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It's a Laptop - It's a Desktop
pcman cuts and pastes: "Amidst the hollowed halls and exhibition floor of the Jacob Javits Center here, one beacon of innovation shone brightly at the TechXNY trade show. At a time when even the show's keynote speakers failed to generate headlines, IBM showed off the might of its design savoir-faire akin to the European assault on the Big Three automakers by German designers and engineer."
I really do want a laptop that is worthy of a superman pun.
...it's a dessert topping!
...fails to see the use of this? Honestly, I can think of any real way this would help over a normal (priced) laptop. I guess it is neat you can opt to have the screen at a different height and angle, but I don't know.. I can personally live without it for a long time. Clif
clifgriffin > blog
which can be configured to take up more of my desk space?
How useful. Excuse me while I rush out to purchase one.
I'm getting two, an IBM and Dell, and then I'm putting an autobot sign on my IBM and a decepticon on my Dell. At night, they'll battle for supremecy!
...as a constant laptop user, I'm not sure I like the concept of having the thing able to break into pieces by design.
Just because the screen is propped up a bit and the keyboard detached, it's still a notebook, with a cramped keyboard, missing mouse, practically unupgradable interior.
"Backups are for wimps. Real men upload their data to an FTP site and have everyone else mirror it." -- Linus Torvalds
I'm not so much sure I'd call IBM innovators here. These concepts have been around for a long time before IBM
For example, the Atari laptop which looked in the same form factor as current ones. IBM Stole that design and produced its first thinkpad. Soon after, Apple stole the design again and produced the first Powerbook
Odd who gets the credit isn't it? It's Apple.
the detachable keyboard is kind of neat, but if I want to turn a notebook into a desktop, I'll attach a VGA monitor and use a seperate bluetooth keyboard and mouse. I'm sorry, but origami or no, Apple has IBM beat hands down in the elegant engineering dept.
harmonious design
Just because you can detach the keyboard doesn't mean it magically becomes a desktop computer. You still can't do things like slap in a Radeon 9800 Pro, the keyboard is still small, you still have to plug in a mouse, etc.
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To get to this point, IBM simply took the simple black box that opens like a clamshell but added a foldable layer to a hinge that elevates the screen to a level that desktop PC users would find comfortable, the IBM officials explained. This new idea, which Hill described as an "Origami-design for laptops," let's the user think of the laptop as a radical new desktop replacement. But conversely, just as laptops can be considered desktops, the desktop can also be considered to be a laptop as illustrated by the second design.
With this model, the monitor is folding up from the base using a similar hinge feature but this time the keyboard detaches and, for instance, could be operated via a Bluetooth connection. When fully closed, both new versions keep the T40 close to its current size and weight while adding a slight premium to the cost.
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eleven plus two / twelve plus one
Truth is that more and more, people are buying laptops instead of desktops. Just about every computer (desktop or laptop) on the market today is capable of efficiently performing every task the average user asks of it. So, I think for most people it comes down to price and versatility. And, while laptops are more expensive, they have been dropping in price significantly and there is no question that they are easily more versatile.
IBM et al are just taking the laptop to the next level by allowing it to (somewhat, at least) "transform" into a desktop system. I think it makes a lot of sense...
I've had one of these IBM Convertibles for ages! Sorry to see they're planning to lose the widescreen LCD in the new revision... :-)
I'd love to put that thing on my desktop! Neat design that you can adjust after what mood you're in :)
Is a laptop where you can bend the screen all the way to the back, so that if you got one of those snazzy Dell X300's, it's essentially a "pad" computer with a keyboard on the back.
I use my x300 like this now, and it's almost like reading a book (it's light enough), but the screen is missing some degrees from going all the way to the back.
How small a thought it takes to fill a whole life
A desktop computer at the price of a laptop! Where can I buy!!?
It's about 17 years late...
Ever heard of the IBM PC Convertible?
The article claims that this is a radically new design that allows them to fold the laptop into a notebook replacement.
Wow! A laptop PC that turns into a notebook PC. This must surely win Big Blue the 'Microsoft Award for Great Innovation'.
HH
--
...they'd be shipping these now instead of showing prototypes like a bunch of cowards.
mbbac
I want the one that transforms into Optimus Prime.
When I saw the headline for the article, this atrocity came to mind immediately.
Thank goodness it's actually a great idea - a computer that I can take on the road and actually enjoy using. looks a little larger than a traditional notebook, though.
