Slideshow

Interesting and unique PC form factors

15 Photos Jesse Sutton (PC World)

  • Sony Panel Notebook
    see previous model reviewed here.
    If you liked the look of Sony’s Panel PC, but wanted the portability of a notebook, this is your machine. Like its desktop alternative the VGC-LJ25GN is a compact and stylish hybrid of notebook and PC technology, but includes a battery for easy mobility.
  • ASUS Eee PC
    see review here.
    Primarily targeted at the education market, with a particular slant towards younger children, the ASUS Eee PC has caught the eye of a far wider market, especially those keen to tweak its Linux-based operating system.
  • NEC PowerMate 5010
    see review here.
    Like Sony’s Panel PC design, the NEC PowerMate 5010 semi-mimics the Apple iMac and aims to save space while looking stylish.
  • Dell XPS One
    The dominating traits seen in the latest PC and notebook innovations seem to include large screens on small PCs, and the Dell XPS One is no different. In this new form factor the optical drive, PC, speakers and screen are all built into the same chassis.
  • Dell XPS M2010
    Is it a desktop PC, is it a notebook, or is it just a high-tech looking suitcase? It’s almost all of them. The Dell M2010 is an ambitious idea aimed at media enthusiasts and gamers. It’s great to look at, but may not be for everyone. Apart from its massive 20.1in screen this behemoth has one other notably cool feature, a gyro-sensor remote.
  • Dell XPS 720
    see review here.
    What more is there to say than power-tower. The Dell XPS 720 is the new millennium's technological representation of the 80’s power suit. Don’t mess with this brushed metal beast or you’re gonna-get-owned.
  • Apple MacBook Air
    see review here.
    Although the Apple MacBook Air has come under a lot of fire for what it has left out of this notebook, you can’t help but notice, well … what they left out. By far the thinnest and sexiest notebook available at the time of this article, the MacBook Air has PC enthusiasts drooling.
  • Alienware Area-51 ALX
    Not content with a standard case and don’t want to bust out the grinder and circular saw to start modding? Look no further than Alienware – a company that for years has satisfied the insatiable urge of PC gamers to look different.
  • OQO E2
    see review here.
    Although its usability is slightly tainted by its size, for a notebook running Windows Vista you have to admit it’s nice and small. The keyboard may take some getting used to, though.
  • Fujitsu Lifebook U1010
    see review here.
    It’s not fast, or furious, but it’s extremely compact and portable. Though it takes some getting used to, the Fujitsu LifeBook U1010 is actually a well functioning mini notebook PC that runs a full version of Windows Vista and can do everything a notebook can do, even if it’s a little slower.
    Check out our video review here.
  • Hewlett-Packard TouchSmart PC
    see review here.
    Not only is the Hewlett-Packard TouchSmart PC an interesting form factor, but its camera-based touch-sensitive screen makes it very pleasant to use, even if it does attract a few fingerprints. The panel design particularly lends itself to this technology, making this machine one of the coolest form-factors around.
  • Hewlett-Packard Pavilion “Dragon”
    see review here.
    It’s not for the timid, but those after a portable PC with a massive 20in screen will enjoy the hybrid nature of this desktop replacement notebook. It’s not cheap and it doesn’t quite match up to a PC for power, or a notebook for mobility, but the Hewlett-Packard Dragon fills a niche that some will love.
  • Sony “Living Room PC”
    Sony’s “living room PC” is intended to complement the boom in high definition by taking a seat in the living room, next to the TV. With an HDMI port, a TV tuner and of course one of Sony’s victorious Blu-ray players, this round, compact device is a great addition to the home entertainment setup.
  • Sony Panel PC
    see previous model reviewed here.
    Not quite a notebook and not quite a PC, the Sony Panel PC is a strange hybrid to be sure. Partly built using notebook technology and partly not, the VGC-LT28G is a very stylish option and works as well as any notebook would. Without a battery, however, it’s as limited as a PC by its power cable.
  • Monitor Alienware Curved screen
    Apparently designed in conjunction with the U.S military, Alienware's seamless curved display is like nothing you’ve ever seen. At 42in this rear projection DLP screen runs with a resolution of 2880x900 and offers a tasty 0.02ms response time for the ultimate gaming experience.
Show Comments
Security Watch
Back to top

Don’t have an account? Sign up here

Don't have an account? Sign up now

Forgot password?