Asus shows off dual-screen laptop

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Asus has unveiled a new dual-screen computer prototype, which can be used as a laptop, multimedia machine or an e-book reader.

Similar in design to OLPC's second generation XO, the concept design dispenses with a hardware keyboard to offer two touchscreens, either of which can be used to display a software keyboard, or even trackpad for those who prefer using the mouse icon over a touch interface.

Both of these would be adjustable, with the keyboard capable of being stretched across both screens should you need extra space. Obviously, users would also be able to manipulate the device through hand gestures, handwriting recognition and multi-touch.

Asus is also touting the versatility of the device itself, which could be used as a conventional laptop, or a multimedia PC with both panels combining to form a larger display for widescreen films.

The company claimed the device could be flipped vertically into an e-book reader mode, which the user would hold just like a book and interact with through simple gestures.

The device is currently firmly in concept stage though an early prototype running Windows 7 is currently being shown at the CeBit show in Germany this week. There's no word yet on when it might hit market.

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