It's a Laptop - It's a Desktop

pcman cuts and pastes: "Amidst the hollowed halls and exhibition floor of the Jacob Javits Center here, one beacon of innovation shone brightly at the TechXNY trade show. At a time when even the show's keynote speakers failed to generate headlines, IBM showed off the might of its design savoir-faire akin to the European assault on the Big Three automakers by German designers and engineer."

Comments

It's a Laptop, it's a Desktop...

[Anonymous Coward]

...it's a dessert topping!

Am I the only one that...

[clifgriffin]

...fails to see the use of this? Honestly, I can think of any real way this would help over a normal (priced) laptop. I guess it is neat you can opt to have the screen at a different height and angle, but I don't know.. I can personally live without it for a long time. Clif

Re:Am I the only one that...

[gl4ss]

i'd think the target market would be people who don't move it much around (hence, have a real mouse attached and have it in the desktop position most of the time) and don't usually need to haul it anywhere, but when yhey would have to (like once per month or even less often) they can take that computer with them.

of course, the advantage over just having a laptop that you attach to a normal screen(and plug stuff into) isn't much. i guess in a case where a worker has to work one month at place a and then another month at place b and then returning to a for a month.. it could be useful/handy/comfortable to no t have the need for seperate screens and keyboards at both a and b to achive the non laptop feeling.

Re:Am I the only one that...

[Soko]

As tech savy users, you and I are willing to put up with the compromises of a laptop - screen and keyboard at a fixed distance, screen at a fixed height, etc. We understand how they are engineered and why those limitations exist. Yes, IBMs design adds a bit of complexity to a laptop, which isn't good. Or is it?

A non-techie usually isn't willing to accept the limitations of a laptop - witness the amount of docking stations and extra perepherals bought by people who want a full size keyboard and an adjustable screen. I have seen very, very few docking stations that were reliable and inexpensive. Nothing like adding cost and complexity in the name of convenience, eh?

This is an elegant way of simplifying the design for those who don't want to be limited by current laptop design. IMHO, simpler == better. I like what they've done - add a proper tilt to the keyboard, a USB keypad and there's really nothing else you need to have your PC and take it with you, too. Note that USB devices are intended to be hot-plugged - Linux and Windows (most flavours of it anyway) handle USB changes with elan.

Now, I just need the $BLING$ to acquire one...

Soko

Re:Am I the only one that...

[los furtive]

Because when you're working at a desk (and not on your lap), it's nice when the keyboard isn't 2 inches away from the screen. It's also nice when the screen isn't at the same height as your nipples (applies to all sexes).

I use my notebook as a desktop and wouldn't have it any other way, but to currently overcome the above limitations, I am forced to use a 17inch screen on a stand. By doing so the keyboard is nolonger right at the screen since I'm looking at a different screen. I don't bother using a second keyboard since I am rather fond of the tight layout of my notebook's keyboard.

Those convertible notebooks seem to overcome these issues, without having to have extra peripherals. Now you CAN take it with you.

Re:Am I the only one that...

[dlur]

It's also nice when the screen isn't at the same height as your nipples (applies to all sexes).

Why on earth would a 70 year old lady want to have the screen down by her knees? Don't you realize that old ladies have sagging eyesight as well as sagging...

Re:Am I the only one that...

[Richthofen80]

You obviously don't own a laptop. I support a company who has a large percentage (70%) of users who work from home/ have laptops. While in the office, everyone has a desktop. The idea that the dock goes with you, and can be set up anywhere, is the ideal situation. No more craning/aching while on the road, but the ability to set up in small places as well (airplanes).

Almost nobody here has a laptop w/o a docking station/port replicator. the idea that it could be set up anywhere makes the office truly mobile.

PS IBM makes a GREAT laptop. Their X series, including the X31, are incredible.

Re:Am I the only one that...

[merlin_jim]

i guess in a case where a worker has to work one month at place a and then another month at place b and then returning to a for a month..

Or how about a business or technology consultant. Many times I'll be at a client site, doing real work on site, for weeks at a time, on my laptop. Anything to make this situation a little more comfortable for me, I'm for it...

Re:Am I the only one that...

[JaredOfEuropa]

If you use your laptop a lot on travels, you'll appreciate the advantages of this model. The advantage doesn't show itself when you use on your lap, for example whilst in an airplane, but it does when you sit down in your hotel room or the client's office for a few hours of work. Most laptops are awful for prolonged work periods. Sure you can hook up an external keyboard to a regular laptop, but you'll have to lug it along all the time, and the screen remains at an awkward position.

