Is it a dual-screen e-reader, or is it a dual-screen netbook? That's the question many are asking after taking a peek at MSI's 10-inch dual-screen device at CES 2010. MSI, according to Engadget, says it's actually an e-reader, however hands-on impressions by various CES attendees think otherwise. Sporting an Intel Atom Z Series processor (Z530) and Windows 7 Home Premium, this super-sized Nintendo DS clone offers more than simple e-book reading.
According to hands-on impressions, the dual screens act as one, allowing users to drag an item from one screen to the other (like you would on a dual-screen PC set with the expanded desktop). Since the device consists of two screens, a physical QWERTY keyboard isn't present, but rather exists virtually on the "bottom" 10-inch display. Multi-touch technology has also been implemented, however only two inputs can be processed in the device's current state.
MSI's dual-screen device is a prototype, but apparently, there is the integration of an accelerometer planned for the final version--currently the only way to switch from a horizontal setup to a vertical view is to tap an icon on the Windows 7 desktop. Additionally, the netbook/e-reader device looks rather thin when viewed from the side, however it's reported that MSI's device is actually rather heavy. That, of course, may change as the design matures.
As of this writing, MSI has not provided a name for the netbook/e-reader device, nor has it released specs other than what's provided here. MSI said that it plans to ship the device within a year, so hopefully we'll know more about what's under the hood in the coming months.
