What the heck is a Tiny-in-One? Look Lenovo's way to find out.

Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One
(Image credit: Lenovo)

What you need to know

  • Lenovo just announced a range of ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One Gen 5 monitors.
  • The Tiny-in-Ones allow people to swap out key components without having to replace an entire system.
  • The ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One Gen 5 is compatible with both ThinkCentre Tiny modules and high-performance ThinkStation Tiny workstation PCs.

Lenovo announced a pair of Tiny-in-One (TIO) monitors at Mobile World Congress. The ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One is now in its fifth generation and has expanded compatibility and improved audio and visual specs.

The ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One Gen 5 will be available in 22-inch and 24-inch models. The smaller monitor will cost $274 while the larger model comes in at $294. Both are expected to start shipping in August 2023.

So, what exactly is a Tiny-in-One? It's a monitor that allows users to swap out components without having to deal with cables or complicated disassembly and reassembly. The modular design of the ThinkCentre TIO and other Tiny-in-Ones allow PC owners and organizations to upgrade or replace key parts of a PC without having to purchase an entirely new system.

Lenovo highlighted the audio and visual experience that the ThinkCentre TIO will provide. The monitors have a 1080p webcam, a built-in microphone, and two user-facing speakers.

The monitors feature displays with low blue light technology to reduce eye strain. Those screens also support touch and styli.

While Tiny-in-Ones are used in some offices, they are also aimed at showroom floors, libraries, and other public-facing setups. The Lenovo ThinkCentre TIO has a dual Kensington Lock setup to keep it secure.

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Header Cell - Column 0 ThinkCentre TIO Gen 5 (22-inch)ThinkCentre TIO Gen 5 (24-inch)
Panel21.5” IPS, 16:9, Touch option, Natural Low Blue Light23.8” IPS, 16:9, Touch option, Natural Low Blue Light
Screen Dimensions484.5 mm x 284.5 mm535 mm x 313 mm
WeightUnpacked: 5.7 kg (12.6 lbs) Monitor Head Only: 3.4 kg (7.5 lbs)Unpacked: 6.3 kg (13.9 lbs) Monitor Head Only: 4 kg (8.8 lbs)
Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
Response Time4ms (Extreme Model) 6ms (Normal Mode4ms (Extreme Model) 6ms (Normal Mode
Refresh Rate60Hz60Hz
BrightnessTouch: 225 cd/m2 Non-Touch: 250 cd/m2Touch: 225 cd/m2 Non-Touch: 250 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio1000:11000:2
Color Gamut99% sRGB99% sRGB
Ports1 x HDMI 1.4 1 x DP 1.2 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type B1 x HDMI 1.4 1 x DP 1.2 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type B
Camera & Microphone1 x Integrated webcam (1080, RGB) 1 x Integrated microphone2 x Integrated webcam (1080, RGB) 1 x Integrated microphone
Audio2 x 3W integrated speakers3 x 3W integrated speakers
SoftwareLenovo ThinkColour (Lenovo Display Control Center)Lenovo ThinkColour (Lenovo Display Control Center)

The ThinkCentre TIO has a 3-in-1 connector for popping a desktop unit in or out. In addition to supporting ThinkCentre Tiny PC units, Lenovo's new monitors work with ThinkStation Tiny workstation PCs, which deliver higher performance.

A rear HDMI port and a DisplayPort are housed in the back of the ThinkCentre TIO. The monitors can connect to up to two external PCs as well.

The Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One Gen 5 monitors will be available in August 2023. The 22-inch model is expected to cost $274, and the 24-inch model is expected to cost $294.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.