CTD's incredulous Dragonfly concept in the flesh -- needs a few more years in the oven

Don't get us wrong, we're completely enamored with the idea of having a real laptop-style keyboard in a pocket-friendly form factor, but based on our quick look at a very rough mockup of the device today, we're not so convinced that CTD's "crossfolding" Dragonfly MID will be the one to bring it to market. We spoke with Edward Bullister, an MIT grad with a PhD and some Intel connections, who is hard at work on the device, and while we admire his enthusiasm and DIY ethic, we'd say he seems a little overly optimistic when it comes to the tech necessary to pull this off.

His plan is to stick a Moorestown chip inside, with Windows XP as a primary OS, but perhaps a dual-boot option to Moblin. He's totally serious about the two fold-up LED backlit LCDs, though he admits the dual-sided screens depicted in the renders will have to wait for a later generation. More incredulously, he claims the device will have "all day" battery life, and be ready to ship by the end of the year. Yeah... we doubt it. No manufacturer is lined up currently, and he seems pretty distant from even having a working prototype. Still, we can't deny how great the form factor would be for pounding out a writing assignment on a plane, or wowing friends and family members (though we're not stoked about his ideas for using an external mouse as a primary input). So, best of luck Edward -- we'd love to be proven wrong on this one.

Gallery: CTD's incredulous Dragonfly concept in the flesh

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[rhcpsfan @ Jun 10th 2009 4:17PM]

Didn't samsung have something like this a couple of years ago but with one screen instead of two?

[rhcpsfan @ Jun 10th 2009 4:21PM]

Found it:
http://www.gearlog.com/2006/12/handson_with_samsungs_crazy_or.php

[matt @ Jun 10th 2009 5:00PM]

I'm suprised that a "gadget guide, by geeks,for geeks" doesn't know how integrated graphic systems work...

[Sisyphus @ Jun 10th 2009 4:17PM]

The idea is neat, but the implementation is crude.

Look at that hinge!

[Sisyphus @ Jun 10th 2009 4:19PM]

Ah, yes.

Make it mini: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/video-asus-teases-with-folding-origami-laptop-concept/

[rhcpsfan @ Jun 10th 2009 4:19PM]

Found it:
http://www.gearlog.com/2006/12/handson_with_samsungs_crazy_or.php

[rhcpsfan @ Jun 10th 2009 4:20PM]

That was supposed to be a reply to my first comment. sorry about that

[Tommo @ Jun 10th 2009 4:26PM]

Its sad how there are so many cool devices like this from years ago and now nobody seems to be interested in trying out new stuff like this.
I have a Sony Clie UX50, with touchscreen, bluetooth, camera, Wi-Fi and full QWERTY keyboard in a tiny form-factor - if they could make this stuff back in 2000, they can make an improved version today (same thing with better processor, screen and OS would make it a killer device!).

[The Palm Pre @ Jun 10th 2009 4:38PM]

Hi, have we met?

[Tommo @ Jun 10th 2009 7:48PM]

Palm pre is ugly, tiny keyboard and looks like every other slide phone out there, i like clamshell designs, they look most futuristic and are better in every way. fails

[Dayne @ Jun 10th 2009 4:20PM]

All of the best inventions started in some dude's garage.

[Brett @ Jun 10th 2009 4:20PM]

I had a fold-able keyboard for my HP Jordana PDA back in 2001 that was a hell of a lot nicer looking than that...

[Matty @ Jun 10th 2009 4:30PM]

its a F'ing mockup. Im sure he didnt use the best of the best to create a mockup that DOESNT even work.

[superhobo @ Jun 10th 2009 4:38PM]

Brett, are you serious? Did that have an awesome looking e-paper screen like this one? Just look at this. It almost looks like it's printed.

[JonSolo @ Jun 11th 2009 3:12AM]

Why not make it touch screen for mouse control?

[JS Banks @ Jun 10th 2009 4:30PM]

The word is "incredible".

[superhobo @ Jun 10th 2009 4:36PM]

troll?

[MaxSMoke @ Jun 10th 2009 7:08PM]

I'm pretty sure they meant Incredulous, as in Unlikely. I think Incredible would have been a better choice, as I think it's a brilliant idea.

[warrrennnnn @ Jun 10th 2009 9:47PM]

incredulous |inˈkrejələs|
adjective
(of a person or their manner) unwilling or unable to believe something : an incredulous gasp.

That was the reason I clicked on the story, to mock their diction. The Dragonfly can't believe it!

[Andrew @ Jun 10th 2009 4:40PM]

...CTD's incredulous Dragonfly...
More incredulously...

You keep using this word... I do not think it means what you think it means.
(Unless there's a joke here that I'm missing, of course...)

[george.beckingham @ Jun 10th 2009 6:29PM]

Thanks, now when I read the article, I have Wallace Shawn's voice in my head. You killed my brain cells. Prepare to die.

[superhobo @ Jun 10th 2009 4:34PM]

Folding OLED or crap.

