10 Things You Can Do with a $100 TouchPad

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By Brent Rose

from http://gizmodo.com/

The TouchPad may not be the perfect tablet, but it is selling for $100 right now, but it's going fast. Actually, it's pretty much gone. But if you did manage to snag one, here are ten good uses for it.

1. E-book Reader

The TouchPad has a mighty fine Kindle app, but at only $99 it's cheaper than even the Wi-Fi only Kindle (at $140), and it does a lot more. Sure, the screen may not be as easy on the eyes as E-ink, but you can read it in the dark, so there's that.

2. Music Player

Guess what? The TouchPad, with its speakers from Beats By Dre, has the best speakers on any tablet we've ever tested. With so many music-streaming services out there and tons of good cloud music options, you could set this up somewhere in your house as a dedicated music streamer. Or just load up the internal storage with your own music and head out the door.

3. News Reader

My morning routine: I load up a bunch of my RSS feeds on my phone while I'm walking to the train, and then I read these feeds while underground on my way to Gizmodo HQ. The TouchPad has a sweet read-it-later app called Paper Mache(basically webOS's answer to Instapaper), and it should get you up to speed during your morning commute without cramping your eyeballs.

4. Airplane Movie Viewer

Unless I'm absolutely desperate, I refuse to pay for a movie on an airplane. $5 to $10 to watch a movie on a 5 inch screen on the seat in front of me? Pass. Instead, load up your TouchPad with a flick or two, and you're ready to fly the friendly skies.

5. Recipe Book

As Matt suggested earlier, load up Epicurious, bring that baby into the kitchen, and get cookin'. Spill a little sauce on it? Whatever! You only paid 99 bucks for it. You would cry the tears of a thousand lonely grandmas if you got tahini on your iPad 2.

6. Put Android On It

This will make Matt Buchanan scream in ring-wraith-like rage, but it must be said: development is underway to port Android (first 2.3 and then 3.x) over to the TouchPad. I'm fairly certain that Matt would argue that WebOS on tablets is better than Android on tablets, and in many ways I'd agree, but Android has the distinct advantage of having a pulse, whereas WebOS is pushing up the daisies. If it's important to you that you keep getting software updates to keep up with the Joneses, then this might be something to consider (once it's ready). If not, I wouldn't worry about it.

7. Tablet For Your Toddler

Do you bristle every time you kid goes near your fancy, expensive tablet? Instead, take your cheapo TouchPad and bookmark a ton of kids websites. It doesn't matter if there aren't a ton of native kids apps, because it plays Flash games! Just go to Kongregate or some such site and bookmark a ton of kid-appropriate games. It'll save you a headache during car trips and you won't care if he bashes it with his plastic hammer.

8. Dedicated Toilet Tablet

I may lose you here. I'm okay with that. Nobody likes to talk about it, but everybody uses their phones while they're taking a crap. Wouldn't you rather have a larger display while evacuating your bowels? Yes, it's kinda gross, but your touchscreen is already supposedly more bacteria-covered than most public toilet seats. Just keep a bottle of hand sanitizer next to it. And hide it when you have company.

9. Dedicated Couch Tablet

I have a certain friend who comes over a lot and while we're watching TV, he grabs my laptop to check his Facebook and read up on his favorite blogs, and I will not be able to get my hands on it again for the rest of the night. It's habitual, and it sucks because I want to be dicking around on it. If I kept a cheapo tablet by the couch then he could do his thing, I could do mine, and there need be no bloodshed.

10. Vacation Connectivity

I like traveling to rough n' tumble, out of the way, maybe not the safest places. Sometimes I want to bring my laptop, but I don't dare ruining it. I wouldn't want to ruin an expensive tablet, either. Bringing a $100 TouchPad could be a great solution. Connect whenever you have Wi-Fi to figure out what you're going to do while traveling, and you can avoid internet cafes and such. And if it's stolen by guerillas, well, it's not the end of the world.

