The Sightful Spacetop, designed by the visionary behind Microsoft Kinect, presents a groundbreaking shift in laptop technology. Instead of the traditional screen, this innovative device employs augmented reality to project a massive, 100-inch virtual display right before your eyes.
Redefining Laptop Design
Unlike conventional clamshell laptops, the Spacetop resembles a cushioned, square-shaped calzone, encased in a protective cover similar to those used for devices like the iPad or Kindle. Upon opening, users discover a pair of sleek augmented reality glasses that replace the standard screen.
The Spacetop targets business travelers in search of a private, expansive workspace. Once you don the glasses, a large, curved virtual monitor materializes, allowing you to arrange and resize applications such as Gmail, YouTube, Word, and Microsoft Teams. Whether you’re flying, working in an airport lounge, or collaborating in a conference room, the Spacetop offers a unique way to enjoy a larger display without attracting attention.
A Premium Investment
Retailing at $2,000, the Spacetop is built specifically for business use, featuring an optimized Arm processor, an open-source Android operating system, and the custom headset. Sightful is currently offering a limited run of just 1,000 units for early adopters, encouraging feedback for future product development.
Impressive Technology and Performance
The Spacetop is not a replacement for conventional laptops, similar to past attempts by companies like Meta. However, the lightweight and sharp augmented reality glasses differentiate it from previous virtual office concepts. Users reported clarity in text display and minimal lag when moving the headset.
The Spacetop’s chassis is comparable in dimensions to traditional laptops, measuring 10.47 inches wide, 9.8 inches deep, and weighing 3.3 pounds, including the headset. While its base is thicker at 1.57 inches, Sightful collaborated with Wistron, a well-known ODM, to manufacture the device.
Inside, there is potential for enhancement, as the Spacetop features a Snapdragon 865 processor from 2019 rather than the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The laptop is equipped with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and robust wireless connectivity options, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1. The device also boasts a 2560×1920 webcam and a fingerprint reader, along with two USB-C ports supporting DisplayPort 1.4.
Headset Specifications and Features
The most critical aspect of the Spacetop is the headset, which delivers 1080p resolution per eye at 72Hz. Weighing only 106 grams, it is significantly lighter than the Microsoft HoloLens. The headset’s wider field of view (53 degrees diagonal) enhances the user experience, allowing for better visibility of the environment around you.
Additionally, Sightful provides the option to create personalized corrective lenses for users with prescriptions, ensuring comfort during extended use.
Practical User Experience
During a demonstration led by Sightful’s executives, users experienced a virtual workspace filled with multiple windows and applications. Navigating through this digital environment is straightforward, as users can manipulate windows using the laptop’s trackpad, akin to a typical laptop experience.
A three-finger swipe on the touchpad adjusts the distance of the virtual display, enabling users to get a closer look at specific windows. A small taskbar facilitates the addition of windows and application selection, and the device supports various productivity apps due to its open-source nature.
Users noted that the Spacetop’s lenses provided excellent clarity, allowing for a comfortable experience without the dizziness often associated with VR devices. However, the headset’s slightly front-heavy design might be an issue for prolonged use, although adjustments can be made for balance.
Unique Interaction Capabilities
A standout feature of the Spacetop is its ability to switch back to reality mode with a simple tap on the logo, which can also transform into a scannable glyph for sharing files or collaborating in future sessions.
The inclusion of USB-C ports allows for the connection of an external monitor if desired, addressing potential concerns about screen size.
Battery Life and Sound Quality
One notable drawback is the battery life, which lasts just over five hours—on the lower end for laptops in this category. However, the Spacetop charges to 85% in under two hours. The headset’s built-in speakers may lack volume, but this is intentional to maintain user privacy.
Conclusion: A New Era in Productivity
The Sightful Spacetop represents an ambitious leap in technology at a steep price point of $2,000. Rather than promoting it as a novelty, Sightful emphasizes its potential as a serious productivity tool.
With only 1,000 units available for early adopters, interested buyers must act quickly to secure one. The Spacetop is entering the market during a challenging economic period, but it holds the promise of transforming how we think about laptops and augmented reality. Time will tell if it becomes a game-changer or falls victim to conventional preferences.
