Having extended my laptop's screen to the new Toshiba LCD in the kitchen, I was impressed with the results. Is there a small, stylish/pretty computer suitable for the kitchen? Ieuan Davies
Building small PCs to connect to HDTVs is a fairly common geek project, helped by the availability of low-power Mini-ITX (17 x 17cm) boards and barebones cases. These typically run a version of Windows with Media Center features (including Vista Home Premium) or the Linux-based MythTV. Articles such as Build Your Own Media PC at Trusted Reviews will give you an idea what's involved. Many small British suppliers will assemble systems to order. The Apple Mac mini could be an alternative, and is certainly more stylish.
A few companies have tried producing commercial kitchen computers, such as Seattle-based Beyond. It offered Icebox computers in both countertop and flipscreen versions, which could be mounted under a kitchen cabinet. It announced UK distribution in 2003. Did anybody ever see or buy one?
