In an idea that is either too brilliant or too stupid for our taste, MSI is releasing a wearable PC in a backpack form factor.
The backpack design is meant for gamers to be able to move around in virtual reality environments without being limited to the length of their headset cords' length.
"Free from the restraint of a fixed VR platform, users get to move around and enjoy VR with big movements and total immersion. No more worries about accidently [sic] unplugging the wires between the VR device and the platform. MSI Backpack PC renders greater mobility and freedom for VR gaming," MSI pitched its idea.
The backpack is powered by an Intel Core i7 CPU and Nvidia GeForce 980 graphics card. Pricing and release date will be shared by MSI during next week's Computex.
MSI is not the only company working on a backpack PC. HP is also working on a similar product: the HP Omen X which weighs less than 10 pounds (4.5 Kg) and sports a hot-swappable battery that is big enough to last for one hour of gameplay. The HP Omen X comes in different configurations with Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, up to 32GB of RAM, and at least an Nvidia GTX 970 or AMD R9 290 or higher GPU.
Aside from having to lug around 5 kilo grams in addition to the headset, the idea of being able to immerse in virtual reality environment without being tethered to a desk is quite tempting. Of course, you'd be hard pressed to find any software to take advantage of the extra freedom as all VR currently available are designed for limited space. That, and MSI will have to figure out a pretty brilliant solution to save you from head-butting into the wall or falling from your 10th floor window when immersed in virtual reality while actually moving in real life.