-- $G
I still remember seeing my first PCMCIA modem card; it had a great little spring-loaded port for the phone cable. So it wasn't terribly robust, but it was a great hack. Which made it more interesting - as a toy - to play with.
When the laptops come with a built in green laser and the software to seemlessly - and wirelessly - make use of front and rear projection TV is ready for the masses, then these toys can be even more useful. In fact, when your car has a BlueTooth transmitter for the engine computer, you'll be able to bond it to your laptop or PDA. It really will be a transformer, as your computer melds in and out of your vehicle!
I always thought a laptop WAS a notebook? Why would I want to replace my notebook computer with a laptop computer?
During years a stereo was a big piece of electronics stacked up in a rack with each device in a separate enclosure. The entire thing was big and expensive, but powerful and upgradeable. The same thing smaller was available too, but more expensive and difficult to upgrade due to the non-standard form factor.
Today most of the stereos are the compact, all-in-one variety. If you want something else you'll have to go to a high-end shop, the average discount store doesn't carry the expensive stuff anymore.
The same thing happens now to PC's too. I'll bet that in ten years 90% of the PC's sold are compact all-in-ones. Maybe you can detach the keyboard or the screen (like you can detach the speakers on some compact stereos) but it will be similar to todays laptops. If you need a bigger [CPU|memory|disk] you'll buy a new one and pass the old one to your [mother|son|buddy].
I like the second model shown, the detachable keyboard is nice and the base is short enough that you can place it in front (not on top).
Markus
OK the screen pops up a bit and it has a detachable keybard, but it's hardly a radical new departure.
What is it about computer an car designers which makes them so conservative? Even apple, who have a reputation as being inovative, really just produce things to the same tired designs, they just round off the corners and make them out of coloured plastic.
_O_
.|< The named which can be named is not the true named
This is a cool idea. When I get to the hotel room, I can set this up desktop style and be comfortable, yet when I need to do a quick
e-mail check befopre I get on the plane I can. Anyone who uses a laptop can vouch for this, but a laptop screen isn't exactly adjustable. The ways you need to move it sometimes won't work out with a straight laptop. This idea will put the screen where you need it when you have the space (when your in one place for a few days). It also allows you to use it as you would a normal laptop. It's a great idea. Lots of people panned IBM's 701 laptop (butterfly keyboard) because of it's keyboard design, but those who used it, loved it. IBM also still makes the most robust laptops I ahve seen.
Gorkman
It'll be nice to see something that can actually break _faster_ than the butterfly keyboards on those Thinkpads back in the day.
Nice idea, but I want a laptop that takes a beating.
--saint
Alternate Laptop Designs
As a happy owner of an IBM laptop/notebook PC for four years, these are the things I'm most interested in seeing in my next laptop/notebook (and you can be sure it will be an IBM):
1. 16 or 17" UXGA LCD (preferrably 17")
2. RAM expandable to 1 GB (graphics work eats RAM)
3. Lighted keyboard
4. Onboard LAN (both wire and wireless)
5. CD/CDRW/DVD combo drive
6. Minimum 60 GB HD internal
7. Quality sound/graphics
8. NO restrictions on what OS I choose to run
I've seen the newer laptops from Sony/Toshiba, etc. but my experience tells me they aren't solid performers over time whereas my IBM machine has performed like the energizer bunny -- it just keeps on going (and going and going.)
Save the fancy tricks, just give me a solid machine with the above listed items and I'll buy it.
Everything in the Universe sucks: It's the law!
I see this thread heading straight to the comedy gas chamber ...
http://boxx.net/product/computer.htm
Looks even cooler imho (you have a laptop and a desktop *and* a 'web pad') - except I don't believe it ever hit the market. Still thrilled by the idea though.
So, will the new models finally have the Windows(tm) keys on them? As a .NET developer, I use them all the time, especially the pop-up menu one. When I switch from my desktop to my Thinkpad, it's like I have cut off my pinky finger -- I know something is missing, but I'm not sure what -- only that things aren't right.
Chip H.
I just bought an Optimus Prime, the new Armada figure, 25% off at KayBee.
Anyway, I think this is some excellent thinking...at work I use a laptop (long story, really I just wanted a damn flatscreen monitor, but those were considered luxury items...) but the laptops on a breakfast tray and I type on a seperate ergonomic keyboard beneath. What they're doing is aiming for a hyperportable desktop. The biggest sacrifice is possibly ease of setup.
