Samsung notebook with transparent OLED display

This could be the coolest thing I’ve seen since I got to Vegas on Tuesday. Samsung is showing off a notebook prototype with a 14 inch transparent OLED display. When the screen is off, it’s up to 40% transparent. And when it’s on, you can clearly see the display, but you can also see right through it.

The OLED display really isn’t all that useful for notebooks, but it’s still pretty impressive looking. Where it could really come in handy is “head-up” displays for vehicles. Samsung says the tech could also be used for MP3 players, eye-catching advertisements and displays, and notebooks like this prototype.

I think it’s safe to say that this tech isn’t going to be coming to low-cost netbooks anytime soon. But it was just too cool not to share.

You really have to see it in action to get the full effect, so check out the short video after the break.


Posted on Thursday, January 7th, 2010, 4:02 am by Brad
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  • BoloMKXXVIII
    Interesting, but why display this on a laptop? Nobody wants everyone able to see what they are working on.
  • Mikez
    Agreed, it would be much better as a "heads up" display on a HD.
  • I think the point is that this 14" panel is the largest transparent OLED to
    date, and it seemed like the right size for a laptop, but not necessarily a
    TV, car dashboard, etc. But I'm not 100% sure about that.
  • Michael
    This serves no purpose at all. Are these the things notebook manufacturers are spending their R&D on?

    They should be finding ways to improve speeds and reduce price. Its like coming out with a transparent underwear or boxer shorts. What does it serve?

    This tech is ancient in the car world. BMW has had this for years in their 5 series.
  • ninetynine
    What do you mean no purpose at all? Ever play Halo? This could make all those Sci-Fi HUD helmets possible.

    Imagine your whole windshield being made of this stuff. Forget dashboard GPS how about a 3D map right on your windshield. Giant arrows and highlighting street corners and buildings that show you where to go and what's in that building. Augmented reality from your car. This could be a step into the future that everyone imagines.

    And can't be too critical of Samsung R&D. They aren't exclusive to the notebook/netbook market. They are a giant compared to those companies and they have the resources to focus on things like this.
  • It is like the concept cars that automobile companies bring out every so often. It might not be practical but it shows what could be and how the technology is developing.

    It would be cool as part of the motorcycle helmet where one would keep ones hands on the steering wheel and ones eyes on the road. Having the GPS being on the winshield would make it easier to find places and get directions.

    One could also use them on displaces where one sees what is inside the object one is looking at and not have to look away to a display to see it. The object could be seen through the display.

    IMO; it is way cool.
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