Dual screen laptops coming your way?

[Glenn]

Acer have a model in testing. http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/11/acers-dualscreen-laptop-leaks-out-with-sizable-screens-core-i5/

[Lance]

I can see battery life being a problem with dual screen devices

[gizmo71]

... and touch typing...

[Rik]

I'm not sure I can see much benefit in such a device, but I'll probably end up trying one to find out.

[Technical Ben]

I thought you meant one of these... http://www.dabs.com/products/lenovo-w700-c2q-4gb-400-bluray-vb-xpp-5J3K.html?refs=21 check out the extra pics of it in action.

I'd love that. A "spare" screen. So you can watch your movies and type on IDnetters too. Or play games and check the weather...

[Rik]

Making sure you allow for wind velocity in the games, Ben?

[Technical Ben]

Making sure you allow for wind velocity in the games, Ben?

Well no. I'd actually have a use for it. I could use the main screen for painting or 3d modelling and the mini to display my reference images. Or use each screen for different angles. I don;t need a second screen for the internet... as most games have in game browsers now! 

[Rik]

 

I think I'd head for the desktop and dual monitors.

[zappaDPJ]

I'm not sure I can see much benefit in such a device, but I'll probably end up trying one to find out.

If you think in terms of traditional methods of interfacing with a computer, I agree it doesn't seem to have a lot to offer and I'm sure it'll make a poor replacement for a traditional keyboard. However I do think in a few years it's likely that all laptops will be built this way but I also think it goes hand in hand with good quality voice recognition software.

[Rik]

Which is definitely coming on in leaps and bounds.

[Technical Ben]

If you think in terms of traditional methods of interfacing with a computer, I agree it doesn't seem to have a lot to offer and I'm sure it'll make a poor replacement for a traditional keyboard. However I do think in a few years it's likely that all laptops will be built this way but I also think it goes hand in hand with good quality voice recognition software.

I think voice recognition will never work too well, I mean, most people don't know what I'm saying.  
But when you think of it like a book, or like real estate, you've doubled your space. If people are already using touch phones and pads/laptops, why not double the screens or your model?
The best option I have seen so far, is a keyboard with a lcd in each key, so it can change to anything on the fly. Looks beautiful but costs a bomb for all those tiny screens.

[Rik]

I think I know the one you mean, Ben, I lust after having one...

[Technical Ben]

You mean this?! http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/optimus/
For nearly £1600 you'd probably have to keep to this instead...

[Rik]

That's the one.