Flip screen laptops are known by several names. Some companies call them tablet computers. Others call them convertibles, and reserve tablet for models that don't have a keyboard. Still others call computers that don't have a keyboard a slate computer.
I like "convertible" because you can switch between conventional laptop orientation and the slate configuration, with keyboard covered.
Asus is starting to market a 9 inch convertible computer in USA. It's called the Eee PC T91.
Gigabyte makes a 10 inch convertible, called the T1028X TouchNote . They also sell a 9 inch version called the M912.
Dell just introduced a convertible called the Latitude XT2 XFR. This model has a 12.1 inch display.
HP makes a convertible called the HP TouchSmart tx2z with 12 inch screen.
Kohjinsha makes a model with a 7" screen called the SK3.
Several companies have leaked information about new convertible models. These include the Gateway EC18T (11.6 inch screen), the MSI U150 (10 inch screen), and the Acer Aspire Timeline 1420P (11.6 inch screen).
Fujitsu just introduced a new convertible called the LifeBook T5010. It has a 13 inch screen.
Speaking of Fujitsu, I have a very cool convertible called the Lifebook U810 on my desk today. It has a 5.6 inch screen and 1024 x 600 resolution, weighs less that 1.75 lbs, and runs Windows Vista. It looks like a netbook that was captured by a tribe of headhunters and shrunken to half its regular size. The U810 and the newer U820 models are designed to be used while standing up.
Chip Haven
