The many faces of the modern PC (Gallery)

The original hybrid design and the quintessential shape-shifter against which all others are measured.

See: Once-mighty PC industry tries to shape-shift its way back to health

They say it takes Microsoft three tries to get a product right. In this case, that's certainly the truth. A Surface Pro 4 could be announced as early as October.

See: Once-mighty PC industry tries to shape-shift its way back to health

No, that's not a Surface, but Lenovo has done a remarkable job of cloning Microsoft's design, with a kickstand and a keyboard/cover that snaps magnetically to the screen.

See: Once-mighty PC industry tries to shape-shift its way back to health

Microsoft Corporate VP Nick Parker gave a sneak peek of this good looking 2-in-1 at during his IFA 2015 keynote address in Berlin.

See: Once-mighty PC industry tries to shape-shift its way back to health

Think tiny PC meets Lego, with building blocks that snap magnetically to instantly expand storage and add other capabilities.

See: Once-mighty PC industry tries to shape-shift its way back to health

It's a phone. It's a PC. It's still a prototype, but it was enough to get Acer CEO Jason Chen to declare it's "the first phone PC that really works."

See: Once-mighty PC industry tries to shape-shift its way back to health

The competition for that second or third HDMI port on your big-screen TV is getting fierce. Can we interest you in a full PC on a stick, with two USB ports?

See: Once-mighty PC industry tries to shape-shift its way back to health

At $169, this device is clearly designed and priced (and even named) to compete in the education market with Chromebooks.

See: Once-mighty PC industry tries to shape-shift its way back to health

It's still just a prototype, but this super-thin, super-light convertible was the highlight of Microsoft's keynote at IFA 2015.

See: Once-mighty PC industry tries to shape-shift its way back to health

Toshiba can still deliver some impressive hardware, as this fully adjustable, well-built hybrid with a slick aluminum finish and a 4K display proves.

See: Once-mighty PC industry tries to shape-shift its way back to health

You want to kill monsters at insane frame rates on a big screen that you can carry? Then this monster laptop is your new best friend.

See: Once-mighty PC industry tries to shape-shift its way back to health

The industry will probably sell 100 million generic tower PCs next year. There's something to be said for familiarity and standardization.

See: Once-mighty PC industry tries to shape-shift its way back to health

You want a clamshell laptop? We got clamshell laptops in every size, shape, and color. They're the bread and butter of the PC industry, even if the innovation is going elsewhere.

See: Once-mighty PC industry tries to shape-shift its way back to health

Tiny PCs like this HP device are a great fit (literally) in dorm rooms and cramped city flats. But it's hard to imagine these tiny workhorses spreading into the mainstream.

See: Once-mighty PC industry tries to shape-shift its way back to health