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What's Better Than a Tablet? A Computer That Doesn't Need a Screen

Posted by Alex_Pasternack on Wednesday, Jan 27, 2010

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Now that our future has been revolutionized, at least for today, with a Moses-like tablet that will change how we publish, read, think and watch NSFW videos in public spaces, it’s easy to forget about the real future of computers — the one that involves no physical screen, and no real gadget, at all.

It’s been the stuff of tha laser-based projection technology, one of those “phase modulating spatial light modulators” and other tech tucked into a tiny box, this computer by a UK company called Light Blue Optics projects a touch screen on any surface with relatively low power. The company’s co-founder, Dr. Adrian Cable, visited gadget geek Robert Scoble yesterday at his house, leading to a homemade, touch-heavy video with a gently voiced cameraman that might be best be called a future gadget lovefest.

To see the thing in action, jump to the moneyshot.

Want an excuse to write something on some of your old monogramed stationary? You could type it. Ordering another enchilada right on your table cloth? Check. Want to mix your afternoon Bloody Mary on top of your Google Docs page? Does your e-reader or your fat belly need more music videos on it? It’s coming. Googling on your steering wheel? You so crazy. Wanna take multitasking to the next dimension? Project this hologram screen on top of your iPad. Yup, straight on top of it.

Alright, maybe we’re not ready for that just yet. And while the prototype is already being manufactured by Foxconn, the big company that makes Apple’s products, and the company has heard lots of interest since it made a splash at CES, we’re probably not going to start using any surface as our computers for another couple of years.

But I can’t wait for a future when we don’t have to lug around screens everywhere (and, for that matter, don’t tweet-drool over things like over-hyped iPhones for old people.)

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  • 6089_510801703163_103200726_30557632_6649909_n_small

    listenn2slayer about 1 month ago

    i can barely use my blackberry. this is not a joke.

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    Alex about 1 month ago

    I'll stick with my keyboard and monitor, thank you very much.

  • Detail_small

    Mason about 1 month ago

    can't freaking wait.

  • 10225_992873656123_5203998_55541355_7063630_n_small

    sssss about 1 month ago

    Great article. Too bad we have to wait so long for this gadget.

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About the author

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Alex_Pasternack

my other card is a hard drive
New York, United States
Member since 2009

An enthusiast of science, technology and web surfing, Alex Pasternack has written about culture, politics and the built and natural environments in places as far afield as Sichuan, China, Ulan Ude,...

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