I need my data and applications in many different locations, and I hate having to lug around an extra keyboard, not to mention having to hunt around for a few thick books to prop my laptop on and bring the screen to a comfortable height. I'd love to have a laptop like this.

Re:Am I the only one that...

[b-baggins]

Actually, the big market for this would be people who move their laptops daily between work and home.

Plugging every thing every morning at work, unplugging it all at 5 and plugging it back in at home at 5:30, rinse and repeat five days a week is a pain in the butt, and buying two docking stations is an expensive solution.

Additionally, that laptop has to sit somewhere on your desk while you've got all that stuff plugged into it. Put it under a stand, and you limit access to the CD-ROM. Set it off to the side, and you're using up valuable desk space.

This design will be a big seller for companies that issue laptops to their employees. The slight additional cost of the laptop will be more than offset by not having to buy an external monitor for the employee to use when at work.

Re:Am I the only one that...

[los furtive]

Why on earth would a 70 year old lady want to have the screen down by her knees?

Let me add some emphasis to my previous comment:

It's also nice when the screen isn't at the same height as your nipples (applies to all sexes).

I liked the sagging eyesight part, funny :-)

Re:Am I the only one that...

[xanadu-xtroot.com]

Because when you're working at a desk (and not on your lap), it's nice when the keyboard isn't 2 inches away from the screen.

That's what a docking station is for, isn't it?

Re:Am I the only one that...

[iocat]

A lot of people (not many who post on Slashdot, though) find having a PC a giant intrusion to their office or desk. It's ugly, it takes up too much desk space, they simply don't *like* the giant tower case, they've no need to ever upgrade, etc. For these people, laptops as desktops are a great option, and these new IBMs really speak to that trend. Sure, you can take them around, but it seems that their primary job is to be very small desktop computers.

I used my thinkpad at work, home, travel, etc, and it would be neat to be able to put it on a desk when I'm at work (to get the typing angle comfortable, I usually have it on my lap when I am working with it). I'd buy one of these in a heartbeat.

Re:Am I the only one that...

[leifm]

I had a 600e a few months back, fairly old laptop, got it from eBay, beat to hell, worked perfect. I was very impressed with both the durability of the Thinkpad as well as the performance given the specs. I just got a Dell, but only because I can't afford(finance) a current Thinkpad.

So it's a laptop

[fuzzix]

which can be configured to take up more of my desk space?
How useful. Excuse me while I rush out to purchase one.

Re:So it's a laptop

[BillyZ]

It's a laptop that can be configured into a more comfortable usable position once you get to the hotel your staying at on your business trips. I don't know about you, but @ 6'3" I don't particularly like hunching over a laptop everytime I'm not at my office to work at my desktop.

Re:So it's a laptop

[aborchers]

At first I thought my technolust was just fueled by the stylishness and because-we-can appeal of this thing, but then I realized it would have a very real advantage to me:

I have an ANSI spec workstation desk at home with a drop-down keyboard tray. The tray must be in the down position to be comfortable, and it is not wide enough to hold a notebook. Ergo, this kind of machine would be great for the road and for a console on my desktop.

Of course buying a new desk or higher chair would probably still be cheaper!

Re:So it's a laptop

[BillyZ]

Your statements lead me to conclude, perhaps falsly, that you don't travel on business much. Folks who travel and must work, answer e-mail, reasearch etc while on the road; I think will like the ability to both do some work in the airport in the normal laptop configuration, but once they get back to the hotel they can re-arang it a little bit to make the most out of typicaly uncomfortable chairs in tiny rooms when they have a couple hours of work to do while there.

I don't the intention of these designs to be "desktop replacements". To me, I think their intention would be a more flexible laptop.

Re:So it's a laptop

[iocat]

I think the ThinkPad actually looks pretty great. I have a new R40, and a 1000-year-old 386 one I bought for $20 to serve Apple II .dsk images, and it's amazing how at first glance they look the same, but when you look closer the design has really evolved a ton. It isn't a machine that calls attention to itself, but everything about it seems very well thought out. A PowerBook may *look* better, and a Dell or Alienware may be flashier, but having tested a lot of them, I have to say the ThinkPad works better than any of them.

Transformers

[orpheus2000]

I'm getting two, an IBM and Dell, and then I'm putting an autobot sign on my IBM and a decepticon on my Dell. At night, they'll battle for supremecy!

