ECS shows off notebook with 500h battery life

It can, miraculously, even be used when it's not switched on. OK, the above is a true statement, but there is a catch. ECS has incorporated a 2-inch LCD screen and directional control pad onto the outside of the notebook.

This allows you to read email or look up contact information stored on your PC, play your media files, look at your photos on the external screen, and so on – and all without turning on the PC.

All these functions are provided by Microsoft's forthcoming Windows Vista component, SideShow. The device uses its own CPU and 128MB of flash memory, embedded in the notebook lid, and runs on very little power.