Five Funky Vista Computers

Considering the launch of Microsoft's latest version of Windows just a couple of weeks away, I would have thought CES would be filled with more Vista computers. Despite the hoopla, I couldn't find all that many. Of the Vista-optimized computers I saw, these are my favorites:

Sony TP1: This thing may look like a hatbox, a birthday cake, or a giant pill, but it's actually a compact PC that's optimized for Vista's home media features. It's got built-in ATSC TV tuners (for over-the-air HD), HDMI connectivity, and built-in Wi-Fi, among other features. I love its simple white wireless keyboard and mouse, which is definitely sexier than any of the current Mac keyboards or mice. It's a sweet package, but I can't believe it doesn't have Blu-ray capability (all the Blu-ray tech parts got used up by the PS3, presumably)—maybe next time?

Dell Home Media Suite: This pricey package makes great use of Vista's ability to record HD shows off of premium cable channels such as HBO (in other words, you can finally record The Sopranos using Windows Media Center). The package also includes an XPS 410 Core 2 Duo, 2GB of memory, a 1TB RAID disk array, DVD-RW capability (how come no Blu-ray?!?), a 27-inch flat-panel monitor, a Dell Photo All in One 966 printer, 802.11n, a Linksys power-line AV bridge, and Creative Precision Monitor speakers, among other peripherals and features. Except for the lack of Blu-ray capability, this is a pretty complete home entertainment and computer solution.

HP TouchSmart: The winner of our Last Gadget Standing online award is an all-in-one kitchen or living room PC designed for the whole family. Besides a neat form factor that features an adjustable monitor, this PC's main claim to fame is a touch screen you can use to leave notes for anyone in your household (the screen can read your finger's handwriting and turn it into virtual onscreen cursive). The touch screen can also be used to watch TV, edit photos, and surf the Web. You can use a keyboard an mouse if you want, but the all-in-one TouchSmart is designed to be fully workable without one. My personal take? That touch screen is going to get mighty nasty after a few weeks in the kitchen.

Asus W5e: This is a very sexy, compact notebook with a secondary screen on the outside that features Windows SideShow. As I mentioned in my previous post featuring this computer, you can use this auxiliary screen to look at photos, get email, or listen to MP3s, even when the computer is off!

Toshiba R400: I wrote about this state-of-the-art tablet notebook earlier in the week in my gush about SideShow. Besides the inclusion of the real-time email and calendar notification feature, the R400 is the first notebook to feature UWB (Ultra Wideband) wireless capability. UWB is basically Wi-Fi on steroids, and it lets you stream bandwidth-heavy content (like HDTV) and other data over wider areas.

Have you been holding out for the Vista launch on January 30? If so, which of the above computers appeals to you most, and why?