"I found it a bit confusing and odd... you must have some practice to operate it... but yes if improved in its next versions it looks promising" shared Shah Akash, regarding Toshiba's 25th anniversary unveiling of their new dual-screen laptop concept named the Libretto W100.
Considered a concept PC, the Libretto W100 looks very finished and ready for introduction to the iPad alternative market. A very portable device, measuring merely 4.84 inches by 7.95 inches when closed, and weighing 1.8 lbs. Toshiba plans to make it available later this summer in limited quantities. The opening day price is reported to be $1,099.
The one specifications that definitely makes the Libretto stands out is its dual 7.0-inch multi-touch displays with 1024×600 pixel resolution, together with a virtual keyboard which includes haptic response.
The W100 is powered by an Intel Pentium U5400 CPU operating at 1.2 GHz, 2 GB of DDR3 memory and a 64 GB SSD, which makes it a fairly powerful machine. Other specs include a 1-megapixel webcam, Bluetooth, MicroSD card slot, Wi-Fi, one USB port, an 8-cell battery and Windows 7 operating system.
It has been met with mixed reviews. It's dual screens received lots of positive feedback. "You can read books while both pages are visible, like with a real book" was a frequently expressed comment. Many believe Toshiba's Libretto resembles the Courier Tablet. Microsoft's Courier project was canceled recently. Scobleizer complaints were it needs a decent touch OS and a lower cost point. Many agree with him on the units suggested retail price.
In favor of the Libretto's standard Windows 7 operating system Tera Iida added "Windows 7 does a great job at "guessing" what you are targeting with your fingers, even with standard apps running at 1280 x 800.
Some of the negative comments included it is a touch screen netbook at twice the price, its appearance is similar to that of Mattel's toy computer, and its true appeal is to technology enthusiasts and IT people not the general consumer.
The question of its comparability with industry standards surfaced frequently. Some technical concerns included the dual screen fluid motions on a single screen, screen size, also whether the screen was visible in the sun and its battery life. Toshiba reversed providing answers to these queries pending the Libretto W100 official release.
There are netbooks, iPads, iPod touch and Kindle. Now there is Toshiba's Libretto W100. Do you need to spend 1000 bucks on this new Toshiba box? Does it add anything original to the current tablet mix? Not that I can see...other than a dual screen...They did say it is a concept PC. It has been reported over 50 iPad competitors (concept like-PCs) will be release during calendar 2010. I trust the other offerings will originate more then the Libretto W100 did.
About this Author
Gharold, author of The Unclaimed Money Finders [http://unclaimedmoney.infogine.com/] Guide has published numerous other opinions you may or may not find interesting at The World According to GHarold.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=G_Harold
