The e-Vectra looks a bit like a toaster, while the iPaq resembles an oversized upright modem. Each takes a modular approach, with an external power supply and easy access to the hard disk and RAM slots for upgrades and replacement. They are usually sold without monitors in large shipments. Manufacturers now recognise that most customers still want fully functional PCs, not 'lite' devices. However, like thin clients, these PCs all ship with ethernet capability and are not intended to stand alone.
Some models can sit upright, flat or even be mounted on a wall.
Most do not even have serial or parallel ports. The idea is to reduce the total cost of ownership by offering simplified designs that are easy for IT departments to implement and maintain. Dividing the PC into easily replaceable parts, such as an external power supply and a hard drive inserted under a hatch in a box containing the motherboard, means that if one of these three components fails, support staff can easily come along and replace it. Upgrades work the same way and downtime is minimal. There are also some new security features.