It was predicted that 2010 is going to be the year of the smartbook. If you don’t remember what a smartbook is, it’s a device that combines the elements of a smartphone and a netbook into a single laptop-like device. We haven’t seen any of these netbooks hit the market yet (and it’s quite possible that the iPad changed the landscape yet again), but computer manufacturers such as Lenovo and HP are developing smartbooks.
Our favorite netbook manufacturer, however, is thinking of a different approach. They’re thinking of developing a netbook that works as a Modu jacket. So basically, you get to use the Modu phone as an internal 3G model for the laptop.
From The Inquirer:
Andrew Tse, head of UK distributor Purely Gadgets, said the idea is that you can change the phone shell to match your clothes or to get new features such as a camera. One shell takes the form of a photoframe that screens pictures held in the phone.
Tse, who describes himself as ‘chief inspector’ of Purely Gadgets – a reference to the Inspector Gadget cartoon series – said the Modu-equipped netbook is an extension of the same idea. “If you don’t want to take the netbook out for the evening you just pull out the phone and take that.”
Imagine being able to use just one data plan for both your mobile phone and laptop. It’s not clear if you can use the phone while it’s plugged into your laptop, but knowing how functional Modu phone modules are, I won’t be surprised if that’s the case. Heck, I can see myself having one less thing to worry about when I bring my stuff around! Instead of having to worry about pickpockets as I commute, I just stick my phone in my laptop and just take care of one thing. Too bad I’m not exactly a fan of Modu phones though. I’m still willing to give this a try anyway.
