Fujitsu's concept PC now a working prototype

Fujitsu can be hit or miss when it comes to product design. Then there's this odd-ball, tri-fold computer first spotted last year which we can't decide to love or hate. Before we could just pan it off as novel concept, but it turns out that working prototypes are now flittering about inside Fujitsu R&D. No specs have been released but we can tell that device features a fingerprint reader for security and what are most likely dedicated media or gaming (or both) controls available before unfurling the QWERTY. Well, if Sammy can release their SPH-P9000 in December, we say why the hell not Fujitsu... Godspeed. Check the vid after the break.

[Via The Guardian]

[totoro @ Mar 8th 2007 8:15PM]

This was a concept originally designed by those guys at Antenna Design New York (www.antennadesign.com/)

I could see how these could be useful, being able to take it with you perhaps when a laptop is too cumbersome. The size would be fine for writing notes, checking/writing emails, light web surfing, etc.

Would be nice to take on an airplane to watch some videos, and do some light work with access to the keyboard.

Make it happen Fujitsu, and don't drop the ball on all important things like battery life and decent price.

[Roy @ Nov 24th 2006 3:18AM]

Wheres the Power Button? not showen, biometrics, up,down,righ,left and for play and etc. buttons. but wheres the Power button?.... wierd.

[Pinhead @ Nov 23rd 2006 12:55PM]

I agree, seems like a great idea if Fujitsu can implement it properly. Give it decent specs, don't skimp on battery life or build quality and they could have a really nice product. Hell even if they do, I'll still buy one.

[theRIAA @ Nov 23rd 2006 2:18PM]

shouldent the screen go on the right side? keyboards are always a little left of center of the screen (for me at least) and it just seems more natural

[Tim @ Nov 23rd 2006 2:47PM]

It seems to me that if they go down the modular route, then we will be back to the bad old days of the Sinclair Spectrum pc from the 80's!!!

[rockintom99 @ Nov 23rd 2006 4:28PM]

At first, that seemed incredibly stupid to me, with the screen being so far off to the side... But then seeing at how damn *small* it is when folded up, it looks to be quite awesome.

That is the one problem I have with laptops; They really aren't that portable.

[Citizens for More Monitors @ Nov 23rd 2006 4:22PM]

Why not have 2 screens and one keyboard square? Every future product needs at least two lcds.

[tekdroid @ Nov 23rd 2006 5:20PM]

the screen should be able to slide (on a guide) and centred before embarking on your typing duties. Otherwise, nice compact design.

[Pal @ Nov 23rd 2006 5:51PM]

Looks similar to a Gameboy Advance SP. I have a silver one, and my friend has a blue colored one -- just like the ones pictured!

[sturmnacht @ Nov 23rd 2006 6:37PM]

This is just about the type of UMPC I had in my dreams (really had it in my dreams a few years back). Only there's one thing missing...a DVD drive on the back of the LCD screen with a Panasonic Toughbook type of lid. That would have been one sweeeeet UMPC.

[mk @ Nov 24th 2006 1:25AM]

can't beat the ibm laptop (nicknamed "butterfly") back in the 1990s which had a "pop-up" keyboard that extended over on both sides, keeping the screen (11", i think) in the middle. it may sound flimsy, but was really robust & practical. r u listening, lenovo?!