XO-3's - One Laptop per Child (OLPC): tablet

Read more: Fuseproject and One Laptop Per Child Unveil $75 Tablet PC for Kids! Fuseproject's XO 3 Flexible Tablet Computer – Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World

Designed by Yves Behar's Fuseproject, the XO-3's new design features an all plastic tablet screen which is semi-flexible and extremely durable, and just like the original XO, the display can be optimized in both transmissive and reflective modes for indoor and outdoor lighting conditions. The XO-3 supports many use scenarios to fulfill kids’ learning needs: from horizontal book mode to portrait reading mode to multi-touch--so many hands can play and learn together on the same screen--to a full-touch keyboard and a back facing camera. Read more from the full press release or download the high resolution pictures from Flickr.

Best Kitchen PC/TV - Smart-Leaf!

The all-in-one PC has a rugged build with fold-out, spill-proof keyboard, touchscreen and WiFi, together with options like a TV tuner. Plus, as you can see from this picture, just one touch makes ladies very happy.

The Smart-Leaf debuted at CES 2008 as a concept; it seems that Originatic have been doing some market research since then. Both home and business users are being targeted, with Originatic believing the former want an “out of the way” machine for kitchens while the latter desire “cost-effective, space efficient” alternatives to the usual information kiosks.

Has a great place in the HealthCare Model:

Health Care

Please see website for ordering and more info: http://www.smart-leaf.com/

Tablet wars Part II: Apple iPad 2 vs Motorola Xoom vs HP TouchPad vs BlackBerry PlayBook

By: Bharat
From: http://www.gizmowatch.com/


With release of the much lighter and better, camera-equipped iPad 2, the tablet market is left awestruck again. While the first generation iPad remains to be the highest selling tablet, the iPad 2 with great features at same old price stands to gain ground over its predecessor. Google’s steadily trying to make a difference with its Android OS, and other manufacturers are constantly employing the latest versions of the Android OS to play catch-up with the iPad – that now stands even more impressive as the iPad 2. Thus, to learn which tablet plays heavier in which segment and where it actually hurts the other, we’ve compiled a face-off - Apple iPad 2 vs. Motorola Xoom vs. HP TouchPad vs. BlackBerry PlayBook for your notice, jump down for the best.

Four Android Tablets that Really Deserve Your Hard-earned Cash

By admin
From: http://www.crazytechnews.com/

iPad is a good option, but the tablet world is not just limited to it.. Well, there are many who do not fancy just an iPad. If you are also looking for some even better stuff than iPad, you, definitely, need to consider Android. Though Windows tablets have been hovering over for quite some time, Android ones are a popular option among those who want to have a different tablet experience. They work nicely and things become really exciting with their friendly interfaces.

With different screen sizes, battery life, on-board RAM and processing power and price ranges, you will find an array of Android tablets these days. Here are my selections of five best Android tablets that can offer you a great return to your money.

1. Archos 70

Source: Tech Stroke

If you are looking for a lightweight and small tablet, the Archos 70 is a thing for you. But there are certain aspects like seven-inch screens that are not as impressive as other available tablets. It features 250GB hard disk, 8GB flash, a 1 GHz ARM Cortex A8, Wi-Fi, VGA front-facing camera, integrated kickstand and HDMI output. It houses a single core processor instead of a dual core. Android can be seen at its best on this tablet.

2. Advent Vega

Source: Tablet Connect

With 1 GHz Tegra 2 dual-core processor, 10” touchscreen, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, 1.3MP webcam and impressive battery life, the Advent Vega is a tablet for those who want great quality with styling. UK’s retailers Dixons is going to sell two tablets for this Advent range that include Advent Amico and Advent Vega. They both house Android OS. Some other remarkable features of the Advent Vega are 4GB SD memory card and have a battery life of 10 hrs. and it’s just 14mm thick.

3. Archos 101

Source: New Best Gadget

The Archos 101 houses all the features and functions that can be seen in the Archos 70 and the only difference is the touchscreen which is of 10.1” that delivers 1024×600 WXVGA. There are two hard disk versions in lieu of a hard disk version. 8gb and 16gb are the flash based option of the Archos 101.

