• About

LIVEdigitally

How-To: Design a Killer Dual-Screen Laptop

Posted on July 27, 2008 by Jeremy Toeman

When I got my original Vaio (the good one, not 2.0 aka “the trainwreck”) I was amazed by the thinness of the screen (even next to an Air it’s a very thin screen). I distinctly recall the day I dreamed up a dual-screen laptop, one that would work inside the existing context of Windows (or OS X) and be extremely helpful for a variety of different types of users. Since then I’ve heard of numerous forays into the Dual-Screen Laptop space, and in each case I simply don’t understand the efforts.

Three out of four of the concepts I’ve read about use one screen as a big “touchpad”, the other as a traditional display (here, here, and here). The fourth has a very bizarre “folding half-screen” approach, which just looks like it should be called the Picasso edition.

I believe the correct approach to a dual-screen laptop isn’t about replacing the keyboard, it just doesn’t seem like a high-want item. I’m a decent typist, but I don’t think I’d do well on an all-touch screen-keyboard (a la iPhone). Instead, I think about how people use both laptops *and* desktops with dual-monitors, and what options would make sense in a single unit.

So, without further adieu, here is my little “Recipe For Success” to built a useful dual-screen laptop (along with my terrible photoshopped prototype image):

Start by thinking of a thin-screened laptop like the (now former) Sony Vaio SZ series. Imagine on the side (left or right – you pick) a hinge, and on the other side a clasp. You release the clasp, then a second screen swivels out (via hinge) to appear next to your original screen. Attentive readers will realize at this moment that the screen is facing away from the user, which means the hinge needs a swivel as well (just like on a tablet PC). That’s the basics, but read on for it to all make a bit more sense. Also, I’m not stating that this configuration is for everyone, but, like a mini-notebook, it should appeal to… some?

First it gives the user an instant two-monitor setup, very familiar to many desk setups. Nothing like extra screen space when you spend your working hours with one. It probably wouldn’t work too well back in coach, but in a Starbucks or at home, would be a great solution.

Also, since there is a hinge/swivel mechanism it can be used to create a second screen facing away from the user. Super handy for anyone doing frequent presentations. If it’s not clear by now, the other fringe benefit here is this second screen works just like a second monitor, so it would be compatible with Windows XP or Vista (if necessary, ugh) with no special/new drivers.

If we want to get fancy, let’s make the secondary screen touch-sensitive, then we have a tablet interface running while we are at it. Not sure what the impact is to cost/feasibility here, but my hunch is it would be the least of the design concerns.

Clearly this isn’t the budget laptop, and this won’t be interesting to quite a few readers. But I have a hunch there’s a few people reading right now who really really want one. Chalk me up on the list.

Share this:

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Reddit

Related

Posted in General | Tags: laptop, product design, Vaio | 9 Comments
« 12seconds.tv launches in alpha
Hasbro Made the Right Business Decision »

9 thoughts on “How-To: Design a Killer Dual-Screen Laptop”

  1. mark says:
    July 27, 2008 at 12:49 pm

    cool concept; They could probably make this as an accessory too – imagine a small lcd screen that could attach to your existing screen, and be powered by usb. (usb bus doesn’t really have enough power now to drive lcd’s.. but in the near future.. oled anyone?) – and use displaylink technology or similar – to drive the lcd screen from the usb (instead of having to worry about plugging in two cables; one for power/other to vga..)

    Technology is there – they just need to make it:)

    -mark

    Reply
  2. Ricky says:
    July 27, 2008 at 7:33 pm

    I would *so* buy a laptop like you’ve pictured there. It’s basically replicating the experience of having a 2nd monitor plugged into your laptop at your desk.

