Slashdot Mirror
Lifestyle Computers, the Next Big Thing?
Anonymous Howard asks: "Lifestyle computers, otherwise known as 'computers with everything contained in a single unit', are extremely popular in Japan, where living spaces are much smaller then in the North America. Probably the most popular that I know of that was released are the Apple iMacs. Many of the major manufactures like Sony and HP have released Lifestyle computers, like the Sony PCV-W20. What I like to see are the unique stylings from companies I've never heard of over in Japan, like the Sotec Afina AS7180AV, I think it looks somewhat like a high heel shoe from the side. How many of you would find these types of computers useful? In particular, if you are living in a space where you are not cramped for space, would you ever buy one? Are there any other interesting machines like the Sonys/Afina/new iMacs that not only have function, but act as a stylish addition to the room?"
If they're anything like the iMac was, they won't sell well because the hardcore geek crowd will reject them.
Remember, kiddies: Upgrading is FUN!
Goo goo g'joob.
Lifestyle computers, otherwise known as 'computers with everything contained in a single unit', are extremely popular in Japan, where living spaces are much smaller then in the North America. Probably the most popular that I know of that was released are the Apple iMacs.
What about Apple's own Powerbook and iBook? And all the notebooks from other companies? How does a notebook not county as a 'computers with everything contained in a single unit'. iMacs have never quite met this definition, having the keyboards as a separate part.
Don't blame Durga. I voted for Centauri.
I didn't look at these particular ones, but ones I've seen in the past have been underpowered and non-upgradeable, and haven't been too great at compatibility (proprietary parts for size). These same features make them difficult to repair if a part goes bad.
This removes the gamer and geek markets.
It could be good as a POS typing/intarweb kiosk, but they're generally too expensive given the purpose.
I guess the niche is the stupid rich (like that dilbert comic where dogbert has the Punnet-type square showing stupid/smart and rich/poor and saying stupid/rich is the target market), and seem to buy a lot - maybe it's not such a dumb idea (for the company) after all.
These "lifestyle" machines have all the disadvantages of a notebook - with none of the advantages:
* Performance is questionable
* They're not upgradable.
* They're not portable.
* They're expensive.
They kind of look like toys, too. I don't think they would be taken seriously by fans of notebooks or fans of desktops.
How many of you would find these types of computers useful?
You have to be in the market for a notebook computer and a desktop - and be willing to settle on something with the disadvantages of both. The technically inclined would already have a bias towards a more complete solution (full-function immobile desktop / mobile notebook). So I can only see these devices selling to the clueless, to the occasional computer users, or where fashion and looks are more important (secretary's machine on the front-desk / high-end shops, etc).
In particular, if you are living in a space where you are not cramped for space, would you ever buy one?
Not a chance. Full-function and lower price would win out any time. And even if space were a premium, I'd buy a notebook computer instead of one of these "lifestyle" machines:
* In cramped living spaces, it's preferable to use a notebook computer while lying in bed - or while lounging on the sofa. You can even take your work with you to a local cafe.
* In cramped work environments I could see the appeal, but it's still going to be more expensive than a mini-ATX cube case and separate flat panel.
* In cramped mobile work environments (back of a truck, car, plane, hot-air balloon), I imagine the lower power consumption of a notebook would be desirable.
I'm sure this will get modded -1 and never be seen, but frankly, Slashdot is not the place to be asking about what devices are going to hit it big with consumers. You're asking a bunch of computer geeks about what will be attractive to the average joe, who might barely know how to turn on his computer.
Yes, these devices are the direction things are going. My mother doesn't know how to hook a VCR to a TV. To her, a computer that would get rid of her wire-clutter would be both more aesthetically pleasing and less scary. What people who read this site often fail to understand is that the gross majority of computer users want to think about their computer like they think about there TV. It's there, it's cool, it does things I want. They don't want to know about who made their video card any more than I worry about who makes the plastic molding for my VCR.
So complain, if you wish about upgradibility, but most people have no interest in upgrading. If their computer is insufficient, they'll buy a new one. Complain about being underpowered, but if you're not playing games- if you're only using a word processor, e-mail, and web brower- any computer you buy today will be over-powered. Complain about it being hard to open up and repair, but my mother would never consider doing such a thing.
Face it- though geeks, engineers, and game players may drive the high end market to constantly become higher-end, the gross majority of computer purchases are made by people who know jack about computers and don't really care to know more.
And that's why I'm saying these machines, as they become more refined, will take over major portions of the market. You'll see computers that seem more like single-unit DVRs, game consoles, stereos, and glorified internet appliances, at least until some innovative being invents a new form for computers to take.