Heh, whatever happened to that fold out butterfly keyboard? That was a pretty good idea for its time as well.
Anyway, it's funny hearing 'em talk about a consistency of visual design ala Porsche. One thing about thinkpads, they've been consistently ugly for a decade. Usually sturdy, but always ugly, just something about the flat black, squared edges, and bright red.
SO YOU'RE GOING TO DIE: The Comic for Dealing with Death
I like that IBM is thinking about ergonomic design and ways of getting a laptop to possess more of the features that people like about desktops.
But I wouldn't stop at a hinge that pushes the display up a few inches.
Why not make the keyboard, mouse and display easily detachable (with retracting flexible connector cords), so that you have a choice of putting it on your lap and typing away at the airport, or arranging the parts on a conventional desk, putting the keyboard just above lap height, the mouse 6 inches to the side, and good sized monitor (maybe 19") so that level sight hits the middle?
It's a shame that docking stations have to exist. The portable should support all of the same functionality without needing some extra docking station.
"Provided by the management for your protection."
... I'm already running a desktop on my laptop!
Some European countries have laws about workstation ergonomics. They require companies to provide a workstation that can be adjusted for comfort. Screen height is one of the criteria deemed important, so you are sat with a bent neck for long periods. So if these are the only laptops that can meet European ergonomic regulations my guess is they will sell extremely well. Companies need them to make hotdesking even more affordable yet without breeching regulations.
Its about time that one of the major computer makers made took this leap. Computers have been getting smaller and smaller while the performance gap between laptops and PC's has been fading away. IBM has reaffirmed itself as the industry leader with this move.
It's OK I guess.... I mean, if people are going to buy it then kudos to IBM. Just don't really think it was so important it should be on slashdot.... anyways, maybe it was a slow news day...
HUD monitor + virtual keyboard and mouse pad + a small brick/carrying case (or even a palmtop) for the guts and ports
= no external moving parts
= desktop, laptop, bellytop, grasstop, beach-towel-top, anywhere-top?
make the HUD wireless and it'd be my dream portable
"This is not a sig." -- R.
When I am travelling the conventional laptop configuration works the best. However, when I am onsite I use the computer enough that an ergonomic setup is absolutely necessary. I have to raise the screen to an appropriate height to avoid getting a stiff neck. I usually accomplish by setting the laptop on some manuals. This also means that I need a second keyboard since the laptop keyboard is now too high.
Rather than traveling with a laptop and a keyboard I would rather travel with just a laptop. Not to mention that it looks a lot cooler than a laptop balanced on a pile of manuals.
I prefer my current docking station, and full size monitor and keyboard (I am using a Microsoft Natural Keyboard - one of the few microsoft products I buy simply because no one else makes one like it, and I find it indespensible for relieving carple-tunnel syndrome, which I was starting to get with the standard keyboards; been using one at work and one at home for the past 2 years and can touch type all day without a twinge).
My concern with this technology, particularly the removable keyboard using bluetooth, is will I be locked into a particular keyboard/monitor? Will I lose the option of connecting full size equipment to it?
Lodragan Draoidh
The more you explain it, the more I don't understand it. - Mark Twain
Modular Systems for text description and images of different configurations
Over six years ago....
This would be great for use on a plane. I don't know how many times I have been unable to work because the guy in front of me decides to recline and I don't have enough space to have my screen open. If I were able the position the screen over the keyboard I could have it at a usable angle without worrying about it hitting the seat in front of me. Another solution would be to fly first class.
Lasers Controlled Games!
"Amidst the hollowed halls and exhibition floor of the Jacob Javits Center"
This looks cools, Michael, but are you SURE the halls and exhibition floor are hollow? I mean, I guess it's ok if the hall is hollow, but if the floor is hollow someone might fall through.
*cough* hallowed *cough*
"Is this just useless, or is it expensive as well?"
It's called a "docking station". I don't understand how this is "innovation". I thought that the docking stations were pretty sweet in the day when I was an IT grunt. But IBM is trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist. This will be a failure.
very few are hallowed! :p
... until it's also a floor wax, a dessert topping, *and* can run Linux.
Mod Karma -1: I sed bad wurds. If I cep my mouf shut, I wud be at riyses.
I'm a typical slashdot reader. I want to get the gist of what the article is about before actually deciding to go to the linked article. "design savior-faire akin"? Who the heck submitted this???
