Computers

Pocket-sized modular ICE xPC combines a tablet, laptop and PC in one device

Pocket-sized modular ICE xPC combines a tablet, laptop and PC in one device
The xPC modular computer fits in your pocket and can convert to a laptop, tablet, desktop PC or gaming device
The xPC modular computer fits in your pocket and can convert to a laptop, tablet, desktop PC or gaming device
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The xPC modular computer fits in your pocket and can convert to a laptop, tablet, desktop PC or gaming device
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The xPC modular computer fits in your pocket and can convert to a laptop, tablet, desktop PC or gaming device
The ICE xAdapter is a small docking unit that will house the xPC and convert it into desktop mini-PC
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The ICE xAdapter is a small docking unit that will house the xPC and convert it into desktop mini-PC
The xPC weighs in at less than 4 oz (100 g) and measures 4.87 x 2.31 x 0.35 in (123.8 x 58.6 x 8.8 mm)
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The xPC weighs in at less than 4 oz (100 g) and measures 4.87 x 2.31 x 0.35 in (123.8 x 58.6 x 8.8 mm)
The xAdapter also converts the xPC into a set-top box or gaming device, with a RJ45 connection for internet streaming
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The xAdapter also converts the xPC into a set-top box or gaming device, with a RJ45 connection for internet streaming
The xPC can be slotted into the backside of the xPad to make use of its HD 10-point touch display
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The xPC can be slotted into the backside of the xPad to make use of its HD 10-point touch display
Showcasing the adaptability of the xPC even further is ICE's xPad
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Showcasing the adaptability of the xPC even further is ICE's xPad
The xPC can combine with the xPad and specially-designed xKeyboard to become a laptop computer
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The xPC can combine with the xPad and specially-designed xKeyboard to become a laptop computer
With a designated slot for the xPC on the backside, the tablet integrates with the modular computer to form a docking station and add to its flexibility
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With a designated slot for the xPC on the backside, the tablet integrates with the modular computer to form a docking station and add to its flexibility
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Different computing tasks can prompt us to open our laptops or reach for the tablet, while there are some that leave us somewhere in between. But what if you had a pocket-size device that could turn its hat to all of them? ICE Computer has been developing its xPC modular computer with this flexibility in mind. With the device's ability to transform into a laptop, tablet, desktop PC and gaming device, ICE believes it may have zeroed in on a one-size-fits-all solution.

The xPC weighs in at less than 4 oz (100 g) and measures 4.87 x 2.31 x 0.35 in (123.8 x 58.6 x 8.8 mm). While from the outside this wouldn't look out of place alongside your smartphone, it packs enough computing power to serve a variety of purposes, and converts quicker than you can say, "Where's my charger?".

With an Intel quad-core processor running Windows OS, it contains a custom-built motherboard, a gyroscope and accelerometer, with the option of 2 GB or 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB to 128 GB of storage. It's also Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth-enabled, and comes a with a 720p built-in camera.

The xPC puts these specs to use by combining with ICE peripherals to form a variety of computing devices. The ICE xAdapter is a small docking unit that will house the xPC and convert it into a desktop mini-PC, set-top box or gaming device with a RJ45 connection for internet streaming.

Showcasing the versatility of the xPC even further is the 10.1-inch xPad portable display unit which measures 14 mm in thickness. The xPC can be slotted into the backside, turning it into an HD 10-point touch display tablet, or combined with the specially-designed xKeyboard to form a laptop computer.

The xPC can be slotted into the backside of the xPad to make use of its HD 10-point touch display
The xPC can be slotted into the backside of the xPad to make use of its HD 10-point touch display

Central to the design of the xPC and its peripherals is sustainability and the notion of waste minimization. The company emphasizes the simplicity of upgrading the system and champions the benefits of customization, along with the money saved by not having to replace redundant hardware with entirely new devices.

"The ICE xPC is a green computer designed with the future and sustainability in mind," the company says on its Indiegogo page. "To upgrade, you just simply plug-and-play a new ICE xPC into existing peripherals and reuse them, which creates minimal electronic waste. This novel modular computer can save you a considerable amount of money as well as help save the environment."

ICE says it has been developing the xPC and peripherals for over two years and has produced fully functioning prototypes of the devices. It has now turned to Indiegogo to get the products into commercial production. If the funding goal of US$300,000 is achieved and all else goes to plan, shipping is planned for July 2014. Pledges of $259 are available which include an xPC (without OS installed) and an xAdapter.

You can hear more from Vice President of ICE Computer, Scott Ma, in the video below.

Source: Indiegogo

ICE xPC™ - A Modular Pocket PC

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6 comments
6 comments
Seth Miesters
Love the idea of upgrading my Tablet & PC & Phone every year without a contract. Swap in a faster "brain" and you upgrade all three a the same time. Less electronic waste to leave behind. Price point is compelling.
The Skud
Why bother with accessories? Build-in one of those "keyboard on your desk" projectors with the ability to split screen into keyboard and 'touch' display (the keyboard already does that) and you're virtually there!
Gary Bonney
Seth,I don't see any reference to replacing your phone.
My guess is that it will fail, the price is similar to a complete low end laptop or tablet and that is just for the "brain" add the price of a tablet screen...., it wont compete with mid range laptops or any desktops in performance.
pwndecaf
Docking your phone is a better idea.
Bryan Paschke
Cute concept. Wake me when they dump Windows and work in phone capabilities.
Honestly, I have built desktop PCs for the last few decades and it's exceedingly rare for me to upgrade just one component. Generally, by the time the machine is showing its age, everything, including the monitor, is ready to be replaced.
Oh, and the "quad core" atom CPU? I'm not gaming with something that anemic unless I feel like a round of FarmVille.
VoxPopulus
A mid to high-end smart phone with screen mirror capability will do more than that, all you'd need is... - Ubuntu Mobile or Ubuntu for Android - Any HDMI monitor or TV - Wireless keyboard & mouse All this with no specialised (read -proprietary) hardware.