Toshiba Libretto W100 resurrects the classic UMPC brand with dual 7-inch displays
By Joanna Stern 
posted June 21st 2010 12:29AM
posted June 21st 2010 12:29AM
The 1.2-inch thick Libretto W100 is covered in a black brushed aluminum finish, and is surrounded by a single USB port, an SD card reader and headphone jack. We're not entirely sure how we feel about the design and the logo on its cover, but it's still a darn cute little laptop, and at 1.8 pounds it felt quite light in our hands. We caveat this by saying that the model we saw a few weeks ago was an early pre-production unit, but it was running quite warm and the fan noise was extremely noticeable. We're not sure why Tosh went with an Intel ULV processor instead of an Atom here -- we expect the endurance even with its six-cell to be less than four hours.
So, how does the whole touch thing work? To start, the capacitive screens were quite responsive, but the concerns we have come in software. Tosh has preloaded its bulletin board touch software that let's you customize a widget-like interface, but what you're really dealing with here is Windows 7. You can choose to extend the desktop to the other screen or you can hit the physical keyboard button and just use the bottom screen as a keyboard. Speaking of that virtual keyboard, Toshiba has created six different layouts -- yes, six! You can check out some of those in the gallery, but the split keyboard is pretty cool if you want to just use your thumbs, and we're big fans of the haptic feedback. As we mentioned earlier, we saw a very early unit, so the software was fairly unstable -- we had issues moving windows from one screen to another and the accelerometer was quite flaky. We're sure the final product will be much more polished for its $1k+ price tag, but Toshiba's certainly stressing that this device will be a very limited run and is meant for "early adopters." So then, early adopters, we ask you: are you going to pick up one of the first dualscreen tablets to grace our fine universe?
Editor's Note: We'll be getting some more hands-on time with the W100 later this week so stay tuned for some video of the dualscreen madness.
Toshiba Unveils New libretto Concept PC with Dual-Touch Screen Design
Revealed as Part of Toshiba's 25th Anniversary of Laptop Innovation Milestone, libretto W100 Demonstrates Next-Gen Ultra-Mobile PC Design With Full Windows 7 Functionality
IRVINE, Calif. – June 21, 2010 – Embodying a quarter-century of innovation, Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the libretto® W100, a next-gen ultra-mobile concept PC. This limited-edition 25th Anniversary device goes beyond slates, netbooks and smartphones to deliver something more: a full Windows® 7 experience that can be enjoyed across two multi-touch touch screens.
"The libretto W100 continues the libretto brand's heritage of defying convention by packaging a full Windows computing experience into highly compact ultra-mobile form factor," said Carl Pinto, vice president of product development, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. "This concept PC sets the pace for Toshiba's continued commitment to innovation, demonstrating what's possible in the next generation of ultra-mobile PCs.
"We will issue a limited run of the libretto W100," continued Pinto. "We design our products around the way people actually want to use them, so getting this concept PC out into the hands of early technology adopters will allow us to gather invaluable feedback that we can filter into future product developments."
Optimized for Versatility, Performance and Convenience
The libretto W100 is powered by Windows 7 Home Premium and comes equipped with an Intel® Pentium® processor1, 2GB of fast DDR3 memory2 and a 62GB solid state drive3 - plenty of horsepower for enjoying rich Internet and multimedia content. With the libretto W100, users can take advantage of all the Windows applications they commonly use, including productivity apps like Microsoft Office and video chat like Skype™. Built-in connectivity features, including 802.11b/g/n4 and Bluetooth®5 give users the flexibility to connect from any hotspot or pair the device with their favorite wireless accessories, such as a mouse, headphones and more.
Innovative Design for Multi-tasking on the Go
With an ultra-portable weight of just 1.8 pounds6, the libretto W100 is designed to deliver a rich Internet experience, multimedia playback and the freedom to multi-task - just like a standard laptop - but with the advantage of two seven-inch diagonal touch screens7 to work, watch and play on. The multi-touch screens can work independently or together, giving users the flexibility to decide how they want to use them. Surf the Web on one screen while checking e-mail on the other, view two documents simultaneously or view a webpage across both screens. A built-in 3D accelerometer allows the libretto W100 to rotate into portrait or landscape modes, making the device look and feel more like a book, newspaper or magazine.
