Asus 'Origami' laptop concept has see-through screen and funky folding case

We’re not quite sure if this is a proof of concept, technology showcase or prototype product from its R&D labs, but we’re hoping that the stunning folding laptop that Asus had on show at CES today is an indication of what we can expect from our portable PCs in the next few years.

Asus is pursuing the idea of 'shared computing' and the ‘Origami’ concept (no relation to Microsoft’s Origami portable PC concept) is an ultra-slim ultra-portable with a simple but innovative folding case construction. The screen is opaque and the clever bit is that when two displays are placed back-to-back or stacked one on top of the other, the displays combine into one as the laptops communicate with each other wirelessly. Images and video after the cut.

The partially transparent touch-screens allow images on one to remain visible on the other and users can interact with both. It’s easier to see working than try to explain, so here’s the Asus marketing video that shows the folding laptop concept in action.

The highly stylised user interface owes more to the crime computer in Minority Report than anything Microsoft may have up its sleeve and while we’re not quite sure if the software will catch on, we’d love to see the hardware reach production. Alas, while there was a semi-functional prototype on display, there’s no news on when an Asus origami laptop might be available.