HMD, the company best known for reviving Nokia’s smartphone lineup before shifting toward its own branded devices, appears to be preparing a major step into a new product category: laptops. According to a new leak, the tech firm is working on what may be its first-ever notebook — and it looks to be a 2-in-1 Chromebook.
The leak comes from reliable X tipster @smashx_60, who claims that HMD is developing a device called the HMD (Chrome)Book CS-1 Flip, or simply the HMD Book CS-1 Flip. The name itself offers a major clue about its design: the “Flip” branding strongly suggests a full 360-degree hinge, allowing the laptop to fold into tablet mode, tent mode or stand mode. These convertible capabilities are a signature feature in the Chromebook ecosystem, especially for users who need flexibility for work, study or entertainment.
If accurate, the device would place HMD directly into competition with established Chromebook makers like Lenovo, Acer, HP and Samsung. Given HMD’s history of building affordable yet reliable hardware, analysts expect the upcoming Chromebook to target the budget-to-midrange segment, appealing to students and everyday users.
Although detailed specifications have not been revealed, the 2-in-1 form factor hints at expected features such as a touchscreen display, lightweight construction and ChromeOS integration with Android apps. The CS-1 Flip may also adopt design elements from HMD’s smartphone aesthetics, potentially offering a clean, minimalistic look with durable build quality — something Nokia fans have long appreciated.
The move into laptops seems like a natural progression for HMD as the company expands its ecosystem. In recent years, HMD has launched its own line of smartphones, introduced feature phones with modern updates and begun positioning itself as a broader consumer electronics brand. Entering the laptop market, particularly with a Chromebook, aligns with global demand trends driven by education, remote work and cloud-based productivity tools.
Industry observers note that Chromebooks remain strong performers in several key markets due to their affordability, software reliability and secure ecosystem. A new competitor backed by HMD’s manufacturing experience could add fresh competition and innovation to the category.
While HMD has not confirmed the leak, anticipation is already building. If the HMD Book CS-1 Flip is indeed in development, the company could make an official announcement in early 2026, potentially syncing the reveal with upcoming tech events.
As more details emerge, tech enthusiasts will be watching closely to see how HMD’s first-ever laptop shapes the future of its hardware ecosystem.
