I can see why MicroSystems calls the MPC-8000 a “Lunchbox” design. It looks a lot like my grade-school lunchbox, complete with aluminum alloy chassis and rubber-clad carrying handle. The only difference is that my old lunchbox never folded out to reveal a Portable Computer with15-inch flat-panel LCD monitor, 1 GB system memory, an Intel (or AMD processor), as well as a keyboard and touchpad mouse. If it had, I would have been the most popular guy in school or the king of the geeks. Somehow, I think it would have been the latter.

The MPC-8000 is designed for those in field services who need durable work stations. It comes with a carry case with wheels to allow for mobile travel. It actually reminds me of those weak-memory word-processors that I used in college that could fold up for portability. Only this thing can do so much more with PCI and PCI Express slots, not to mention four drive bays.

No mention on the price or the release date as of yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the guy who checks my power meter hauling one around.