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Notebook Modification to Add Portability Revives Tablet PC Stylings

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Modified Toshiba Satellite notebook

A notebook modification that makes a Toshiba Satellite more portable and flight-friendly to fit airplane tray tables actually takes on style cues from some Tablet PCs. Notably, the device hacked by renowned Benjamin J. Heckendorn with its swiveling screen over the keyboard concept looks familiar to the recently released Dell Inspiron Duo, but the style has its history more deeply entrenched in Tablet PC computing history.

Compaq Tablet PC

To achieve its space-saving designs, designer Heckerdorn’s Toshiba Satellite notebook may not have a touchscreen or active digitizer overlay, but its screen design is reminiscent of a few Tablet PCs of yore, including the Acer C200 series design, the Electrovaya Scribbler form, and one from HP Compaq in the TC100. Heckerdorn’s modification puts a swiveling screen on two metal arms on the side of the Toshiba Satellite.

Acer Tablet PC convertible design always has screen facing outwards, even when closed.

By having the screen floating over the keyboard, the modification aims to conserve space as the display wouldn’t need to be angled back to far. For frequent travelers, this feature will prove to be useful on cramped airplane seats, especially in coach class.

Electrovaya Scribbler Tablet PC design

In a post-iPad world, will we see the rise of convergence products that take on some old Tablet PC form factors? The newly launched MacBook Air demonstrates that consumers are ready to embrace not just portability, but also power and performance in a sleek form factor. With keyboards, swiveling or rotating displays, and ink and touch support, tablet PCs and their convertible form factors may be the next trend. Question is if Microsoft is ready to push the tablet limits beyond a targeted enterprise product.

The video of the modified Toshiba laptop is embedded below:

Via: Engadget

3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. JP

    11/08/2010 at 6:20 pm

    Ben’s mods and hacks are always top notch, but this one is just killer! In 1998 I bought a Vadem Clio Windows CE device that had that form factor and could easily be used in tablet or laptop mode. It was the perfect note-taking companion because it worked equally well with keyboard or pen-based input, and I used it constantly for about 3 years. I still miss that form factor today, and think it would be great to see it come back into fashion.

  2. Rettege243

    05/30/2011 at 12:54 am

    The best moment of my week is during the weekends when I get to shut off my gadgets and spend time with family, friends

  3. joyyin0322

    07/11/2011 at 3:29 am

    What You Need to Know about the Tablet PC-
    Nokia N9 Parameter

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