Re:Transformers

[kurosawdust]

OK Check it...hook them both up to a network and load SETI@Home on each. Then write a script that will check at the end of the day which of them has completed more SETI units and have that one play some trash-talking sound files to the other. (bonus points if you work some lego mindstorms in there to actually physically whoop up on the lesser computer)

[Super bonus points if you get one of them to change into an eighteen-wheeler and star in a cartoon]

This looks cool, but...

[vacaboca]

...as a constant laptop user, I'm not sure I like the concept of having the thing able to break into pieces by design.

Re:This looks cool, but...

[whiteranger99x]

...as a constant laptop user, I'm not sure I like the concept of having the thing able to break into pieces by design.

Lemme guess, you dont have kids, do you? ;)

Re:This looks cool, but...

[DrEldarion]

Well, say you dropped your laptop and the screen snapped off. Would you rather have to send it in for repairs or just pop it back on?

-- Dr. Eldarion --

Re:This looks cool, but...

[repetty]

Lemme guess... You don't buckle your seatbelt so that you can be thrown to saftey from a potential car wreck.

What's the point?

[Xpilot]

Just because the screen is propped up a bit and the keyboard detached, it's still a notebook, with a cramped keyboard, missing mouse, practically unupgradable interior.

Innovation?

[Amiga Lover]

I'm not so much sure I'd call IBM innovators here. These concepts have been around for a long time before IBM

For example, the Atari laptop which looked in the same form factor as current ones. IBM Stole that design and produced its first thinkpad. Soon after, Apple stole the design again and produced the first Powerbook

Odd who gets the credit isn't it? It's Apple.

Re:Innovation?

[cosmo7]

Apple must have been using their time machine:

Powerbook: October 1991
ThinkPad: October 1992

The STacy has "the same form factor" in as much as it is a clamshell design, which had already been done by Toshiba.

i'll stick to a powerbook

[lavaface]

the detachable keyboard is kind of neat, but if I want to turn a notebook into a desktop, I'll attach a VGA monitor and use a seperate bluetooth keyboard and mouse. I'm sorry, but origami or no, Apple has IBM beat hands down in the elegant engineering dept.

Re:i'll stick to a powerbook

[sharrestom]

While I agree with your statement, it is also fair to note that IBM's customers are generally corporate, and much more conservative than the creative market that Apple caters to, so, I suspect that Jonathan Ives, were he working for IBM, would have to tone down his designs considerable. I do recall that IBM created a cool split keyboard design for the ThinkPad that was very innovative, although it was abandoned fairly quickly, due to cost I suspect.

It's still as annoying as a laptop.

[gpinzone]

Just because you can detach the keyboard doesn't mean it magically becomes a desktop computer. You still can't do things like slap in a Radeon 9800 Pro, the keyboard is still small, you still have to plug in a mouse, etc.

Re:It's still as annoying as a laptop.

[mbbac]

you still have to plug in a mouse, etc.

No, you don't. Microsoft makes a set too.

Re:It's still as annoying as a laptop.

[Gilmoure]

Majority of users (especially in business) wouldn't know a Radeon 9800 if they woke up next to one in bed. All they do is run Office, email, web browser, and IM apps. They might have some database front end app but that's about it. Laptops are more than powerful enough for all that.

This is the real problem that the industry has run into; 1GHz is fast enough for most users. Even XP hasn't dulled it's edge too much. Hell, where I'm at, we're planning on replacing all computers 300Mhz and lower. That's about 3/4's of the machines we cover. Why are we using such slow machines? Win/Office 98 does everything the users need. It's real hard to justify to management the upgrading of every computer every 2-3 years. Our 5 year cycle seems to work out for us. Now, if you need workstation power (scientific/engineering modeling, graphic/video production, programming/compiling, etc.) you are on a 2 year cycle.

Fewer desktops, more laptops

[scottganyo]

Truth is that more and more, people are buying laptops instead of desktops. Just about every computer (desktop or laptop) on the market today is capable of efficiently performing every task the average user asks of it. So, I think for most people it comes down to price and versatility. And, while laptops are more expensive, they have been dropping in price significantly and there is no question that they are easily more versatile.

IBM et al are just taking the laptop to the next level by allowing it to (somewhat, at least) "transform" into a desktop system. I think it makes a lot of sense...

Nothing new...

[Anonymous Coward]

I've had one of these IBM Convertibles for ages! Sorry to see they're planning to lose the widescreen LCD in the new revision... :-)

Wow!

[jetkust]

A desktop computer at the price of a laptop! Where can I buy!!?

If they had any confidence...