[selfsimilar @ Jun 10th 2009 4:36PM]

"Incredulous" is a sense of disbelief, and can't be used to describe an inanimate object.

[guns @ Jun 10th 2009 4:39PM]

Paul obviously meant that the device is shocked by its own existence.

[selfsimilar @ Jun 10th 2009 4:48PM]

I suppose that's alright then. One must make allowances for that odd time or two when a mock up of a prototype of a design sketch of a neat idea is anthropomorphised enough to have a few thoughts... well I guess I'd be incredulous too!

[guns @ Jun 10th 2009 4:54PM]

Only I was being ironic.

Paul: You meant to say 'ridiculous'. Just change the title and give us nit-picks some peace.

[Logic @ Jun 10th 2009 5:12PM]

I believe it's a reference to Will Ferrell, but I can't remember what movie, and I can't find any quotes online.

[TTSGEB @ Jun 10th 2009 4:43PM]

I don't see what's so far fetched about this. There have already been atom based motherboards that could fit under half the keyboard, leaving the other side for batteries, and memory could be as simple as embedded XP and a microSD expansion, much like a phone would have. The most far fetched part is the screens as he would have to be able to drive multiple monitors from onboard memory, and have them touch enabled, as nobody would want to carry around a mouse in their other overly sized pocket.

[Hackettman @ Jun 10th 2009 4:46PM]

Looks like a nice idea but has a few drawbacks for form factor if they really are going to use it standalone as a phone.

If they took that samsung device I remember and tweaked the design as an OLED screen that unfolds and stays stiff once you unfold it you have yourself a sweet device. Also VOIP ability via bluetooth headset and mic on the unit. Just a few things. Oh and maybe make the keyboard a OLED touchscreen so you can unfold this sucker to something flat you can lay on a table and play with...... Its looking like this thing is a ghetto "oragami" thingum......

[shinrajp @ Jun 10th 2009 5:11PM]

yeah flexible OLED can solve the issue immediately with low power consumption but not low money consumption

[Juan @ Jun 10th 2009 6:51PM]

Cool!!!

[hans @ Jun 10th 2009 6:53PM]

wow a dead large plastic box with a broken keyboard and a hinge.
they'll give a phd to any schmuck these days it seems.

[MaxSMoke @ Jun 10th 2009 7:13PM]

With the Sony Viao P and the M1 Mbook, I don't think that design is impossible. In fact I think it's very likely. The motherboard can fit in one side, the battery in the other, it should be doable. And there's nothing impossible about two screens. As for the large hinge in the screen, it's still a minor issue with such an amazing folding architecture. I think EnGadget is, again, talking smack just to be "edgy", and not because they have a clue as to what they are talking about. There's Snarky, and then there's just Stupid. :p

[Karl @ Jun 10th 2009 8:14PM]

I *still* have a working ThinkOutside (iGo) Stowaway Slim Bluetooth Keyboard that folds up to about the same size as my phone (Blackjack I).

This gadget looks...unique...but for me really misses the usability mark. For me, having a screen-only (ok, or with worthless* thumb keyboard) device is the way to go ... PROVIDED that you can dock it to a folding keyboard when you NEED to be able to type 100wpm.

I've often headed out with a keyboard in my pocket to hammer out some emails at lunchtime, and it's WAY better than either touch-screen or thumb-keyboard input.

Sadly, none of the phones I'm eyeing for an upgrade support Bluetooth Keyboard Profile, for who knows what reason, so my keyboard will soon become a drawer decoration. Anyone know why neither Palm, Google, nor Apple wanna support bluetooth keyboards?

[pablito @ Jun 11th 2009 6:54AM]

I hope that when flexible oled devices reach market manufacurers have something better that XP tu put in it

[Bones3D @ Jun 11th 2009 7:33AM]

Is it just me, or does this setup look a bit like a FrogPad attached to a PDA sized VGA display panel? Just add one of those ThinkPad style "nub" mice in the center, and it'd be kinda like a tiny computer... with an awkward keyboard.

[Alan @ Jun 11th 2009 7:04PM]

Finally someone realizes that there is a huge demand for a pocket laptop that provides a good touch type keyboard. I think the concept is great and would definately buy one if they ever make it a reality. While I think this would be the ideal design a simple clamshell that copies the old Psion 5mx could be created right now with no new technology other than stuffing the same internals that smaller full PC's have created such as OQO, Wibrain and others. A clamshell can provide a usable touch type keyboard most could type about 80% of desktop speeds. I would love to have the dragonfly computer but if it is delayed due to technology needed to be created a simple clamshell could be an alternative any computer company could create fast and put on the market.

[Alan @ Jun 11th 2009 7:08PM]

I do not find any of the existing UMPC's or MIDS very functional as they do not provide a touch type keyboard in a pocketable size. Carrying a foldable keyboard is NOT practical as those are just as large as the computer and having it integrated is what I want. I think this is a great design and it would appeal to millions of business users unlike any slate, etc.

[bishopdanteaim @ Jun 16th 2009 4:00AM]

Umm, that prototype is kinda scary. I think I see sellotape?