Halfway house, they're more upgradeable than a laptop, less than a desktop. Smaller footprint than a desktop, more than a laptop. They just tend to have better multinedia inputs, capabilities and software than a laptop.
There are better, but I was sorely tempted by the Sony
PCV-W1. You can get one at
Unbeatable for £1371.
Zdnet review.
I decided against because of the limited upgrade capabilities, but I did love the looks and it would have looked great on the desk rather than have another box down the side. Depends how much looks and style come into it.