Windows SideShow - is Microsoft’s small screen set to make a comeback?

It was a great idea, and the months following its unveiling saw Asus integrate it into one of its laptops and Ricavision create a wireless fridge magnet using Windows SideShow, but other than these, it hasn't really been put to use much.

Now, manufacturer Dell is planning to reinvigorate the market for Windows SideShow by integrating it into its high-end gaming PC: the XPS 420.

The XPS 420 will feature a 3 x 2 inch QVGA display screen, and will be able to show the time and date, as well as the status of the PC (such as CPU temperature) and you'll also be able to control music, videos or pictures from it as well.

The only drawback to sticking the screen on top of a desktop PC is that you'll have to stick it underneath your desk to actually be able to view it, and quite a few people - including myself - prefer to put their desktop PC on a, err, desk, so mounting the screen to the front may be a better alternative.

It's not particularly revolutionary either; it's all been done before really, but with a manufacturer like Dell backing the technology, it bodes well for the future of Windows SideShow.

You'll be able to find out more about up-and-coming SideShow features and devices in a future issue of Windows Vista: The Official Magazine.