HP Displays Its Desktop of the Future

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,107145,tk,dn112002X,00.asp' target='_blank'>http://www.pcworld.com/news/article...n112002X,00.asp</a><br /><br /></div>I know that smaller computers don't excite most of you, but I have to applaud HP for continuing to pursue integrated computers that don't sacrifice too much. I suppose that if I hadn't spent so much money on individual components, I would think of my PCs are being appliances that simply get retired. But I'm too much of a geek for that...as soon as I'm done using the <a href="http://pocketpcthoughts.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php?masterid=610906&ut=4493b2c34aaee6dd&found=2&search=Shuttle%20SS51G">Shuttle SS51</a> for rendering a friend's wedding video, I'm ripping it open to start swapping parts back and forth between it and my main computer. There's something deeply therapeutic about reformatting my computers...<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/107145-n_112002_agora.jpg" /> <br /><br />"Hewlett-Packard is displaying a concept PC here at Comdex designed to meet the needs of office workers of the future. Code-named Agora, the PC combines integrated collaborative software tools with an innovative hardware design that moves the computer box off the desk while keeping user-accessed components like optical drives within easy reach. <br /><br />Agora (Greek for "meeting place") features a range of collaborative tools for workers within the same company and outside--for example, suppliers or subcontractors. It includes videoconferencing, whiteboarding, voice communications, and real-time file sharing, but for now, the tools are cobbled together from various vendors. However, HP says it is working with Microsoft to try and get the tools built into a future version of Windows so they all work together. Integration is crucial to the product's success, says Eric Croswhite, manager of desktop product marketing."

[cpoole]

My oldest daughter is in high school now and it will soon be time to get her a computer... so at least I will get more time on my computer. A computer that offers small form factor and quiet operation will be 2 things I am looking for.

I have been looking at the Shuttle for a while now. It seems like a great choice for someone's bedroom. The small form factor and the quiet operation sound ideal. Adding in a flat panel display and a wireless keyboard and mouse just adds to the appeal.

Toms Hardware did a good review of the latest Shuttle case.

http://www6.tomshardware.com/howto/02q3/020815/minipc-01.html

[ThomasC22]

I know that smaller computers don't excite most of you, but I have to applaud HP for continuing to pursue integrated comptuters that don't sacrifice too much.

Well, I think they do excite people, those people just don't in turn buy them. The problem has always been the premium placed on size, which in turn would drive most normal consumers away (which is btw, why it in turn works for Apple, because their customers are already used to paying too much).

As for this unit, it isn't that much smaller than the Gateway Profile4(http://www.gateway.com/home/products/hm_dtp_prf4.shtml) so, being that it is not already out, I'm not sure how well it will do.

[ECOslin]

At one point I was trying to get an 'i-opener', type integrated LCD terminal, that could be turned into a win98 machine/terminal with internet and USB TV for the limited space in my parents kitchen. They still don't have a terminal in the kitchen.

Compaq, Gateway http://www.gateway.com/home/products/hm_dtp_prf4.shtml and some other manufacturers have already done simular devices, although, at hundreds more dollars than I'm willing to part with.

I figure a kitchen or a dorm room would be an example of where a spacesaving PC would fit. I'm not about, or be allowed, to cut holes in their kitchen counter to install anything. It has to use, generally or less than, the same footprint as the small TV already there.

The Gateway looks cool.

Edward

[ThomasC22]

BTW, I have an EZ-Go in my Kitchen, hooked up to an LCD monitor and it works great (and the EZ-Go with parts only cost me $479)

http://www.snotmonkey.com/work/ezgo/

[cpoole]

BTW, I have an EZ-Go in my Kitchen

Is it quiet? The related web sites do not mention the noise level.

[ThomasC22]

BTW, I have an EZ-Go in my Kitchen

Is it quiet? The related web sites do not mention the noise level.

It's as quiet as a normal PC, maybe even a little less so because it uses a small fan with a big heatsink!