Designed for portability, the libretto W100 features a compact and durable clamshell design with a brushed metallic finish. The traditional clamshell design allows the device to fold up for easier portability, while protecting the screens from breaks and scratches. Measuring a mere 4.84 inches by 7.95 inches when closed, the device fits easily into almost any bag or jacket pocket.
"Since producing the first Intel 286-based clamshell laptop 25 years ago, Toshiba has continued to take a leadership role in bringing new mobile computing technologies to market," said Tim Bajarin, president of Creative Strategies. "This new libretto is yet another showcase of the company's technological laptop prowess – they have their minds on the future and a unique, creative view on delivering innovations and form factors that provide a full computing experience in very small packages."
Simplified Navigation with Premium Toshiba Apps
The libretto W100 features six virtual keyboard modes plus a virtual touchpad. The keyboards feature haptic technology, providing sensory feedback when the keys are selected, making typing fast, accurate and easy. Keyboard modes include simple, full, numeric 10-key and split thumb mode keyboard styles, providing users with options to fit their own personal style or task.
To make navigation as easy as possible, the libretto W100 includes several premium Toshiba apps that enhance the computing experience.
- Toshiba Bulletin Board gives users greater personalization of their desktops with fast access to daily activities, tasks and projects, plus the ability to drag and drop photos, videos, links, documents and application shortcuts into one place.
- Toshiba ReelTime™ helps users easily find files based on when they were opened with a simple visual history. With the flick of a finger, quickly scroll through automatically generated previews of documents, photos, videos and more, filter by file type or use the calendar to go back weeks or months.
- File Browser makes it easier to access file folders and applications.
Quick access to the apps and keyboards are easily accessible via on-screen icons.
Features available on the Toshiba libretto W100 include:
- Dual 7.0-inch diagonal multi-touch displays7 (1024 x 600)
- 6-mode virtual keyboard with haptic response
- Windows® 7 Home Premium operating system
- Intel® Pentium® U5400 processor1 (1.2GHz)
- 2GB DDR3 memory2
- 62GB Solid State Drive3
- 1.0 megapixel HD Webcam with Toshiba Face Recognition
- 802.11 b/g/n wireless4
- Bluetooth 2.1+EDR5
- MicroSD card slot
- One USB 2.0 port
- TOSHIBA Bulletin Board, ReelTime™ and PC Health Monitor software
- 8-cell battery
- 7.95" (W) x 4.84"(D) x 1.2"(H)
- 1.8 lbs.6
Availability
A limited number of the libretto W100 concept PC will be available for purchase later this summer from select retailers and direct from Toshiba at toshibadirect.com.
Image Gallery: http://bit.ly/librettoW100
Connect with Toshiba on Twitter at twitter.com/ToshibaLaptops and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ToshibaLaptopsUS.
About Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. (TAIS)
Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., TAIS is comprised of four business units: Digital Products Division, Imaging Systems Division, Storage Device Division, and Telecommunication Systems Division. Together, these divisions provide mobile products and solutions, including industry leading portable computers; imaging products for the security, medical and manufacturing markets; storage products for automotive, computer and consumer electronics applications; and telephony equipment and associated applications.
TAIS provides sales, marketing and services for its wide range of information products in the United States and Latin America. TAIS is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation. Toshiba Corporation is a world leader and innovator in high technology, a diversified manufacturer and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products. These products span from information & communications systems; digital consumer products; electronic devices and components; as well as power systems including nuclear energy; industrial and social infrastructure systems; and home appliances. Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 740 companies, with 204,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing $68 billion (6.3 Trillion Yen). For more information on Toshiba visit www.toshiba.com.
can't believe no one yet had shouted "courier!!"
@mikmik111 COURIER!!!
not...
@mikmik111
Concept PC sound pretty much like "vaporware" PC. They have got to be kidding about sticking Windows 7 desktop on that "thing". I hope Toshiba isn't foolish enough to just throw money away on a proven failure of a tablet/Windows platform. Just who are they aiming this product at? Any consumer will take one look at this thing and start scratching their heads wondering why it has dual screens. Oversize Nintendo DS, maybe?
@MosesusedaniPad
Concept PC?
Did you miss the press release?
And it has a ULV processor which is more than capable of handling Windows 7 goodness :D!
