All of the other components fit within the xPC, which slides into the xPad's rear.

ENGADGET: Ice Computer demos modular xPC with working 9.7-inch xPad tablet, we go hands-on at CES (video)

In the meantime, though, you can check out the current xPC and xPad prototypes in our hands-on after the break.

ENGADGET: Ice Computer demos modular xPC with working 9.7-inch xPad tablet, we go hands-on at CES (video)

Well Shuttle is trying change this perception, and AnandTech believes they have a good shot at reaching a larger audience with their XPC M1000, although some notable exceptions apply.

ENGADGET: Shuttle XPC M1000 home theater PC reviewed

Under most circumstances, we'd label its flagship xPC as vaporware, but there does seem to be progress, which gives us some hope that the modular computer solution will finally be available sometime this year.

ENGADGET: Ice Computer demos modular xPC with working 9.7-inch xPad tablet, we go hands-on at CES (video)

In the meantime, Ice Computer reps have made the trip out to CES to demo the first functional xPad tablet, which is one of several platforms for the xPC, a smartphone-sized device that contains a complete computer and slides into desktop or home theater components (xDock), laptops (xTop) and the xPad we saw today.

ENGADGET: Ice Computer demos modular xPC with working 9.7-inch xPad tablet, we go hands-on at CES (video)