The Microsoft Surface computer is a fantastic device that allows a new level of interactivity for several people. The downside is that it's both big and expensive with prices going in to the 1000's of dollars.
A new system is being built by Microsoft [MSFT] though that is a mobile version called the Microsoft Mobile Surface computer. The mobile version works with a projector and system that is mobile rather than a full desk unit like the regular surface and makes it easier for users to move the system around.
The Mobile Surface isn't a new idea as we have seen it a number of times before in devices such as the Light Blue Optics Light Touch although it's good to hear that a few companies are working on the technology due to the potential it has.
The idea of the Mobile Surface is that it turns any surface, such as a desk, in to multi-touch interactive display allowing users to interact with various things. An example could be a restaurant where a mobile surface projector is put on a table allowing users to scroll through the menu and interact with the menu as well as making orders.
The systems use a computer, projector and camera to display an image. The projectors used are generally laser projectors to avoid the need of having to focus and keeping a nice bright image in daylight. The camera is used to detect movement in-between the projector and the image which the computer then uses to translate in to actions.
No details of when this device will be made available as it's just a research version at the moment.