I'd like to see some innovation in the docking station arena. The best one I ever experienced was the Apple Duo, which got the idea right -- a super compact notebook that could be docked into a functional desktop computer case.
I saw one other similar docking station in the same era, a Toshiba, but it was a piggy laptop and a lame dock. The only other docks I've seen since then are lame "port extenders", which don't give me PCI slots for expansion and don't do anything to keep the laptop's size and weight down.
When I travel, I really need a full-featured computer that can run XP/2K, supports Wifi, ethernet, a modem, USB2 and has a high-res screen and is about 2/3s the size of my Dell D600. I don't need an internal DVD/CDRW, floppy, parallel port, serial port, PC card slots or a 15" display. 1024x768 at the resolution of this Dell, the display would be much smaller, maybe 12" at most.
There are laptops that can do this, but when you get home, there's no expansion slots, you're stuck with USB for all your peripherals, and its generally not a worthwhile desktop replacement.
A good dock that was usable as a desktop would be great, particularly if there was some what to clone\sync the HDD in the laptop to a faster HDD in the dock upon redocking and bypass the laptop display for a better display in the dock.
Where are *those* innovations?
Most geeks will only see this in terms of technical value.. I mean so many people here are saying "so what, it's not like they put made a dual CPU laptop" or "it's crap because I cant use my XYZ gfx card" are simply missing the point.
I'm not really a big fan of Apple stuff but it was the same with the iMac.. "oh, so what it's just a monitor and PC in one, been done before, etc etc" but it sold really well because like it or not the majority of people who use computers are not techies.
I like this idea too, because I've had to use a laptop for long periods and I can see how an arangement like this would be much more comfortable. It would also be useful when doing presentations, it looks like the viewing angle would be better.
I never quite understood why there aren't laptops with a built in transmitter/receiver for my cordless mouse and keyboard.
I work with my laptop all day long so I use a (cordless) natural keyboard and a mouse instead of the laptop keyboard and the touchpad. So each time I have to plug in my Illogitech receiver/transmitter. That doesn't make sense.
You would have thought that Dell would have come up with such a thing.
In the past I would have agreed with you. Today USB (high speed) is fast enough and universial enough that you can buy a keyboard, mouse, and USB hub for both work and home, and all you plug in is the hub. Want to expand? USB has you covered, and suddenly you plug in the hub at work and also have your scanner, network (wireless would be better, but perhaps not secure enough) and cd burner. At home you plug in and also get your printer and two gamepads. Or whatever combonations you can come up with.
You still have to plug it into mains power of course, but that is a lot less connections, and a lot more versitile. I'd recomend a seperate monitor if you work in one spot often, but that may or may not be best for you. At most you have 3 connections, and the duplicated equpiment is cheap.
big fcuking deal!
Improving ergonomics is still a good thing. It would be nicer if it were upgradable like a desktop (as mentioned elsewhere in this thread). One thing I'd like to see, however, is a keyboard that can be separated and angled like my ergonomic keyboard that I use in the office. My office computer is actually a laptop but I do all of my typing via an external ergo keyboard and these things are getting harder and harder to find.
A goal is a dream with a deadline
1. Flexible screen (possibility to move the hinges? To remove the entire screen?) that permits use in an airplane 2. Batteries that last an oversea-flight WITH transit 3. Ergonomic keyboard 4. Send 10% of the profit to me Oh, and 5. Disguise the thing so you don't have to take it apart at every single security-check
fart/faart/(coarse) (v.intr.): emit intestinal gas from the anus. (n.): emission of intestinal gas from the anus.
I'm suprised to see so many So what? comments about this. Last night I was working on my deck with my Thinkpad. It would have really been nice to be able kick back, shift the monitor off to the side, move the keyboard to a more comfortable position and get to work. It's all about comfort. I spent a little extra for a Thinkpad specificly for the keyboard and I'd have no problem spending a few extra bucks on one of these new ones, should they ever be made available.
We take it for granted that our cars all have tilt steering wheels and adjustable seats. I'm sure the the original reaction to these ideas were very similar. But then again, it might be fun to drive around in a porche with a Model T-style steering wheel.
This looks sort of like an old IBM product that I don't think they make anymore, the IBM Netvista X41 all-in -one desktop. True, this one folds up as a laptop, but unfolded the form factor looks the same. I guess IBM likes that form factor.
