05-07-2003, 01:30 AM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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HP, Microsoft Unveil New PC Design
"Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard are working together on a future desktop reference design that will bring several different communications technologies together in a package, HP said Tuesday. Microsoft Chief Software Architect Bill Gates will demonstrate the device during his keynote Tuesday at WinHEC in New Orleans. The PC is code-named "Athens," and the prototype resembles a docked Tablet PC in landscape mode. However, with a 23-inch flat-panel display, it is not designed for mobility, said Byron Sands, director of advanced technology for HP's business PC division.
That display comes with a phone handset and video camera tacked onto its sides, so users can hold videoconferences, take phone calls, and handle the rest of their daily Web browsing and e-mail through one desktop, Sands said. Any portion of a normal PC that relates to the user interface is part of the display screen, including media ports and optical drives, he said.
The rest of the PC, such as the processor and motherboard, fits into a compact chassis that connects to the display via a single cable that delivers data and power to the screen, said Kent Biggs, a senior member of the technical staff for the business PC division. The device uses a wireless keyboard and mouse, he said."
Could it be? A real revolution in hardware? It sounds cool, but I've never been a fan of buying "name brand" desktops - I always prefer to spec out the machine myself and either assemble it or have a local vendor put it together for me. If a HP cranks out some really innovative hardware, I just might buy one of their boxes...them promptly re-format the hard drive and build it back up MY way. :mrgreen:
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05-07-2003, 01:50 AM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,185
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There's a 10 minute video here. A very cool concept. Needs some refining, but a cool direction for sure. Also, about half way through the video they show a BT enabled SmartPhone and the TI WANDA as a possible integrated device with this thing.
I think they are listening 
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05-07-2003, 02:07 AM
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Thinker
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 361
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Wasn't it Gates declaring the end of the PC not so long ago? I thought everything was going to be an appliance instead?
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05-07-2003, 02:10 AM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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8O THAT VIDEO WAS AMAZING! 8O
:mrgreen: I dream of machines like this... :rock on dude!:
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05-07-2003, 02:12 AM
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Thinker
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 361
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by bdegroodt
A very cool concept. Needs some refining, but a cool direction for sure.
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I agree. This little relationship that MS has with HP seems to be taking on a pattern. Didn't they team to bring us the MultiMedia PC? That, too, was rough around the edges at first, but at least it inspired some imitations that are slowly starting to evolve.
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05-07-2003, 02:23 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 232
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Did anyone pay close attention to the TI prototype PPC with Bluetooth and Wifi and phone capabilities? <drool>
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05-07-2003, 02:24 AM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,185
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Unreal32
Did anyone pay close attention to the TI prototype PPC with Bluetooth and Wifi and phone capabilities? <drool>
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Um...Yes! That's the WANDA.
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05-07-2003, 04:09 AM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,466
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Wow! I'm damn impressed. The wireless keyboard that recharges by docking with the LCD base is pure genius! 8O
That desktop wallpaper looked awesome. Wish I could download a copy.
By the way, did you see the prototype PPC 2003PE from TI? We've already covered that here several weeks ago, but it's nice to know this reference device is floating around.
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05-07-2003, 04:20 AM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,466
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The only thing I find disagreeable with Athens PC is the Thin client tower design. I'm all for making PCs smaller, thinner, sleeker, quieter and more stylish...but I don't want to give up power and expandability.
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05-07-2003, 04:23 AM
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Linear Mode