    Reply
  3. Anders Gardebring says:
    August 10, 2008 at 9:07 am

    Found this while googline for “dual-screen laptop”.
    This is pretty much what I want to. I have two monitors both at home and at work. I’ts really essential to get a good workflow. Right now however I am on my laptop and it really annoys me to have just the one screen.
    Like you, the planned dual-screen laptops that I have found while googling does not interrest me. What is the point of a second display if it is only used as a keyboard anyway? It’s in fact a step down, you loose the touch feedback a regular keyboard gives you and you gain nothing. Sure, you can use it as a touch screen dual-screen PC but what’s the point to me as a system developer? I need that keyboard…

    Reply
  4. Louis says:
    August 25, 2008 at 10:04 am

    Drop a third panel on the other side and you have my dream machine.

    Reply
    • KTB says:
      January 19, 2017 at 6:25 pm

      https://slidenjoy.com/en/

      Here ya go

      Reply
  5. Pingback: LIVEdigitally » Blog Archive » From My Mouth to Lenovo’s Ears

  6. Dual Screen Fan says:
    March 13, 2010 at 6:09 pm

    That’s an interesting idea. If someone is carrying a laptop it is for portability, and granted this system is portable but is it practical? I dunno, Cool.. Definitely!

    Reply
  7. Brian Faust says:
    December 7, 2010 at 3:12 pm

    Yes looks cool. However I have developed a second screen for laptop that can be used by any laptop who have an extra connection for external monitor. I will release the product in 2011. BTW if anyone wants to know about the product please send a message on jewa42@yahoo.dk. I may need some eyes to look on the product to be absolutely sure it fits the needs you may have.
    Kindest regards Brian Faust

    Reply
  8. Dzenana Ibrulj says:
    July 27, 2011 at 4:35 am

    This is exactly what I had in mind! Incredible, but as they say ‘great minds think alike’. I have a VAIO now and I would definitely buy this if they decide to market it. In my opinion however, they should have a 180 degrees hinge, so you don’t have the extra weight and hassle of the clasp and just ‘flip and fold’ the extra screen. I btw found this site too by googling for my new duo-screen laptop.

    Reply

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About

Jeremy Toeman is a seasoned Product leader with over 20 years experience in the convergence of digital media, mobile entertainment, social entertainment, smart TV and consumer technology. Prior ventures and projects include CNET, Viggle/Dijit/Nextguide, Sling Media, VUDU, Clicker, DivX, Rovi, Mediabolic, Boxee, and many other consumer technology companies. This blog represents his personal opinion and outlook on things.

Recent Posts

  • Back on the wagon/horse?
  • 11 Tips for Startups Pitching Big Companies
  • CES 2016: A New Role
  • Everything I Learned (So Far) Working For a Huge Company
  • And I’m Back…

Archives

Pages

  • About

Archives

  • January 2019
  • April 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • May 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • June 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008
  • March 2008
  • February 2008
  • January 2008
  • December 2007
  • November 2007
  • October 2007
  • September 2007
  • August 2007
  • July 2007
  • June 2007
  • May 2007
  • April 2007
  • March 2007
  • February 2007
  • January 2007
  • December 2006
  • November 2006
  • October 2006
  • September 2006
  • August 2006
  • July 2006
  • June 2006
  • May 2006
  • April 2006
  • March 2006
  • February 2006
  • January 2006
  • December 2005
  • November 2005
  • October 2005
  • September 2005
  • August 2005
  • July 2005
  • June 2005
  • May 2005
  • April 2005
  • March 2005
  • February 2005
  • January 2005
  • December 2004
  • November 2004
  • October 2004
  • September 2004

Categories

  • Convergence (81)
  • Gadgets (144)
  • Gaming (19)
  • General (999)
  • Guides (35)
  • LD Approved (72)
  • Marketing (23)
  • Mobile Technology (111)
  • Networking (22)
  • No/Low-tech (64)
  • Product Announcements (85)
  • Product Reviews (109)
  • That's Janky (93)
  • Travel (29)
  • Video/Music/Media (115)
  • Web/Internet (103)

WordPress

  • Log in
  • WordPress

CyberChimps WordPress Themes

© LIVEdigitally
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.