and a more compact design, but Lenovo has an edge with its much more detailed 2.01-inch display and its unique hybrid capability, which lets the power bank work together with a wall charger.
Baseus, by contrast, offers a flatter, slimmer design that slips more easily into a bag. Lenovo, however, provides better voltage stability and support for proprietary charging protocols used by modern PCs and Android devices, giving it an advantage for professional users.