Hugh and his fellow competitors epitomize the future of desktop fabrication and manufacturing.

FORBES: Internet Revolution 2.0: 3D Printing

The future of the desktop is on the Web, where there's little (if anything) for you to install to (and slow down) your system.

CNN: How to squeeze the most from your computer

Superficially the stories heralded the introduction of Apple's retro-futuristic-looking iMac desktop (see "Back to the future"), but fresh off two back-to-back profitable quarters (the first in three years) the underlying message was clear: Apple is back.

FORBES: Apple offers sizzle

After these moves and the shutdown of its desktop-printer unit last September, Kodak's future is now pinned on selling printing equipment and services to companies.

WSJ: Kodak Transfers Business to U.K. Retirees to Erase Pension Obligation

Intel--which keeps its own PCs about 15% longer than in the past--hopes a new wave of "multitasking" will chew up future processing power and says desktop video could help.

FORBES: On The Cover

So no big surprises on the automation front, but at least now you'll be able to use one of those nifty SideShow controls built into your future laptop, desktop or remote instead of having to dedicate an entire PC interface to dimming the lights for those romantic dinner dates you've been having with your Wii.

ENGADGET: SideShow finds a partner in Lagotek's home automation tech

Intel--which keeps its own PCs about 15% longer than it did in the past--hopes that a new wave of "multitasking" will chew up future processing power and says that desktop video could help.

FORBES: Magazine Article