MSI SketchBook Dual-Sided with Keyboard, Tablet
MSI recently displayed a concept notebook with a rotating keyboard/tablet.
Rather than wait a few weeks for Computex 2010, MSI headed off to Amsterdam to show off its cool SketchBook concept device. While we've seen designs that convert notebooks into tablets using rotating touchscreens, this idea takes a different route and sports a rotating base. Users simply flip the keyboard 180-degrees and use the trackpad (and stylus pen) mounted underneath.
Engadget (Spanish) was on the scene and got a chance to spend a few minutes with the early, non-functioning prototype. "In terms of general appearance, the design of this notebook retains a certain "retro" feel with a fairly thick bezel on the top and bottom of the screen, and a case markedly granular in front," reads the translation. The site seemed to indicate that the dual-sided keyboard/trackpad combo didn't feel compact despite its appearance, but instead seemed rather sturdy and resistant to damage.
Given the SketchBook's limited size--especially the tablet aspect--this device may not be suited for professional graphic artists. Instead, it would be great for hobbyists and students wanting to sketch and take quick notes. Unfortunately, additional details are not available, however we expect the device will rear its head at Computex 2010 next month.
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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eddieroolz After I read the headline, I thought "Microsoft Courier!?"Reply
Unfortunately it's not quite the same, but still cool! -
liquidsnake718 Thing is this might be useless because consumers or kids buying netbooks and lessor powered PC's/Laptops are learning less how to write script and cursive and are learning how to type at an earlier age. Thus rendering taking notes with words useless..... at least eventually or in 10-20 or so more years.... which in turn is just SAD for the human raceReply