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?"

Comments

You really think the /. crowd will like these?

[Gothic_Walrus]

I could be wrong, but a majority of Slashdot users seem like the kind of people who like upgrading and/or building their own computers. The iMac wasn't exactly easy to upgrade, which is part of the reason why it bombed.

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!

Re:You really think the /. crowd will like these?

[sinergy]

You fail to remember that the hardcore geeks you talk about represent such an insignificant portion of the buying population that they don't matter for sales.

Have a PCV-W20

[moosesocks]

I've got a PCV-120. Actually, I've had it for well over a year and a half (they're not exactly new)

My impressions of it are as follows: It's not a performance-thrilling machine, but makes up for it where it counts. It's small, has DVD/CDRW, and a flash reader, so you shouldn't need any external devices

I really like the fold-up keyboard, though I do wish it were detachable if you ever desired to use a real keyboard, as the built-in one is little more than a laptop keyboard (though it's a pretty damn nice laptop keyboard at that). My favorite part, though, is quite simple... The screen is protected by a 1/4 inch piece of plexiglass! Making it imprevious to liquids and other stuff (though I don't believe the keyboard has any sort of protection which is probably an oversight)

My only practical complaints are that it has intergrated video and the built-in speakers are somewhat tinny. Apart from that, it's a pretty sweet PC.

where's the niche?

[Anonymous Coward]

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.

Um.. no.

[Anonymous Coward]

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 Can See It

[MBCook]

So everyone will know, I'm 21 years old an I currently attend college in the US. I live in a house, so space isn't a problem; and I've always LOVED computers.

Frankly I can see this. In the last two or three years I've taken to using my laptop for EVERYTHING and basically never touching my desktops. I'm even thinking of selling them. If I didn't need the portability of my laptop, I would almost certainly buy one of these "all in one" computers. I've really come to like the simplicity and size savings that a laptop or very small desktop provides.

I've come to realize that I don't neede all those seperate parts. I don't really play games too much, but when I do my laptop has enough power despite it's age. So a all in one desktop (which would be even more powerful) would be fine. I don't need 12 drive bays. I don't need 3 CD drives (although it can be nice ;). My laptop has everything I need, and when it doesn't (rare) I just plug it in (like a DVD burner). It's got a nice little monitor, keyboard, etc. Frankly the small space my laptop takes up compared to my desktop setup (which is large even at just a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and tower) is significant. One of the reasons for large cases in the past was expandability. You couldn't attach 5 more drives to a normal PC without putting them inside (ignore SCSI, it was never on normal people's desktops (with the exception of Macs)). If you needed a modem/soundcard/etc you had to put it in the computer (let's ignore external modems). But these days almost EVERYTHING can be had externally. Thanks to USB2 and FireWire, all the storage you'll ever need is can be external to your PC. Thanks to these things you can also attach mice, keyboards, soundcards, webcams, modems, tv-tuners, network interfaces, and more all without having to go inside a computer.

As computers are becomming more and more powerful, far past what most users need, I think users will start to realize this and go for other things like size and convience. I think this is the large reason why laptops are becomming such a large section of the computer market (the other being that they no longer cost $3k for a decent model). They now do basically everything most people need. The other big development is that LCDs are now more reasonable so it's possible to have a computer take up very little desk space (where just 5 years ago, you'd need a big 'ol monitor for a PC of any size).

I really don't need a physically big computer and nearly no one else does (ignoring business, server, etc and only talking about individuals). I have looked quite seriously at the eMac and iMac and if I knew of an similar product from a PC company that I like and trust I would seriously consider it if I were to buy a new computer (and didn't require it to be a laptop). I have seriously considered building myself a Shuttle mini PC (which I have done for some friends). Those things are about ideal as computers go for me (still upgradeable, but small).

A laptop/notebook/or small all-in-one is the future for most users, although they probably don't know it. A big computer used to be kind of impressive. Now it's a small computer that's impressive and for most people there is next to no tradeoff in choosing the smaller one.

And let's not forget the idea of the "livingroom PC" which could soon be a reality. My biggest gripe with this concept, the quality of the monitor (the TV), is address by HDTV. A nice HDTV would make a fine monitor, and since a small computer can do everything I could ever need it to these days. There are rumors that this is what MS wants to do with the X-Box2 and what Sony wants to do with the PS3 and frankly I can see it in the not so distant future.

Does anyone have a REAL reason for needing a big tower/desktop these days (again, for a personal computer. Not a business computer, not if you do rendering in your home or webserving there, just a normal computer)?