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Double-Vision: Is There Room For Dual-Screen Notebooks?
Posted by marco chiappetta in Notebook PC | Aug. 17, 2009 1:00 PM
On the desktop front, users of dual monitors typically rave about the increased screen real-estate afforded by a second screen. It is not uncommon to hear dual-monitor users to say that they would never go back to using a single screen. But in the mobile space, dual screens have been more of a novelty than anything else, at least for the most part.
The problem is, most dual-screen notebooks haven't been outfitted with the type of secondary screen that would increase desktop real estate. Instead, the second screen has been nothing more than a Windows Sideshow display, that's used for little more than e-mail and media player notifications. It seems having dual screens meant something very different in the mobile and desktop arenas.
Somewhat recently though, Lenovo finally got it right. Instead of slapping a tiny secondary Sideshow screen on a notebook, Lenovo actually integrated a second, retractable 10.6" LCD into their W700ds, that worked in concert with the notebook's main display. When the secondary screen is engaged, the Windows desktop area is automatically expanded, and the additional pixels afforded by the display can be used for virtually anything--docking tools in Photoshop, keeping IM and e-mail clients open, you name it.
The Lenovo W700ds Dual-Screen DTR Notebook
While the Lenovo W700ds' secondary screen wasn't perfect, I think Lenovo got the implementation right. Instead of adding a gimmicky, additional element to a notebook, that just so happens to display pixels, Lenovo integrated a secondary screen that could actually be used to increase productivity. If other notebook manufacturers use Lenovo as the model, I believe there could be some exciting possibilities. With a larger, brighter secondary screen on a more mobile-oriented machine (think sub 15.6"), a dual screen notebook could offer enough resolution to make editing high-res photos more palatable on the go. And in a gaming oriented notebook, integrating three screens ala the W700ds--one on each side of the main LCD--could open up some very interesting possibilities for gamers. Surround-View on the go, here we come!
What are your thoughts? Would you use a notebook with dual-screens? Or even seek out a machine with dual-screen over a standard single-screen notebook? Inquiring minds want to know...
Why is everyone so intent on doubling screen real estate by doubling monitors? If you're going to give me something like this ^ I'd rather lug around one large screen with a portable keyboard that contains all the other laptop components. I hope you see my point in this because I think there's no way I'm going to get dual screens just for having two monitors to look at. That thing pictured above is a point in redundancy. Why have a drawing tablet? Why not draw directly on the screen? Why have another screen if it's just going to be a vestigial appendage? I mean, I'd have two screens if it means i can interact with my computer in a manner that is more natural for me... (touchscreen with a difference).
I have always dreamed of a dual screen laptop. The idea if applied right sounds great. The problem I am always faced with is that Adobe products work so much better with more screen space. This could really provide a niche market for the Graphic Designers of today. As far as for gaming, I think that mobile power is far below the ability to really support high end multi-screen gaming. I am sure that this is not the last time were going to see dual screen laptops. They need to work on the mechanics of how the screen(s) are situated also...possibly a fold?
I think it's an interesting idea, however I feel that the price for this won't be justified. Let alone wouldn't the viewing angle be odd? I feel that you would have to twist around to view the screen properly.
Amazing article -- innovative idea; full of win all around