Go foldable or go home: All the gadgets you can own that fold
Here’s an overview of some of the most notable folding gadget categories available today.
Flexible displays and novel designs have expanded across a wide range of categories, allowing devices to transform into something else or shrink down to better fit into smaller spaces. Bendy gadgets have become increasingly popular for travel technology kits.
Laptops
While hinged portable computers have existed for decades, contemporary foldables feature out-there designs such as laptops with dual displays, flexible screens, or rollable and expandable panels.
Although high prices and unusual designs keep these laptops from entering the mainstream, several manufacturers offer dual or flexible screens. ASUS released the Zenbook 17 Fold and dual-screen machines like the Zenbook Duo and ROG Zephyrus Duo. HP introduced the Spectre Fold in 2023, while Lenovo developed rollable and flexible display systems including the ThinkPad X1 Fold and ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable.
Smartphones
Foldable smartphones have existed for nearly a decade, beginning with early pioneers like Samsung. Since then, the Z Fold family has matured significantly, accompanied by newer entries from Google, Motorola, and Apple with the iPhone Duo, alongside numerous flip-style devices.
Large-format book-style foldables serve as both a traditional smartphone and a small tablet that fits into a pocket or purse. However, high starting prices remain a prohibitive factor toward long-term adoption.
Mice
Computer mice have included foldable designs for years, dating back to the Microsoft Arc mouse from 2008 and its modern Surface Arc successors. Other options include Logitech's Mobi Fold mouse and the myAir.0 OriMouse.
Headphones
Numerous headphones feature headbands that bend in half or collapse for easier travel, such as the Audio-Technica M50x line and the Beats Solo 4.
Portable monitors
Flexible display technology has also been applied to portable monitors like the ASUS ZenScreen Fold. This device provides a larger screen that fits into a backpack, though a high starting price has limited its widespread adoption.
Desktop monitors like the Corsair Xeneon Flex and LG LX3 feature flexible displays that allow users to adjust their screen curvature up to an 800R or 900R curve to best suit their environment.
Wrap-up
Other travel accessories like portable dongles and wireless charging pads also fold for improved portability. Together, modern foldable tech creates adaptable loadouts that can go anywhere and handle demanding daily tasks.
