It was officially announced at CES 2007 in Las Vegas and was the first laptop in the world that makes use of Windows Vista SideShow to support a secondary screen in the lid. Unfortunately, we didn't have a lot of information regarding the hardware at that time, except browsing the picture and a short report posted here earlier . The concept of a sideshow secondary display on your laptop is simple: checking email and your calendar, calendar information, media files, and stock tickers without turning your system on. PC Magazine is the first to get a chance to play with the Asus W5fe notebook featuring Windows Vista’s SideShow Technology.

There are some interesting facts reported by the reviewer. The laptop features integrated SideShow technology via a built-in 2.8-inch QVGA LCD screen with a 320x240 resolution that lets you access your data even when the laptop itself is powered down. The lid of the Asus also holds 1GB of flash memory which stores a cut-down Operating System that powers SideShow and which also links to the main Vista Operating System. The SideShow LCD is only independent as long as you’re accessing information from the flash memory which means SideShow operates when Vista is shut down but it will wake Vista in order to synchronise data with Windows Media player, Outlook 2007 Calendar.

I have to agree that the guys from Asus didn't put any effort into the aesthetics of this laptop and another. Because of these limitations, a short battery life, the lack of the SideShow gadgets to actually run, and an apparent lack of video support! the PCmagazine gave it a 3.5/5. Here’s the verdict from PC Mag: The ASUS W5fe SideShow opens up another realm for technology. It's one less cover to flip open, one less button to press, and plenty of time saved when you're on the move and you need information fast.It's the perfect companion for busy travelers who don't have the time to power up their laptop..Overall - they gave the ASUS W5fe a 3.5 out of 5 rating. You can find out more here.

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