4. Dell Streak

Source: Android and Me

There are somewhat innumerable iPad rivals that trying to thrash Apple following the same aspects that Apple has worked on. But there are some players which have tried to take a different approach and Dell with its Streak is one of these players. Dell Streak is a sleek and elegant device with 5” multi-touchscreen and great processing power and improved functionality are the things that really make it a worth-buying device. The thing which makes it a nice option is that it can also work as a smartphone and this what makes things somewhat blurred when you have to think to use it as an Android based tablet or as a smartphone. Text messaging, 5mp camera, Android interface and removable battery are some other impressive specs of the Dell Streak.

RIM Demos BlackBerry PlayBook live from Adobe MAX

From: http://hewreck.com/

Why am I excited about this tablet? Not the tablet itself but the transferability of AIR to all platforms. This will expand the market for AIR applications for tablets x-fold meaning that Android tablets will get to piggyback, much like it currently gets to piggyback on iPad enabled websites. Loving the innovation that is coming to the tablet realm right now.

I think this is an excellent demo, but I think that it feels doomed to be outshone by a retooled iPad 2. Especially since I feel pretty strongly that Apple is going to release a 399 ipad. I find it hard to believe some of these other companies are going to be able to undercut them or gain near the same marketshare.

There’s a maturity and solidity to the way this PlayBook is coming together that I find pretty impressive – So Far…

Now it’s all about refinement and developer support, and Adobe’s a very good start.

A Peek At Ubuntu's New Touch Support

by Julie Bort
from http://hothardware.com/
 
While there's still no official word on which PC manufacturers will produce a Ubuntu touch netbook, the company released a sneak-peak video that shows it's new Netbook Edition Unity interface and gesture library in action.

Ubuntu has so far certified a list of 27 laptops and 7 netbooks that work with its full-fledged recent 10.10 release, but has certified none yet for its Unity interface with a touch screen. However, one of those stamped-for-approval netbooks is Dell's Latitude 2100, which includes a touchscreen. The rumor is that the Dell Latitude 2100 does pretty well with Unity installed

The demo sure looks like its being done on a Dell Latitude XT2 Tablet PC, perhaps another clue as to which vendor will be first to offer it. The XT2 is not one of the laptops that Ubuntu has certified for use with 10.10.

5 Tablet Offerings Explored, An Infographic

by Dave Altavilla

Ever since the iPad’s release, various manufacturers have been in a race to develop something as good as, or better than Apple’s current industry leading tablet. Frankly at the time of its launch, the iPad simply didn't have any real competitors with the same design elegance, polish and the total solution that Apple' s App Store brings to the table. That said, a mere six months later and manufacturers are starting to line up to give the iPad a run for its money. Here's a look at a few of the major tablet offerings we know of thus far, courtesy of our friends at Managed VPS. You can compare and contrast high-level features and functionality for yourself here. Do devices from Samsung and ViewSonic have what it takes to compete? Word is Dell has something larger on the horizon too. So many tablets, so little time. It's a good problem to have.

Click image for higher res.

Hannspree pairs Android 2.2 with Tegra 2 for a 10.1-inch multitouch tablet

By Vlad Savov
From: http://www.engadget.com/

Yearning for a bit of dual-core action on the move? Who isn't. Hannspree will soon try to quell that 1080p-sized hunger in all of us with its freshly announced €399 ($507) Froyo tablet. There's no lack of spec sheet ambition here: a 1GHz Tegra 2 SOC is surrounded by 16GB of internal storage (expandable via MicroSD), an accelerometer, WiFi and Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity, a 1,024 x 600-pixel capacitive touchscreen, and mini versions of HDMI and USB ports. Flash 10.1 is also proudly supported, while the 3,500mAh battery is said to last up to 8 hours when playing 1080p movies. We'd be getting real excited right about now, but we've learnt to be cautious with such lofty promises -- remember the Gemini?

BlackBerry Torch review -- Engadget

engadget.com — When we began our review of the BlackBerry Torch (aka the Bold 9800), our hearts were all aflutter... But can it pick up where hugely successful models like the Curve and Bold have left off?

click here for the article: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/04/blackberry-torch-review/

Hands On with the BlackBerry Torch 9800

By: Sascha Segan

From: http://www.pcmag.com/

The BlackBerry Torch 9800 for AT&T isn't all-new and all-different, but it's new and different enough.

