Five Cool Features of the New Touch Book

Editor's Choice Touch Screen Netbook from Always Innovating Has Many Surprises

Mar 11, 2009 Joe Lofaro

Always Innovating is set to spice up the sizzling netbook market with its new Touch Book, and the timing couldn't be any better.

2009 has been hailed as the year of the netbook -- the ultraportable laptop with a smaller screen. Netbook shipments are expected to soar to 35 million this year and continue to rise over the next few years, according to ABI Research. The recent economic downturn and consumer obsession with mobile technology have contributed to increased netbook sales. The $300-$400 price tag also makes netbooks even more appealing.

The crowd at the Demo '09 conference in California this month were enamoured when Always Innovating CEO, Grégoire Gentil, showed off the new Touch Book. Here are five innovative features of the new device:

1. Touch Screen Tablet

When the keyboard is detached from the device, the netbook can function as a tablet computer, taking full advantage of the touch screen interface. With a touch of a finger a user can launch applications, as well as websites using the Mozilla Fennec mobile browser. The 8.9" screen also features a 3-D accelerometer which can used to play games much like the iPhone.

2. Longest Battery Life of Any Netbook

Most laptops and netbooks today come with one standard battery which usually lasts about three hours. The Touch Book, however, comes with two batteries. The one in the monitor can last three to five hours, but when the one in the keyboard is connected to the Touch Book the device can last between 12 and 15 hours.

3. Powered by an ARM Processor

The Touch Book can last up to 15 hours thanks to its very efficient ARM processor from Texas Instruments. The ARM processor uses a small amount of energy from the laptop so it doesn't generate a lot of heat when using it.

The Touch Book is the first netbook to use the ARM CPU as most netbooks on the market are using Intel's Atom processor. The Touch Book also features an 8 GB Solid State Drive which means there are no moving parts, and there are no fans. This translates into a silent, cool netbook which uses energy sparingly.

4. Instant-On

Users can enjoy the Touch Book the moment he or she touches the power button since it features an instant-on feature. It works the same way as a cellphone does in that it is ready to use in seconds. Users will not have to wait long for the OS to load before they begin using the device. When turning on the device, they will also notice that it runs the open source Linux OS.

5. Magnetic Back

The Touch Book is ultraportable not only because of its small screen size but also because of its weight. Weighing in at 2 lbs with the keyboard, this netbook will feel like a feather compared to most laptops. The netbook is so lightweight that its magnetic back can easily hang on the fridge as a display.

Users won't be able to touch the Touch Book for quite a while. Always Innovating plans to have the device ready for Spring 2009, but those in the U.S.can preorder one today on the company's website.

The copyright of the article Five Cool Features of the New Touch Book in Mobile Technology is owned by Joe Lofaro. Permission to republish Five Cool Features of the New Touch Book in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Touch Book with red back, Rafe Needleman Touch Book with red back
   
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