Conceptual UNI enables compartmentalized computing

Those who find difficulty in cracking open a typical tower to replace that aging DVD writer with one that burns in high-definition should adore Richard Choi's UNI concept, which exemplifies compartmentalized computing and takes the stress out of upgrading. Apparently, the "Think" module would act as the core computer and handle the essentials, while a variety of other plug-in modules would provide additional outputs (HDMI, DVI, optical audio, USB, etc.), hard drive space, and optical drives. Granted, this could get out of hand for those who get UNI-stackin' fever, but we'll certainly pass along kudos to the idea. Click on for one more shot.

[Via YankoDesign, thanks Martin]

[Dragod Posted Aug 18th 2007 1:13AM]

I think this is actually pretty cool... though I don't know powerful it can be, or how much storage it can have. I like the upgradeability of it, but I need portability, like a laptop. But where the laptop lacks, this has and vice-versa.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 18th 2007 8:14AM]

I like the stackable modular design idea, but I wouldn't want this thing and gravity ripping my socket off the wall. Would be a much better concept as a free standing product.

[omf Posted Aug 18th 2007 9:55AM]

8-bit home computers were effectively all like this. As they say, "what was old is new again".

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 18th 2007 10:02AM]

the target market is so low for this. It's based on the UK mains plug - which is used in, the UK and ... well umm...,so before you even start only about 0.05% of the world's population could use it..... non starter.

[baalthazaar Posted Aug 20th 2007 1:16PM]

There are other countries using the same plug.... in fact they seem to be the best ones that I have encountered so far.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 20th 2007 1:22PM]

they may be the best plugs, but you can't base the whole design on one used in the UK and Malta. It has to be universal if it's the basis of a design.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 18th 2007 3:03PM]

did you guys ever think that the plug could only be for talking to other units. hell if it is for power, get an extension cord.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 18th 2007 2:04PM]

I see an apple computer that screams "My owner has no technical prowess", just as an Apple computer would now, if those artsy smucks had a sense of honesty!

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 18th 2007 5:19PM]

they should make something like PCIe slots between each one.. is the thing where you transfer data between the plugs very practical?

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 18th 2007 7:15PM]

connect all devices through an expanded eSATA....

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 18th 2007 5:24PM]

Well I think it's a good idea. But seriously, if you don't know how to plug in a USB cable, will you really be able to use a computer?

[UltraBird Posted Aug 18th 2007 5:42PM]

I think a lot of people are missing the fact that thos plugs /are not power plugs/. They are proprietary connectors; notice the flat third prong. This is not power line netwroking or anything to do with power lines. They just have a similar design.

[UltraBird Posted Aug 18th 2007 5:49PM]

Nvmnd they are power...

[Leedsward Posted Aug 20th 2007 3:54AM]

I see it as a component stereo, if something breaks you just pop it out and replace it. But everyone is right, most people won't want to do that, or won't beable to find the right parts.

And consumers never buy all the components they need, they cheap out, and then are screwed.

This would be better if they were all the same size with a locking design to prevent falling appartness.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 19th 2007 9:56PM]

DVD is now a verb, ftw

[kombizz Posted Aug 19th 2007 5:05PM]

what awesome & great stuff.
Love to have it very soon.

http://www.ephotozine.com/u30254/gallery/675425