Desktops

Finally, something we can use. We've been drawn to the idea of chair-mounted computers for some time, but the set-ups we've seen have been too fancy for our taste. (Translation: we're cheap).

The Easy Chair Mount isn't exactly chump change either ($285), but it does look sturdy enough to hold up in an earthquake, which is no small consideration when you're talking about 20 pounds of glass suspended over your lap. And you'll want maximum structural integrity if you opt for the dual-monitor version. Best of all, the manufacturer claims that this can be … Read more

Speaking of weird experiments, we have an update to last week's item on a wooden plasma TV being developed at LG. BornRich points out that Sweden-based SWEDX has beaten LG to the punch with the "world's first" LCD TVs embedded in natural wood, in 40- and 46-inch sizes and 1080i resolution, no less. Crave apologizes, for we should have known better: In another life, we actually pointed to sylvan products made by SWEDX and other manufacturers earlier this year.

How big will flat-panel computer screens get? The sky's the limit, if the likes of Samsung have anything to say about it. The Korean manufacturer just joined Dell, Apple and others in introducing a 30 -inch monitor. (Model CX305T, for those keeping score.) Akihabara News gives the granular details: "a 2,560-by-1,600 resolution, a 1000:1 ratio for contrast, a 400cd/m2 brightness, and a 6ms response time." But what we care about is the price--about $1,657, by our calculation. Which means we'll be content to squint at our 19-incher for the time being.… Read more

If you've ever tried to build your own desktop, you know that matching all of the parts can be a tricky proposition. Building a PC with a pair of high-end 3D cards presents an even greater challenge, what with ensuring you have enough power, a compatible motherboard, etc. If you know what you're doing, you can go on over to NewEgg, ZipZoomFly, or elsewhere (even CNET) and hunt around for the right components, but that still involves a lot of rooting through search results. Enter the SLI Marketplace, a new section on Nvidia's SLI Zone Web page … Read more

Remember those grotesque photos of that poor mouse with the human ear growing out of its back? We had successfully managed to suppress those memories for a decade until seeing, of all things, a new LCD.

The dual-screen monitor from Korean company Woojin, proudly dubbed the "Tenbuno," looks like the digital equivalent of a genetic mistake. It has a 19-inch LCD monitor (mouse) with an 8.4-inch screen grafted to its top edge (ear). It's supposed to facilitate multitasking, but we think it would probably just contribute to ADHD.

Technological convergence can be a good thing in … Read more

You may have seen something like this at a hotel or airport, but now it could be coming to your home (if you have an understanding spousal unit or significant other).

The Ronda Media Chair has a built-in computer with a router integrated into the frame and a power cord in the back. As Coolest Gadgets points out, no prices are available without asking the company directly.

The Ronda also includes optional creature comforts such as a matching two-seater bench or end table. If they can figure out a way to build in a coffee maker and a fridge, we'… Read more

Those of you who don't live in earthquake country may scoff at these, but Californians will understand their need all too well.

These devices, which Akihabara News says are common in Japan, are meant to secure your desk and computer equipment in the event of some major shaking. The pads and brackets supposedly work "without glue or nails," but we're not sure what kind of mechanism is used to keep them in place. (Velcro won't help much in a 7+ magnitude quake, as we saw in San Francisco.)

They might not be the most attractive … Read more

No, you're not seeing double. And no, it's not an image-loading bug. (Though that's always possible, until we work out the kinks in Crave's publishing system.)

These are really dual LCD monitors, joined at the hip by a shared pedestal. Soyo's GoVideo Dual LCD line comes in your choice of 17- or 19-inch screens respectively priced at $1,000 and $1,200, including built-in speakers, according to Electronista. They can also pivot 180 degrees away from each other (see bottom photo), allowing a face-to-face work style that reminds us of old-fashioned partners desks.

Why two … Read more

We have a confession to make: When people were making fun of Dell's monstrous half-laptop, half-desktop beast, we secretly wanted one. But despite our regular visits to the gym, we weren't sure if we'd be able to carry all 18+ pounds of this "mobile" computer without risking a hernia. Then our cousins at Crave UK came to the rescue with this video of a staffer lugging the 20-inch Dell XPS M2010 around the streets and subways of London. Check it out--it's as hysterical as it is useful, if you're thinking of springing $3,… Read more