Ericsson developing a 'spider' computer (w/ Video)

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(PhysOrg.com) -- Ericsson has produced a prototype of a portable computer that projects the screen and keyboard, and a mock-up of a "spider" computer that will be small enough to carry in a pocket.

The prototype, demonstrated at this week's Taiwan Broadband show as part of Ericsson's project, Life in 2020, projects a laser keyboard onto a desk and the screen image onto the wall. On one side of the device is a laser projector that projects a laser keyboard onto the table, and on the other side is a pico-projector that produces a 30 inch screen image. The prototype has a short battery life and the device has no network connectivity and has only a memory card reader. Laser keyboard technology was developed some time ago, but the concept has never really taken off.

The ultimate goal is to develop a much smaller computer (the spider) that is a full PC with wireless broadband and a built-in long lasting battery. The spider exists at the moment only as a small black mock-up with retractable tripod legs. The device is small enough to carry in a pocket.

Ericsson's original idea was to create a small computer for third world countries, but the concept changed as they continued their research into what computers might be like in 2020.

The spider is not expected to be fully developed until 2020, but Ericsson is currently negotiating with manufacturers who might produce the prototype screen and laser keyboard well before then.

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• goldengod - Oct 31, 2009
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  This could be done in the next year if the industry was prepared to let the technology get to mass market. Who needs it to be battery operated? it would be perfect for most desktop office users needs.
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• ruebi - Oct 31, 2009
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  They should include some kind of soft touch pad for the keyboard display. Tapping a solid nonreactive surface cannot be good for finger joints. Maybe use some of that molding pillow material. Or something like the gel shoe inserts. My idea was similar to this display technology but instead of the lazer keyboard just have a collapsable touch screen that rolls up back into the console. I'd like to see the actual computer/terminal reduced to something the size of the Nintendo DSi. Flip open, unroll half the keyboard from each side, and display is projected to the wall. If work tech doesnt progress in this fashion I would be very suprised. The lazer keyboard is rather fancy and probably drains the hell out of normal batteries.
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