On Tuesday, Research in Motion (RIM) announced the company's first slider-style BlackBerry, the Torch 9800, which is also the first BlackBerry with both a touch screen and hard keyboard, and the first device to run the new OS 6. We received a bit of hands-on time with the new phone.

The Torch feels and looks very much like a BlackBerry, with the proper BlackBerry Bold-style arrangements of plastic, metal and glass; there are also BlackBerry fonts on the keys and the now-standard BlackBerry trackpad. Like a good BlackBerry, it feels rock-solid and like a premium device in the hand.

View Slideshow See all (23) slides

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But of course it also has that touch screen. The Torch's 3.2-inch, 360-by-480 screen is a standard capacitive LCD touch screen, not that weird "click-screen" from the BlackBerry Storm that RIM seems to have finally given up on. The screen is bright and sharp, but it's obviously behind the competition in terms of resolution.

The phone's sliding mechanism feels tight and solid; RIM says it's been rated for 150,000 slides. The QWERTY keyboard, on the other hand, feels tighter and flatter than previous BlackBerry keyboards.

The new BlackBerry 6 OS adds touch to the interface mix, but you can still navigate with the trackpad or QWERTY if you prefer. Applications now appear in a pop-up drawer - a little like on Android - with swipeable panes that take you to "All," Favorites," "Media" or "Downloads." There's a little bit of a delay when swiping, which I found a bit disconcerting.

I was very happy to see universal search here – just start typing a word and results pop up from contacts, email, programs, and media files. That's quite slick.

According to RIM, the new WebKit-based Web browser speeds up data transfers by compressing data two to three times, while still providing the kind of fidelity you see on the iPhone and Android platforms. That should, in part, help make up for the phone running at HSPA 3.6 speeds rather than HSPA 7.2, and it should let AT&T users get more Web pages out of their $15/month, 200-MB data plans.

I haven't comprehensively tested the speed, but it displayed Expedia.com with great fidelity. Unfortunately, there's no way to change the user agent to pretend to be a desktop browser, which means lots of sites (such as ours) just show dull WAP pages.

RIM appears to have totally rewritten its media apps. There's a new Desktop Manager coming with BlackBerry 6, and a Social Feeds app that combines Twitter, Facebook, and various instant messaging conversations.

More specs: the Torch has a 5-megapixel camera with VGA video recording, Bluetooth 2.1, 512 Mbytes of program memory, 4 Gbytes of built-in storage, and 802.11n Wi-Fi. As is usual for BlackBerrys, these aren't super-duper, top-of-the-line specs. Rather, the BlackBerry experience is about providing solid reliability.

BlackBerry 6 is exclusive to the Torch for now, but it may come to other existing BlackBerries. The Torch has the same 624-MHz Marvell processor and screen resolution as the existing BlackBerry Bold, so there aren't any hardware hurdles to get the new version onto higher-end existing phones.

The BlackBerry Torch is an AT&T exclusive, though RIM execs I spoke to said they would like to turn this form factor into a platform. That means if AT&T's Torch is successful, they may build versions for other carriers.

You can look at the BlackBerry Torch two ways. If you live in BlackBerry World, it's obviously a big step forwards. But on AT&T, it's competing against the Samsung Captivate and iPhone 4, with their gigahertz processors, "retina" screens, and thousands upon thousands of apps. Can the Torch compete with the new round of super-phones? We'll have a full review of the BlackBerry Torch soon.

From: http://www.examiner.com/

The BlackBerry Torch 9800

BBExaminer via BBLeaks

This just in! The BlackBerry 9800 for which we have been waiting for months has finally arrived. A top secret training call with Research In Motion employees took place today where the company officially announced the most anticipated BlackBerry in years. Among the details on the call was the phone's official release date.

First off, RIM is going with the name Torch for the 9800. The slider touchscreen phone with a full qwerty keypad will also have a 5MP camera and OS 6.0, but this is all news we already knew about.

The phone is available for authorized dealers to order today and will launch in corporate stores on August 12th.

Yes that's right. August 12th. A mere 9 days away. In one week and two days, the BlackBerry Torch 9800 will be in our hands and ready for playing. In fact, the device's release is so close that AT&T sales reps will be going through mandatory training on the device starting today!

