Mysterious Asus laptop with projector spotted at Computex

What's this? An Asus laptop with built-in projector above the monitor? This curious computer was spotted plopped unceremoniously in a corner at Computex by PC Perspective. They report that the unlabeled machine's camera -- installed right at the top of the monitor bezel -- rotates and that the projector's performance is uncertain given the show's bright conditions. If this is something other than a floor prototype, we're awfully curious about battery life. Until then, we'll just have to fantasize about portable PowerPoints of doom. Hit the read link to see a closeup.

[Smotchberry @ Jun 5th 2008 1:04AM]

As if gaming laptops weren't bulky enough already.

[Ayman @ Jun 5th 2008 5:27AM]

Where you even around 10 years ago? this is nothing, heck My laptop is bigger than this

[giuliop @ Jun 5th 2008 5:55AM]

This isn't a gaming laptop. It's a businessman godsend.
You don't care at all what the notebook looks when you're in a dark room; and you don't care about it being bulky when the only alternative is carrying your notebook AND your projector.
That's definitely a very good idea, and a very good start.

[Ayman @ Jun 5th 2008 8:15AM]

but the biggest problem is that projectors lightbulb can burnup. unless the enduser can change it himself it would be problem for most users, hence we would have to call Support

Also other problem. when presenting, the monitor would be facing the audience

[iamsoinsane @ Jun 5th 2008 8:33AM]

curious that the "wasd" keys are highlighted... any other reason to do this other then gaming? (Have power points gone to wasd too?!) ;)

[Richard Lai @ Jun 5th 2008 9:24AM]

@Ayman: not necessarily. The presenter can be facing the audience, and both the screen and projector facing the wall. Wireless remote FTW.

[tyler @ Jun 5th 2008 1:09AM]

Looks like a custom screen bezel for one of Asus' G1S or G2S series laptops. I don't even think the screen would close right--it's too tall!
Nonetheless, I still want one... yes, very much so.

[Ray @ Jun 5th 2008 1:13AM]

I can honestly say that is the ugliest laptop ive seen in the recent years. I hate that my asus F8SV has a camera on it, i couldnt imagine this massive projector being on it.

Why not have this as an add on? And who plays games on a laptop so that they are far enough from a wall (and also in dark room) to actually make this useful?

[Ridgecity @ Jun 5th 2008 1:17AM]

last time I heard, pcs have other uses than games. you want portable games get a gameboy...

[Ninjakamster (PS360 FTW!) @ Jun 5th 2008 1:14AM]

Yeah, looks to be a modified Asus G1 Gaming laptop.

[Ridgecity @ Jun 5th 2008 1:16AM]

it has a projector?? freekin amazing! hopefully we can get them this year...

[Alexander The Best @ Jun 5th 2008 1:17AM]

Very admirable idea. Rather poor excecution.

[KarlW @ Jun 5th 2008 1:46AM]

You can see the projection behind it. That's pretty poor. You'd be better off putting the laptop on your head (the screen's brighter, so it actually would be better). Maybe they could fit some Velcro to an existing model. In fact, I'm surprised nobody's done that already, the number of bizarre laptops we see nowadays. They just seem to add random features to use the R&D budget.

Maybe I should patent that Velcro idea.

[giuliop @ Jun 5th 2008 5:25AM]

"the projector's performance is uncertain given the show's bright conditions"

"You can see the projection behind it. That's pretty poor."

Very clever remark.

[Jayden @ Jun 5th 2008 2:16AM]

I'd rather have no laptop then a humungous frame above the screen like that

[vdogg89 @ Jun 5th 2008 6:06AM]

dont worry, most of ASUS' laptops have a larger-than-necessary frame around it. Mine does too... **mumbles and groans**

[Greg Mcp @ Jun 5th 2008 2:30AM]

I agree with others here, and ugly laptop, but a very good idea in theory.
Travelling businessmen, salesmen, trainers... if it was done well, they would love this.

[Justin B. @ Jun 5th 2008 2:40AM]

first impression: it's like we're living in the future!
second take: I would NEVER be seen with that.

Now, let's get some more resolution/brightness out of very small projectors, maybe make it wireless, in something about the size of the Wii... now we're talkin

[granun @ Jun 5th 2008 3:54AM]

that's first impression to me. It's worth for my work.

[giuliop @ Jun 5th 2008 5:22AM]

"we're awfully curious about battery life"

Because you need to project things while you're in the park?

[ITRanger @ Jun 5th 2008 5:36AM]

Yes, it needs something similar in size to current embedded laptop webcams. Another year or two maybe?

That's definitely a poor excuse for a laptop, it's one of the ugliest things I've seen and for no real apparent design reason.

[giuliop @ Jun 5th 2008 7:28AM]

Isn't the tiny projector apparent enough for you?

[Joe @ Jun 5th 2008 9:24AM]

I have one word to describe my feelings: ICK

[Richard Lai @ Jun 5th 2008 9:26AM]

Asus should patch up the two bald areas with two Windows SideShow screens.