Photos: The look of tech at Computex

The computer trade show, taking place at the Taipei World Trade Center, was once a relatively minor event attended mostly by contract manufacturers and component jockeys. Now, it's the second largest computer show in the world. Major brand name "manufacturers" rely more on contract manufacturers and designers from Taiwan and China than ever before, and Taiwan has seen companies like Acer go worldwide. The event is held annually in the first week of June, just in time for typhoon season (earthquakes have been a feature of past shows, as well).

This is the 15th year Brown has attended the show, but although it has grown during that time, Brown says it retains an intimate feel not found at other major IT industry events such as CeBit or CES. Stand around in the lobby of the Grand Hyatt (pictured), he says, and you can't help but run into friends you last met at the last big show.