@mikmik111
Nobody shouted "Courier" because the Courier actually had some sweet looking software - this just has buggy Windows 7 widgets and a slow processor running 2 touchscreens on a platform that's already pretty resource-intensive, nevermind that the OS completely sucks for slates of any sort. Oh yeah, it costs over twice the price of the ipad (just to make the obvious comparison, not trying to start a fanboi war), and it's not available until later this year! Next!
You have to wonder:
If Apple had released an actual MacTablet instead of another iToy, would the faithful still be wailing about how a desktop OS can't work on a tablet?
@mikmik111 : let me shout, 1 hour battery life!
@mikmik111
If it can print, connect to external hard drives, usb mouse and keyboard. Then I can dump my laptop.
@MosesusedaniPad
No one had any issue with even netbooks running Windows 7 without issues until Steve Jobs decided that his tablet would be using cellphone parts and therefor couldn't run a full operating system.
After that, suddenly a tablet with a real operating system, even running a ULV processor just like laptops, somehow isn't good enough for Windows 7. xD
@mikmik111
Right there with you. I really feel like Courier got axed only so that Microsoft doesn't make the hardware (and thus would compete) with their usual hardware vendors. The software will most likely end up in the office suite as a special edition for dual screen tablets.
-On a side note, how can you tell which side is up? or do you just care?
@mikmik111
It's not Courier cause it's missing one important detail. a ACTIVE DIGITIZER pen.=> the people that would buy it get reduced to 15%
That culv cpu eats atom cpu's for breakfast, so no problem there, I'm quite surprised they put it in such a small frame. 4 hours is acceptable if it's with both screens on 60% .
They need to put a 3d screen just mock the 3DS
@Slick When all the text is upside down, you're doing it wrong.
@mikmik111
Foldable screen for this concept=lust
@mikmik111
Although it's probably a pipe dream, and the Courier may never become reality, I am really excited about this device. Apple fans have a great device to satisfy their computing needs; now it's time for us MS fans to get the device we've been waiting for.
I'm REALLY hoping it's only a matter of time before some inspired developer comes up with Courier-like software for this.
@mikmik111 This looks great let's hope that we get a Courier device, but if this was sporting Android or Chrome OS then I would be even more excited about this. Not much of a Tosh fan (never owned anything that I know about, so I guess I am not not a fan as well). but this looks promising. God I wish that HTC would get together and make a dual screen 7" Android 2.2 Device that would be slick.
@angermeans
If it was running Android 2.2, you would have at most 1/3 of the funtionality. A device like this running Android would be more of a portable media player with internet capabilities. With windows 7 its a capable computer, with Android, its not a capable computer, but another kind of device.
@mikmik111
Courier had more to do with a revolutionary software inside the hardware and its unique design.
This is just two small tablets...i like it though...
@Ducman69
You don't think the screens would just rotate w/ accelerometers?
@mikmik111
I think the courier would have had a better form factor \ design...this thing is too thick to be attractive, and it looks like they kind of just slapped it together.
@monkfishbandana
THANK YOU! Seriously, these tables *need* an ACTIVE DIGITIZER, so that you can use them for taking notes, producing visual art, writing formulas, annotating books/pictures/maps, hand-written letters, whiteboard collaboration, etc.
These are all tasks that a keyboard or finger does not handle well, but paper excels at. I would *love* to replace my notebook with a tablet that I could write on instead.
Styluses and resistive screens are *not* the same, as you must hover your hand above the surface in order to write properly. The active digitizer only recognizes the pen tip, not your hand.
An active digitizer is *the* missing killer feature that takes a tablet from a toy to a tool for real productivity!
@Slick
Yeah, but on the other hand, isnt the webcam on the lower part of that picture? If so, they might have turned it upside-down, and the os perhaps dont support turning it that way.
Not for that price! Ill wait till MSI does it better, sorry :(
@FlyingAero
Haven't you heard? Microsoft killed the Courrier... Damn murderers!
@spikebrain, he said MSI.
@spikebrain I was referring to this bad boy: http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/msi-dualscreen-e-reader-hands-on/
Seems to be of a more solid build and more polished look, which is why MSI has got my attention
@FlyingAero
Hey, awesome hardware like that is not meant for cheapskates !
netbooks/cheap tablets -> that way
^_^
i thought this was cool until i saw $1099
@nerd
ya me too. disappointed once again
@nerd Indeed, does seem pretty expensive.
@nerd On the plus side, few manufacturers, including Toshiba, actually sell for full listed MSRP.
