From CNET: Acer sprang a couple of new gaming devices on us during IFA -- a concept laptop called Project DualPlay and a Windows gaming handheld called the Nitro Blaze 7.
Acer intermittently tosses out concept products at trade shows but doesn't do it every year like, say, Razer does. So the reveal of Project DualPlay at IFA comes as a bit of a surprise. And an interesting one at that. DualPlay is a Predator gaming laptop with combo bundled-controller garage and touchpad. The controller drops in and attaches via magnets, plus the control pads detach from the controller body to split into two joystick sections, potentially for co-op or other side-by-side play. The stereo 5-watt speakers can pop out of the sides, and there's RGB lighting everywhere.
It's a clever design, but my initial reaction to the concept is "what if you don't like the controller?" Embedding it into the laptop makes it convenient for gaming on the go, but I think the idea needs a little refinement in that respect. Also, 5-watt speakers aren't bad for a laptop, and popping them out is a nice idea for the type of lean-back gaming this seems intended for, but I'd like them to flip forward so that the sound comes at you from the front.
The whole thing's a novel concept, but like most, it's not a product that you can expect to see any time soon. In fact, even if it does end up a real device, it might not resemble this version at all. We'll just have to wait and see.
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