ASUS readying bamboo-sheathed luxury notebooks

ASUS today gave a preview of the EcoBook, its second venture into designer notebooks after the VX series. Each model will use bamboo wood for paneling that not only adds a unique texture to the shell but is completely biodegradable, separating from the main body to be recycled once they or the portable fall out of use. The mousing sinput is also unique: much as with the displays of some Chinese phones, the trackpad is enlarged and supports handwriting either through a finger or a stylus. LED status lights are also hidden underneath the pad's surface.

Specifications are unlisted for the EcoBook due to its early state: the notebook isn't due to ship until 2008, when its design and the internal components will both be ready. Pricing should be relatively high due to the choice of materials. Select photos can be found after the break. [via Crave UK]