Touch Book from Always Innovating harbors removable tablet, netbook pricepoint

It's not every day we see an all-new angle on the laptop form factor, much less a netbook with aims at innovation. Perhaps it should come as no surprise that a company dubbed "Always Innovating" is trying to spice things up a bit. The Touch Book is an ARM-powered netbook that weighs less than two pounds and claims battery life of 10 to 15 hours, but the real magic happens with the removable screen -- it slides right out of its keyboard dock and acts as a fully functional touchscreen tablet. When docked, the screen can lay out flat, and the keyboard can even be folded all the way under into an "inverted V" shape. There are other oddities like internal USB plugs to cut down on dongle mess, and the whole screen is magnetic for mounting on a fridge. The machine is running a Linux OS with a touchable 3D UI. The only press shots right now are these sketchy-looking renders, but Always Innovating is currently previewing the Touch Book at DEMO 09 in California, and plans to ship in Spring of this year with a starting pricetag of $299.

Gallery: Touch Book from Always Innovating harbors removable tablet, netbook pricepoint

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[endoplasmic @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:16AM]

Oh wow I don't want to be around the first time someone's kid slams the fridge and that sucker falls.

[Seightan @ Mar 2nd 2009 12:03PM]

To those who want an x86 processor in this:

An atom processor would cut the battery life down to 3 hours and kill the idle time. This device will run linux and you can probably change it to whatever linux you want or maybe windows CE/android. No you can't run x86 apps on this but why would you need to. This is designed for basic mobile computing mostly consisting of media playback and internet browsing. There are emulators and things you can use on ARM too for gaming. There is even a full office program for ARM.

[MaxSMoke @ Mar 2nd 2009 12:11PM]

It's an oversized PDA. It runs PDA OS's.

[DarkLight @ Mar 2nd 2009 12:33PM]

No it doesn't run a PDA OS.

You can run a full blown Linux desktop there. Heck, even the Nokia N810 can run KDE if you install Debian on it

[lowbot @ Mar 2nd 2009 2:38PM]

I wouldnt call this a PDA. Its a lot like the Nokia N-series tablet computers.

Actually, this would rock if it ran Maemo and could run all the maemo apps. I dont know why more mobile computer makers dont exploit Maemo. There's a whole lot you can do with it. I believe its all gplv2 so it can be used without licensing concerns. Just customize it for the device, write the drivers, and off you go.

[fasteddy @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:18AM]

Specs:

* 9.4" x 7" x 1.4" for 2 lbs (with keyboard)
* ARM Texas Instruments OMAP3 chip
* 1024x600 8.9'' screen
* Storage: 8GB micro SD card
* Wifi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth
* 3-dimensional accelerometer
* Speakers, micro and headphone
* 6 USB 2.0 (3 internal, 2 external, 1 mini)
* 10h to 15 hours of battery life

[KarlW @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:46AM]

Put an atom (or any x86 CPU) in there and I'm sold.

[Chris @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:50AM]

Agreed, atom chip and i'm sold for sure

[dotAaron @ Mar 2nd 2009 11:05AM]

No no, don't put Atom in there! Look at the battery life - this is what a netbook should be!

[Finnschi @ Mar 2nd 2009 11:48AM]

Donaron... please also consider that the ARM Cpu is NOT x86, so NO WINDOWS , only Linux will run, and nobody compiles software for Arm Cpu's oO so yea good battery life... but no software

[Libb @ Mar 2nd 2009 11:57AM]

@Finnschi:

If what you're doing on the netbook is platform or architecture-dependent, you're using the netbook wrong. Netbooks are supposed to be ultra-lightweight devices for on-the-go web browsing and productivity apps - all of which can be accomplished with a sufficiently powerful web browser.

As long as this thing can run Firefox and OpenOffice, it's more than enough for what the genre is supposed to be about, something a lot of people seem to have forgotten about.

[Finnschi @ Mar 2nd 2009 12:32PM]

@Libb

Have you heard about a ARM webbrowser that runs Flash?...

Or how about Skype?

Thats what I think a "netbook" needs, for basic web serving you can use a smaller Device like an iPhone!

I want to use this as basically a good way to take notes in class, surf the web on the go, talk to my friends on skype, use the touchscreen for some flash games(hehe) thats what i think a netbook needs... !

[reisa @ Mar 2nd 2009 12:34PM]

@ Libb

You're 100% absolutely correct. Netbooks need to maintain a certain level of specs in order to keep prices differentiated from low-end laptops. Technology and innovation will eventually slide the scale to offer better performance at a better price -- but let's not try to force a very interesting platform into being something else. Economy cars may LOOK sporty -- but sports cars are a wholly different product.

[Seightan @ Mar 2nd 2009 12:44PM]

>Have you heard about a ARM webbrowser that runs Flash?...
>Or how about Skype?

umm ever heard of the nokia internet tablets? They have flash AND skype and run on 400mhz ARM processors.