In fact, they are often artificially inflated, so thrifty consumers think they are getting a ueber price. **But wait, there's more!** ;)
And for those concerned about the touch interface of Windows7, even without any other touch software layers included, please watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBtEhQqS1dw
@Ducman69 "And for those concerned about the touch interface of Windows7, even without any other touch software layers included, please watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBtEhQqS1dw"
I watched it and noticed two things:
1) Scrolling seems decent but zooming with pinch gestures lags like hell.
2) He goes through the big buttons pretty easily... and then he tries to minimize a screen on 3:40, 4:12, 4:29 and fails all three on the first try.
@MaTdg
He needs to increase the Desktop DPI to 125% or even 150%. He can then close etc windows with ease as that makes the options much 'bigger'.
@Excalibur I had a feeling someone would say that.
The problem is that
1) When you increase the DPI content also looks bigger resulting in less content (webpage for example) on the same screen.
2) An increased DPI is good for touch but might be to big for mouse use (at least for me).
3) To change the DPI settings you have to logout and back in.
4) In windows 7 you can choose between 100%, 125% and 150%, no more, no less, nothing in between. And in the movie even 150% is not possible.
5) You know that, I know that, but the average user has never heard of DPI let alone he knows what it does or how to change it. Most people still think you have to change resolution to change text size.
@MaTdg
I can agree that W7 is not perfectly touch optimized.
Yes they should have made a touchscreen profile, where the bars get bigger...
But still, its the most flexible OS.
And on this device you also have keyboard or toucpad if you want, so that you can always use different inputs methods for executing such commandos.
@nerd And where are all the folks who claimed that the ipad would suck because you can't type on a touch screen, Why aren't they saying that now?
Just sayin'
@vqro
Not a common statement by techgeeks, so you would have to look on other forums for that!
I don't mind windows 7, but hbt i think this should be running linux, with ubuntu app store or something similar :l
@Aklex7 *tbh xD
@Aklex7 W7 was designed for touch interface from conception, something like Ubuntu was not.
@Ducman69 No it's not, W7 is just the normal windows with additional touch features. And a ubuntu netbook remix or something like that would actually be more touch friendly then W7. Still not 100% good though.
While I read that article, I was expecting a thin, sleek machine that didn't need extra room for a raise keyboard and DIDN'T HAVE A FAN. Then you say that not only does it have a fan (which takes up sizable space on a device that small), but then you say it's noisy.
I think I'll save my $1100.
If you want to see some video of the "dualscreen madness", there is one here: http://www.techlicious.com/blog/hands-on-with-the-toshiba-libretto-w100-dual-display/.
This is definitely one device where you really need to see the video to appreciate what it can do. Though the price will almost certainly make this a niche product initially.
BTW, according to the press release, the W100 has an 8-cell battery.
@joshk Awesome video! Any chance the demo video could be linked?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIxw19VXECc&feature=player_embedded
:D
@Ducman69 Not sure what you're looking to link, but you're welcome to use the embed code from YouTube to embed elsewhere, if that's what you're asking.
This is most definitely what would have been the Courier. After all, Toshiba is a major hardware partner of MS.
@LANjackal - for several reasons, I don't think this is the hardware intended for use with Courier.
Courier was planning to use the OS used in the Zune HD (Windows CE embedded OS), with low power CPU and Video processors to allow the kind of battery life you would expect in a MP3 player or phone rather than laptop or netbook. Also, the Courier was intended to be used in both multitouch and stylus modes, requiring active digitizers for each screen. The Courier was to support/require 3G/4G connection for constant net access. Finally, rather than a front facing webcam of Libretto was to be a rear-facing multimegapixel camera for bringing content into the organizer.
I don't begrudge the flexibility of having a full OS on a device like this, but too much about the hardware would make it difficult/unlikely to be able to write a Courier-like app that would function in line with the stated vision of the Courier team.
Now make it thinner.
I love the concept, though I feel like having two screens would be difficult to use. It'd be annoying to type on, that's for sure. Though I would assume they'd also add some software that would force all windows to open in the top screen. It'd be annoying having to drag windows from the keyboard to the top all the time.
I'd love to have something like this, though not at $1,099.
COURIER
This is a real iPad competitor. It's not just a CPU + GPU with Windows 7 slapped on it or those POS Android tablets.