[mbbac]

...they'd be shipping these now instead of showing prototypes like a bunch of cowards.

Transformers

[martinthebrit]

I want the one that transforms into Optimus Prime.

Thank God it's not the PC Convertable!

[salesgeek]

When I saw the headline for the article, this atrocity came to mind immediately.

Thank goodness it's actually a great idea - a computer that I can take on the road and actually enjoy using. looks a little larger than a traditional notebook, though.

Compare it to your stereo

[markus_baertschi]

During years a stereo was a big piece of electronics stacked up in a rack with each device in a separate enclosure. The entire thing was big and expensive, but powerful and upgradeable. The same thing smaller was available too, but more expensive and difficult to upgrade due to the non-standard form factor.

Today most of the stereos are the compact, all-in-one variety. If you want something else you'll have to go to a high-end shop, the average discount store doesn't carry the expensive stuff anymore.

The same thing happens now to PC's too. I'll bet that in ten years 90% of the PC's sold are compact all-in-ones. Maybe you can detach the keyboard or the screen (like you can detach the speakers on some compact stereos) but it will be similar to todays laptops. If you need a bigger [CPU|memory|disk] you'll buy a new one and pass the old one to your [mother|son|buddy].

I like the second model shown, the detachable keyboard is nice and the base is short enough that you can place it in front (not on top).

Markus

Re:Compare it to your stereo

[markus_baertschi]

When I used to be Hi-Fi technician in the late seventies, most of the stereos we sold were the racked variety. There were some compacts too, but most were cumbesome. (Bang and Olufsen had nice compacts, but at a price).

One mayor difference is that some of the basic building blocks for PC 'compacts' are more expensive (LCD vs CRT, mobile vs desktop CPU, etc). This was/is not the same with stereos.

Markus

It's Black, It's Boxy

[R.Caley]

It looks just like every other thinkpad.

OK the screen pops up a bit and it has a detachable keybard, but it's hardly a radical new departure.

What is it about computer an car designers which makes them so conservative? Even apple, who have a reputation as being inovative, really just produce things to the same tired designs, they just round off the corners and make them out of coloured plastic.

Am I the only one who likes this idea?

[Chanc_Gorkon]

This is a cool idea. When I get to the hotel room, I can set this up desktop style and be comfortable, yet when I need to do a quick
e-mail check befopre I get on the plane I can. Anyone who uses a laptop can vouch for this, but a laptop screen isn't exactly adjustable. The ways you need to move it sometimes won't work out with a straight laptop. This idea will put the screen where you need it when you have the space (when your in one place for a few days). It also allows you to use it as you would a normal laptop. It's a great idea. Lots of people panned IBM's 701 laptop (butterfly keyboard) because of it's keyboard design, but those who used it, loved it. IBM also still makes the most robust laptops I ahve seen.

Re:Am I the only one who likes this idea?

[Mr. No Skills]

Not the only one, I like it too. I'm more of the "desktop replacement" laptop user than the "road warrior" laptop user (my Handspring Visor is much more usable as a portable device than a laptop). I'd like this setup instead of the multiple docking stations and monitors I have at the office and home.

And, I agree with the IBM reliability comment as well. I loved my 701c, and it never crashed. If it wasn't for the 486 processor I would have used it a lot longer. It's reliability crushed the 4 laptops I've had since (that remain unnamed to protect the guilty) that seem to last at most a year and a half before they're dead or hopelessly crufted.

Upgrading my IBM Laptop

[eyepeepackets]

As a happy owner of an IBM laptop/notebook PC for four years, these are the things I'm most interested in seeing in my next laptop/notebook (and you can be sure it will be an IBM):

1. 16 or 17" UXGA LCD (preferrably 17")

2. RAM expandable to 1 GB (graphics work eats RAM)

3. Lighted keyboard

4. Onboard LAN (both wire and wireless)

5. CD/CDRW/DVD combo drive

6. Minimum 60 GB HD internal

7. Quality sound/graphics

8. NO restrictions on what OS I choose to run

I've seen the newer laptops from Sony/Toshiba, etc. but my experience tells me they aren't solid performers over time whereas my IBM machine has performed like the energizer bunny -- it just keeps on going (and going and going.)

Save the fancy tricks, just give me a solid machine with the above listed items and I'll buy it.