We have a couple of the X41's at the helpdesk I work at.. I'm not a big fan, partly because I hate things that are all-in-one, and also because we've had several harddrive failures on them.
I have blog like everyone else
This is THE machine for anyone who leaves their laptop at work, but still needs it for site visits. Most of the time, it just sits on your desk, but when you need to go to a client you just take it with you. No need to build a brand-new demo environment for the 2-hour show, while still having most of the conveniences of a desktop - enough power, flexible screen positioning, flexible keyboard positioning. If you're not moving it more than once a month, though, there are probably better solutions.
Sure I'm paranoid, but am I paranoid enough?
Go and check your TV right now, do you have one with the DVD player built-in? Why not? Is it because new formats keep coming out or you didn't feel like replacing your existing TV just because DVD integration is more compact. I still like my components separate, the useful life of each of them is increased.
Seriously, could you write any more flowery? Ponce.
Dell has a 'Desktop Replacement' docking station that does much the same thing but you don't have to detatch your screen to do it.
Personally, I like the Docking Station idea a bit better because it's far easier to set up and tear down which sounds petty but if you have to do it every day (e.g. you take your laptop home with you) you'll really appreciate it.
Also, LCDs aren't the most durable pieces of equipment - I think the chances of something breaking would increase significantly when you detach/reattach it.
Still, if the IBMs are cheaper than the docking station then I'd get one of those... But I know many companies have standardized on Dell so if you're looking for something like this in a Dell shop you don't have to break ranks.
Thanks,
--
Matt
Of course the halls are hollowed! How else are you supposed to walk through them?
Ooooh, you mean "hallowed"? That's a differrent story. The halls of the Javits Center are certainly not fucking "hallowed". If you're going to use a word:
a) know which word you're using, and spell it right
b) know what it means
Do people actually like those laptop touchpads for the mouse? Or do people buy them simply because the look cool?
They just seem to lack the resolution, accuracy, and intuitiveness of regular mice or those mid-keyboard knobs that some Thinkpads have. Yet, it seems that 85% of laptops come with them.
Healthcare article at Kuro5hin
I have a 21" monitor on my desk. I am able to extend my desktop to utilize both the built in LCD and the 21" CRT giving me a huge amount of desktop space when I am at my desk.
I have a wireless mouse and keyboard, so I am not pressing my nose to the screen when I type.
I don't use a docking station, but I do use a USB hub and 802.11b, so I only have the three cables (USB hub, power, monitor) to plug in/unplug when I come and go from my desk.
hollowed means it's empty.
hallowed means it's revered.
In other exciting news, cell phones now have color screens. Isn't technology grand?!?!
Only APPLE innovates!
IBM must have sent a spy to the apple lab or something.
A hall must be hollow,
It's not hard to swallow;
'Cuz if it's not hollow,
It isn't a hall.
Methinks that rather
If t'were solid, I'd gather
It doesn't matter --
'Tis worth nothing at all.
To have a convention
You need the invention
Of walls for retention
Of a roof over all;
A solid block of concrete
Is useless, it can't compete;
Facilities you need replete...
You really need a hall.
Our convention center,
Which is in New York,
Hallowed be thy halls.
Thine innovations come,
Thine improvements be done
In reality as at the show.
Give us this day our inspiration
And forgive us when we fail to notice.
For thine are the headlines, and the wow-factor, and the glory forever.
Amen.
Functionality aside, it's not a "desktop" unless I can choose to change the graphics adapter and have a few slots for additional cards.
"Curiosity killed the cat, but for a while I was a suspect."- Steven Wright
Not until it has a decent keyboard it isn't!
I'll stick to my desktop thank you.
So what if you can't upgrade the GPU and stuff?
...Damn hippies!
Those kinds of things aren't even feasable with the laptop form factor! Mind telling me how you would go about doing that?
If you're so fucking smart that you know how to make a laptop have a socket so you can plug in a GeForce4, unplug it and then stick in a Raedon, go work for IBM.
How about taking a look at your own retarded logic from another point of view?
You can't pick up a desktop computer, take it on a plane, use it in the plane, land, then use it while waiting for your cab.
Therefore, desktops suck.
But wait! You can install tripple gpu with 37 monitors! Well how the fuck does that help when you need to go somewhere?
The point of this isn't so you can use it like a desktop at home, where you have a real desktop. The point is so when you put it on the desk in a hotel, then you can use it like a little portable desktop.
And yes, detaching the screen and keyboard DOES make a difference.
