Are all-in-one PCs doomed?

Zardon · Jun 30, 2002, 07:20 PM

IBM plans to retire its all-in-one NetVista X Series PC after only two years on the market.
The desktop, which combined a PC and a 15- or 17-inch flat-panel display into a compact package that could be mounted on a swinging crane arm, at one time symbolized the company's effort to revitalize its PC business through elegance and industrial design.

But with IBM's focus shifting toward reducing costs and concentrating on differentiating its PCs through enhanced security features, the machine will be phased out in favor of newer models without built-in screens, IBM executives said.

The X Series "sold up to expectations, but we decided we'd get the same effect with separate components," said Fran O'Sullivan, general manager of IBM's Personal Computing Division.

Although the NetVista X was one of the most distinctive computers in years, it suffered the fate of most all-in-one computers. People didn't buy it. With the exception of Apple Computer's original iMac, most of these computers experience light sales.

Several trends conspire to limit the appeal of all-in-one PCs like the NetVista X. Most customers, especially corporate buyers, are looking for smaller, less costly PCs. All-in-one machines generally cost more to make because of their special design characteristics, analysts say.

Desert_Siege · Jun 30, 2002, 08:02 PM

Too much of a hassle when it comes upgrade time, and if one part breaks, you have to send the whole thing in for repair. Oh and btw, Nice 3DMark score dude! You topped my GF4 Ti4400 by 100 points.

Jun 30, 2002, 07:20 PM	#1
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	Are all-in-one PCs doomed? IBM plans to retire its all-in-one NetVista X Series PC after only two years on the market. The desktop, which combined a PC and a 15- or 17-inch flat-panel display into a compact package that could be mounted on a swinging crane arm, at one time symbolized the company's effort to revitalize its PC business through elegance and industrial design. But with IBM's focus shifting toward reducing costs and concentrating on differentiating its PCs through enhanced security features, the machine will be phased out in favor of newer models without built-in screens, IBM executives said. The X Series "sold up to expectations, but we decided we'd get the same effect with separate components," said Fran O'Sullivan, general manager of IBM's Personal Computing Division. Although the NetVista X was one of the most distinctive computers in years, it suffered the fate of most all-in-one computers. People didn't buy it. With the exception of Apple Computer's original iMac, most of these computers experience light sales. Several trends conspire to limit the appeal of all-in-one PCs like the NetVista X. Most customers, especially corporate buyers, are looking for smaller, less costly PCs. All-in-one machines generally cost more to make because of their special design characteristics, analysts say.

Jun 30, 2002, 08:02 PM	#2
Desert_Siege Professional Slacker Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: KY Posts: 274 Rep Power: 0	I would personally never buy one Too much of a hassle when it comes upgrade time, and if one part breaks, you have to send the whole thing in for repair. Oh and btw, Nice 3DMark score dude! You topped my GF4 Ti4400 by 100 points.