The ASUS W5Fe is the world's first SideShow notebook. SideShow means that there is an extra screen on the outside of the notebook. The display provides quick access to email, photos, and music, without actually turning on the notebook.
| Specifications ASUS W5Fe |
| ■ Intel Core2 Duo Processor (T7600/T7400/T7200/T5600/T5500) ■ Mobile Intel 945GM Express Chipset ■ Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG network connection ■ Windows Vista Home Premium ■ DDR2 533/667 MHz, up to 1536 MB ■ 12.1" WXGA Color Shine & Crystal Shine LCD ■ ASUS Splendid Video Intelligence Technology ■ SATA 80/120/160 GB 1.3 M pixel webcam ■ 802.11a/b/g, BluetoothV2.0+EDR ■ 3x USB, 1x TV-Out, 1x card reader, 1x Express Card, 1x VGA ■ 30.5 x 22 x 3.1 cm, 1.7 kg (battery pack with 3 cells) ■ SideShow: 2.8 inch display ■ Flash: 1GB NAND Flash |
SideShow relies on another technology called Readydrive, where the Flash (chip) memory in the SideShow element can communicate directly with the hard drive of the PC.
Flash memory
In the 1 GB Flash chip memory of the ASUS notebook, a copy of essential information on the hard drive is kept, such as data in Outlook or part of the music collection. Just like a Pocket PC can take over this kind of information from the PC. In fact, the user of the ASUS W5Fe has a Pocket PC integrated into the lid of their laptop!
Weak point
Just like with a Pocket PC, the SideShow in the laptop can automatically synchronize data with the laptop's hard drive. Sounds good. However, it is also a weak point: the data is only synchronized (updated) when the laptop is actually started. So if you think you can read the most current appointments or emails in the SideShow, you are mistaken. New agenda items and messages may be offered to you via the internet. But you won't know about them until you actually start the laptop.
Price: not yet known | Introduction: Q1 2007 | Info: www.asus.nl
