How will computers be like in the future? Do you wonder what it might look like?

The results of 'PC Design Contest 2007' cosponsored by Intel Korea and Samsung were released to general public on the 19th.

6 winning designs were selected from total of 644 PC designs the contest received. The winning designs all shared common idea: concept of beautiful design with practicality where the PC blends in as integral part of everyday life.

Grand prize (Revolutionary category) winner 'Egg' PC uses 3 marble knobs designed for various multimedia applications. The design resembles snowy road, comprised of tray with 3 marbles. The 3 marbles (Bluetooth-ready) when placed on top of the tray connect to main PC, enables sending database and image files, running camera functions.

Egg (credit : ZDNet Korea)

"The egg was designed with concept of as if someone placing its precious things carefully on the table. Its slimline design avoided typical boxy design and each egg when connected to PC control data storage and camera functions. By itself the each egg also can be used as MP3 player or remote control device" said the winners (Jon ghee Lee & two others).

Turning Lamp (credit : ZDNet Korea)

'Turning Lamp', winner of futuristic category turns on with simple pull of cord as if turning on a lamp stand. Its hexagon body with each turns changes into different application mode from PC to music player to video player.

Its designer Seung-Chan Lee said, "I settled with turning mode concept to come up with something that is simple and easy enough for each family member to operate. The focal point of this product is in its main body which works as home network hub. Also, with its mouse pen and touch screen keyboard (resembling tree branch) enables various interfaces. The touch screen also turns into a monitor when needed."

B-Membrain (credit : ZDNet Korea)

'B-Membrain', winner of Challenger category incorporates unique method of delivering image. Instead of using a monitor, it beams out image onto wall or projection screen. Its built-in beam projector (placed on top of circular disc body) adjusts both distance and direction of the image.

The winner Won-Suk Lee explained, "Its unique built-in image projector along with touch screen keyboard and mouse has added advantages. Its can be used in late evening without bothering others, it does not make any noise!"

The imagination award winner 'Clock PC' used pipe organ as motif in its design concept. It's a clock and a weather reporter while the PC is in off or in idle mode. The LED indications; cloud symbol and analog style clock icons, activates on with slight touch of its glass surface. It can be hung on wall or placed on table.

Digiplan (credit : ZDNet Korea)

The other co-winner of the imagination award was 'Digiplan', an incorporation of PDA with PC, collaboration of slim LCD monitor and keyboard in place of typical bulky PDA layout. It has internal micro size battery and HDD.

"I borrowed an idea from analog planner where digital technology was used as if turning over a page of a traditional diary. If needed, its LCD and keyboard can be easily separated when upgrading" its product designer Jin-Ho Chang explained.

Any Top (credit : ZDNet Korea)

'Any Top' received style award. No more unsightly connection wires. The touch screen system design allows wireless connection beween desktop PC and Ultra Mobile PC. "When you are on the move, the keyboard turns into monitor too., with the desktop connection, it changes into simple manual screen. This system is ideal for home network system and can be used anywhere, sets up with all devices in the home" Mee-Sun Bang, the system designer commented

Futuristic PC designs from top fashion designer
The event also received designs from well known designers from various industries: Fashion designer Sang-Bong Lee, Architect Won-Chul Kim, Web designer Eun-Ah Seul, and Auto designer Richard Chung.

The designs from Sang-bong Lee and Won-Chul Kim (architect) received most appeal among female attendees on the day.

“Going out” by designer Sang-Bong Lee (credit : ZDNet Korea)

'Going Out' by designer Sang-Bong Lee resembles a handbag purse from outside appearance. Inside the device there is a small slim notebook PC that can be used anywhere and anytime.

'Once again in front of mirror' designed by Won-Chul Kim gives a new meaning to a term "PC friendly". Its dresser mirror design gives a PC user a completely new experience, a really out of box design concept. "I also was one of those who knew nothing about the computers. Thanks to this project I now know more about them. As we seen with the 'Going out' PC design, advent of smaller computers now, fashion goes alongside and will play an important role. The fashion is a way of life and PC will go hand to hand together"

‘Once again in front of mirror’ designed by Won-Chul Kim (credit : ZDNet Korea)

Standing right next to designer Sang-Bong Lee, Architect Won-Chul Kim "Modern society communicates using PC but in actuality, it lacks in communication between our own families. That led me to designing a dresser mirror style PC" he added.

He also mentioned that design concept also came after suggestion from casual dinner conversation with Dr. Lee (Former cultural minister and novel critic) who said "how about a placing a monitor inside the mirror?" which he applied.

Among other winning concept designs were 'Luna' by web designer Eun-Ah Seul. Her design gives off effect of monitor that is in mid air, sort of looking at a moon effect. "Fruits inside the monitor are folders. Icons are based from things that are found in nature, like a fruit tree. The whole concept is to give a fresh user interface that blend in with the nature for different PC experience" she explained.