Re:Upgrading my IBM Laptop

[PhoenixK7]

Um, try Apple:

1. 16 or 17" UXGA LCD (preferrably 17")

got it

2. RAM expandable to 1 GB (graphics work eats RAM)

got it (up to 2 GB of DDR ram)

3. Lighted keyboard

got it (on 17" and 15" models)

4. Onboard LAN (both wire and wireless)

got it (802.11b/g on all powerbooks 12/15/17)

5. CD/CDRW/DVD combo drive

got it (well, dvd burner/cdrw/cd is standard)

6. Minimum 60 GB HD internal

got it (80 GB standard)

7. Quality sound/graphics

got it (radeon 9600 with 64 MB)

8. NO restrictions on what OS I choose to run

well, you can't run windows (natively) but you can certainly run OS X, Linux, Darwin, and a bunch of other operating systems

Certainly you have to pay a pretty penny for one of these suckers ($3000 base) but hey, with what you're asking for all you really need to bump up is the ram (512mB DDR333 included).

Re:Upgrading my IBM Laptop

[scottme]

With the exception of the screen, you get all of that list and more in today's ThinkPad T40. It goes up to 2GB RAM, has wired (Gigabit) and wireless (802.11b and g) Ethernet plus Bluetooth, 80GB disk, (externally) lighted keyboard, 64MB ATI Fire graphics, etc. And it will run Linux (though IBM doesn't offer it as a preload option).

But the biggest, highest resolution screen you can get is 14", 1400x1050. Face it, a 17" screen is going to make any laptop a rather bulky and awkward thing - witness the 17" Powerbook. I can't see IBM doing it.

Here's why these are neat....

[technogogo]

Some European countries have laws about workstation ergonomics. They require companies to provide a workstation that can be adjusted for comfort. Screen height is one of the criteria deemed important, so you are sat with a bent neck for long periods. So if these are the only laptops that can meet European ergonomic regulations my guess is they will sell extremely well. Companies need them to make hotdesking even more affordable yet without breeching regulations.

People dont buy just on tech specs

[msgmonkey]

Most geeks will only see this in terms of technical value.. I mean so many people here are saying "so what, it's not like they put made a dual CPU laptop" or "it's crap because I cant use my XYZ gfx card" are simply missing the point.

I'm not really a big fan of Apple stuff but it was the same with the iMac.. "oh, so what it's just a monitor and PC in one, been done before, etc etc" but it sold really well because like it or not the majority of people who use computers are not techies.

I like this idea too, because I've had to use a laptop for long periods and I can see how an arangement like this would be much more comfortable. It would also be useful when doing presentations, it looks like the viewing angle would be better.

Not a docking staion it is a USB hub

[bluGill]

In the past I would have agreed with you. Today USB (high speed) is fast enough and universial enough that you can buy a keyboard, mouse, and USB hub for both work and home, and all you plug in is the hub. Want to expand? USB has you covered, and suddenly you plug in the hub at work and also have your scanner, network (wireless would be better, but perhaps not secure enough) and cd burner. At home you plug in and also get your printer and two gamepads. Or whatever combonations you can come up with.

You still have to plug it into mains power of course, but that is a lot less connections, and a lot more versitile. I'd recomend a seperate monitor if you work in one spot often, but that may or may not be best for you. At most you have 3 connections, and the duplicated equpiment is cheap.

I'd buy one

[Overbyte]

I'm suprised to see so many So what? comments about this. Last night I was working on my deck with my Thinkpad. It would have really been nice to be able kick back, shift the monitor off to the side, move the keyboard to a more comfortable position and get to work. It's all about comfort. I spent a little extra for a Thinkpad specificly for the keyboard and I'd have no problem spending a few extra bucks on one of these new ones, should they ever be made available.
We take it for granted that our cars all have tilt steering wheels and adjustable seats. I'm sure the the original reaction to these ideas were very similar. But then again, it might be fun to drive around in a porche with a Model T-style steering wheel.

It's a laptop, it's a desktop, it's...**SNORE**

[mb12036]

In other exciting news, cell phones now have color screens. Isn't technology grand?!?!

"hollowed halls"

[ecloud]

A hall must be hollow,
It's not hard to swallow;
'Cuz if it's not hollow,
It isn't a hall.

Methinks that rather
If t'were solid, I'd gather
It doesn't matter --
'Tis worth nothing at all.

To have a convention
You need the invention
Of walls for retention
Of a roof over all;

A solid block of concrete
Is useless, it can't compete;
Facilities you need replete...
You really need a hall.

No, it's STILL a laptop

[Teahouse]

Functionality aside, it's not a "desktop" unless I can choose to change the graphics adapter and have a few slots for additional cards.