A demonstration of landscape mode (left) and portrait mode in Anderson, a next-generation convertible computing device with a compact square profile. And when we say compact, we mean compact. The gadget by Hong Kong designers Ma Yiwei and Tao Ying measures about 6.5 inches across and is just a little more than half an inch thick.

The hinged device can be used in two ways. When a user is standing or in motion, it's best used in landscape mode and can be held much like a book. When there's a surface handy, Anderson works best in portrait mode operated like a laptop.

Anderson is one of 7 entries from more than 3,000 that netted a "judge's special award," and about $1,400, in the Fujitsu Design Award 2011.