HP Considering Notebooks with Integrated Mini-Projectors

This year's Consumer Electronics Show saw the introduction of a variety of new or, at least, uncommon devices, such as tablet PCs, new types of e-readers and e-papers and all types of touch devices of various shapes, sizes and input capabilities. Among the devices were mini projectors, tablet PCs, smartbooks, transparent laptops, and others. One of the companies that showcased uncommon devices, and that plans to continue doing so in hopes of creating new market segments, is Hewlett-Packard. The consumer-electronics corporation is now reported to be planning the release of laptops with integrated mini projectors.

Digitmes reports that, according to the HP (Taiwan) Vice President and Manager of Personal Computing Systems Group, tablet PCs and the aforementioned notebooks with mini projectors will be two of the major PC systems that HP is planning on promoting during 2010. The concept of a mini projector-equipped laptop is not a new one, but the actual arrival of such electronics to the market has been delayed by various designs and engineering obstacles. Most often, it was too difficult to implement a viable cooling solution.

Monty Wong reportedly said that HP planned to release a number of stand-alone mini-projector products prior to the actual launch of mobile computers with such devices built into the notebook screen (the same area where webcams are commonly placed). These releases will be intended as a bridge towards the new notebooks. The systems are set to be produced by Quanta Computer.

In addition, HP will be focusing on a keyboardless design for its upcoming tablets, which implies an extensive use of touch and multi-touch input technology. Wong is also reported to believe that HP will not put too high an effort into promoting such products in the short term. These newcomers still encounter software-compatibility issues with the Windows operating systems and, as such, will, most likely, not have a very high initial popularity.