Drawer-mounted PCs could become a popular office format along with desktops and tower models if marketing efforts by a Japanese inventor and his Hong Kong associates are successful.
Takeyoshi Ohara, Yokohama-based chairman of Biox 2000, has taken out global patents for his PC drawer-mounting system.
An ingenious reversible track along each side of the PC casing allows it to fit neatly into the top or second drawer of any standard US or Asian roller drawer unit under the desk.
'Mounting the PC in the drawer saves space, is more comfortable for the user and creates a healthier working environment,' Mr Ohara said.
The patents cover the dimensions of the metal PC casing, which is drilled to house a wide range of motherboards in the popular LPX size, and can be configured to accommodate other types, according to the company.
The actual makeup of the components within the Biox casing will depend on which, if any, major PC manufacturers take up the design.
Mr Ohara and his Hong Kong-based managing director Allan Tsang say negotiations are under way with several multinational groups which might result in a drawer-mounted brand-name PC being marketed within the next 12 months.