15 Offbeat Computer Designs

A PC to rival Mead's Trapper Keeper folder system. A wearable computer-bracelet to serve as your digital slave. A smart cutting board for the kitchen. And some entirely new concepts for the visually impaired. Meet some of the finalists in Microsofts Next-Gen PC Design Competition. We picked 15 we thought had a chance of making it. Because we like some more than others, we give you a reality check with our best guess on odds of them taking one of the awards. But who cares if these designs actually make it--this contest (which requires no working models) encourages designers to completely re-think the PC as we know it. And that is a good thing. Are any of these your next PC? Microsoft is now accepting your votes for the Public's Choice award. Or maybe you have a better idea. Sound out your big ideas in our community forum.