Lenovo Completes Acquisition Of IBM's PC Division

karvind writes "Chinese computer maker Lenovo has completed its $1.75 billion purchase of IBM's personal computer division, creating the world's third-largest PC maker. Under the deal, IBM takes an 18.9 percent stake in Lenovo. Lenovo paid $1.25 billion for the IBM PC unit and assumed debt, which brought the total cost to $1.75 billion. Slashdot timeline: Dec 3, 2004: IBM Puts PC Business Up for Sale, Dec 4, 2004: Chinese PC Maker Looks to Buy IBM's PC Business, and Mar 9, 2005: U.S. Approves IBM/Lenovo Sale"

Comments

IBM doesn't need stinking pcs!

[Anonymous Coward]

but i wonder what this will do to support for prior IBM computers

A new hope for IBM

[squiggleslash]

I just hope the Thinkpad survives. It's always been my absolute favorite laptop series. They're beautifully made, elegant, and they use, for me, the right pointing device (yes, I know people who don't like the trackpoint, but the trackpad is, IMO, nothing like as usable. Trackpoints are always stationary relative to the mouse buttons, which means you don't need that hack installed to make it usable that you do with the 'pad, where you're never sure if you just accidentally selected something because your attempt to move the mouse was interpreted as a click, etc. I know a lot of this is "what you're used to", but I also think it's an objectively better system.)

IBM leaving the PC business seems sad, and I hope the fact they still have a big stake in the PowerPC and Workstation markets means they'll re-enter, this time with something a little more interesting. That said, it's important not to overstate this: IBM has never been a commodity player, and the PC business is a commodity market. That's why they're getting out. The chances of a populist computer coming out of IBM soon isn't that likely. It's like Anakin Skywalker being thrown into the lava and left there by Obi Wan Kenobe in the climactic scene of the new Star Wars movie, explaining why he has to wear the protective suit in his guise as Darth Vader and why he's all hairless and damaged in Return of the Jedi. Just like in that movie, it may explain things in the future of IBM (albeit things we're not aware of yet, whereas we've all seen A New Hope) and is a dramatic change. Hopefully though IBM's not "going to the dark side"!

But it is sad. In many ways, I feel that when it came to IBM and its influence over the last few years, she blinded me with science.

Re:A new hope for IBM

[Txiasaeia]

Well, customer service has definitely sucked over the past few months. The motherboard on my X31 broke at the end of March, and I'm still waiting for a replacement. IBM supposedly has a 3 day replacement policy for broken parts under warranty; it's been five weeks and IBM's been giving the runaround to both me and the tech (their business partner, for crying out loud) as to when my bloody $3000 notebook is going to be repaired.

taking bets

[Naikrovek]

how long before we see lonovo machines at Best Buy?

Um... who does this effect, really?

[TodPunk]

Honestly, I don't think this matters much. Thinkpads are about the only IBM PCs I've ever seen used in the past 10 years. We had an old IBM PC back in High School that was donated because it simply didn't hold up. We ended up trashing it because it kept eating video cards like they were candy, and the computer lab didn't have many to spare for it. It did resist that sledgehammer well, but that doesn't have much to do with the computer itself.

So in the end, this really doesn't effect anyone I know of unless you really want a Thinkpad...

Re:Um... who does this effect, really?

[amliebsch]

It did resist that sledgehammer well, but that doesn't have much to do with the computer itself.

Unless, of course, you're talking about that Model M keyboard it came with!

What Future For Thinkpad's?

[rAiNsT0rm]

It figures the only laptop I will even consider since they hooked me on the little pointer nub is a Thinkpad. A lot of business users rely on TP's too, and now with this Lenovo aquisition what lays ahead for the beloved Thinkpad?

You know the coolest thing about thinkpads

[ducttapekz]

. . . No windows key. I didn't like it at first but then I realized, it is a neutral pc. It doesn't have an ms advertisement on the keyboard. I hope that doesn't change.

Re:You know the coolest thing about thinkpads

[dmayle]

No windows key. I didn't like it at first but then I realized

I bet you prefer Apple mice, too...

Like it or not, the extra "Windows" key is something that has been missing on x86 PCs for ages, whether you run Linux or Windows. (I run both) Without it, it's much more difficult to go mouseless in a GUI environment. Not to mention all the fantastic keyboard shortcuts you miss out on in Windows without it. (W-D for desktop, W-E for computer explorer, W-R for a RUN dialog...)

On Linux you can map it to your menuing system of choice, or a Meta-key, or just about whatever else. If they really wanted be "Neutral" they could have just put a different picture on the key. All they are right now are lacking...

ThinkPad's have been made in China

[Anonymous Coward]

I wish to preempt foolish comments that quality will now deteriorate into the crapper:

ThinkPads have been manufactured in China for some time now while maintaining high quality.

Please stop the unfounded China bashing: the country's industries have been quickly becoming very competent at high quality production as well as churning out $2 Wal Mart items.

Re:ThinkPad's have been made in China

[Anonymous Coward]

By that reasoning, one should also avoid all products made in the USA, as buying them funds state terrorism and human rights violation.

Re:ThinkPad's have been made in China

[petermgreen]

sad as it is such phases seem to be almost a natural part of a countries development.

Britan went through it (industrial revoloution anyone?). The USA went through it (railroad companies anyone?) As each country develops it seems to go through a phase where is competes purely on price and things like workers rights be damned.

why do people work in such situations? because they consider it better than the alternatives! I cant see how not buying from such countries helps the workers there.

Re:But will they run Linux?

[grumpyman]

First off, Lenovo is a private corporation, not a state run business. It's all about profit. It's nature is just as good (or evil) as any other businesses in the world. Check this out:

"ThinkPad recommends Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional"

But I agree that it's possible that they may go towards more to a non-MS, or MS-agnostic company.

Re:Why don't major vendors sell Linux PCs??

[chris_sawtell]

They have an agreement with the "DevilIncarnate" to pre-install his O/S for small batches. Order 500 units or more and you can have whatever O/S you like.

irony....

[gsfprez]

1984: apple puts out 1984 commercial decrying IBM as Orwellian PC maker stifling industry.

2005: IBM NO LONGER MAKES IBM compatible personal computers... They now they make Apple Power Macintosh and iMac computers.