Dont spew bullshit unless you know what you are talking about

[Benson @ Mar 2nd 2009 12:57PM]

@Finnschi: Congratulations, you hit almost the _only_ proprietary apps people want where there's no good-enough OSS replacement. (BTW, Debian has a _huge_ collection of OSS built for ARM; GNOME, KDE, OOo, Firefox (rebadged), it's all there.)

Unfortunately for your argument, I have both a Flash plugin (usual netscape interface, so it works with other browsers) and Skype (somewhat stripped down version, but no video is the only big issue) running on all my Nokia tablets (N800s and an N810). While it would be a violation of licensing to use these binaries on another device, their existence means two things: that it would be easy enough to get them running illegally (Pirates ahoy!), and that there's no technical obstacle to getting them licensed to run on another ARM Linux platform, just a bunch of suits writing and agreeing to licenses, and _maybe_ money changing hands.

Since both Skype and Adobe _want_ to push their software out there -- they don't make money off the clients, but off the service (Skype) or development (Adobe) -- and since it's already ported to this architecture, I'd expect the licensing to be free or at most a low up-front cost to cover one-time porting costs (tweaking graphics and layouts for a new resolution, retesting everything, packaging, etc.), but no per-device charges. The main requirements from the ARM netbook manufacturer(s) will be about branding, i.e. sticking Skype logo minimum xx mm high on the box, and such.

[sam @ Mar 2nd 2009 5:56PM]

so in other words - still too slow? (also, 600 MHz, according to later post).

I dunno, I just get the general impression that Cortex A9 is probably the point where it's suitable for general-purpose lightweight computing - ie Atom territory - rather than running phones. (OMAP3 is A8.)

And it's very cool, especially at the price. No use for it personally though so I'll wait for an A9-based netbook that doesn't break in half...

[bhtooefr @ Mar 28th 2009 3:37PM]

Well, the 400 MHz OMAP2420 in the Nokia N810 uses an ARM1136 core.

This has a 600 MHz OMAP3530. The ARM Cortex-A8 core in this chip is roughly as fast as a 1 GHz ARM11.

[NoAndThen @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:18AM]

God Damn! I wish there were more specs, this thing is sexy as hell!

It's good to see somebody bringing some more innovation in the low power computing sector- because realistically, most netbooks have power comparable to average consumer towers of 5-7 years ago.

I would love a slightly larger iPhone-style tablet with hybrid osx/iphone osx that switched back and forth depending on docking/status. Sadly, apple is SUPER lacking in this department, but I'm banking on the end of this year finally proving that netbooks are not only here to stay, but they're more than what the average person needs, and with integrated graphics like the 9400m (albeit not the greatest, but absolutely incredible for integrated mobo gfx) they'll be the best selling computers hands down.

The serious folks either build there own, or can't stand the low resolution of the average netbook.. but I would but one of these.

[NoAndThen @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:19AM]

ironically, fasteddy answers my plea for specs... as I post.

You, sir, are truly FAST.

[Mike @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:44AM]

nobody builds laptops. and the few shitty kits out there to make one SUCK.

[Bondtastic @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:48AM]

I tried using my tc1000 as a netbook before the Asus, but it was just too slow. I am beyond surprised that HP hasn't resurrected the device in netbook form. Maybe this will give them a kick in the pants.

As far as similarities. The Tc1100/1000 act like a tablet when open, but basically can't fold close like a normal laptop. I was wrong about the 180 turn and close. My bad.

[m-p{3} @ Mar 2nd 2009 3:18PM]

Never say nobody. I do build laptops.

[MattyG @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:19AM]

and still they put a trackpad on it

[Dan @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:31AM]

Because it's basically a convertable tablet.

[Scythe @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:21AM]

If they make it happen than I'll be buying one.

[adam @ Mar 2nd 2009 12:53PM]

agreed this thing is sick. exactly what I have been waiting for.

[fasteddy @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:21AM]

For those wondering about video, you may or may not be disappointed by:

Q. Which video can I play on the system?
A. Up to HD video 720p in full screen.

[NoAndThen @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:31AM]

Why would anybody be disappointed that this thing can play 720p? Are you expecting to use this for a media center? No.

Are you expecting a 1080p screen? (hint: you're crazy)

I'm pretty pumped that this teeny thing can play 720p, but I'll believe this when I see it in the store playing it.

[eric @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:54AM]

Maybe I'm missing something here, but how does a screen that is 1024x600 output a 720p video? Wouldn't you need something like a 1280x800 screen to output 720p?

[Anthony @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:58AM]

720p is actually 1280x720, hence the 720.

[rock99rock @ Mar 2nd 2009 11:32AM]

Anthony:

Thanks for your response, that was quite helpful.

eric:

You are correct. I believe they are referring to the fact that the hardware is capable of decoding the HD and playing back on a smaller resolution screen. Even though it is playing back on a smaller res screen, it still takes decent hardware to decode/playback the HD content. What codec are they testing with- is my question.

