While its connected to an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, and other peripherals there is functionally no difference between a Windows 8 tablet and a traditional Windows 8 desktop or laptop PC.

FORBES: Why Windows 8 Is Such A Crucial Step For Microsoft

One is a wireless dock: You just set your laptop near the dock within a five-foot range, and it syncs the laptop to a printer, speakers, a monitor or a router.

FORBES: PC Innovation

We saw a number of Electric Imp demos and appliance ideas at the booth including a simple hand-held "detonator" toggle switch with LED, seven-segment counter, water level sensor, servo-controlled gauge, RGB light, power socket, Christmas light, power monitor, toy washing machine, 16x16 LED display and receipt printer (the latter two being combined to show the avatars and tweets of anyone mentioning the Electric Imp) -- all Internet aware.

ENGADGET: Hands-on with the Electric Imp at Maker Faire (video)