This is great news guys! Can't wait to get my hands on a Torch!

Stay glued to the BlackBerry Examiner for more details as they unfold.

Hands-on with Asus' Eee Tablet eReader/Writer with Integrated Digicam

by Mathew Miranda
from: http://hothardware.com/

Without a doubt, mobile computing is making its mark over at Computex 2010. After announcing their Eee Pad tablet PC, Asus gave us a closer look at their slick looking e-Reader/e-Writer creation designed for students and mobile business professionals. The little slate's features include a 10 hour battery life, 2450 dpi touch resolution screen, pen writing and input controls, a fast screen refresh response time, 2MP camera, USB port, and a MicroSD slot. With a $199 asking price and a September release date, we came away impressed with the new gadget form Asus, but don't just take our word for it. Hit the our hands on video here to see for yourself...

We're rather curious to see how this new device will impact the eReader market, along with Asus' strong partnerships with Amazon. Kindle books on the way perhaps? You can read between the lines there a bit for sure. We haven't gotten anything but a few hints on that front but if we were the betting type, we'd say keep your eye on how Asus will handle content distribution on this one.

Dolphin uses iPad as way to communicate with humans

Mark Frauenfelder

From: http://www.boingboing.net/

Michael Leddy of Orange Crate Art came across this press release about a dolphin named Merlin who uses an iPad.

Last week, a young bottlenose dolphin named Merlin became the first of his species to join the growing number of enthusiasts using the Apple iPad. Dolphin research scientist, Jack Kassewitz of SpeakDolphin.com, introduced the iPad to the dolphin in early steps towards building a language interface.

“The use of the iPad is part of our continuing search to find a suitable touch screen technology which the dolphins can activate with the tip of their rostrums or beaks. After extensive searching and product review, it looks like our choice is between the Panasonic Toughbook and the Apple iPad,” Kassewitz explained. “We think that once the dolphins get the hang of the touch screen, we can let them choose from a wide assortment of symbols to represent objects, actions and even emotions.”

Kassewitz explained the requirements of the technology. “Waterproofing, processor speed, touch-sensitivity, anti-glare screens, and dolphin-friendly programs are essential. As this database of dolphin symbols grows — we’ll need fast technology to help us respond appropriately and quickly to the dolphins.”

The research was being conducted at Dolphin Discovery’s dolphin swim facility in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico, along the picturesque coast now referred to as the Riviera Maya. The dolphin, Merlin, is a juvenile, born at the facility only two years ago. “Merlin is quite curious, like most dolphins, and he showed complete willingness to examine the iPad,” said Kassewitz.

For now, the researchers are getting Merlin used to the touch screen by showing him real objects, such as a ball, cube or plastic duck, then asking the dolphin to touch photos of those same objects on the screen. “This is an easy task for a dolphin, but it is a necessary building block towards our goal of a complete language interface between humans and dolphins,” Kassewitz said.

Dolphin enjoys using the iPad

9 iPad Alternatives Worth Checking Out

http://www.techvert.com/ipad-alternatives/

Everyone like the look ad feel of the new iPad, apple first touchscren tablet pc. But,. there are few others on the horizon worth mentioning.

Click here for the full article: http://www.techvert.com/ipad-alternatives/

Microsoft’s 'Manual Deskterity' Enhances User Touchscreen Experience (w/ Video)

by John Messina
from http://www.physorg.com/

Enlarge

Microsoft’s “Manual Deskterity” adds power and a more natural user experience to the tablet PC.

(PhysOrg.com) -- Microsoft's "Manual Deskterity" combines touch and pen for a more natural user experience working with Microsoft Surface (tabletop touchscreen) and newer versions of Windows 7 tablet.

Microsoft’s aims are to combine pen and multi-touch input into a more natural user experience. For example, moving papers around on your desk and jotting notes on them, and then dropping them into folders for filing. The pen input is great for certain tasks, but not others; the same holds true for touch.

