Hardware
The Touch Book Demoed at DEMO 09 with Detachable Screen
At this winter’s DEMO 09 a company called Always Innovating is going to show off its Netbook that they call a Touch Book. Yes, it has a touch screen, but there’s no word yet if it is has a capacitive digitizer and multi-touch. Which is interesting because some of the coverage says it can run some of the same games as on the iPhone using a 600 MHz TI OMAP 3 processor that is built around ARM technology and is running an Open Embedded Linux platform and can render OpenGL 3D graphics. Always Innovating is calling this a ““Netbook Reloaded.†The screen is 9.4 inches and when it is detached it weighs about one pound.
But catch this, it has a fully detachable screen. Yep, that’s right. Kind of reminds me of the HP tc1000 series. Intriguingly when it goes up for pre-order this week it also will also have two prices: $300 for the Tablet only and $400 if you want the keyboard/dock. The device weight less than two pounds and has a battery life of 10 to 15 hours.
More specs after the jump, and Gizmodo has some video and many more pictures.
- 9.4″ x 7″ x 1.4″ for 2 lbs (with keyboard)
- ARM Texas Instruments OMAP3 chip
- 1024×600 8.9†screen
- Storage: 8GB micro SD card
- Wifi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth
- 3-dimensional accelerometer
- Speakers, micro and headphone
- 6 USB 2.0 (3 internal, 2 external, 1 mini)
- 10h to 15 hours of battery life
Via VentureBeat
elmstrom
03/02/2009 at 6:30 am
Very interesting, if it runs any kind of remote desktop, then I am ready.
Sumocat
03/02/2009 at 6:58 am
The hybrid is back, baby! Lot of innovation crammed into this little device. Magnetic mounting, accessible internal USB ports, extended battery built into the keyboard dock. Reminds me of that “ideal tablet” concept Tracy Hooten proposed a while back. Looking forward to learning more.
Stephen Feger
03/02/2009 at 8:26 am
Yeah, I already pre-ordered one. The risk is pretty minimal.
From their FAQ:
Q. What will be the return policy?
A. Fifteen days from shipment date. No question asked.
I already sent a series of questions to them. Don’t worry Warner, I specifically asked if it would be a hard touch or soft touch digitizer. Gizmodo says it’s a resistive touch screen and I personally expect it to be a soft touch digitizer. However, they do say that the specs can change.
The thing that impresses me the most is the Tablet component being only 1 lb. with a 3-5 hour battery and the overall device with keyboard having a 10-15 hour battery. That’s e-book reader ready IMO with a real web browser.
Once you get past those specs, you can find netbooks that are either available (Intel Classmate Tablet) or will soon be (Asus T91 or T101) for only $100 more and a lot more can change in four months when they plan to ship.
I normally don’t do things spontaneous like this. But I’m a hardcore hybrid fan. I still haven’t given up my old TC1100!
We’ll see.
Xavier
03/02/2009 at 10:23 am
Agree, instantly brought back memories of my TC1100. Looks a little top heavy- can’t wait to see the final build.
james
03/02/2009 at 2:36 pm
That looks beautiful! The specifications sound like EXACTLY a company that listened to those of us who wanted a more open iPod Touch-like device with a bigger screen.
GIMME GIMME GIMME!
Michael Flaig
03/02/2009 at 3:08 pm
Finally a step into the right direction. Where can I place my order – now !? :-)
Sara
03/03/2009 at 2:11 pm
This is absolutely wonderful! The desktop appears to be using GNOME; I’m so glad it’s so Linux-friendly. It’s exactly what I’ve always wanted; more flexibility, the ability to detach the screen and use it separately, or it together with the keyboard. Somehow, the experience isn’t the same with an external keyboard. The design is ingenuous, and I’m seriously considering pre-ordering as well. If only it had a trackpoint!
Sara
03/03/2009 at 2:14 pm
I wanted to also add, I think the internal USB is unprecedented? Someone correct me if I’m wrong. But it’s absolutely perfect when you want to keep an external USB drive plugged in seamlessly like an SD card. Always Innovating, living up to the name? :)