gScreen shows off dual-display laptop, Spacebook

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Matthew DeCarlo

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Using a laptop has distinct advantages over desktops, most prominently in the mobility department. To gain that boost in portability, though, sacrifices must be made. As a whole, laptops lack the computing muscle offered by their clunky counterparts. That shows in more areas than one - not least in precious screen real estate.

Acknowledging this, a little-known company named gScreen has earned a seat in the limelight with its dual-display-packing notebook. Called "Spacebook," gScreen is working on models that house two 13, 15.4, 16, or 17-inch LED-backlit LCD displays. With a specifically tailored sliding mechanism, the Spacebook's secondary display can be slipped out when needed, and tucked away when not.

In an interview with Gizmodo, gScreen said the Spacebook's specifications will include an Intel Core 2 Duo, 4GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce GF900M, a 7200RPM HDD, DVD drive, six or nine-cell battery and Windows 7. The company's website has more details, listing a Core 2 Duo P8400, 4GB DDR2 RAM, 320GB 7200RPM HDD, 512MB Nvidia GeForce 9800M GT or Quadro FX 1700M, and VGA/HDMI-out.


Given the slightly dated specifications, I assume the Spacebook's hardware will be revamped in the models to come. As attractive as a laptop with two displays may be, the complete package probably weighs in excess of 12lbs, not to mention the elevated power consumption. Just something to keep in mind before you plunk down your hard earned dollars.

The company is pressing for December 2009 launch -- probably to snag a few holiday sales -- and plans to have the first units sold via Amazon. Although there is no official price established, gScreen is reportedly trying to keep it below $3,000.

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Those specs are nice, I would like to have one of those. But still, the average laptop I see out there has around 2 hours of battery life. And with two screens? I could only see myself using this in my home or at the library. But the library has computers so I wouldn't need it there. And for 3000, I could build 2-4 computers that run at that speed w/ the dual screen. The dual screen may be this products downfall. But of course, it IS smaller than a desktop. So that is a plus. However, I don't live in China, so space isn't really a big deal.
 
Cool idea, I dont really see it being practical though. But I am sure there is a niche market where it will fit in.
 
I don't get it, two displays will bend any battery over, that kills any mobility to begin with.
 
Oh pshaw, someone will have to be the first kid on the block to have one. Usually it's the kid that can afford to have another kid to carry it for him.

Besides, it's a stretch of the imagination to consider this thing "portable". I can just picture unfolding this monstrosity in the train with somebody sitting next to you.
 
As cool as that is . . . I just don't see myself needing that in a laptop. That said, I am sure there are some people out there who could use it . . . I just can't think of who they are at the moment.
 
If you were some sort of civil engineer or something and needed to be able to take really complex designs out to clients or something then this would be a godsend.
 
I work in marketing for an LED company, and this would be great for me to compare and contrast my exceedingly high quality products.....with other companies crap! :haha:.....yup...should have gone to bed about 4 hours ago LOL
 
My boss has one of those Lenovo dual screen laptops, its so big its nickname around the office is actually 'The Beast'.
 
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