With the arrival of Windows Vista, having an extra display on the cover of a laptop isn’t usually all that noteworthy. After all, it’s just another component of that whole SideShow gimmick, right? Well, the Metro Notebook, as envisioned by Intel, is something that’s actually different. It’s got a color e-ink display embedded on the top cover that is always on. Because it’s electronic ink, it doesn’t draw any energy unless it’s changing what’s being displayed.

This is great for business users who have ditched their PDAs, for instance, because they can just have their daily schedule on this outside screen for quick and easy reading. This e-ink display can also be used to access email, e-books, and much more.

The Metro Notebook is super thin (0.7-inches), it’s got a pleasant leather wrap, and it’s rocking a Core 2 Duo processor. You’ll also find Bluetooth, WiFi, and WiMax radios built-in to give you as many wireless connections as you can possibly handle. The shame of it all is that this e-ink sporting computer is but a concept at this point, so it might be a while before you can pick one up at the local Best Buy.