September 29, 2006 7:18 AM - Lloyd Alter, Toronto

For some, computers are utilitarian beige boxes. Others love the elegant but hermetically sealed apple approach. Still others treat their computers like people used to treat cars- something to play with, to mod, to build to your own tastes and specifications. Howard Suissa thinks that computers belong in your living room, and that they should look like they belong there. “While technology and design have advanced in leaps and bounds, the artistic cultural reflection found in computer case design has stagnated,” says the Thornhill, Ontario based designer. “Most design discussion on computers is either on the disappearance of technology, or is a visual grappling with a technology one no longer understands.....With the integration of computers into our living environment, people are craving something more human,” says Suissa. “They relate to natural materials more readily than to the cold sterility of plastic or metal.” Out of offcuts from his other work, he built "Fire@Will"-. “Our production process is clean, and we recycle all our wood and metal waste,” says Suissa. “Wood waste is used as mulch in the garden or is used in other projects.” and what a computer it is...

Howard says "A Suissa Computer is meant to become an heirloom and the system can be upgraded when technology changes. The computer will not have to be thrown away in exchange for improved technology." But he does not kid around with what he puts in for the present- opened up, it had the prettiest guts we have ever seen on a computer- six hard drives, water cooling, the power supply has been freaking chromed.. Published spec's:

SLI ready Socket AM2 motherboard with built-in wireless
· NVIDIA GeForce 7900 or 7950 video card
· 2 GB DDR2 PC6400 800MHz memory
· AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ or 5000+ dual core processor
· Thermaltake Liquid Cooling System for CPU and video card
· 600 watt SLI ready power supply

But a list of spec's does not explain how they are laid out for maximum visual impact.