We have been hearing about
dualscreen laptops (and
readers) for too long now, but it's
MSI to be the first to show off a real working unit. And it's everything we have ever dreamed of -- well kind of. Though MSI is calling this dual 10-inch screen device an
e-reader, it's really a netbook with two screens since it's got an Atom Z Series processor and Windows 7 Home Premium. But it's how the two screens work together that we can't get out of our minds. Hit the break for some more impressions and to see this crazy thing on video.
The all metal device is about the size of a netbook and it actually felt quite heavy in our hand. On the inside of the dual 10-inch, capacitive multitouch screens work like extended displays and we were able to drag windows from one screen to the other. The entire thing was a bit flaky since it's obviously running some beta software, but the digital keyboard was easy to pull up and had a haptic-like feedback when we started typing on the bottom screen. The whole thing is pretty damn awesome for a very early build, and the fact that MSI actually plans to bring it to market within the year is pretty unbelievable. We'll bring you more details as we get them, but for now check the video.
posted January 6th 2010 9:46PM
@Canizorro
what one on top of the other? you can do that in XP by moving around the screens in the display settings
@JeremyBenthem Touchscreens?
In a netbook sized form factor?
Having two screens that act as 1 big screen isn't tough, having two screens that act as two screens is different. Kind of like windows side show but both are dominant screens.
Things are going in the right way, this is a way more interesting machine than the Lenovo U1 in my opinion. Btw, one desappointment : no automatic screen rotation like the Nokia Booklet 3G ?
There's still time to put in Pixel qi screens.
MSI may have stolen the thunder from MSFT+HP, wondering now...
my girlfriend said it was tacky. what does she know.
@(Unverified) - punch her in the uterus.
@(Unverified) You're girlfriend is smart.
@Ducman69 This is a highly ranked comment and yet some people still think this world isn't going to hell.
@Steve2000
i haz girlriend laik you'res?
This is what I was thinking the iSlate would look like if it even exists.
I used to draw this as my futuristic device. Also, battery life will very important although the Atom should help there.
2 screens, How long does the battery last?
@OCEAN CLAK Hopefully longer than it takes you to get banned.
sweet ! i want one
@cesarin12003
ditto... Unfortunately Microsoft limited input to 2 fingers in W7 for input. Microsoft should allow the option of using all ten digits that most people have and create one for the handicapped maybe use of project Natal to further gesture/ touchless input
Courier, is that you?
I wonder if the Courier (if it exists) will have competition right out of the gate...
@FallenArms3
Is Courier an OS or device? If it is just an OS. Shouldn't be a problem
Really REALLY hampered by the angle-dependent view issues of LCD's, with 2 screens that are always at 45 to 90 degrees angles they should shelf this concept until OLED is cheaper and mainstream.
@Wwhat OLED is still backlit so it's useless for an eReader.
Yeah it's not that good for an e-reader, but better than a (back-lighted) LCD for a dual-screen folding device I'd say.
And incidentally OLED isn't back-lighted, OLED consists of tiny LED that give off light from themselves, but I got your point and I assume you know that and it was a manner of speech.
WANTS.
this will be 2010's vaporware award winner.
I've waited 10 years for this device.
holy heiven schnizel!!! lololol it must be from the gods!!
Hmm, the problem with most LCD screens is that they're only easily viewable from one orientation. Does this have some new LCD technology, or will it be non-stop eyestrains?
@FRiC
You are advised to keep one eye closed for every alternate 15 minutes, should work fine.
Wwhat?! Are you crazy?
@Gad Get
Yes, but the more serious issue is that MSI is too,
Hm.
how is something that thin running windows 7?? thats incredible!
I want to like it, I do. :( But those screens are gonna need much better viewing angles than your typical crummy laptop screen for this to not suck. And I am afraid that it will be limited by the fact that it doesn't have a physical keyboard... nobody (with any sense) is going to be buying this to take notes in class with (or a lot of other standard laptop activities). And if they do, they'll soon be carrying around a bluetooth keyboard to go with it.
@Old fogie late bloomer - I take notes on my tablet using a pen, dunno why this would be any different.
@Ducman69
You pen-write EVERYTHING? Without ever using the keyboard? Good for you if you do, there's nothing wrong with that, but I suspect that you are not in the majority of laptop-note-takers. I'm as fast or faster at typing than I am at pen-writing (much faster if I'm making an effort to achieve legibility) and I'm sure I'm not the only one. I'd love the option to use the pen for taking notes in classes like calculus (ended up using paper), but I wouldn't trade in the keyboard for it.
God this thing is ALL kinds of sexy! And I haven't even been able to watch the video yet.
Its not a slimmed down Kernel thats making some of those tablet devices running things like Skylight seem like limited OSes, its the actual OS itself. Sure the kernel might be slimmed down to support only specific hardware for that device, but its the actual OS that has limited functionality. Its entirely possible for Microsoft to make a slimmed down kernel for Windows 7 for e-readers. Oh wait, microsoft doesn't optimize, nevermind.
Should have gone with a dual core Pinetrail atom or at the very least the N450 with a ion.
Holy Crap. Its a tablet, e-reader, and a functioning laptop. I want one so bad now. I hope the price is below $600.
Totally Amazing. Now I would want to see it with the hybrid e-ink/lcd displays for e-reader functions. With that I would buy in an instant.
@Sithlord2187 Probably two e-Ink screens on the back, four projectors on each side and 8 HDMI ports so you can hook up all your relatives TVs
It seems like that took the courier concept video to heart. Now all it needs is the Courier apps. However, given that Ballmer claimed he had not even seen the courier video it seems like MS is the are only ones who did not take that video to heart which is a goddamn shame. I wish MS would be as great as it is capable of once in awhile.
On another note - I love the clock/battery display on the outside. Perfect little courier-type touch.
@helio99 Aldo - did anyone at engadget ask these guys about courier?
I wonder what those marks on the screen are. Hmmm...maybe some kind of protective film? I don't know but I'm just not too convinced by this demonstration.
Looks interesting. Nice hands-on!
You mean XO 2.0
If only this had wacom support it would be my dream digital sketchbook .... oh to dream ....
I would love to be able to flip this back on itself like you do with a paper notebook to take notes on in class. This thing is sexy as fuck. Official gadget lust here.
OMG OMG OMG!~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes! I love this design! Bring it on! Like a computerized book. Who wouldn't want that? I'll tell you who. People that don't want it. And there's not going to be many of them.
This is so much better than that Slate PC thing like the HP Slate article. Giant Nintendo DS, how about a DS emulator... Cool.
@cetoys
hopefully the next ds will be as big as this with quad core tegras though not likely...