-Frapazoid
IBM has dabbled in desktop-laptop merging for a long time. The PS/2e wasn't convertible between laptop and desktop, but rather it was a desktop designed built like a laptop--it had an LCD display, very small case with room only for PCMCIA slots and a 2.5" hard drive. They were really nice little units. Here's the only one I've found through Google: http://members.aol.com/phwimage1/mycomp01.htm
Wil
wiki
In that groundbreaking book, the consoles used could be broken down into smaller parts. The smallest was like a cellphone/pda. Up from that was a laptop like unit. The top level was an immense programming console.
This is just a step in that direction. I'll wait for the laptop that has a pda that has a pda cradle built in and that can connect to a base unit that is also a server.
This is not the way to build a lasting empire.
Hmm.... strange...... I can remember when Steve Jobs announced this idea to make laptops that replace desktops back in January 2003 at the Mac World keynote address in San Francisco. That is why they developed the 17" Powerbook, after all..... Of course Gateway is now set to "borrow" the idea for their latest 17" "Laptop meant to replace desktop". I just held/used their prototype today. While it is definitely cool it is by no means an original concept! It's a great idea in theory, though, since it cuts down on space needed for a normal desktop pc and wires for the user to destroy - I mean - connect. ;)
I can't believe it took this long for someone to point that out.
Yer moiderin the King's English!
I saw a guy last night on History Channel finishing a show with his little monologue, saying that someone was "flaunting conventional wisdom".
I shit you not...
I don't run and buy the latest technology since I don't have the $Bling$Bling$ to pay for this shit, but I want this one!
Finally, someone understands that laptops for most business users need to be versitile. When I give a presentation using my laptop everyone crouds around and tries desperately to view the screen while I strive equally futilely not to obstruct the view of others as I crane over the damn thing to see what I'm doing.
Until they integrate a high quality wall projector into the laptop I'll take a detachable screen anyday. Now just merge this will tablet PC and I'll have a truely versitile tool I can do cool stuff with.
My 2Cents.
In fact, Hill said what makes the IBM's ThinkPad line unique is what he describes as the relationship between a car's engine and the dashboard. While lots of people (competitors, analysts and ... yes ... even journalists) are focused on the engine, IBM's design program spends most of its time developing and improving the dashboard.
So, they spend more time working on it's appearance than they do on the "engine." Meaning, it's the same laptop as all the others, but it looks cool? Damn, I was hoping they would work on using better hardware or something...
I quit playing with transformers when I was around 12. I see no desire to carry around the added weight of the desktop form factor with me, not to mention a laptop takes up significantly less space on my desk. Since functionality doesn't change, there's no real reason for me to ever want one of these idiotic looking things. If you're going to do transformer-type crap like this, make it a laptop that turns into a stihl, or a portable Matrix, or something useful like that.
Quick, send in that UCC-1 form now! Finance the United States LLC and 0wn their democratic assh0les!
United States LLC is not to be confused or construed with the vacancies of officials of these several united States of America.
"hollowed" -> pumpkin
Apple solved this problem a lot more elegantly a long time ago with the PowerBook Duo. The PowerBook Duo itself inserted into a DuoDock that included a larger hard drive. You could connect an external keyboard and mouse and monitor. Unfortunately, the Duo didn't last long. If it existed today, however, it might include a PCI chassis or even an AGP slot, so you COULD put a Radeon 9800 Pro in there. Unfortunately, it doesn't. One advantage this has over the Duo is that it's a lot harder to transport the DuoDock, keyboard, monitor. etc. than just to carry around this convertible. Another is cost, since with the Duo, you'd have to buy the extra monitor, etc.
In Repressive Burma, it's not just your connection that dies. slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=314547&cid=20819199
I have a Compaq Armada 5250 or somesuch, with the full monitor-on-top style docking station. I don't use it anymore, since it's only a Pentium 133, but it was a nice machine back in its day. The trouble is that the dock is large enough and clunky enough to deal with (all connectors except headphones on the back or underneath) that it's really not as practical as it would initially seem. Yeah, it makes for a good place to store the laptop, but it makes the monitor sit high enough to be annoying, and it doesn't offer any real expansion beyond the dual PS/2 slots over what the laptop itself had. Nor does the laptop have enough video memory to make use of the external display having a resolution beyond 800x600. So, in the end, it was an expensive lemon.
Do not look into laser with remaining eye.