[anticlimate @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:25AM]

One use of that inverted V shape should be standing the thing on its side and using as a secondary vertical monitor. OK technically it would be a secondary computer, but still...

[Riles @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:26AM]

I wouldn't say it's a 100% new form factor, it's pretty much a slight reworking of the same concept that Compaq used for the TC1000 and then the TC1100 about 6 years ago.

[Bondtastic @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:29AM]

Looking at the Tc1100 on my desk, I can say this is a different beast. Granted, the conversion from laptop to slate is similar, but the TC1100/1000 could not fold close like a normal laptop or invert.

Hopefully the small insides will allow the balance of this to be pretty good. The TC series were (for obvious reasons) absurdly top heavy.

[roach @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:45AM]

@Bondtastic
Hmmm... I'm writing this on my 4 year old TC100 and it does everything you it doesn't do, but stand up like a desk top calendar. I love the TC100 form factor and would buy it if HP updates it.

[Bondtastic @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:49AM]

I tried using my tc1000 as a netbook before the Asus, but it was just too slow. I am beyond surprised that HP hasn't resurrected the device in netbook form. Maybe this will give them a kick in the pants.

As far as similarities. The Tc1100/1000 act like a tablet when open, but basically can't fold close like a normal laptop. I was wrong about the 180 turn and close. My bad.

[Bondtastic @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:26AM]

Definitely want this. This is what a netbook should be, long lasting and very flexible!

[thazlett @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:28AM]

similar to the idea someone had about modding the eeepc 701 into a tablet.

[Dave Quick @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:29AM]

Should note that the $299 pricetag is for the tablet part only - adding the keyboard assembly (and the additional battery life it brings with it) bumps it to $399.

Still, if this is more than just some craptastic renders, it's worth a look...their site also mentions a 30-day "no questions asked" return policy.

[Peter J @ Mar 2nd 2009 2:07PM]

Oh, it's real alright!

http://i.gizmodo.com/5162584/always-innovating-touch-book-is-a-part+netbook-part+tablet-open-source-frankenstein?skyline=true&s=x

It's pretty :D

[John @ Mar 2nd 2009 9:55PM]

Still not convinced this isn't just so much vapor.

[Numus @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:39AM]

One great feature that i wish these went to was an instant status sync.. say you have 2 or more of these things and you have one in your office that you are doing notes or something on... and you have another one in a hiberate or sleep mode in your livingroom... Via the wireless interface you can hit a sync button and it sends the full state of the one in your office to the one in the livingroom.. Basically when you walk out of your office and into the livingroom it is like the same device you were just working on.. say watching a movie in the bedroom and you pause it and want to go into teh kitchen.. sync it to teh kitchen one adn when you get to the kitchen hit the play button and it starts up right where you paused it...
That would be innovation...

[Jamesy @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:50AM]

That's the most pointless thing I've ever heard, who's so lazy they'd buy another computer just to sync around their own house? Pointless unless you weigh about 400 pounds.

[Numus @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:54AM]

Well i think you are pointless and dumb then...
For people that often multitask and are working on projects that dont feel like unplugging a power supply, moving the whole setup and power supply to another location and then hook it back up.. it would be a great feature... But not everyone lives in a 1 bedroom shack that their kitchen is also their livingroom and and bedroom and bathroom so they only need 1

[Dan @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:55AM]

That'd be a lot more helpful for larger computers, like a full laptop or desktop.

This tablet is small enough to carry to the other room. At most you'd just buy a another keyboard or two to dock in for the other rooms.

[Numus @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:58AM]

Truthfully i wish i had this feature for every computer i have... Would be awesome when watching a movie in my livingroom via XBMC and decide i want to go to bed so go into my bedroom where i have my other xbox with xbmc.. just transfer the status to the other xbox and bam.. can hit play and start exactly where i left off... or working on my server and transfer it to my laptop so i can head out and take it what i was working on with me...

[Numus @ Mar 2nd 2009 11:02AM]

The concept isnt even mine.. actually stems from stuff like this
http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/02/microsoft-shows-a-glimpse-at-the-future-of-computing-and-the-peo/
Where you are able to work on something.. then just "move" it over to a tablet or other device and take it with you exactly how it was before.. Instead of relying on programs like remote desktop (which i use religiously) which if you are outside your network via hamachi or other vpn protocal is slow as dirt sometimes...

[voodoo @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:46AM]

I would buy that thing as a PMP player. No more worrying about codec support or expensive Archos plugins, just throw a good linux media player on it and play anything.

[sweet greggo @ Mar 2nd 2009 10:48AM]

This will be awesome when Apple invents it and charges $1400 for it.

[Yani @ Mar 3rd 2009 3:19AM]

$1,100 to put some aluminum around the case and chuck dead fruit on it. iTouched, iArm, iDodad... iVe, iSlow... I know... iJobs

"Ideal for little tasks the iJobs."