Samsung’s Transparent Tech to Become Reality

During this year’s CES, I saw a lot of cool things. 3D TVs and PCs, state-of-the-art headphones, sweet auto tech, you name it, I saw it. But when I made my way over to Samsung’s exhibit, I saw a sight that made made my heart grow in Grinch-like proportions. Similar to the see-through coolness of Sony Ericcson’s Xperia Pureness was a drool-worthy transparent laptop. As I touched it in childlike glee and wonder, my teeth gnashed in regret. My Flip’s battery had died so there was no chance of capturing footage of this beautiful design. I stood transfixed for about ten minutes then walked away in sadness, knowing that something that looked that cool would never make it to production. Or would it?

Imagine my elated surprise to see reports that Samsung might be unleashing this laptop onto the masses. Imagine, a 14-inch transparent AMOLED screen with crisp, bright color that you can see through. A person can simultaneously work on a report and check out the hottie over at the next table. Privacy issues aside, it’s a pretty cool concept.

I’ll admit, that like the Pureness, I really can’t think of how this laptop can be thought of as a practical choice when looking for that next notebook. As much as I hate to say it, without it in practical applications, this is more of an aesthetic purchase than anything. I have no doubt that Samsung plans to chock it full of goodies, but there’s really no good reason to have a see-through screen. When it comes down to it, I don’t see a specific need for many transparent products, except maybe clothes and that totally depends on the person rocking the translucent threads.

Rumor has it that the laptop is set to hit stores within a year. To get the masses ready for the idea of transparent tech, Samsung is supposed to be releasing the IceTouch PMP, “the world’s first 2-inch, full-color, transparent Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED) touch-screen display”. The 16GB device will function as an MP3 player, video player, FM radio, and digital picture display. Reports have the IceTouch hitting U.S. shores in the first half of the year for about $380. No word on the laptop’s pricing, but expect to pay some serious dinero for something that pretty.

About the Author
Sherri is a freelance writer that has a love of all things fun and geeky including gadgets, gaming, anime, and comics. When she isn't writing or out on the town living it up, she loves doing 10-12 hour marathon sessions on her Xbox 360 or one of her older consoles. It's not an addiction, it's a way of life!
See all posts by Sherri L. Smith.