Desktops and Notebooks: Microsoft's Hot White Devices: Hardly Plain Vanilla

It used to be that whatever was the "new" black was the "in" thing. Yet Microsoft is empowering a host of new machines and devices, all in white, that practically spell c-o-o-l. Microsoft has been knocked for its lack of cool. Indeed, many observers believe it was OEMs' lack of imagination in design that prompted Microsoft to develop its own tablet for the upcoming Windows 8 operating system. At the risk of upsetting its OEM partners, Microsoft unveiled its Surface tablet to positive reviews in June at an event in Hollywood. It used to be that it was unfashionable to show your summer whites after Labor Day, but Microsoft is pushing out a series of hot, white items that will look good now and well after Labor Day—which happens to fall on Sept. 3 this year. Yet Microsoft will hardly be done at summer's end, what with Windows 8 and the Surface coming in October. Still, it's often the white gadgets that get the attention—like consumers' love affair with the white iPhone. Microsoft and its partners hope to capitalize on some of that enthusiasm. Here's a slide show of Windows PCs, Windows Phones, Xbox and peripherals that aren't ashamed to show their brilliant white in any season. From the latest Sony Vaio E and the Samsung Focus to the classic white Xbox 360, these devices will look just as fashionable under the Christmas tree as they do on a sunny summer day.