Video: ASUS AIRO laptop with amazing sliding keyboard

ASUS was kind enough to take its beautiful AIRO laptop out from behind the glass at CES for an Engadget exclusive look at the functional sliding mechanism. The design raises the keyboard to cool the hot running components beneath allowing for a fan-less, convection-cooled design. Unfortunately, this prototype is just a chipset-less mechanical shell. Raise the lid and the keyboard slides back smoother than a greased-up Pete Rose. This allows for a larger, more comfortable wrist rest from which to slap those angled keys. Sexy? Oh yeah, with mojo to spare. Check the video after the break.

ASUS AIRO prototype

[Tokume Posted Jan 10th 2009 8:45PM]

Awesome. I always wondered what an origami laptop would look like. I'd get it if it had some decent specs and within my price range...

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 10th 2009 9:15PM]

For future comments, whoever says this copied Apple is a douchebag.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 10th 2009 9:17PM]

It´s an ORIGAMI concept? (Cuac)
Looks good.

[FILA Posted Jan 10th 2009 9:23PM]

yea but is the bottom of the keyboard somehow attach if not its just a "flap". nice place under the board to keep um...havent thought of yet

[DVDSandwich Posted Jan 11th 2009 12:20AM]

it'd be kewl if it was black...

[Galley Posted Jan 10th 2009 11:03PM]

And it's only 2" thick!

[superhobo Posted Jan 11th 2009 12:30AM]

Laptops were getting too thin anyway.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 11th 2009 3:32AM]

While I tend to agree with comments pointing out the shortcomings of the design, it's nice to see a laptop with an angled keyboard for more comfortable typing. It's just a shame that it doesn't actually seem to fold away.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 11th 2009 2:31PM]

Why oh why no one realises that laptops need illuminated keyboards!

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 12th 2009 3:37AM]

Reminds me of the Lotus Esprit, James Bond is driving in "The spy who loved me" ;-)

[kapauldo2 Posted Jan 12th 2009 12:54PM]

(linkback) Cool or Lame? Video: ASUS AIRO laptop with amazing sliding keyboard [VOTE] - http://www.thriveorfail.com/9fde5

[idiot Posted Mar 6th 2009 4:40PM]

greetings ladies and gentlemen from the distant past. i am from the future. and i say: wonder no longer, this beauty is going into production later this year.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 6th 2009 11:35PM]

personally i think its a wonderful design that just needs a few adjustments here and there, (wont mention any) but seeming as its only a PROTOTYPE then i understand, many adjustments will be made, and if all you other people want a laptop with a normal keyboard, then just go and get a laptop with normal keyboard