When a PC becomes part of the furniture

of Accelerated Performance, a small computer maker in San Juan Capistrano, California, is coming out soon with Pentium III-based computers built into cubicle wall spaces and desk drawers, said Richard Zodnik, president of the company.

"We wanted to do something different," he said at the Intel Developer Forum here.

The machines are being debuted as part of the "PC Fashion Show" at the conference. Intel is making a concerted effort to recruit designers to fashion interesting computer shapes and form factors as a way to drive more interest in the platform. The genesis of the idea leans heavily on the success that Apple has had with the iMac.

Although most of the concept PCs are merely that, Accelerated is releasing its products.

Within 90 days, Accelerated will release what is now known as the "Computer in a Wall," Zodnik said. The computer monitor and body sit inside of a standard cubicle wall. The keyboard connects to the rest of the unit through wireless technology. Industrial concern Haworth has already placed an order for the machines. Currently, there are five separate models of the wall-mounted PC.

For more upscale workers, Accelerated is releasing the "Executive Desk Computer." The computer consists of a large, flat panel monitor that pivots on top of the desk. Spin it around, "and you have video conferencing," Zodnik joked.

The business end of the computer sits inside of a desk drawer. Accelerated is making the computer, but furniture maker Kimball is integrating the system into the actual desk.

While Zodnik admits that the furniture PCs cost more than standard units, they are cost-effective because they save office real estate and are more ergonomic.