I will give a simple example for the purpose of understanding and assimilation of the concept. Consider the Toaster a Vital Home Appliance, Build a Embedded Internet Interface into the toaster. Then make it Wireless Networking capable. The gadget can also get connected thru Mains Carrier Communication.
These are some ideas, comments, feedback and communication that i have had over the past many years online. 2006-11
The wear and tear, fragmentation on HDD can be reduced using a Tripod Hybrid. Access Speed improves too. Top Layer is RAM Drive with Li-ion Battery. Second layer is Flash. Third is the Spinner HDD.
Make the desktop architecture like laptop with regards to Power Electronics. I think now RAM's consume lower power. So every Desktop can come with a Li-ion Backpack based on some standard. 10Ahr 12V Rechargeable Battery. The entire Motherboard works on the 12V DC supply that uses Float Charging from mains.
These are types of the Chumby Mini Web Computer, it was a Web Widget App System with Touch Interface. Innovative System ahead of its time. It manifested in 2006 before the Touch Screen Tablet.
(the 2008 wayback link above is a clear indication that this chumby is grandfather of iPod Touch, iPad, iPhone, Android, Smartphones.)