Microsoft’s new user interface exhibits many interesting features when combining the pen and touch interaction on the touchscreen. Take for instance, if a user wanted to copy an object, they can do so by holding it down with one hand and dragging the pen across the image to peel off a new one and place it anywhere on the desk.

The above video demonstrates many user interface techniques that would have to be learned to fully utilize all the features incorporated into “Manual Deskterity”. Microsoft believes that the natural user interface will ease the learning process and prevent users from trying to remember a sequence of commands or menu operations.

Microsoft’s Bill Buxton explains what the Natural User Interface is all about, in the above video.

Microsoft’s researchers have arrived at the following perspective: the pen writes, touch manipulates, and the combination of both yields new tools.

Enlarge

Pen writes, touch manipulates.

Enlarge

Pen plus touch equals new set of tools.

By combining the two, Microsoft researchers are working on a whole new variety of tools for interacting with your computer. There are also plans to adapt this user interface to work on mobile devices.

© 2010 PhysOrg.com

WePad comes out of tablet hiding, reveals its €450 price and August availability

By Joanna Stern
From http://www.engadget.com/

There's no I in pad. Only we, of course. Yeah, we've been wanting to make that joke for awhile -- but in all seriousness, Neofonie, makers of the 11.6-inch WePad, held a press conference in Berlin today to reveal a bit more about its Linux-based slate. According to our German counterparts there will be two versions of the Intel Atom N450-powered tablet, which has two USB ports and an onboard webcam -- the 16GB / WiFi version will go for €450 and the 64GB / HD capable model for €569. We're a bit intrigued by the promised "full HD" support of the larger version, but Neofonie was quick to say that there is no NVIDIA inside. Hmm... Broadcom's Crystal HD, perhaps? The company wasn't willing to let reporters play with the early build of the multitouch device, but they did show off some videos of the Linux interface. You can watch a few after the break, but the live widget-based GUI looks extremely attractive and amongst other things, the browser supports Flash. It sort of hurts that we won't be able to get our hands on one until August, but we're happy to hear that the company, unlike some others, is taking the time to get things right.

Updated: We can't help but laugh at the fact that many sites are reporting that the WePad on display at yesterday's press conference was actually running Windows 7 underneath the Linux-looking UI. Apparently the company has more work to do than we originally thought.

WePad, Engadget German

MSI to debut worlds first full HD 3D all-in-one PC

From: http://www.geekwithlaptop.com/

MSI are going to be showcasing their new range of all in one pcs at the forthcoming CeBIT expo in Hanover from March 2nd to March 6th 2010 and amongst them there’s one product that’s bound to attract a lot of attention.

It is the world’s first large screen full high definition 3D all in one computer designed for the 3D home experience. The press release says it all.

“MSI has become the first company in the world to introduce an All-in-One PC with a 3D touch-screen.

“Taking advantage of recent advances in 3D imaging technology, MSI has integrated 3D display technology combined with a powerful Multi-Core CPU and new 3D graphics technology to ensure smooth, clear 3D images and a higher level of detail.

“The combination of a 120Hz LED panel and 3D shutter glasses brings the kind of 3D video experience into your home that you would normally only expect from a modern 3D movie theatre.

“Put on the 3D glasses and touch the screen with your fingertip, and the beautiful scenery of the planet Pandora from the movie Avatar will appear right in front of you, almost as if you could reach out and touch it.”

The computer comes with an Intel Core i7 processor and will feature a 24 inch 120 Hz LED backlit full HD LCD touchscreen display and comes complete with Shutter Glass 3D glasses so that users can experience the computer in 3D.

The computer is actually built inside the display case so the device looks more like a standalone monitor than a traditional looking computer.

You wouldn’t expect something like this to come cheap, and it doesn’t, although we don’t have the exact cost it’s expected to be somewhere around the 2000 euro mark give or take a few euros depending on what components you choose.

The all-in-one PCs will come in a range of sizes, with a variety of specifications and colours.

MSI will also unveil their first 3D laptop at the expo, which sports a 15.6 inch 120 Hz 3D HD screen.

Other new products from MSI in 2010 will include the U160 super slim Netbook with 15 hours battery life, oh yes, that’s a world first too, also the X-Slim X620 Multimedia notebook, and the GT660 gaming laptop with the latest Core i7 processor and next generation graphics.

