Sharp intros 'world's first optical sensor LCD pad' netbook
The trackpad's that a display too
Agentless Backup is Not a Myth
Sharp has unveiled a netbook that, it claims, features the world’s first LCD touchpad, allowing for both pen and multi-touch finger operation - and providing visual feedback.
Video courtesy of Akihabaranews
Can't see the video? Download Flash Player from Adobe.com
Named Mebius, the PC has a 4in, 854 × 480 input device that – according to Sharp – is much more than a “conventional trackpad”. Why? The pad’s ability to recognise drawings and text using the bundled stylus, and to perform the same finger-based functions – such as rotate and zoom - as other multi-touch trackpad PCs, including Apple’s latest MacBooks.
And it's a sub-display too, Sharp added. The colour LCD can show different screens, from function-key icons to calendars, email and diary entries. It can also be utilised by the app running on the main screen, to create a Nintendo DS-style dual-display set-up.
Sharp's Mebius: the trackpad's an LCD panel
Trackpad capabilities aside, the Mebius will feature Intel’s 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor, be fitted with 1GB DDR 2 memory – expandable up to 2GB – and feature a 160GB hard drive.
The Sharp machine will come with a 10.1in, 1024 x 600 LCD and Intel’s 945GSE Express graphics chipset.
Other notable goodies include an integrated 1.3Mp webcam, Bluetooth 2.1 and wireless web over 802.11b/g. A multi-format card reader’s also built into the Mebius.
Context sensitive
Although the machine’s claimed three-hour battery life may put off some potential buyers, its 260 x 190 x 23mm dimensions are sure to appeal to portable PC lovers. It comes with a choice of Windows XP or Vista Home Basic.
Sharp’s Mebius will be available in black or white body colours and is set to go on sale in Japan first – although the firm hasn’t said when – for ¥80,000 (£558/$814/€628). A UK launch date or price hasn’t been mentioned. ®
COMMENTS
Very clever. Sort of
So its a laptop with a biggish screen and a much smaller screen, which is touch and pen sensitive. And its got quite a good colour range. And you can write stuff on it.
What was not shown was how this integrates with what's on the main screen. My eyes can track a cursor on a main screen quite well enough without needing a little repeater screen. How does this improve your user interface to allow you to do things in ways which are impossible with a more conventional pad?And in the 21st century how does a laptop go into production with a 3 hour life expectancy?
BTW on the video. Kill the sound. There is no commentary and the music is pants.
awsome...
but i just spent £700 on a netbook for work and a laptop for gaming.....
:(
hopefully sharp will licence this new tech to other manufacturers soon, it looks like the next big thing for laptops.
nice
hmmmm trackpad as context sensitive display mmmmmmm
where's the linux version <sigh>?
Sharp: sell the trackpad to other OEMs ... <dreams>
IT infrastructure monitoring strategies
Agentless Backup is Not a Myth
Top 10 SIEM implementer’s checklist
Steps to Take Before Choosing a Business Continuity Partner
Enabling efficient data center monitoring
