apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

This is the type of computer that wouldn't look out of place in a mansion or a swank condo. Taiwanese manufacturer ECS came out with this great looking computer at E3. ECS put a fully functioning nettop computer into a vase. This is all possible thanks to the low-power components used in these types of computers. It's even more amazing the way that the Blu-ray drive opens up. You'll find a couple of plugs and USB ports at the bottom of the computer vase, meaning that you won't have pesky wires hanging around. There won't be a clue that the body is actually a computer.

This is one really good solution about having a computer in your living room. Living room computers need to be sleek and easy to hide away, otherwise they will mess up your decor. Using hidden computers makes it easier to decorate your living room as well. Other than hiding away computers completely in furniture or racks, we don't see any better solution to this. You could always just use laptops, however you'd have wires all over the floor if you constantly plugged and unplugged it from your home theater system.

Another way to go would be to have a small nettop hidden away in some corner of your home theater system. It's true that the home theater system is noticeable, but not everyone wants it hidden away completely. They tend to become the center of a living room or media room. Something like the Asus Eee Box would work pretty well since it's sleek, unobtrusive, and minimal. [via Engadget, images via Engadget and RB Boyer via CC license]