What's Better Than a Tablet? A Computer That Doesn't Need a Screen

Posted by Alex_Pasternack

From: http://www.motherboard.tv/

Now that our future has been revolutionized, at least for today, with a Moses-like tablet that will change how we publish, read, think and watch NSFW videos in public spaces, it’s easy to forget about the real future of computers — the one that involves no physical screen, and no real gadget, at all.

It’s been the stuff of the future in science fiction before, most recently as the gear used in the Syfy’s Battlestar prequel Caprica. But dudes, we’re living in the future. Using laser-based projection technology, one of those “phase modulating spatial light modulators” and other tech tucked into a tiny box, this computer by a UK company called Light Blue Optics projects a touch screen on any surface with relatively low power. The company’s co-founder, Dr. Adrian Cable, visited gadget geek Robert Scoble yesterday at his house, leading to a homemade, touch-heavy video with a gently voiced cameraman that might be best be called softcore amateur future gadget porn.

To see the thing in action,

Want an excuse to write something on some of your old monogramed stationary? You could type it. Ordering another enchilada right on your table cloth? Check. Want to mix your afternoon Bloody Mary on top of your Google Docs page? Does your e-reader or your fat belly need more music videos on it? It’s coming. Googling on your steering wheel? You so crazy. Wanna take multitasking to the next dimension? Project this hologram screen on top of your iPad. Yup, straight on top of it.

Alright, maybe we’re not ready for that just yet. And while the prototype is already being manufactured by Foxconn, the big company that makes Apple’s products, and the company has heard lots of interest since it made a splash at CES, we’re probably not going to start using any surface as our computers for another couple of years.

But I can’t wait for a future when we don’t have to lug around screens everywhere (and, for that matter, don’t tweet-drool over things like over-hyped oversized iPhones.)

The interactive projector that turns any surface into a Minority Report-style touch screen

By Claire Bates

From: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/

Fed up of lugging a heavy laptop around? Soon you could be typing documents and browsing the web on any nearby surface with the aid of a pioneering pocket-sized projector.

An innovative British company called Light Blue Optics has created the Light Touch, which transforms any surface into a 10.1in touch screen, reminiscent of the film Minority Report.

The Light Touch works well with social networking sites and can be used to update your Twitter account

The system uses holographic laser projection and infrared sensors to create a screen that supports multi-touch gestures, like many smart phones.

The device was unveiled by the Cambridge based company at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Dr Edward Buckley was on hand to show off its impressive features, including games, photo galleries and a video player with the brightness of 15 lumens.

'With the photo application you can drag your pictures around into an order you like, view one by touching on it and also scroll through them. It's much like on an iPhone,' he told reporters.

Dr Buckley from Light Blue Optics said the projectors could be useful in restaurants, shops and hotels

Dr Buckley was even able to connect to his Twitter account online using the Light Touch's Wi Fi connection.
Technology pundits at the show were surprised at how accurate the gadget was.

Thomas Ricker from engadget.com said: 'Despite our skepticism, we came away suitably surprised - impressed even.

'The touch sensitivity was far more accurate than we expected - so good that we were quickly typing out phrases on the QWERTY with few mistakes.'

How the holographic projector works

Holographic refers to the novel method of projection used by the Light Touch.
A distorted version of the desired image is placed on a  microdisplay using diffraction patterns (the effective bending of light waves.)

When this is illuminated with a laser it projects the correct image outwards, remaining in focus at all distances.
It also works on curved surfaces.

This makes it far more flexible than Microsoft Surface that needs large touchscreen panels attached to surfaces.

Fiction to reality: Surface computers were imagined in the film Minority Report

It currently has 2Gb of storage with SD card expansion. Dr Buckley said the technology also had the capability of connecting to other devices such as MP3 players and phones.
'We are developing technology but we want to work with other companies to bring it to market,' Dr Buckley said.
He said the device could be useful in restaurants, hotels and retail outlets to name a few.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1241608/CES-2010-The-interactive-projector-turns-surface-Minority-Report-style-touch-screen.html#ixzz0cKEzjMRh